Date of check

4 March 2026

🆕 New papers since last check

Early-life indoor mould exposure and lung function

Journal: Environmental Research: Health
Published: Feb 2026

Summary
Children exposed to serious indoor mould in early life showed:

• reduced lung function in adolescence

• increased risk of asthma during childhood

This study used long-term cohort data and objective lung function testing, strengthening the evidence that early mould exposure can have lasting respiratory consequences.

PMID: 39162373
PubMed link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39162373/

Damp and mouldy homes: impact on lung health in childhood

Authors: Moorcroft C, Whitehouse A, Grigg J
Journal: Archives of Disease in Childhood (2025)

Summary
This clinical review explains how damp housing contributes to:

• childhood asthma

• recurrent respiratory infections

• allergic disease

It emphasises that paediatric clinicians frequently encounter children whose symptoms are linked to poor housing conditions.

PMID: 39814530
PubMed link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39814530/

Damp housing and mental health effects

Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives

Summary
A major review examining whether damp and mould exposure affects mental health.
Evidence suggests associations with:

• anxiety

• depression

• psychological stress

Mechanisms may include chronic illness, housing insecurity, and inflammatory responses to mould exposure.

PMID: 39162373
PubMed link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39162373/

📊 Summary

New or important items identified

• Evidence continues to strengthen the link between damp housing and respiratory disease
• Long-term cohort data show effects on lung development
• Emerging research also suggests mental health impacts