Cross-sectional study of housing tenures, risk of indoor mold growth & adult asthma in the UK

Previous studies on the presence of indoor mold and risk of allergic diseases have not considered how housing tenure modifies risk of indoor exposures and health outcomes, the focus of this study. A national UK survey (March 2020) obtained a representative sample of 3668 adults aged over 18. Generalized structural equation modeling were used to estimate the relationship between fuel poverty, mold growth/odor, tenure status and risk of wheeze, asthma and allergy. Those living in private rented and social housing had increased risk of mold growth. Only tenants living in social housing had an increased risk of asthma (OR 1.481; 95%CI 1.034-2.121) and wheeze (OR 1.479; 95%CI 1.165-1.876). This may be because this population was older, increased duration of staying in the property and had higher levels of deprivation. This study provides new insights into the relationship of indoor exposures and housing tenures, which has not been fully investigated.