What is the state of housing for paediatric respiratory patients attending clinic?

Health effects of exposure to air pollution and mould within the home are well known [1], especially in vulnerable groups such as children and those with chronic medical conditions. In the UK we spend 80-90% of our time indoors [2]. However, many families presenting to medical appointments report continuing to live in poor housing conditions including the presence of mould, with limited scope for improvement despite their own attempts to fix the problems. For this study, we reviewed the housing conditions described by families attending the Barts Health Children’s Environmental Health Clinic. Children aged 3-17 with chronic respiratory disease are referred to the clinic from across East London. Behavioural and demographic environmental data are collected in the clinic interview process and via an environmental health questionnaire. Data collected from the initial 27 clinic patients showed 70% live in council owned properties and 59% live within 2 minutes’ walk of a busy road. 100% of families were concerned about air pollution at home, 74% reported mould in the home and 22% were using a purifier or dehumidifier aiming to improve air quality. Many patients who attend the clinic have concerns regarding mould in the home and exposure to air pollution. Given the known adverse health effects associated with exposure to these pollutants, more needs to be done to identify cases where there is risk to health based on the home environment, both via specialised environmental health clinics and in primary and secondary care settings. Housing providers must ensure homes are safe for occupation and prompt action is taken to resolve issues. Families should be empowered to advocate for a healthy home environment.