What began as faint patches on the wall, barely noticeable at first, soon deepened into dark, spreading blotches. The air grew damp and stale, heavy with an earthy scent that clung to clothes and skin. Walls cracked further, paint peeled, and what once passed as minor dampness quietly bred spores that infiltrated the lungs. Coughs lingered longer, noses remained congested, and fatigue crept in unexplained. The quiet spread of mould turned homes into slow-burning health traps, where every breath came with a cost few initially recognised, JOSEPHINE OGUNDEJI reports
For Ifeoma Uzo, a Lagos Island resident, it started with a persistent cough. Weeks later, she was grappling with difficulty breathing and recurring headaches.
“I thought it was just stress or the weather; I never imagined the mould on my bedroom walls could be the cause,” she relayed.
In a similar view, an actress, Teniola Aladese, narrates her ordeal in a two-part YouTube series titled, “How my apartment almost killed me.”
After leaving home for a movie shoot, she returned to discover that her house had been flooded. Shortly after, she found herself in and out of the hospital due to recurring illness.
According to her, the symptoms, like sore throat, fatigue, and headaches, would ease whenever she left the house but returned almost immediately once she stepped back inside.
She narrated, “During this time, my dad was extremely concerned, especially during the last admission. Back in the day, they’d have to force me to go to the hospital. Now, I just carry myself there. That’s adulthood for you. This time, it wasn’t even my mom that came to the hospital; it was my dad. He came and sat in front of me while I lay in bed with the drip. He was so concerned. He looked at me and asked in Ondo, then repeated in English, ‘Are you sure there’s nobody you’ve offended at work?’ I was like, ‘No, I don’t think so. I think people like working with me. I don’t fight or bring drama. But the question lingered. Was this a spiritual attack? Everyone was clearly worried. I didn’t think I’d offended anyone, but even I started wondering. Eventually, I went to see the ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat; it’s a medical speciality also known as otolaryngology). The consultation couldn’t have lasted more than nine minutes. I had written down everything and asked if he’d prefer, I read it or hand it over. He said I should read it. After listening, he glanced at my throat and asked if I’d been in a damp area recently. I said yes; during my illness, I wasn’t staying in my own apartment. I was in the hospital and then at my parents’ house. But when I finally returned home, I discovered that my apartment had flooded. He said, ‘That’s most probably the issue.’
“I was stunned. This man prescribed allergy pills and told me to stay away from my apartment for four days. That was it. I left his office thinking he was full of shit. Like, how can that be the solution after all I’ve been through? I got home, still running a temperature. I gargled with salt water; still no difference. But then I took one of the pills, and within minutes, I felt relief. That’s when I started thinking, maybe he knows what he’s saying after all. I moved in temporarily with my friend’s place. God bless them. They insisted I come over. I felt better there, still weak, but better. That’s when I started Googling – mould toxicity, TikToks, YouTube videos, articles, everything lined up.
“Hair loss, headaches, unexplained illnesses, I saw stories of people whose homes were hiding mould behind floorboards, people who had to abandon everything, books, clothes, couches, everything, because mould spores seep into everything. They couldn’t take anything with them. And that was precisely what was happening to me. My immune system was already compromised from the tetanus and antibiotics. So, I became highly susceptible. And suddenly, everything made sense. I was grateful that my lease was almost up. I wasn’t planning to move, but after this, I told the house manager I was not renewing.
“I tried to go back and pack; I wore a mask and stayed ten minutes. My head started pounding, my temperature spiked, and my body was shutting down, even with the mask on. I called my mom. Told her I couldn’t do it. She sent her driver and housekeeper; they packed everything for me. However, I couldn’t even keep all my things; I didn’t want to gift my problem to someone else. One thing I kept, a painting I had been working on, I moved into my new apartment. During the period when my dad passed, I was away from this house for about two weeks; I was in my family house. And when I got back, I realised that anytime I was on this couch, my temperature would start rising and I would have a headache. And I didn’t understand why. I was telling my siblings and my mom that I feel like there’s now mould in my present house. And I don’t know where it is. Like I was looking for it, but I don’t know where it is. At some point it got bad; like, within two weeks, I was just like, ‘What is going on?’ And I was searching; I was searching behind cupboards, behind my couch. I would search here. I would clean and clean until I looked at this painting. This painting was here. It was six by six feet. I looked at this painting that was on this wall. I stood up, lifted the painting from off the wall, and turned it around. If you see mould, God of mercy, behind the painting, it was bad. And in that moment, I was just like, no wonder I’ve been having a headache and my temperature would rise every time I’m just lying on this couch watching TV or reading a book or something, and in that moment, I threw out the painting.”
Across many Nigerian cities, a silent health crisis is growing within the walls of poorly maintained and structurally compromised homes.
Mould, often a green or black fungus that thrives in damp environments, is becoming a frequent companion in cracked, waterlogged, and poorly ventilated buildings, especially during the rainy season or after flooding. But beyond cosmetic concerns, experts warn that mould exposure can have grave consequences for occupants’ health.
Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments. Cracked walls, leaking roofs, damp ceilings, and flooding-prone areas provide the ideal conditions for its proliferation. When these spores become airborne, they are easily inhaled by occupants, leading to a variety of health issues.
According to a 2023 report by the Nigerian Environmental Society, over 62 per cent of households surveyed in urban slums across Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Onitsha showed visible signs of mould in at least one room, with 38 per cent reporting persistent respiratory symptoms among family members. The problem is particularly prevalent in areas with poor housing infrastructure and inadequate drainage.
The World Health Organisation notes that exposure to indoor dampness and mould increases the risk of respiratory symptoms by 30–50 per cent, particularly among children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Mould-related illnesses can range from nasal congestion and throat irritation to more severe conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, and fungal infections.
Children living in mould-infested homes are at higher risk of developing asthma. A 2022 study by the Nigerian Thoracic Society found a 44 per cent asthma prevalence among children aged 6–12 who were exposed to mould indoors, compared to 18 per cent in children living in dry, mould-free homes.
Despite these concerns, Nigeria lacks a national policy or building code standard addressing indoor air quality or mould remediation. Most landlords do not conduct preventive moisture inspections, and tenants have limited legal recourse when exposed to health hazards caused by mould.
According to Medical News Today, different types of moulds can grow in a person’s home.
It explained, “Mould can grow on walls, clothes, books, toys, and more. Mould can damage household items, and it may also cause health issues. Whether it is a cold, damp winter or a warm, humid summer, activities at home can result in moisture indoors and the appearance of mould in the house. This can affect a person’s health, including causing breathing problems, triggering allergies, and more.
“Moulds are a form of fungus. There are many different types, and they can occur both indoors and outdoors. Moulds produce spores, which spread by floating around in the air. Mould spores are present in all indoor environments. There is no way to completely prevent spores, and they can persist in conditions where mould itself cannot grow. Mould spores thrive in environments that are moist and warm. When they land on a damp spot, they begin to grow.
“Moulds can grow on a variety of different surfaces, including fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. As they grow, they may digest the material they are growing on. Moulds take a variety of forms and textures. They can be white, black, yellow, blue, or green. They may look like discolouration or stains on a surface.
Mould spores are everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, but they are not visible to the naked eye.
“Spores can enter the home either through the air or by attaching to objects or people. Mould will only flourish if spores land somewhere with the ideal conditions for growing, such as moisture and a supply of suitable nutrients. They can also have a velvety, fuzzy, or rough appearance, depending on the type of mould and where it is growing. Mould can pose a health problem, especially for people with an allergy, an existing respiratory problem, and a weakened immune system. A person with a sensitivity or allergy to any mould-related particles may react to the mould. Mould allergies can produce similar symptoms to other allergies, such as hay fever, or seasonal allergy. Symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, an itchy nose, an itchy throat, sneezing, and watery eyes. Mould can trigger the production of microbes and bacteria. Exposure to these bacteria may trigger an inflammatory response in some people.”
The report noted that controlling moisture is the key to preventing mould from growing indoors. It is also important to keep the home clean and well ventilated to reduce humidity.
The Environmental Protection Agency advises people to aim for a humidity level of below 60 per cent.
It advised, “Individuals can reduce the risk of moisture buildup and mould growth in their homes by taking proactive steps such as addressing leaks or spillages immediately and improving air circulation. This includes opening windows when possible, using extractor fans while cooking, and deploying dehumidifiers in high-moisture areas. Households are also advised to avoid moisture-generating activities like indoor clothes drying and the use of kerosene heaters. Ensuring that fabrics are completely dry before storage and airing out rarely used closets and drawers can further help prevent dampness.
“Regular cleaning is crucial in preventing mould from taking hold on surfaces, dust, and hidden corners. Mould-killing products are especially useful in bathrooms, where humidity is typically high. Homeowners are also encouraged to avoid carpeting bathrooms and basements and to maintain key building components such as gutters, drains, and external walls to limit the chances of moisture intrusion. While it may not always be possible to prevent mould entirely, consistent cleaning and good ventilation can significantly reduce the likelihood of an outbreak.”
In December 2020, a two-year-old, Awaab Ishak, reportedly died after prolonged exposure to mould in his home.
He lived in a one-bedroom flat in Rochdale with his father, Faisal Abdullah, and Faisal’s wife, Aisha Amin.
Abdullah reported the mould to his housing association, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, in 2017 but was told to paint over it.
Awaab was taken to Rochdale Urgent Care Centre on December 19 that year with shortness of breath and died a few days later.
Speaking on the issue, a builder, Awolusi Femi, said hazards linked to Plaster of Paris installations often stem from poor materials usage.
He said, “It is also crucial to correct a common misconception: mould is not the disease itself; rather, it is a living organism that causes infections and allergic reactions when conditions are favourable, primarily when there is dampness. Therefore, tackling mould effectively requires more than just surface cleaning or repainting walls. The root cause, the dampness, must be identified and eliminated. The way forward begins with a thorough investigation to determine the specific source of dampness in the affected building. This could involve structural assessments by qualified professionals such as architects, civil engineers, or environmental health experts.
“Depending on the findings, solutions may include repairing leaks, improving drainage, adding damp-proof courses in foundations, enhancing ventilation, or replacing water-damaged materials with moisture-resistant alternatives. Preventing future outbreaks also demands good construction practices from the outset, including the use of proper waterproofing materials, detailed design specifications, and regular maintenance of mechanical and plumbing systems. Education of homeowners and tenants about early warning signs of dampness and the need for prompt action is also essential.”
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, the Chief Executive Officer of Space Button Architecture, Seyi Amusan, noted that it was always advised to engage seasoned professionals in the design and build sector as opposed to quacks because environmental design involves a lot of factors that affect the safety and total well-being of the inhabitants they are designed for.
He said, “Who would have thought that the seemingly insignificant eruption of moulds on wall surfaces could lead to a life-threatening situation as narrated by the lady who was a victim of this on Lagos Island? It would surprise you more that this issue could also be linked to some fundamental omissions during the design and implementation phase of work on site. The good news is that this can be avoided if handled by a skilled professional who is knowledgeable in the field.
“It’s first important to note that moulds are fungi that grow on surfaces prone to moisture. They are usually seen in the natural environment, but in a case where their proliferation begins indoors, it could potentially cause health and structural risks.”
Flood-prone homes vulnerable
Meanwhile, a quality, health, safety, environment, and sustainability professional, Hakeem Mukhtar, said mould infestation was an often-overlooked contributor to public health crises in homes, particularly in tropical regions like Nigeria, where high humidity, poor ventilation, and frequent rainfall create the perfect breeding ground for mould growth.
He explained, “Studies have shown that mould spores can cause a wide range of health problems ranging from nasal congestion, coughing, and skin irritation to severe respiratory issues such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. According to the World Health Organisation, 10–50 per cent of indoor environments in Europe, North America, Australia, India, and Africa are estimated to have conditions favourable for mould growth. In Nigeria, a 2021 study by the Nigerian Journal of Environmental Health Research found visible mould in 68 per cent of surveyed homes in low-income urban areas, with a direct correlation to increased reports of respiratory illness among children.”
According to him, compounding the issue are the poor maintenance culture in many Nigerian homes, substandard building materials, and a lack of adequate drainage and ventilation systems.
He added, “Homes affected by flooding are common in cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Benin-City, which are especially vulnerable. Once water seeps into walls and ceilings, mould can develop within 24 to 48 hours, remaining hidden behind furniture or under carpets while continuing to release spores.
“The way forward is multifaceted: public awareness campaigns should educate homeowners on signs of mould exposure and basic preventive measures like improving ventilation, fixing leaks promptly, and using dehumidifiers where feasible; urban planning authorities must enforce building codes that promote moisture-resistant designs, proper drainage systems, and adequate airflow; healthcare systems should incorporate indoor environmental assessments when diagnosing chronic respiratory illnesses; and government incentives for safe home renovations and mould remediation could drastically reduce long-term healthcare costs.
“Ultimately, combating mould is not merely about maintaining structural integrity. It’s a public health imperative that requires coordinated action from individuals, health authorities, and the built environment sector.”
Prioritise maintenance culture
According to Amusan, as a means of guarding against this kind of situation, there are a few things one could consider during the design and construction phase of a building.
He said, “The need for good architectural designs that take into cognisance the mechanical applications of the building, amongst others, such as the provision of ducts, is crucial. This would help easily service a faulty mechanical pipe quickly and easily without the difficulty of locating the source of water leakage and dampness of the wall, as in the case of conduit systems, because once these damp walls become exposed to sources of mould, the inevitable growth and spread begins.
“There is also a need for good specification writing for finishing walls & floors of especially water-prone areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, open roof decks, etc. This would include the water-resistant finishes with specified heights and sizes with possible sealants where applicable. This would help prevent the affected walls from retaining moisture that results in dampness, which breeds mould over time. The use of waterproof cement in some cases would also be useful.
“For areas that are naturally prone to water, it’s advised to include a damp-proof course within the structure of the foundation. This would help prevent the walls from getting damp due to capillary movement, which encourages the fungi to thrive and sometimes weakens that part of the structure in the long run. Lastly, the easiest and most basic way to combat the possibility of these moulds potentially spreading is good hygiene. The need for routine and constant maintenance of the interior spaces cannot be overemphasised. This would help to quickly locate and prevent these unwanted moulds from thriving.”
