At Domestic-Air Ltd, we spend a lot of our time talking about mould.
How it develops.
Why condensation creates the conditions for it.
Why ventilation matters.
And, most importantly, how to eradicate it properly.
But recently, we came across a mould story that was quite literally out of this world. NASA has been investigating whether microorganisms carried from Earth by astronauts could potentially survive in the extreme environment around the Moon's South Pole.
One of the organisms attracting particular attention is Aspergillus niger, a common environmental fungus often associated with damp buildings, bathrooms and HVAC systems. NASA says the fungus has also been sampled aboard the International Space Station.
So… could black mould survive on the Moon?
Potentially — but there's a very important distinction.
NASA's study investigated whether microorganisms could remain viable under certain lunar environmental conditions, it did not demonstrate that mould could establish a colony and grow across the Moon. The researchers combined information about the organisms' tolerance to heat and ultraviolet radiation with detailed environmental modelling of areas around the lunar South Pole. They identified what they describe as potential "survivable niches" where some microorganisms could remain viable. And Aspergillus niger proved particularly interesting.
The surprisingly tough fungus
The researchers looked at five groups of microorganisms, including several fungi and bacteria and among them was Deinococcus radiodurans, an organism famous for its extraordinary ability to withstand ionising radiation; but when it came to ultraviolet radiation, Aspergillus niger was the most resistant organism studied. NASA's modelling suggests that its spores could potentially survive even in some areas receiving sunlight, something that would be extremely challenging for many microorganisms.
That's quite remarkable when you consider that we're talking about a fungus that can be found in ordinary buildings here on Earth.
But don't expect lunar mould colonies just yet…
There's a crucial caveat: Surviving isn't the same as thriving.
For mould to grow and reproduce, it needs suitable environmental conditions and resources. NASA notes that there is currently no evidence that the Moon has the necessary ingredients to sustain growth and replication — including liquid water and suitable temperatures. So we're not suggesting that astronauts are going to discover a lunar bathroom covered in black mould. Although, given our industry, that would make for an interesting job sheet...
Why is NASA studying mould?
The answer is surprisingly important.
Humans don't travel alone.
Every astronaut, spacecraft and piece of equipment can carry microorganisms originating from Earth. As humanity begins establishing a longer-term presence around the Moon, scientists need to understand exactly how those microorganisms behave in extraterrestrial environments. Otherwise, when scientists eventually discover interesting chemistry or potential biological signatures, there's a fundamental question:
Did it come from the Moon — or did we bring it with us?
This is one of the reasons planetary protection is becoming increasingly important as lunar exploration develops. NASA says that some Earth microorganisms could remain dormant in sheltered lunar environments, potentially complicating future scientific investigations.
And what does this have to do with Domestic-Air Ltd?
Quite a lot, actually.
Obviously, the environment inside a UK home is about as far removed from the lunar South Pole as you can get. But the story provides a fascinating reminder of just how resilient fungal spores can be. At Domestic-Air Ltd, we don't believe effective mould remediation is simply about cleaning away what you can see.
A successful solution means understanding the conditions that allowed mould to develop in the first place.
That can include:
Excess moisture
Condensation
High relative humidity
Cold surfaces
Inadequate ventilation
Poor air movement
Remove the visible mould without addressing the underlying environmental conditions and the problem can return.
What this means for landlords
So, can black mould survive on the Moon?
Some evidence suggests its spores could remain viable under certain lunar conditions.
Can it grow and reproduce there?
There is currently no evidence that it can.
But the fact that a familiar Earth fungus is capable of surviving such extraordinary environmental stresses is a fascinating demonstration of the resilience of the microbial world.
We spend our days dealing with mould across homes in the UK.
For now, we're happy to keep the mould remediation work on Earth.
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Getting ahead of it (but don't worry about the moon!)
Domestic-Air Ltd works with social landlords across the UK to survey housing stock for damp, mould, and ventilation risk, and to recommend fixes before hazards reach the point of being reported. Get in touch to find out more.
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