After the Storm: Health risks from damp, moldy homes

The document argues that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of floods, which leads to damp buildings and the growth of mold. This process degrades indoor air quality and poses significant respiratory and mental health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. It highlights that mold can grow on absorbent materials within two to three days after a flood and notes that in the U.S., up to 20% of common respiratory infections may be attributed to dampness and mold.

• Climate change is increasing the risk of damp, moldy homes by driving heavier precipitation, more intense storms, and rising sea levels, which increase vulnerability to floods.
• Mold can rapidly colonize absorbent materials such as furniture, drywall, paper, and carpets within two to three days following a flood or storm.
• Indoor mold and dampness are linked to a variety of health issues in the U.S., including new-onset asthma, severe illness, and potentially 20% of common respiratory infections.
• Specific research, such as the 2015 Superstorm Sandy Child and Family Health Study, has connected post-storm mold exposure to increased asthma in adults and mental health distress in both children and adults.
• The musty odor of mold is caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to symptoms such as nausea and headaches.

APA

Climate Central (2023). After the Storm: Health risks from damp, moldy homes. https://assets.ctfassets.net/cxgxgstp8r5d/6itwyGIDPgXSMlaQX53iuK/d7ee9672ce13ff8c688f9c67d7414966/FINAL_After_the_Storm_2023__EN_.pdf

Chicago

Climate Central. After the Storm: Health risks from damp, moldy homes. 2023. https://assets.ctfassets.net/cxgxgstp8r5d/6itwyGIDPgXSMlaQX53iuK/d7ee9672ce13ff8c688f9c67d7414966/FINAL_After_the_Storm_2023__EN_.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate Central |title=After the Storm: Health risks from damp, moldy homes |date=August 2023 |url=https://assets.ctfassets.net/cxgxgstp8r5d/6itwyGIDPgXSMlaQX53iuK/d7ee9672ce13ff8c688f9c67d7414966/FINAL_After_the_Storm_2023__EN_.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climatecentral2023after, author = {{Climate Central}}, title = {{After the Storm: Health risks from damp, moldy homes}}, institution = {Climate Central}, year = {2023}, month = aug, url = {https://assets.ctfassets.net/cxgxgstp8r5d/6itwyGIDPgXSMlaQX53iuK/d7ee9672ce13ff8c688f9c67d7414966/FINAL_After_the_Storm_2023__EN_.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }