‘I considered putting my kid into care’: one London family’s fight against mould

Natasha La’Bow says she and her six-year-old son have faced serious health problems caused by mould and damp in their council flat

• Crack down on mouldy homes in England or more will die, warns doctors’ body

Plate-sized mushrooms have been sprouting from the living room wall in Natasha La’Bow’s council flat in Lewisham, south London. She and her son have lived with mould for years but the problem is getting worse. One day last week, she stood in the damp-reeking room and wept. “I have considered putting my kid into care but I just can’t,” she said as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Her six-year-old son has recently been diagnosed with breathing difficulties and prescribed inhalers. He runs around in a superhero costume but she will not let him in the living room without a surgical mask.