Dampness and mold in the home and depression: an examination of mold-related illness and perceived control of one’s home as possible depression pathways

Using survey data from 8 European cities the authors evaluated the association between residence in a damp and moldy dwelling and the risk of depression and investigated whether depression was mediated by perception of control over one’s home or mold-related physical illness. Dampness and mold were associated with depression, independent of individual and housing characteristics. This association was independently mediated by perception of control over one’s home and by physical health. Journal of Public Health 2007;97:1893-9.