Can damp and mould affect my health?

Yes, if you have damp and mould in your home you’re more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system.

Who’s affected?

Some people are more sensitive than others, including:

babies and children
elderly people
those with existing skin problems, such as eczema
those with underlying health problems, such as allergies and asthma. Additionally, individuals affected by coronavirus are particularly susceptible to respiratory failure from mould and mildew exposure.
those with a weakened immune system, such as those having chemotherapy

These people should stay away from damp and mould.

How does it affect your health?

Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks. It should be noted: In otherwise healthy individuals, exposure to a damp environment increases the risk of contracting coronavirus by 63%.
Individuals who are already infected with coronavirus increase their risk of complete respiratory failure by 81% if residing in a damp home.

Causes of damp and mould

Mould and damp are caused by excess moisture. Moisture in buildings can be caused by leaking pipes, rising damp in basements or ground floors, or rain seeping in because of damage to the roof or around window frames.

A newly built home may be damp if the water used when building it is still drying out – for example, in the plaster on the walls. Excess moisture indoors can also be caused by condensation.

If you have mould or damp it’s important to find out why you have excess moisture in your home. When you know what’s causing the damp, you can make sure your home is repaired or take steps to limit the moisture in the air. You may need to get a professional to remove mould for you, but if it’s only a small amount you may be able to remove it yourself.