What relationship does the presence of mould in London’s residential housing have on the mental health of its residents

Recent studies have highlighted the link between health issues and living with mould. However, those studies mostly centre around the physical issues seen in individuals. This research looks at understanding the mental health issues associated with living with mould.

This study used in-person interviews with a group of participants living with mould in London’s residential housing sector, to better understand their current, and past, mental health. The recorded interviews were analysed and interpreted to best understand their feelings living with mould. Other factors were considered to see whether characteristics such as participant age, gender, building age, tenure and occupancy number impacted the results in any way. The results of this study found a link between participants living with mould and a deteriorating mental health, illustrating the need to continue research into this area.

Mould in housing is a common issue. It is not a new revelation that mould causes respiratory issues, and in some cases, fatalities. Similarly, mental health is a globally predominant issue, with mental disorder rates ever increasing. Clearly, there is a relationship between buildings and mould, and the built environment and mental health. The lack of understanding is surprising when these two important issues are bought together. This research begins to do so.

Mould & Mental Health Research .pdf

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