How mould affects the body.
Moulds release tiny spores into the air. Inhaling these spores causes irritation and an immune response. For most healthy adults, short-term exposure causes only minor symptoms, but long-term exposure — which is what disrepair tenants experience — can cause serious health effects.
Common symptoms linked to mould exposure.
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing and sinus problems
- Sore throat
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Skin rashes and irritation
- Headaches
- Tiredness and low mood
Who is most at risk.
The NHS identifies the following groups as being at higher risk of serious effects from mould exposure:
- Babies and young children
- Older adults
- People with existing respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD)
- People with allergies or eczema
- People with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant women
Serious health consequences.
Prolonged exposure to mould has been linked to:
- New-onset asthma in children who previously had healthy lungs
- Asthma attacks in those with existing asthma — sometimes requiring hospitalisation
- Chest infections including bronchitis and pneumonia
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in susceptible people
- Fungal skin infections
- Mental health impacts from living in unhealthy conditions — anxiety, depression, sleep problems
Awaab Ishak's case
In December 2020, two-year-old Awaab Ishak died from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged mould exposure in his family's social housing flat. The coroner ruled that his death was wholly attributable to the mould. His family had repeatedly reported the conditions to the landlord for over three years. His death led directly to the passage of Awaab's Law.
The effects of damp and cold.
Damp alone — even without visible mould — causes problems. Living in a cold, damp home is linked to higher rates of respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems in older adults, and generally poorer physical and mental health. The Marmot Review and successive public health reports have established this link unambiguously.
What to do if your health has been affected.
- See your GP. Describe both your symptoms and the housing conditions. Ask them to note the connection on your records.
- Keep every prescription, hospital letter and A&E discharge paperwork.
- If a child is affected, speak to their GP, health visitor and school. School attendance records can be part of the evidence.
- Document the home environment — photos and videos of the damp and mould.
- Report the disrepair to your landlord in writing (use our template letter).
- Call us for a free case check — personal injury damages can be a significant part of any compensation awarded.
How personal injury is valued.
Personal injury from housing disrepair is valued in line with the Judicial College Guidelines. Typical brackets include:
These figures are added on top of the rent-based award for the disrepair itself.
Sources: NHS — Can damp and mould affect my health? (nhs.uk); Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases.
This is a sensitive topic. If you are experiencing severe respiratory symptoms or your child is unwell, please speak to your GP or call NHS 111 urgently.