The short answer
It can, for some people. The Australian Centre for Disease Control says most people have no health problems from mould, but spores can trigger allergies and asthma and irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin. People with weakened immune systems, allergies, severe asthma or lung disease, and pregnant people, are more likely to be affected.
What the Australian Centre for Disease Control says
The Australian Centre for Disease Control’s guidance on preventing mould exposure says:
- Most people will not have health problems from mould.
- Spores from some moulds can trigger allergic reactions such as asthma and eczema, and irritate the nose, eyes, throat and skin.
- Prolonged exposure can cause serious, chronic illness such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs).
- People more likely to be affected include those with weakened immune systems, allergies, severe asthma, lung diseases such as COPD, and pregnant people.
Its advice for prevention centres on moisture: ventilate, keep spaces dry, fix leaks, plumbing and roof problems, and avoid humidifiers.
The Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) has also published national guidance on the potential health effects of mould in the environment.
What the WHO found
The World Health Organization’s 2009 guidelines found that occupants of damp or mouldy buildings are at increased risk of respiratory symptoms, respiratory infections and exacerbation of asthma. It could not set a numeric safe level, because the links between dampness, exposure and health could not be measured precisely enough. Its recommendation is to prevent persistent dampness and microbial growth.
The 2018 parliamentary inquiry
In October 2018 the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport reported on its inquiry into biotoxin-related illnesses. Among its recommendations were research into the illnesses people attribute to mould, and standards or accreditation for the mould testing and remediation industries. The Australian Government’s response said developing industry standards is the responsibility of industry and relevant regulators.
Views differ on some mould-related diagnoses. This site doesn’t take a position on them.
Where an inspection fits
If someone in the home has symptoms, see a GP. If the doctor or the household wants to know whether the building has a damp or mould problem, an inspection can show where moisture is, what is growing, and how indoor air compares with outdoor air. It won’t diagnose anyone. General information only — not medical advice.
Questions people ask
Can a mould test diagnose a health problem?
No. A mould test describes the building. Whether a building is contributing to someone's symptoms is a medical question for a doctor.
What is CIRS?
Chronic inflammatory response syndrome is a term some practitioners use for illness they attribute to biotoxins including mould. A 2018 federal parliamentary inquiry heard evidence on it and recommended further research. Talk to your GP.
References
- [1]Preventing mould exposure — Australian Centre for Disease Control
- [2]enHealth guidance: Potential health effects of mould in the environment — Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) / Australian Centre for Disease Control
- [3]WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: dampness and mould (2009) — World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe
- [4]Report on the Inquiry into Biotoxin-related Illnesses in Australia (October 2018) — House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport
- [5]Australian Government response to the Inquiry into Biotoxin-related Illnesses in Australia — Australian Government Department of Health
Checked against these references on 2 November 2026.