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 damp in houses are worse when temperatures drop in the winter, and cold and flu viruses, which can cause respiratory infections, can also thrive in colder temperatures and poorly ventilated, damp environments.
There are three main causes of damp and mould within homes, which are penetrating damp, rising damp and condensation.
“Asthma and Lung UK is warning people, particularly those with lung conditions, to be vigilant against mould and damp, including keeping your home well ventilated.”.
Under the legislation, landlords will have to investigate and fix dangerous damp and mould within a set period of time and repair any and all emergency hazards within 24 hours.
