A study of over 10,000 Finnish students found that living in damp homes not only increased the risk of asthma, but left residents with a greater chance of repeated colds and skin allergies. People living in damp houses were found to need more antibiotics than others and were more likely to suffer from pneumonia, bronchitis or tonsillitis. The study published in the journal Thorax, showed that one in seven of the students quizzed had homes with mould, damp stains or water damage. Research on housing characteristics which determine the growth of moulds is needed to prevent indoor exposure to dampness. A spokeswoman for the National Asthma Campaign said people living in damp homes should try and protect themselves from the conditions which trigger asthma.
Moulds release tiny spores into the air that can trigger asthma symptoms.
Mould spores can be found in damp places in the home like kitchens and bathrooms. Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed to prevent dampness spreading to other parts of the house and keep rooms well aired and try to avoid condensation. A body of medical evidence is growing on the insidious health effects of home dampness on young people. We encourage the Department of Health and the government's Social Exclusion Unit to take onboard this research in looking at how to improve the lung health of the nation.