Damp and mould within the home can produce allergens, irritants, mould spores and other toxins that are harmful to health.
Even if visible mould is not present, dampness alone can increase the risk of health problems.
Excessive moisture can promote the growth of microorganisms such as mould and other fungi, certain species of house dust mites, bacteria or viruses. The more serious the damp and mould problem and the longer it is left untreated, the worse the health impacts and risks are likely to be.
Living with damp and mould can have serious health implications, including:-
Respiratory issues – damage to airways and lungs, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, airway infections and asthma.
Allergic symptoms – watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and itching.
Other health effects – potential damage to the immune system, headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Mental health effects – Living in unpleasant conditions can also impact on your mental health and cause anxiety, frustration or social isolation.
Damp and mould can have a particularly serious impact on people with existing conditions, such as asthma, or who are in a high-risk group for respiratory infection.
To improve the health of your living environment, you can:-
- Improve ventilation – regularly open windows and doors
- Lower the humidity throughout your property
- Replace damp air with fresh and filtered air
- Install a suitable bathroom extractor fan
If you are living with damp and mould, please speak to your landlord immediately and seek medical advice if you are experiencing any symptoms.
For helpful advice about preventing damp and mould in your home view our Mouldy Matters video.