The serious health dangers of mould, and how to stop it taking over your home
- Artist Norm Yip fears that years spent working in mouldy studio left him depressed, lethargic and unmotivated
- Studies link the fungi to headaches, tiredness, aches and joint pains. Some moulds naturally produce mycotoxins, which can even cause death
Hong Kong artist Norm Yip knew about the health dangers of mouldy food but like many people had no idea how badly the black mould taking over the walls of his working space could affect his mind and body.
A photographer and painter, Yip spent hours, mostly nights, working in his Chai Wan studio. He first noticed mould two years after renting the 500 square foot (46 square metre) space in 2013. But it was only a few months ago when he was packing up to leave that he realised how severe the build up of mould was, with the worst patches lurking behind heavy furniture and paintings.
When he posted pictures of his mould-ridden studio on Facebook, friends bombarded him with comments about the dangers black mould could pose.
“I was shocked that black mould was potentially that hazardous to my health,” says Canada-born Yip, adding that he had one dehumidifier running for most of the time. “I couldn’t wait to get out of that flat.”
