Housing Conditions
Environmental Health Officers carry out inspections of houses at the request of the occupants, for problems that may have health implications.
Within your dwelling there are a number of factors that can impact on your health. Should the defects in your home be found to constitute a public health nuisance, the Department may serve a Public Health Abatement Notice. This is a legal Notice, which requires the occupier or landlord, to undertake structural improvements to the dwelling.
What sort of problems would impact on my health?
Wood rot and mould growth are linked to problems with health. These are caused by damp penetration, lack of ventilation or condensation.
Condensation
There is always some moisture in the air, although you cannot see it. If the air gets colder, it cannot retain the same amount of moisture, and tiny drops of water will appear. Condensation occurs mainly during cold weather. Condensation appears on cold surfaces and in places where there is little movement of air i.e. in corners, on or near windows, behind cupboards or wardrobes. It also often forms on North facing walls.
Top Tips to Avoiding Condensation
1. Produce less moisture:
• Dry washing outdoors
• Vent tumble dryer to outside
• Cover pans and do not leave kettle boiling
• Avoid using paraffin and portable gas heaters
2. Ventilation to remove moisture:
• Keep a small window open or trickle ventilator open
• Ventilate kitchen and bathrooms when in use
• Close bathroom and kitchen doors when these rooms are in use as this will prevent moisture reaching other rooms
• Ventilate cupboards and wardrobes
3. Insulate, draught-proof and heat your home:
• Insulate your loft
• Consider cavity wall insulation
• In cold weather, keep low background heating on all day, even when there is no one at home.
Dealing with Mould
• To kill and remove mould, wipe down walls and windows frames with a fungicidal wash, following the manufacturers instructions precisely.
• Do not disturb mould by brushing or vacuum cleaning, as this can increase the risk of respiratory problems.
• After treatment, re-decorate using fungicidal paint to help prevent mould recurring
