Shenzhen Family's Health Woes Traced to Hidden Mold Infestation Behind Wallpaper
Bastillepost · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A family in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, suffered repeated unexplained health problems for months until they discovered severe mold infestation concealed behind their rental apartment's wallpaper. After professional inspection confirmed extensive long-term mold growth, the family moved out and, following government intervention, recovered most of their rent and deposit from a reluctant landlord .
Key Points
- A woman surnamed Li rented an apartment in Shenzhen where her family experienced persistent health issues including insomnia and other symptoms, with multiple medical consultations failing to identify the cause .
- After heavy rainfall caused mold spots to appear on the wallpaper, Li peeled it back to reveal extensive mold growth on the walls beneath, suspecting this was the source of their health problems .
- Professional mold removers confirmed the wall interior contained large-scale mold growth caused by long-term dampness, not a recent problem that could be simply covered with fresh paint .
- The landlord initially refused to refund the remaining 8,300 yuan (approximately HK$9,640) in rent and deposit, arguing that without the tenant's insistence on mold removal, repainting would have sufficed, and demanded the tenant bear remediation costs .
- Following intervention by street and community officials through the government service hotline, the landlord eventually agreed to refund over 7,700 yuan (approximately HK$9,000), which Li accepted to avoid further time and energy expenditure .
- After moving out, Li reported significant improvements in sleep quality and her husband's previously chronic insomnia .
Why It Matters
Hong Kong's subtropical climate and frequent humidity create similarly favorable conditions for indoor mold growth, particularly during the rainy season and in older buildings with poor ventilation . The case underscores the importance of thorough property inspections before signing leases, as hidden mold behind wallpaper or furniture can pose serious respiratory health risks that tenants may not detect until after moving in .
Experts warn that visible mold spots often indicate already severe proliferation, with prolonged exposure potentially triggering allergic rhinitis, asthma, skin inflammation, and even lung infections from inhaling spores—concerns particularly relevant for Hong Kong residents in compact, older housing stock where dampness is common .
Hong Kong's subtropical climate and frequent humidity create similarly favorable conditions for indoor mold growth, particularly during the rainy season and in older buildings with poor ventilation . The case underscores the importance of thorough property inspections before signing leases, as hidden mold behind wallpaper or furniture can pose serious respiratory health risks that tenants may not detect until after moving in .
Experts warn that visible mold spots often indicate already severe proliferation, with prolonged exposure potentially triggering allergic rhinitis, asthma, skin inflammation, and even lung infections from inhaling spores—concerns particularly relevant for Hong Kong residents in compact, older housing stock where dampness is common .