Damp and Mould Health Effects: What NHS Guidance Actually Says

This guide summarises what NHS-affiliated sources say about the health effects of damp and mould. It’s not a substitute for medical advice — if you or a family member has ongoing breathing problems, skin issues, or other symptoms you think may be linked to damp or mould in your home, see your GP.

How common is it?

NHS-affiliated guidance (Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust) states that almost 1 in 3 homes in England have some degree of damp and mould, and that it’s more common in rented housing than owner-occupied homes.

Who’s most at risk

NHS-affiliated sources consistently identify babies, young children, older people, and pregnant women as most vulnerable to the health effects of damp and mould. Children have smaller airways than adults, which makes them more susceptible to the breathing problems mould exposure can cause.

What it can cause or worsen

• Asthma: mould spores can trigger asthma symptoms and asthma attacks in people who are allergic to them, and damp, mouldy housing can make asthma harder to control generally.
• Respiratory infections: NHS-affiliated sources note damp and mould contribute to thousands of cases of chest infections each year, and can make colds, flu, and rhinitis (irritated nose) worse.
• Allergic reactions: coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and watery eyes are commonly reported reactions to mould spore exposure.
• Skin conditions: some NHS-affiliated sources note damp and mould can contribute to eczema and fungal skin infections.
• Mental health: living with ongoing damp and mould — and the stress of trying to get it fixed — is noted by NHS-affiliated sources as something that can affect mental health, separate from the direct physical effects.

One NHS-affiliated source (Frimley Healthier Together) states that children living in a damp home are up to three times more likely to have breathing problems than children in a dry home.

What to do

• Deal with the underlying damp, not just the visible mould — see our guide to diagnosing your damp type as a starting point.
• Report it if you rent: social housing tenants have specific rights under Awaab’s Law (see our explainer); private tenants have separate routes (see our guide).
• See your GP if you or a family member has ongoing symptoms — a doctor can assess whether damp/mould exposure is a likely contributing factor and advise accordingly.
• Clean mould safely in the meantime — see our guide to removing mould safely.

Sources: NHS-affiliated regional guidance including Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Frimley Healthier Together. This page provides general information, not medical advice specific to your situation.