Study: Household mold infestations increase children's risk for developing asthma

New research finds that mold infestations or water damage around the home can heighten young children's risk for developing asthma.

The study, which was published in the Feb. 16 online edition of Pediatrics, evaluated approximately 400 homes where the properties had sustained some level of moisture damage or mold accumulation, and the owners had children who were around five months old at the time of the inspection. These parents were then tasked with answering questionnaires about any respiratory issues their child may be having at one year old, 18 months, two years and then annually until age six. The researchers also took blood samples from these children between ages one and six to test for any food or environmental allergies.

At the end of the study period, the team determined that children who grew up exposed to mold around their houses — particularly in their first two years — exhibited a significantly higher risk of developing asthma. Interestingly, that risk fluctuated depending on the level of mold or water damage within a given room:

• Bedrooms: Children younger than six exposed to mold in the bedroom exhibited five times the risk of developing asthma.
• Kitchen: Mold damage in the kitchen was linked to a 2.5-times increase in asthma risk.
• Living room: Exposure to mold in the living room made children 7.5 times more likely of being diagnosed with asthma.

"This study isn't surprising but is significant because it supports what many providers have believed regarding mold and water damage, that it can negatively impact an infant's or toddler's lung health," Dr. Michael Lewis, medical director at the University of Kansas Hospital's pediatric inpatient unit, said in an official statement. "If your child has very difficult-to-control asthma symptoms despite being managed according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute guidelines, then your housing conditions should be considered as a possible reason causing your child's asthma to be difficult to manage."

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