A unique event providing a 360° view on damp and mould in homes will see health and property professionals come together for the first time to address the impacts of substandard housing.
The Property Care Association (PCA) has teamed up with the British Thoracic Society (BTS) to deliver a free one-hour webinar aimed at professionals working in health, housing management and property care.
The webinar will introduce research which demonstrates the main health impacts of living with damp and mould and features expert speakers from the BTS and PCA.
Attendees to the online event will also have the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session hosted by PCA CEO Sarah Garry, who will Chair the webinar.
She said: “According to government figures[1], around 2 million people in England are currently living in homes with significant damp and/or mould.
“By combining expertise from both a health and property management perspective, we aim to help professionals deliver better support, advice and outcomes for people across the UK who are affected.
“The aim of this webinar is to provide valuable insights and information for anyone who is keen to understand how they can help people living with damp and mould.”
Dr Laura-Jane Smith, BTS Sustainability Trustee and a Consultant Respiratory Physician at King’s College Hospital, will give a presentation on the evidence of harm seen by GPs and thoracic consultants as well as outlining how health impacts could be treated, with clear referencing to peer-reviewed articles and research.
Dr Smith said: “As a Consultant, my clinical interests include airways disease, integrated care, lung cancer and breathlessness and I am an active campaigner with MedAct on air pollution, housing and climate justice.
“My talk focus on how health impacts could be treated and highlight the questions to ask patients presenting with specific symptoms which could indicate an environmental problem.”
James Berry, Deputy CEO at the PCA, will focus on the UK regulation that exists and what this means for social and private tenants. He will also set out what to do if damp or mould is present in a home, when to raise concerns and who to contact for further advice.
He said: “The Social Housing (Regulation Act (2023): Awaab’s Law and the Renters Rights Bill are among the recent changes in regulation that affect social and private tenants and landlords.
“By understanding the regulations relating to housing standards, people can act – and know where to seek support - if condensation, damp or mould is found in a property.”
The free Health Risks of Damp and Mould webinar takes place on Wednesday 22 January at 12.30pm. To register, visit; https://www.property-care.org/PCA-Webinars
