Advice · 4 min read · Updated 6 November 2026
Is mould making you ill? Health risks and who is most vulnerable
Why mould affects health
Mould grows by releasing tiny spores and fragments into the air, along with other compounds that give damp homes their musty smell. Breathing these in can irritate the airways and trigger allergic reactions. The longer someone lives with damp and mould, and the more of it there is, the greater the potential effect. The 2023 government guidance, Understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home, was produced after the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in December 2020, which a coroner linked to prolonged exposure to mould in his family's home.
Health effects linked to damp and mould
- Respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath
- Higher risk of airway infections
- Development or worsening of asthma, allergic rhinitis and other allergic airway conditions
- Eye irritation and allergic conjunctivitis
- Skin problems such as eczema, itchy patches and rashes
- Fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as aspergillosis
- Effects on mental health from living in poor conditions, damaged belongings and worry
These effects are not unique to mould, so it can be hard to know if mould is the cause. Symptoms that improve when someone is away from home for a while can be a clue.
Who is most at risk
| Group | Why the risk is higher |
|---|---|
| Babies and children | Lungs and immune systems still developing; more time spent at home |
| Older people | More likely to have lung or heart conditions and spend long periods indoors |
| People with asthma, COPD or other lung disease | Mould can trigger attacks and worsen symptoms |
| People with weakened immune systems | More vulnerable to fungal infections, for example during chemotherapy or after a transplant |
| Pregnant women and new mothers | Identified as a higher-risk group in government guidance |
| People with mental health conditions | Poor housing can add to stress and anxiety |
| Housebound or bedbound people | Long exposure with fewer chances to get away from the home |
Practical steps if someone vulnerable lives with mould
- Deal with mould in bedrooms and living rooms first, where people spend most time
- Keep vulnerable people out of the room while mould is cleaned and while it airs afterwards
- Avoid dry brushing or sanding mould, which throws spores into the air
- Wash or remove mouldy soft furnishings, curtains and clothing
- Fix the moisture source so the problem does not return within weeks
- If you rent, tell your landlord in writing about any health conditions in the household
- If symptoms are a concern, speak to a GP or pharmacist and mention the damp and mould
Government guidance makes clear that landlords should not wait for medical evidence before acting on damp and mould, and that it is unreasonable to blame it on lifestyle.
Cleaning safely
Small patches on hard surfaces can often be cleaned by a healthy adult wearing gloves, eye protection and a well-fitting mask, with a window open. Use a fungicidal wash, follow the label, never mix bleach with other products and bag cloths afterwards. Anyone with asthma or a lung condition should not do the cleaning themselves. Larger areas, mould on soft materials or mould returning repeatedly are better handled professionally, with the cause identified.
Signs the problem is getting worse
Watch for mould spreading beyond its original patch, a persistent musty smell, wet or peeling wallpaper, black spotting on clothes or shoes in wardrobes, or new symptoms in someone in the household. Any of these suggest moisture levels are high and the cause needs proper investigation rather than another wipe down.
Children and mould at home
Children are more affected by damp and mould than adults for several reasons. Their airways are smaller, they breathe faster relative to their size and they often spend more time at home, particularly babies and toddlers. Cots and beds are frequently placed against external walls, which are the coldest and most mould-prone surfaces in a room.
- Move cots and beds a little way off external walls
- Keep the nursery or child's bedroom evenly heated
- Avoid drying washing in the child's room
- Check behind furniture and inside wardrobes for hidden mould
- Keep soft toys and bedding away from damp walls and wash them often
If a child has persistent coughing, wheezing or worsening asthma and there is damp or mould at home, mention it to the GP or health visitor. If you rent, tell your landlord in writing that a child lives in the home.
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of mould exposure?
Common symptoms linked to damp and mould include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, a blocked or runny nose, sore eyes, and skin rashes or eczema. People with asthma may have more frequent or severe attacks. These symptoms have many possible causes, so speak to a GP if you are worried, and mention that there is damp and mould at home.
Is black mould more dangerous than other mould?
The colour of mould does not reliably tell you how harmful it is. Many common household moulds look black. UK government guidance treats damp and mould of any type as a health hazard, especially for vulnerable people, so any visible mould should be cleaned and the cause fixed rather than judged on colour.
Do I need a mould test to prove it is affecting health?
Usually not. Visible mould and a damp or musty smell are enough to show there is a problem to fix. Laboratory air or spore tests rarely change what needs doing and are not required for a landlord to act. Government guidance says landlords should not wait for medical evidence before dealing with damp and mould.
health asthma children UKHSA
