Summary: Key Takeaways
- Living in damp or mouldy buildings can seriously affect health, not just causing allergies but also impacting the brain, immune system, and more.
- A major review of 114 studies (2011-2018) found that 98% of research supports the link between mould exposure and health issues. (Dooley & McMahon, 2020).
- Symptoms can affect multiple body systems, including breathing, memory, mood, skin, digestion, and the nervous system.
- A condition called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is linked to long-term mould exposure, causing serious and lasting health problems.
- Doctors and scientists have confirmed these risks, but some legal and medical experts still argue against it in court cases.
- As climate change increases dampness and mould growth, more people could suffer from mould-related illnesses.
How Mould Can Harm Your Health
We often think of mould as just an unpleasant sight in damp homes, but scientific research now confirms that exposure to mould and dampness can cause serious health problems. While it’s well known that mould can trigger asthma and allergies, a growing number of studies show that it can also harm the brain, immune system, and other organs.
A major review of 114 studies published between 2011 and 2018 found that 98% of them (112 out of 114) supported the idea that living in mouldy homes leads to health problems. This evidence goes far beyond the common belief that mould only causes sneezing or runny noses—it can have long-term effects on the body. (Dooley & McMahon, 2020).
What Are the Health Effects of Mould?
The review found links between mould exposure and a wide range of health problems, including:
- Respiratory issues: Asthma, chronic cough, wheezing, and sinus infections.
- Brain and nervous system effects: Memory problems, confusion, trouble concentrating, and mood swings.
- Immune system problems: Increased risk of infections and autoimmune reactions.
- Digestive issues: Stomach pain, diarrhoea, and nausea.
- Skin problems: Rashes, itchiness, and increased sensitivity.
One of the biggest discoveries in recent years is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), a condition that occurs when a person’s immune system overreacts to long-term mould exposure. People with CIRS suffer from multiple ongoing symptoms that don’t go away, even after leaving the mouldy environment.
The Science Behind It: A Massive Review of Research
This review analysed thousands of cases across over 30 countries and found strong evidence that living in mouldy buildings increases the risk of chronic illnesses. Here’s what the data showed:
- 79 studies (69%) found a very strong link between mould exposure and illness.
- 98 studies (86%) showed a significant link between mould and health problems.
- 460 different health effects were found to be statistically significant in the research.
Some doctors and legal experts still deny that mould can cause long-term health effects, despite this overwhelming evidence. However, organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Government’s health agencies now recognise mould as a serious health risk.
For a full breakdown of this review, you can read the complete study by Dooley & McMahon (2020) here.
Why This Problem Is Getting Worse
With climate change increasing humidity and dampness in buildings, mould infestations are becoming more common. This means that more people could develop health problems due to prolonged exposure.
Scientists and health experts are calling for:
- Better awareness of mould-related illnesses.
- Improved building regulations to prevent dampness and mould growth.
- More medical testing for conditions like CIRS in people with unexplained long-term symptoms.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
If you or someone in your family has been feeling unwell with no clear cause, and you have lived or worked in a damp environment, mould could be the culprit. Steps you can take include:
- Check for mould and dampness in your home, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
- Use dehumidifiers and improve ventilation to prevent mould growth.
- Seek medical advice if you have ongoing symptoms that doctors struggle to diagnose.
- Consider genetic testing if you have persistent health problems—some people have genetic traits that make them more sensitive to mould exposure.
Final Thoughts
Mould isn’t just an eyesore—it can be a serious health threat. The science is clear: exposure to damp and mouldy environments is linked to a wide range of illnesses, some of which can last for years.
With climate change increasing the risk of mould growth, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness, improve building safety, and take mould-related illnesses seriously. If you’re experiencing unexplained health issues, mould could be a hidden factor affecting your well-being.
For more details, read the full study by Dooley & McMahon (2020) here.
