Sophie Collins, 29, from Hampshire in the United Kingdom, planned to revamp her new apartment entirely. She envisioned transforming it into a colorful, maximalist space. The property appeared ideal for her plans, with its architecture offering a blank canvas.
Upon moving in late April, Collins quickly embarked on renovations. However, she soon began feeling unwell. Initially, she assumed her symptoms, including extreme fatigue, chronic cough, and headaches, were due to overexertion from work and house decorating. But she then considered the possibility of mold exposure as the cause.
By the start of May, I started having the symptoms. I was going to work and then coming home to work on the apartment. I didn’t immediately think it was mold exposure.
Collins noticed some mold near the windows and blinds. She feared more extensive mold had been concealed by paint. The Centers for Disease Control notes that mold can lead to symptoms like sore throat, burning eyes, and skin rash. Despite these concerns, it wasn’t until she contacted mold specialists that she received confirmation of the problem. A report revealed high moisture and humidity levels, making the apartment a breeding ground for mold.
After the apartment underwent mold treatment, Collins reported her symptoms disappearing. However, this required pausing her renovation plans. She must wait a full year before continuing with painting or wallpapering due to the treatment warranty. So far, only the entryway, hallway, and parts of the living room have been decorated.
Collins shared her story on her TikTok account on August 25, announcing the timeline left until she can resume her interior design projects. She remains eager to fully express her unique style throughout her home.
Currently, Collins focuses on home furnishings and smaller projects, eagerly planning the eventual completion of her dream home. Meanwhile, she invites those with concerns about mold to seek expert advice via [email protected], a platform which may feature similar stories.