Mold Resource Hub

Mold research and explainers

Research summaries are tied to their cited source and are not medical advice.

Positive-unlabelled machine learning flags recorded damp and mould risk across 65,214 UK social housing dwellings

An open-access UK study applies positive-unlabelled machine learning to 65,214 social housing dwellings to prioritise damp and mould risk where most homes lack recorded complaints, achieving PU-AUC 0.776 with heating/fuel systems and household context as key predictors - a method landlords and regulators could use to target inspections and repairs.

Published

Source publication date: 2026-10-22

Citation: Scientific Reports (Nature Portfolio) - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-73866-0

NIOSH study quantifies asthma and respiratory symptom prevalence ratios tied to dampness and mold scores in 50 schools

A NIOSH-led peer-reviewed study in Environmental Pollution analyzes 6,492 room-level dampness/mold scores from 50 schools using the NIOSH DMAT tool, providing a quantified prevalence-ratio framework linking higher dampness and mold scores to asthma, respiratory, and systemic symptoms among school staff - a tool for prioritizing remediation in schools and public buildings.

Published

Source publication date: 2026-10-22

Citation: Environmental Pollution (Elsevier, via PubMed) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42913774/

Cold atmospheric plasma decontamination of indoor mold

Peer-reviewed study in Scientific Reports tests cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) as a supplementary decontamination method for indoor mold on building materials (gypsum plasterboard, wood fiberboard). Three fungal species tested (Aspergillus brasiliensis, Cladosporium halotolerans, Fusarium solani). CAP inactivation effectiveness depends on species, substrate, and mycelial coverage at treatment time. Proof-of-concept only - not a standalone remediation protocol. Received 12 June 2026, accepted 8 September 2026, published 29 September 2026.

Published

Source publication date: 2026-09-29

Citation: Scientific Reports (Nature) - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-71205-x

Residential exposure to mold, dampness, and indoor air pollution and risk of respiratory tract infections: a study among children ages 11 and 12 in the Danish National Birth Cohort

A study of 42,720 children in the Danish National Birth Cohort found mold/dampness exposure associated with increased respiratory tract infections: common cold (IRR 1.09), influenza (1.10), tonsillitis (1.19), conjunctivitis (1.16). The association with doctor-diagnosed pneumonia (IRR 1.05 [0.90, 1.21]) was not statistically significant - the 95% CI includes 1.0. Peer-reviewed in European Journal of Epidemiology. Country: Denmark.

Published

Source publication date: 2024-02-23

Citation: European Journal of Epidemiology (via PubMed) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38393605/

A State-of-the-Science Review of the Effect of Damp- and Mold-Affected Housing on Mental Health

A peer-reviewed State-of-the-Science review of 19 studies (from 1,169 records) found positive associations between residential dampness/mold exposure and poor mental health - depression, stress, and anxiety in adults; emotional symptoms and dysregulation in children. Authors note methodological limitations and recommend more research. Association is not proof of causation.

Published

Source publication date: 2024-08-20

Citation: Environmental Health Perspectives (via PubMed) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39162373/

Fatigue and exposure to mold and/or dampness: A systematic review of the literature from 2011-2018

A systematic review of 6 studies (40,933 participants in cross-sectional studies + 95 cases/110 controls) found that fatigue is associated with exposure to indoor mold and dampness. Of the 6 studies, 5 showed moderate to very high support for the association. Authors note a conflict of interest: two authors provide expert witness testimony in CIRS cases and one holds equity in mold-related companies. This is a peer-reviewed study but association does not prove causation.

Published

Source publication date: 2025-08-25

Citation: Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology (via PubMed) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41265402/