Mould and Your Health

What indoor mould exposure means, who is most affected, and when to see your GP

Why mould appears in homes

Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp or poorly ventilated environments. In Australian homes, it commonly appears in bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, bedrooms with condensation, and areas affected by leaks or flooding. Mould thrives when moisture persists, rather than appearing simply because a home is “unclean”. Understanding this helps focus attention on practical solutions rather than blame.

How mould affects the body

Mould releases microscopic spores into the air. When inhaled, these spores can irritate the airways, nose, eyes, and skin. Many people notice no symptoms at all, while others experience nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, throat irritation, headaches, or worsening asthma control. Symptoms often fluctuate with time spent indoors or with weather changes that increase humidity.

Who is more sensitive to mould

People with asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), eczema, or chronic lung conditions often react more strongly to mould exposure. Babies, young children, and older adults may also show symptoms sooner. People with weakened immune systems can experience more persistent or severe effects, although serious mould-related infections are uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals.

Mould, illness, and common misconceptions

Mould exposure does not usually cause infection in healthy people. Instead, it tends to trigger inflammation or allergic responses. This distinction matters, because ongoing symptoms often reflect irritation rather than infection. Mould also does not automatically explain every respiratory symptom, which is why medical assessment remains important when symptoms persist.

Reducing mould exposure at home

Health benefits come from addressing moisture rather than repeated surface cleaning alone. Improving ventilation, fixing leaks, reducing condensation, and allowing air flow around furniture all reduce mould growth. In some cases, professional remediation is needed, particularly when mould returns quickly or affects large areas.

When to see your GP

A GP review is appropriate if you or your child have persistent cough, wheeze, poorly controlled asthma, chronic nasal symptoms, or repeated respiratory illness, especially when symptoms improve away from home. Your GP can assess your symptoms, optimise treatment, and consider environmental factors as part of your overall health picture.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.