How Does Household Mould Affect Your Health?

Health and Medicine





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A considerable proportion of childhood asthma is attributable to exposure to indoor dampness and mould. carlpenergy/Flickr, CC BY

Exposure to harmful agents inside the home can have profound effects on our health. After all, we spend an average of 16 hours a day at home – and even more when aged under seven and over 64.

Mould accumulates in damp and poorly ventilated buildings. Inhaling mould fragments or spores can inflame the airways, causing nasal congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and throat irritation.