A TODDLER, who lived in a moldy flat, died shortly after his 2nd birthday. A coroner has ruled.
Moisture is a major cause of dampness and mold.
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Little Awaab Ishak had been living in a one-bedroom housing association flat in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, that was riddled with mould.
Faisal Abdullah, his parents, and Aisha aminin, his mother, had complained to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), but nothing was done.
A coroner ruled Awaab this week “died as a result of a severe respiratory condition caused due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home environment”.
Experts from Asthma and Lung UK warn that mold and damp can worsen in winter when temperatures drop.
They noted that cold and flu viruses can also thrive in colder temperatures and damp environments.
It is important to be aware of how mould can affect your child’s health, and the dangers that living in a mouldy home could pose.
These are the 3 ways it can be deadly:
- Can cause lung damage
- Triggers for asthma attacks
- Trigger allergies for those already suffering
- Mental health issues
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive officer at Asthma and Lung UK, explained: “Exposures to mould and damp can cause symptoms like wheezing, coughing, 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, children under five years old, people with allergies, and those who are older than 50 are at greater risk.
“There is a link between poor housing and asthma, because of things like mould and damp.”
Also, there is evidence that mold exposure can cause rare conditions like hypersensitivity pneumonitis (also known as allergic alveolitis), chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic fungal sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic nysinusitis, chronic bronchitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis).
A 2016 study in the journal Integr MedAccording to the study, mould can cause respiratory problems and there are also problems related to increased exposure to dust mites.
Another paper Published in 2012Research showed that asthma in children under seven years of age was more likely to develop from mould exposure.
These are the top 5 ways to prevent dampness and mold at home
Asthma UK knows that mould can worsen or trigger asthma symptoms in sufferers.
They are willing to share theirTop five tipsto start combating mould in your home today:
1. Allow air to circulate by opening windows and doors. High pollen and pollution days can be triggers.
2. Do not dry clothes indoors. If there is no other place to dry them, you should open a window.
3. You can use extractor fans in your kitchen and bathroom, or you can open a window while cooking or after taking 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. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Jeroeon Dowes, professor of public-health at Massey University previously wrote inThe Conversation: “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 also 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 stated that these conditions could be worsened by living in a cold, damp place or stressing about not being able pay for essential living costs.
GET HELP
Rules came into effect in 2020 which should help tenants battling for better living conditions.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act was enacted in March 2020. It requires landlords to ensure that their properties meet certain standards.
This means that renters in England or Wales can now sue their landlords for problems such as cold and damp homes.
Shelter, a housing charity, recommends that you check your tenancy agreement if there is a mold problem. This will allow you to know how to report it to your landlord. Dr Ward says: “Keep records and evidence of the repair problem. These records can help you determine if further action is necessary.
“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.
“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.”