article · Brazilian Journal of Science
Indoor mould exposure represents an underrecognised environmental factor affecting psychological well-being. Although its respiratory consequences are widely known, growing evidence points toward serious neuropsychological effects. Chronic residence in damp, mould-affected buildings is linked to heightened risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, and disrupted sleep. These health challenges are frequently compounded by poor housing infrastructure and socioeconomic pressures, conditions widely observed in tropical and low-income environments. By synthesising existing evidence, underlying mechanisms, and global examples, including reports from humid regions in Africa, the research underscores the significant psychological strain caused by mould. Resolving this issue requires a joined-up strategy that bridges housing improvements, environmental management, and mental health interventions.
Mental health conditions are often attributed solely to personal or social factors, overlooking living environments. By showing that indoor damp and mould contribute to cognitive and emotional disorders, this work highlights the need for public health strategies and housing programmes to target basic building quality as a way to safeguard community mental well-being.
The abstract points toward early-stage research highlighting health risks rather than a specific technology or product. It could eventually inform the work of public housing authorities, facility managers, and urban developers seeking to mitigate environmental health threats, but the abstract does not indicate an application pathway or specific commercial readiness level.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
Indoor mold exposure is an underrecognized environmental determinant of mental health. While the respiratory impacts of mold have long been established, its subtle neuropsychological consequences are increasingly drawing attention. Evidence from Europe, North America, and emerging African studies indicates that chronic exposure to damp, mold-infested dwellings may elevate risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, and sleep disturbance. These outcomes are often exacerbated by socioeconomic stressors and inadequate housing infrastructure, which are common in tropical and low-income settings. This short communication explores current evidence, underlying mechanisms, and illustrative global cases, including observations from humid African regions, to highlight the mental-health burden of mold exposure. Addressing the “invisible spores” that silently undermine psychological resilience demands an integrated housing, environmental, and mental-health response.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.14295/bjs.v6i3.956
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
