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

While it is well-established that exposure to dampness or mold in homes negatively affects physical health, the association with mental health remains less well evidenced. As plausible psychosocial and biological pathways exist between dampness and mold exposure and poor mental health, a review of e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental health perspectives 2024-08, Vol.132 (8), p.86001
Main Authors: Gatto, Maria Rosa, Mansour, Adelle, Li, Ang, Bentley, Rebecca
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air Pollution, Indoor - statistics & numerical data
Dampness in buildings
Depression, Mental
Environmental aspects
Environmental Exposure - statistics & numerical data
Fungi
Health aspects
Housing
Housing and health
Humans
Humidity
Medical research
Medicine, Experimental
Mental Health
Mental illness
Molds (Fungi)
Review
Risk factors
World health
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Summary:While it is well-established that exposure to dampness or mold in homes negatively affects physical health, the association with mental health remains less well evidenced. As plausible psychosocial and biological pathways exist between dampness and mold exposure and poor mental health, a review of evidence is required. This State-of-the-Science review sought to assess what is known about the mental health effects of dampness or mold exposure and identify gaps in the literature and priorities for further research. A comprehensive search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Global Health, Web of Science, and Scopus) was conducted to identify relevant studies published from 2003 to 2023. Eligible studies included observational study designs such as cohort and cross-sectional studies. Target studies for review assessed the effect of dampness and/or mold on mental health outcomes. Of the 1,169 records retrieved, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. The available evidence described positive associations between residential dampness/mold exposure and poor mental health. In adults, associations were observed for outcomes such as depression, stress, and anxiety, while for children, associations were observed for emotional symptoms and emotional dysregulation. Identified studies generally reported associations between exposure to dampness/mold in the home and poorer mental and emotional health. Given the methodological limitations present in the current evidence base, it is recommended that more research be conducted. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14341.
ISSN:0091-6765
1552-9924
1552-9924
DOI:10.1289/EHP14341