Boy, two, was killed by mould in rented flat after his parents begged the landlords for help, inquest hears
- Awaab Ishak, two, died in December 2020 two days after visiting the hospital
- A coroner ruled that his death was related to chronic exposure to fungus
- His father told his housing association about the mould before his son’s death
A toddler’s death has been blamed on mould in his family’s rented flat.
The family of Awaab Ishak had pleaded with doctors and housing bosses for help with the problem because he had trouble breathing.
Just two days after being taken to hospital, the two-year-old’s condition worsened and he died four days before Christmas 2020.
Philip Lumb, who carried out a post-mortem examination, discovered ‘severe swelling’ of his airway and throat. Tests also found fungus in his blood, an inquest heard.
Awaab Ishak, 2, died just days before Christmas 2020 due to the mould in his family’s rented flat, a coroner said
Awaab had ‘severe swelling’ of his airway and throat. Tests also found fungus in his blood
The Home Office pathologist told Rochdale coroner’s court that exposure to fungus ‘appeared to be the most plausible explanation – or the only explanation’ for Awaab’s death – ‘therefore, it follows that the death was related to chronic exposure to fungus’.
Awaab lived in a block owned and managed by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing. His father, Faisal Abdullah, sent emails with photos showing the mould to the housing association before his son’s death.
But while repairs were carried out – including fixing a leak – the mould problem had not been resolved, he said.
Awaab was taken to Rochdale Urgent Care Centre on December 19, 2020, and transferred to Royal Oldham Hospital where he was treated for croup and discharged the following morning.
Faisal Abdullah, sent emails with photos showing the mould to the housing association before his son’s death
But on December 21, Awaab suffered cardiac arrest and died while being taken back to the hospital.
Professor Malcolm Richardson, a mycology expert who visited the flat ten days later, discovered fungal allergens in the air as well as mould on the ceiling and walls.
The housing ombudsman said landlords should face tougher laws on damp and mould. The hearing continues.
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