Mum's Horror After Son Hospitalised by Mould

Millions of UK residents are living in homes with damp and mould, leading to significant health problems. Colleen Curran’s son, Jonjo, was hospitalised with pneumonia and required oxygen for five days, a condition doctors linked to the severe damp and mould in their Birmingham council house.

This situation has amplified calls for treating unfit housing as a public health crisis. A report revealed that 15 million people in the UK, including an estimated six million families and three million children, live in homes with issues like damp, mould, or cold.

The Health Equals campaign is at the forefront of advocating for better living conditions, supported by figures like Homes Under the Hammer presenter Martin Roberts. The campaign highlights that these conditions worsen chronic illnesses and impact mental well-being.

Awab’s Law, introduced in 2023 after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from mould exposure in 2020, mandates social landlords to address damp and mould issues promptly. Despite such measures, unfit living conditions remain prevalent, particularly affecting low-income households and renters.

Birmingham City Council stated they are investing significantly in council homes and arranging an inspection for Ms. Curran’s property. However, the ongoing issues of fuel poverty and deteriorating housing stock in areas like the West Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber underscore the urgent need for systemic change to ensure safe and healthy homes for all.