?Household Hazards?: modelling, mapping, and investigating impacts of residential damp and mould on respiratory health in England and Wales

In England and Wales, a significant number of homes—about 3-6%—face severe issues with dampness and mould, affecting approximately 2 million people. These problems aren’t just cosmetic; they can lead to and worsen conditions such as asthma and allergies, making life difficult for those affected. However, we don’t have enough detailed information on which areas are most affected by damp and mould, making it difficult to tackle the problem effectively and improve public health. Therefore, this project will determine where damp and mould in housing is most prevalent across England and Wales and how this household hazard relates to lung health and emergency hospital visits. By analysing data from national housing surveys spanning the past decade, we will create a statistical model to pinpoint homes that are likely to have issues with damp, mould, or damp and mould. Then, we will map out these problem areas using information from 23 million households and track changes over time. We’ll also delve deeper into the connection between dampness, mould, and respiratory issues, focusing on asthma and allergies in children in Bradford and emergency department visits for asthma in London. This research will provide crucial insights into the health impacts of living in damp and mouldy homes, which will support the development of policies, interventions, and programmes aimed at making homes healthier to live in today and in the future.