Mitigating the health risks of mould

Mould and your health

Respected national and international health authorities, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Health Service (NHS), all say that mould growing in buildings is unhealthy for occupants.

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

Inhaling or touching mould spores, meanwhile, may cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash. Moulds can also cause asthma attacks.

The NHS says that certain groups of people should stay away from damp and mould completely. These groups include older people, babies and children, those with existing respiratory and skin problems, and those with a weakened immune system.