Impact of damp and mould
Damp and mould negatively impacts both physical and mental health.
Physical health - can cause respiratory issues (asthma, coughs, wheezing, shortness of breath) and eye/skin irritation (redness, rashes). Children under 14 are most vulnerable.
Mental health - can cause stress due to health concerns and damage to belongings.
Excess cold - dampness impacts thermal insulation, damaging the fabric of the property and making homes colder. Moisture movement in damp walls draws heat, making heating more difficult. Those over 65 are most vulnerable to excess cold.
Note - black mould is mostly seen on condensation dampness. It is rarely seen on areas of penetrating damp and areas affected by defective plumbing.