Renovations Targeting Mold in Homes Linked to Improved Respiratory Health in Children
A novel study from the Netherlands reveals a compelling link between home renovations designed to improve air quality and a reduction in respiratory illness among children. Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU Eindhoven) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam followed two million people living in social housing over a decade, finding that improvements in indoor air quality through better insulation and ventilation correlated with a decrease in the need for asthma medication, particularly in young people. The findings underscore the broader health benefits of energy-efficient home improvements, extending beyond environmental and economic advantages.
The research, led by urban economist Iloulia Ossokina of TU Eindhoven, demonstrated a 2% reduction in the need for asthma medication among all residents following renovations. But, the impact was significantly more pronounced for children, with a 4% decrease observed immediately after improvements were made. Remarkably, this positive effect increased over time, rising to 7% five years post-renovation. “The number of children who become healthier after a renovation increases,” Ossokina noted, highlighting the long-term benefits of addressing poor housing conditions.
The Growing Problem of Mold and Indoor Air Quality
The study arrives at a time of increasing concern regarding the prevalence of mold and poor air quality in homes, particularly in social housing. According to a 2025 report by Defence for Children, constant exposure to mold poses a serious threat to children’s health, contributing to sleep problems, learning difficulties, social isolation, and even hospitalizations due to asthma and severe lung complications. The CBS Jeugdmonitor 2025 indicated a rise in households experiencing moisture and mold problems, increasing from 22% to 32% in just three years.
These conditions are not merely uncomfortable; they represent a violation of children’s rights, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The convention stipulates that children are entitled to a safe and healthy living environment that supports their development. Long-term exposure to mold in the home directly contravenes this right.
Study Methodology and Findings
The ten-year study utilized data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and engineering firm Atriensis to compare the health outcomes of residents in renovated and non-renovated social housing units. Researchers focused specifically on the impact of improved insulation and ventilation on respiratory health. This large-scale analysis represents the first time the health effects of energy-efficient renovations have been examined on such a broad scale.
The research is part of a larger program investigating the wider effects of home renovations on people’s lives, including their comfort, health, and energy bills. Ossokina explained that while energy-efficient renovations are primarily undertaken for environmental and economic reasons, the study demonstrates that they also have significant positive impacts on public health. “We show that the effects are broader and also improve people’s health,” she stated.
Beyond Asthma: The Broader Health Impacts
The health consequences of living in homes with mold extend beyond asthma. Children experiencing these conditions often suffer from persistent coughs, skin problems, and an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. Isme de Kleer, a pediatric pulmonologist at the Fransciscus Hospital, has observed a clear correlation between prolonged exposure to moisture and mold and these types of health complaints. “I see daily children with persistent coughs, respiratory infections and asthma who grow up in very damp, moldy conditions,” de Kleer said.
The issue is not limited to respiratory health. The Defence for Children report highlights the emotional and social toll on children living in mold-infested homes, including feelings of shame, sadness, and reluctance to invite friends over. In severe cases, children require hospitalization due to asthma attacks and serious lung problems.
Addressing the National Problem
The growing number of households affected by mold and dampness is prompting calls for urgent action. The Jeugdeducatiefonds, a Dutch organization supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds, has reported a surge in requests for essential items like new mattresses, blankets, and dehumidifiers for families living in affected homes. Hans Spekman, the organization’s director, described the situation as a “major national problem.”
While landlords in social housing are generally responsible for maintenance, a significant proportion of these properties still suffer from mold and moisture issues. In 2024, 29% of social housing units were affected, up from 24% in 2021, according to data from the CBS. This suggests that despite increasing awareness, the problem is not being adequately addressed.
The Municipality of Amsterdam recently launched the “Kinderkamers Schimmelvrij!” (Mold-Free Children’s Rooms!) initiative, demonstrating a growing recognition of the need for targeted interventions. Defence for Children Netherlands participated in the launch, emphasizing the relevant child rights considerations.
Looking Ahead
The findings from TU Eindhoven and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam provide compelling evidence for prioritizing home renovations that improve air quality, particularly in vulnerable communities. Investing in better insulation and ventilation is not only an environmentally sound and economically beneficial strategy, but also a crucial step in protecting the health and well-being of children.
Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term health impacts of mold exposure and to identify the most effective interventions. However, the current evidence strongly suggests that addressing this issue is a public health imperative.
The next step in addressing this issue will be the release of updated housing standards by the Dutch government, expected in early 2027, which are anticipated to include stricter regulations regarding mold prevention and remediation in rental properties. Readers are encouraged to share their experiences with mold in housing and to advocate for improved living conditions in their communities.