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Inside Health

Mould and Indoor Air Pollution: How Concerned Should You Be?

Jan 27, 2025
Alastair Lewis, a Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry at the University of York, shares expertise on improving indoor air quality. He discusses the serious health risks posed by mould, particularly for children with asthma. The conversation highlights a study by Imperial College examining indoor pollutants and the urgent need for effective mould management in homes. Alastair also emphasizes the importance of ventilation and the potential shift to electric cooking in reducing harmful emissions. Practical tips for maintaining cleaner air are provided throughout the discussion.
28:45

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Mould exposure significantly worsens respiratory issues for families, particularly among children with asthma, highlighting the urgent need for better housing standards.
  • Indoor air pollution arises from various sources, including cooking practices and household products, underscoring the importance of improving ventilation and overall air quality.

Deep dives

Impact of Mould on Health

Mould in homes poses significant health risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma. In the podcast, a mother named Roxanne shares her experience living in a damp home where three of her five family members have asthma. She notes that exposure to mould has likely exacerbated her children's respiratory issues, particularly during the winter months when symptoms typically worsen. The tragic case of a two-year-old boy, who died due to mould exposure, highlights the serious dangers of inadequate housing and underscores the need for urgent action to address such health hazards.

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