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Black mould and health: what the evidence says

Who is most at risk, what to do today and when it becomes urgent.

2 min readUpdated October 2026England

What the evidence says

Indoor mould and damp are associated with respiratory symptoms, asthma development and worsening, and respiratory infections. Children, older people and anyone with an existing respiratory condition are most at risk. The World Health Organization guidance is clear that persistent dampness should be remedied, not just cleaned.

What to do today

  • Ventilate: open windows and trickle vents, use extractors.
  • Clean small areas with a fungicidal wash; wear gloves and a mask.
  • Move beds and furniture away from affected walls.
  • Do not paint over mould.

When it is urgent

Mould in a bedroom used by a child, an older person or someone with asthma is a significant hazard and should be investigated within days, not weeks.

What Damp Check adds

An urgency rating, the cause, free steps and a fix package — and for landlords, the record you need.

General information for England, not advice on your property. Rules change; we check the current position in every report.

Damp Check

Stop painting over mould. Find the real cause and fix it for good.

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