Health Equals has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of people across the UK living in homes that could be making them ill.
The initiative outlines one in four people live in properties affected by mould, damp or cold. In response, Health Equals has unveiled what it calls an ‘absurd solution’ – Hazmat Loungewear.
Though the solution is deemed ‘absurd’, the charity’s latest survey findings reveals a stark reality. Data shows 28% of UK residents live in homes affected by damp, mould, or cold, with the figure rising to 42% in the West Midlands.
Low-income households were also discovered to be twice as likely to experience damp or mould, and four times more likely to live in cold homes compared with wealthier households.
Such conditions can lead to a range of health issues, including asthma, cardiovascular problems and poor mental health. Nearly half of those affected said someone in their household had suffered symptoms linked to these conditions, with 61% needing medical treatment.
Renters, social housing tenants and families with children are among the worst affected, with 21% of private renters, 23% of social housing tenants and 47% of impacted homes including children.
To launch the campaign, Health Equals took over a retail space in London, joined by television presenter and property expert Martin Roberts, and social housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa, who both supported the call for action. The video can be accessed below.
Roberts said: ‘One in four Brits are living in homes that could actually make them ill. Lives are being cut short by up to 16 years, and cold, damp, and mouldy homes are part of the problem.
‘So that’s why Health Equals have created this alarming hazmat loungewear display. It’s shocking, but the issue is so important and extremely distressing.
‘You think this is over the top, but actually mould and the kind of spores that mold creates is actually a health hazard.’
Tweneboa added: ‘The reality is for families living in mouldy homes up and down the country is that they don’t have the protection they so desperately need.
‘I speak to families living in damp and moldy homes on a daily basis. I see the impact it has on their mental health and physical health and quite frankly it’s unacceptable and more needs to be done.’
Dr Andy Whittamore, a practising GP and Clinical Lead at Asthma + Lung UK, and a member of Health Equals, said: ‘No one should have to live in a home that harms their health, yet as this new research shows, that is the reality for millions of people in the UK.
‘It’s high time for urgent government action to protect the health of the most vulnerable people in our society, ensuring everyone can stay warm and well at home.’
Image: Health Equals
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