Signs your body is telling you there's mould in your home - including sneezing

21 January 2024 , 13:34

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Damp and mould can cause subtle health symptoms (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

There are some common health symptoms that could be your body's way of alerting you to mould lurking in your house.

The scourge of damp and mould is very real during wetter weather and it's especially problematic in the winter. Most people may think they'd be aware of any particularly troubling areas, due to the appearance of black damp patches in the corners of rooms and mould growing on window seals that are drenched in condensation.

However, it's possible that there is mould you can't see lurking in other nooks and crannies around the home - but your body could already be aware of it and may be alerting you to its presence without you even realising.

Mould and damp can cause certain subtle health symptoms to develop that you could easily attribute to other things. For example, moulds can produce an allergic reaction because of the allergens and even toxic substances that they produce.

If you inhale or touch mould, the spores can cause your body to react and you may sneeze, develop a runny nose, red eyes or skin rash. Obviously these symptoms can be confused with a cold, especially during the winter, or allergy to a product you are using or something else you are allergic to.

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In serious cases, mould can even cause an asthma attack, respiratory problems and affect your immune system. Some people are more sensitive to it, such as babies and children, older people and those with existing skin problems such as atopic eczema and respiratory issues.

People having chemotherapy or anyone with a weakened immune system are also at risk and the NHS recommends all these groups should stay away from damp and mould. The problem develops in houses because of excess moisture and it can be as a result of many different causes, such as poor ventilation, rising damp, a leaking pipe, condensation or water getting into the building through various means.

If you think you are suffering with any of these health issues because of damp, you need to find out where it's coming from (search behind anything pushed close up against walls as it can be hiding there), what is causing it and how to reduce the amount of moisture in your house.

If it is a small amount of mould, you could try and resolve the issue yourself, but ensure you wear a protective face mask when cleaning it. However if it is a much wider problem, you may need to get a professional to remove it for you and help eradicate the issue.

The NHS carries advice on damp and mould health issues and Citizens Advice details what help you are entitled to from landlords and local authorities.

Do you have health issues caused by damp and mould? Let us know in the comments below.

Beth Hardie