Damp & Mould in the Home

Persistent damp, condensation or visible mould growth.

38High burden · out of 100

Cleaner swapFix the moisture source, ventilate, and keep humidity below 50%

How this score is built

100Start
72.4Chemical hazard 6 × 4.6−27.6
48.6Everyday exposure 7 × 3.4−23.8
38Persistence 4 × 2.6−10.4, then rounded to 38
HighThe band38 sits in 20–39.

What each input rests on

The three ratings behind the score, and the studies each rests on
Input	Rating	Evidence
Chemical hazard	6/10	A meta-analysis of studies adjusted for major confounders found residential dampness or mould associated with bronchitis (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.32-1.59) and respiratory infections (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.31-1.59). Association of residential dampness and mold with respiratory tract infections and bronchitis: a meta-analysis · Environ Health 2010 DOI 10.1186/1476-069X-9-72 · PMID 21078183 · Abstract, Results · read 2026-10-12
Everyday exposure	7/10	unsourced input
Persistence	4/10	unsourced input

Ratings are editorial. A study listed here supports the rating; it did not compute it. How the index is built

What this means for you

The chemical-hazard rating is what drives the score down. WHO guidance on indoor air quality treats persistent indoor damp as a well-established respiratory irritant. Remediation works on the water, not the mould — cleaning visible growth without fixing the moisture source simply lets it return.

Evidence strength: strong

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Lower-exposure choices

Vinegar & Baking Soda CleaningMinimal · Home

All 36 home entries, highest burden first →