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.
By Lisa Jones (Press and Research Communications Manager), Published
Researchers at City St George’s, 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 on in life was even greater (nearly 2 times more likely).
Dr Sierra Clark, lead researcher at City St George’s School of Health & Medical Sciences, said:
"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, the Director of Born in Bradford, added:
"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 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.