Mould in the Home: Health Risks, Damage & Prevention Tips

A recent study has shown that approximately a third of homes experience mould frequently.

Mould is a type of fungus which grows best in damp, poorly ventilated areas and reproduces by making spores. 

Mould growth is often a sign of condensation which is caused by excess moisture in the air. There are a variety of reasons as to why this occurs including:

• Poor ventilation in the home
• Excess moisture in the home from daily tasks such as cooking, showering, drying clothes indoors
• In a newly built home, the water used when the house was built has not dried out yet

UK and Irish homes are particularly prone to higher moisture levels and mould growth due to the humid climate and the prevalence of homes with high levels of airtightness and limited airflow. 

If your home has mould growth, you may notice: 

• Black, green or white spots on walls, ceilings or windowsills
• A persistent musty smell
• Damp patches or condensation on cold surfaces

When left untreated, mould begins to grow and spread in the home, producing allergens that can be harmful to your health. NHS UK warns that mould increases the risk of respiratory infections, allergies and asthma, and can also affect the immune system. 

Short-term effects of mould exposure:

• Sneezing, coughing and nasal congestion
• Skin and eye irritation
• Headaches
• Worsening of asthma symptoms

Long-term effects of mould exposure:

• Chronic respiratory problems
• Lung infections in vulnerable groups
• Development of asthma in children
• Poor mental health

In very rare cases, prolonged exposure to mould can lead to death. In the UK, the death of a young child was found to be related to mould. In response to this tragedy, Awaab’s Law comes into effect on 27^th October 2025 which requires landlords to investigate and fix significant mould problems quickly.

While anyone's health can be at risk due to mould, those who are most vulnerable are those with pre-existing health conditions, a weakened immune system, mental health conditions, pregnant women, children & young people, and elderly people. 

Mould doesn't just affect your health - it can damage any material on which it grows, such as:

• Plaster and paint - staining, flaking
• Wallpaper - peeling or bubbling
• Wood and structural elements - rot and weakening
• Soft furnishings and fabrics - musty smells and permanent staining 

Mould prefers spaces with plenty of moisture and little light. Areas in the home in which mould is commonly found include:

• Around windows where condensation has built up.
• In bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms.
• Behind furniture where air does not circulate.
• In basements, attics and other unused colder rooms within the home.

If there is already mould present in your home, it must be cleaned to stop it from spreading.

• Hard Surfaces - Use a specialist mould removal product and clean the infected area. Dry the area thoroughly to prevent mould reappearing.
• Porous Surfaces - Wash or wipe the surface to remove the mould and check regularly to ensure it has not returned. If it has, you may need to consider disposing of the item.

Always make sure you wear gloves, goggles and a mask when removing mould to avoid touching or breathing in toxic mould spores. 

Cleaning mould away is only a short-term fix. Unless you deal with the underlying cause, mould will almost always come back. 

The most effective way to stop mould outbreaks for good is to control excess moisture by improving ventilation throughout your home.

At BEAM, we provide a range of Mechanical Ventilation Systems designed to suit any home and budget, ensuring fresh, filtered air circulation that keeps condensation and mould at bay.

Heat Recovery Ventilation (MVHR)

Best for: New Builds, Airtight Homes

A Heat Recovery Ventilation (MVHR) System is a whole-house solution that supplies clean, filtered air into living spaces and bedrooms, while extracting moist, stale air from kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.

The unit contains a heat exchanger, which cleverly recycles warmth from outgoing air to pre-heat the fresh air coming in. This not only prevents condensation and mould growth but also helps reduce heating bills, making it both healthy and energy efficient.

Positive Input Ventilation (PIV)

Best for: Existing Homes

A Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) System provides energy efficient ventilation and condensation control. It is designed to continuously and gently ventilate the home from a central position on the landing or the central hallway. Moisture-laden air is diluted, displaced and replaced with subtle fresh, filtered air, forcing contaminants out of the property through natural leakage points or extract fans in wetrooms. PIV Systems are quiet running and provide a draught-free living environment.

Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV)

Best for: Wet rooms

Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) continuously removes stale, humid air from bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms - the spaces most prone to condensation and mould growth. When installed alongside a PIV system, MEV provides a powerful, whole-home solution to control moisture.

By tackling the root cause through effective ventilation, you can protect your living spaces, improve indoor air quality, and create a healthier, more comfortable environment for your family. With the right system in place, you’ll have peace of mind knowing mould won’t return.