Toxic Mould & Mycotoxins: What People With Aspergillosis Need to Know

Damp homes

For people living with aspergillosis (whether allergic, chronic, or invasive), the quality of your home environment is especially important. Dampness, mould growth and poor indoor air quality can contribute to higher exposure to fungal spores — including Aspergillus — and may worsen symptoms or risk of infection. Understanding how moulds grow, what mycotoxins are, and how housing conditions and laws impact your health can help you take informed action.

What are moulds and mycotoxins?

Moulds (fungi) grow in moist, poorly ventilated places: for example, damp walls, ceilings, window frames, or poorly maintained air-conditioning systems.
Some moulds (including strains of Aspergillus) produce chemicals called mycotoxins — toxic substances which have been studied mainly in agricultural contexts (e.g., contaminated food and animal feed).
Research on inhaling mycotoxins from indoor mould-growth is limited, especially in humans. What we do know:
- Mycotoxins can be airborne in some damp buildings.
- The dose of mycotoxin inhaled in most homes appears far lower than doses known to cause acute poisoning via ingestion.
- Repeated low-level exposure over time is less well understood.
- Other co-factors in damp homes (allergen exposure, dust mites, bacterial growth, structural damp) also play important roles.

Why this matters for people with aspergillosis

If you live with a lung condition like aspergillosis, your respiratory system is already vulnerable. Exposure to mould spores, damp-air allergens or possible mycotoxins may make symptoms worse: increased cough, wheeze or breathlessness.
Damp and mould also tend to co-exist with poor ventilation, excess humidity, condensation and structural issues — all of which can amplify respiratory risk.
While we can’t definitively say inhaled mycotoxins cause aspergillosis flare-ups, what we do know is that damp housing is clearly associated with worse respiratory health outcomes.
For clinicians, housing conditions are therefore part of the picture: it is reasonable to ask about damp, mould and ventilation when a patient with aspergillosis reports worsening symptoms or infection.

What you can do at home

Here are practical steps to reduce damp, mould growth and improve indoor air quality — especially relevant if you have aspergillosis:

1. Ventilate well

Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens when showering, bathing or cooking.
If your windows have trickle vents, keep them open (even a small amount helps).
When safe, open a window briefly each day to let fresh air in.

2. Control indoor moisture

Avoid drying lots of clothes indoors unless you have good ventilation or a vented dryer.
Wipe away condensation from windowsills and frames each morning.
When cooking or showering, reduce steam (e.g., lids on pans, fans running).
Check for leaks (plumbing, roof, guttering) and ask for prompt repair.

3. Maintain a warm and dry home

A background level of heating helps — cool rooms more easily develop condensation and mould.
Don’t rely solely on closing doors or de-humidifiers — structural/ventilation issues often need addressing.

4. Clean mould safely

For small areas of visible mould: wear gloves and a suitable respiratory mask (e.g., FFP2 or better) if you have lung disease.
Do not dry-brush or vacuum mould-spots — this can release fungal spores or fragments.
Avoid using bleach in enclosed rooms — it can irritate lungs and may not kill all mould types.
If mould recurs after cleaning, it means the underlying moisture/ventilation problem remains — prompt housing action is needed.

Housing & Legal Rights – An Important Context

Guideline for professionals and patients

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guideline NG149 – Indoor Air Quality at Home applies not only to patients, but also to health professionals, housing officers, social care workers and landlords. It emphasises that:

Damp, mould and poor ventilation affect health.
Professionals should ask about housing conditions, especially for people with chronic respiratory illnesses.
Housing providers and landlords have a role in ensuring safe indoor air environments.
📘 Read more: NICE NG149

New legal protections – Awaab’s Law (England)

For social housing tenants, as of October 2025, this law gives strict time limits on how quickly damp and mould must be investigated and repaired:

Investigation of reported damp/mould: within 10 working days.
Written summary of findings: within 3 working days post investigation.
Repairs or making the home safe: within 5 working days of confirming a hazard.
Emergency health risks: within 24 hours.
Landlords must provide safe temporary accommodation if repairs take longer.
📘 Learn more: GOV.UK – Awaab’s Law

For private rented homes, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 still applies — landlords must keep properties free from damp and mould.

What we don’t yet know (and why caution matters)

There is insufficient direct evidence that inhaling indoor mycotoxins at the low levels typically found in UK homes causes specific diseases in humans.
Mould- and damp-related symptoms often overlap with allergy, asthma, anxiety and other conditions — making diagnosis complex.
If you have aspergillosis and new or worsening symptoms, it may be difficult to attribute them solely to mycotoxins or damp — your healthcare team may need to rule out multiple causes.
Because of these uncertainties, it is safer to treat damp and mould as preventable risks rather than waiting for definitive proof of harm.

When to speak to your healthcare team

If your symptoms are getting worse and you live in a damp or mould-affected home, tell your respiratory specialist or nurse.
Ask for a letter or report for your landlord/housing association explaining how your lung condition can be affected by mould/damp.
If you or your family members are experiencing symptoms like increased cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, fatigue, or sinus problems — mention housing conditions.
Discuss with your healthcare provider whether any assessment of indoor air quality or housing referral is needed.

Final Thoughts

For people living with aspergillosis, a dry, well-ventilated and well-maintained home is far more than comfort — it is a part of maintaining your respiratory health.
While the role of indoor mycotoxins remains under investigation, what we do know is that damp housing and mould growth are clearly associated with poorer respiratory outcomes.
By improving ventilation, controlling moisture and using your housing rights, you reduce avoidable risk and support your health. Don’t wait until symptoms intensify — act early, seek help, and prioritize improving your home environment.