Jeff Charlton, founder and Technical Director of Building Forensics and widely regarded as the UK’s leading expert on mould and building-related illness, is calling for an immediate reassessment of the government’s recently enacted Awaab’s Law.
Charlton argues that the legislation is “not fit for purpose” and warns that, without essential amendments, it risks exposing vulnerable tenants to further danger rather than offering protection.
Awaab’s Law was created following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale in 2020, whose fatal respiratory condition was directly linked to prolonged mould exposure in his family’s social housing. Despite repeated pleas from his parents, their landlord failed to take action—an oversight the new law seeks to prevent by obligating landlords to deal with damp and mould issues swiftly.
Charlton’s mission is rooted in personal experience. With over three decades in the field, his commitment intensified after discovering toxic mould in his own daughter’s flat during her battle with aggressive leukaemia—an environmental factor later identified as contributing to her illness. This discovery prompted him to dedicate his career to uncovering the health impacts of contaminated indoor environments.
“I have written this in respect of the mum and dad because if we don’t get this right, and we haven’t, this is going to cause more harm,” said Charlton.
“For the good of the country, I am making this available for free because this needs to be seen and understood. The law is a nonsense. That is why I have written my report, ‘The Failures within Awaab’s Law,’ which examines all the failures that are unfortunately present.
“There were at least 270 flaws identified during the inquest into Awaab’s death, yet these were used to create the law. It is not worth the paper it is written on, and I want to shine a light on this situation,” Charlton explained.
A free copy of Jeff Charlton’s detailed report, “The Failures within Awaab’s Law,” can be requested by emailing awaab@buildingforensics.co.uk.
