Last reviewed: April 2026

Indoor Air Quality, Damp, Mould and Aspergillus

A practical guide for patients

Many people with aspergillosis or other lung conditions are concerned about the air inside their home. This article explains how indoor air quality works, how to recognise problems, and what steps you can take to improve your environment.

Contents

• What affects indoor air?
• Three common problems
• Aspergillus in the home
• Damp and mould
• Symptoms and health effects
• Identifying problems
• Getting the right help
• Practical steps
• Air purifiers

What affects indoor air?

Indoor air quality is influenced by both indoor and outdoor factors. People spend most of their time indoors, so even small issues can have a noticeable effect on health. :contentReference{index=0}

Indoor air can be affected by:

• Outdoor pollution entering the building
• Damp and moisture
• Mould growth
• Cooking, heating, and cleaning products
• Dust and particles

Three common indoor air problems

1. Indoor air pollution

• Particles from cooking, heating, and candles
• Outdoor pollution enters indoors

2. Damp (moisture)

• Condensation, leaks, poor ventilation
• Creates conditions for mould growth

3. Mould

• Visible fungal growth on surfaces
• Releases spores into the air

Aspergillus in the home

Aspergillus is a common environmental fungus found in air, dust, and soil.

This means:

• Everyone breathes in Aspergillus spores regularly
• Indoor exposure is not unusual

Important: Exposure does not equal disease. Aspergillosis depends on lung health and immune response—not just environment.

Damp and mould

Damp and mould are important because they can affect respiratory health. Damp homes are linked with increased respiratory symptoms and illness. :contentReference{index=1}

UK guidance highlights that damp and mould can produce irritants and spores that affect the lungs and should be addressed promptly. :contentReference{index=2}

Symptoms and health effects

Indoor air problems may contribute to:

• Cough
• Breathlessness
• Wheeze
• Chest tightness
• Fatigue

These symptoms often overlap with infection or underlying disease, making them difficult to interpret.

Identifying problems

Signs of damp

• Condensation on windows
• Cold or damp walls
• Peeling paint or wallpaper
• Musty smell

Signs of mould

• Black or green patches
• Mould returning after cleaning
• Growth behind furniture or in corners

Hidden issues

• Persistent damp smell
• Symptoms are worse in certain rooms

Getting the right help

1. Your healthcare team

• If symptoms worsen
• If you suspect your environment is affecting your health

2. Landlord or housing provider

• Report problems early
• Keep records (photos, dates)

UK guidance makes clear that damp and mould should be addressed promptly and not ignored.

3. Local council

• If landlord does not act
• If health is affected

Further reading

See more detailed guidance and support resources here:
Housing, damp and mould articles (aspergillosis.org)

Practical steps

• Improve ventilation (especially kitchens and bathrooms)
• Reduce moisture
• Address leaks quickly
• Clean small mould areas safely

Air purifiers

Air purifiers can reduce airborne particles, but:

• They do not fix damp
• They do not remove mould from surfaces
• They do not treat aspergillosis

Final takeaway

Indoor air problems are common and often manageable. The key is to:

• Recognise the signs early
• Address moisture and mould properly
• Seek help when needed

Author: aspergillosis.org

Note: This article is for general education and does not replace medical advice.