Children living in damp and mouldy homes are more at risk of developing respiratory conditions as they grow up, with new UK research showing the problem falls hardest on families already struggling financially.
Researchers at City St George’s, University of London, Harvard University, and Born in Bradford followed over 2,500 children from early childhood (ages 3–5), tracking respiratory health through to later childhood (ages 7–11).
They found that almost one in four (23%) children in Bradford lived in a home with damp or mould in early childhood (age 3-5). Children with mould in their bedrooms had significantly higher odds of experiencing wheeze symptoms.
Researchers followed up the same children into later childhood. Children who had lived in damp and mouldy homes were nearly 1.5 times more likely to develop new hay fever (e.g., allergies) at age 7-11, compared with children who had lived in homes without damp or mould. When mould was in the child’s bedroom, the likelihood of developing hay fever later in life was even greater (nearly 2 times more likely).
Sierra Clark, lead researcher at City St George’s, University of London:
Our study shows that improving housing conditions, particularly by reducing mould in children’s bedrooms, could have important benefits not only for children’s immediate respiratory health, but also for their longer-term health as they grow up. Our study highlights that damp and mould can have lasting consequences, reinforcing the urgent need for safe, healthy home environments for all families.
The study finds that damp and mould are not distributed equally. Families struggling financially are disproportionately affected, reinforcing existing health inequalities.
Rosie McEachan, Director of Born in Bradford:
This research highlights the serious impact that cold, damp and mouldy homes have on children’s health. This is a problem which particularly affects the poorest in our society. The cost-of-living crisis means that many families struggle with the cost of heating their homes, and many low-income families may have no choice but to live in poorer quality rental accommodation. This isn’t fair. The UK has some of the oldest housing stock in Europe, we need urgent action to improve housing standards and energy efficiency of homes so that every child can live in a safe, warm and healthy home.
The researchers recommend that mould in a room where a child sleeps should be treated as a criteria for prioritising housing intervention and remediation. This supports the government’s commitment to break down barriers to opportunity and give every child the best start in life.
Awaab’s Law, which came into effect in October 2025, now legally requires landlords and social housing providers to address damp and mould within set timeframes. The research provides further evidence of why swift action matters for children’s health.
Gary Adamkiewicz, Associate Professor of Environmental Health and Exposure Disparities ,T. H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, USA:
This research underscores the importance of the home environment in shaping our health. These risks are largely hidden from public view, yet they can weigh heavily on the day-to-day lives of families. These findings add to extensive evidence that health risks associated with housing-related deficiencies are not evenly or randomly distributed. Low-income and low-wealth families are unfortunately bearing this burden.