Health risks of damp and mould set out in new government guidance
Announced by health secretary Steve Barclay and housing secretary Michael Gove, the guidance forms the government’s response to a coroner’s findings into the 2020 death of a two-year-old boy, Awaab Ishak, due to mould in his home.
The coroner raised concerns that there was no up-to-date and easily accessible information for the private and social housing sectors on the health risks of damp and mould.
The new guidance, published on 7 September, states:
-
damp and mould mainly affects the airways and lungs, can also affect the eyes and skin
-
respiratory effects of damp and mould can cause serious illness and in severe cases, death
-
damp and mould can also affect tenants’ mental health
-
everyone is vulnerable to health risks but people with certain health conditions, children and older adults are at greater risk of more severe health impacts
-
landlords should not require medical evidence on tenants’ health before taking action
-
landlords should not blame tenants’ lifestyles for damp ad mould and should address poor ventilation and structural issues.
