The 4 ways black mould can harm your child’s health after boy, 2, dies in infested flat
A TODDLER died shortly after his second birthday due to living in a mould-infested flat, a coroner has ruled.
Little Awaab Ishak died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by the black mould in the one-bedroom housing association flat where he lived in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.
His parents Faisal Abdullah and Aisha Aminin had previously complained to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) but no action was ever taken.
A coroner this week ruled Awaab "died as a result of a severe respiratory condition caused due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home environment".
Senior coroner Joanne Kearsley said his death should be a "defining moment" for the housing sector.
It comes as experts at leading charity warn that mould and damp problems get worse as temperatures drop - amid fears the cost of living crisis could result in more families being affected.
Read more on mould risks
They added that cold and flu viruses, which can cause respiratory infections, can also thrive in colder temperatures and poorly ventilated, damp environments.
But, how can the black mould that you might spot on your walls, affect your health - and that of your family?
Asthma and Lung UK say mould in your home...
- Can damage the lungs
- Trigger asthma attacks
- Trigger allergies in those who already suffer
- Exacerbate or cause mental health issues.
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Sarah Woolnough, chief executive at Asthma and Lung UK said: "Exposure to mould and damp can be very harmful to our lungs as mould releases spores that can be breathed in, causing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, sneezing or watery eyes.
“Mould and fungi are a major trigger for asthma attacks and can worsen symptoms for those with other lung conditions, leave them fighting for breath. Babies, small children, older people and people with allergies are more likely to be affected.
“There is a link between poor housing and asthma, because of things like mould and damp."
There is also evidence to suggest mould exposure can lead to rare conditions including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic alveolitis, chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic fungal sinusitis.
A study published in 2016 in the journal , found that not only does mould cause respiratory issues, but that there were also problems linked to an increased risk of dust mites.
Another paper, found that young children exposed to mould in the home had an increased risk of developing asthma by the age of seven.
5 top tips to prevent damp and mould at home
Asthma and Lung UK are aware that mould can exacerbate or trigger asthma symptoms in those with the condition.
They give their to start combating mould in your home today:
1. Open windows and doors so air can move around. But be cautious on high pollen or pollution days if these are triggers for you.
2. Try to avoid drying clothes indoors. If you have nowhere else to dry them, open a window if you can.
3. Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom or open a window when cooking or after a shower.
4. Close the door of the room you’re in if you’re cooking or showering to prevent condensation in other rooms
5. Try to keep your home at a good background temperature so it never gets too cold at least 15 degrees in all rooms.
Jeroeon Douwes, a professor of public health at Massey University, previously wrote in : “Prolonged exposure to high levels of indoor dampness can reduce lung function and cause chronic health problems such as asthma.
“Those who already suffer from asthma and allergies are more likely to have more severe symptoms when exposed.”
He added: “People who live in damp and mouldy homes are also at increased risk of depression.”
GP Dr Rachel Ward, who is based in Didcot, Oxfordshire, said people with underlying health conditions might struggle.
She said this is due to the fact that they could be made worse by living in a cold, damp house or by the stress of not being able to pay essential living costs.
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Rules came into effect in 2020 which should help tenants battling for better living conditions.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act came into force in March 2020 and means landlords must make sure their properties meet certain standards.
It means renters in England and Wales can now take their landlords to court over problems including cold and damp homes.
If you have a mould problem, housing charity Shelter advises checking your tenancy agreement to find out how to report repairs to your landlord or letting agent. Dr Ward says: “Keep records and evidence of the repair problem. This can help if you need to take further action.
“Proof can include photos and any damage to your belongings, emails, texts, letters to and from your landlord, and doctors’ notes if your health is affected.
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“Your landlord must make sure your home is fit to live in. Some local authorities are asking medical teams to refer patients if their house could affect their health due to the cold and damp.”
“If you have heart or lung disease, make sure you are accessing all the support you can this winter. If you do become unwell, get prompt advice from your GP or 111.”