Living in a home affected by damp and mould can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health. Damp environments promote the growth of mould, fungi, and dust mites, which release allergens and toxins into the air. Breathing these in can lead to or worsen respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and even lung infections like aspergillosis. In severe cases, prolonged exposure has been linked to death, as tragically seen in the case of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, whose death prompted updated UK public health guidance.
Children, the elderly, people with asthma or weakened immune systems, and those with mental health challenges are especially vulnerable. Damp conditions can irritate the eyes and skin, trigger allergic reactions, and make it harder to manage pre-existing health conditions. Mental wellbeing can also suffer due to the stress of living in unpleasant or unsafe housing, especially when belongings are damaged or landlords are unresponsive.
Damp and mould are often caused by poor ventilation, inadequate insulation, or building defects like leaks. The most common form, condensation damp, occurs when everyday activities—like cooking or showering—produce moisture that can’t escape the home.
To reduce these health risks, landlords must act urgently. The guidance by the UK government (2024) stresses that removing visible mould is not enough: the root cause must be identified and fixed. This may include repairing leaks, improving insulation, upgrading heating and ventilation systems, and helping tenants access energy efficiency support.
Tenants should never be blamed for damp and mould. Instead, landlords must communicate clearly, carry out prompt inspections, and offer alternative accommodation when health is at risk. Regular property checks, training for contractors, and collaboration with healthcare professionals are also key strategies to prevent harm. Ultimately, tackling damp and mould is not just a housing issue—it’s a matter of public health and human dignity.
References:
- Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. English Housing Survey 2021 to 2022: headline report.
- Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Energy Follow Up Survey: thermal comfort, damp and ventilation. 2021
- World Health Organization. WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: dampness and mould. Copenhagen: World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe; 2009
- Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Damp Indoor Spaces and Health. Damp Indoor Spaces and Health. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2004. 2, Damp Buildings
- C Tischer and others. Association between domestic mould and mould components, and asthma and allergy in children: a systematic review. European Respiratory Journal. 2011;38(4):812-24.
Serra Húnter Fellow of Sociology at Universitat Rovira i Virgili.
Former DAAD-Gastprofessorin at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg