A Scots family have been left fearing for the health of their son and premature baby after a chronic mould problem in their council flat has made their lives a 'nightmare'.
Jason Smart, 43, and his partner Linda Smart, 32, claim the long running issue has left mould to spread to their children's clothes, shoes and high chairs as well as bedding and furniture in the Falkirk property. It has also spread to their baby's cot.
The couple say their three-year-old son Kai has been in hospital countless times with chest infections and breathing difficulties, which they believe has been worsened by the living conditions.
Their premature daughter Kiera, who was born in August, also spent a night in hospital after being diagnosed with bronchiolitis at just four weeks old.
Dad-of-four Jason, who also lives with kids Alexander, 10, and Lily, 6, said he contacted Falkirk Council chiefs who sent out a contractor to assess the situation but nothing has been done. He claims the issue is having a detrimental impact on the whole family.
Jason said: "This is no way to live. I'm so worried about my children.
"Kai just finished antibiotics but he's still got a cough. He's had chest infections before. When our baby got bronchiolitis I really panicked.
"We noticed a change in her cry, it had become crackly when she was trying to breathe. The mould is affecting our health.
"I'm always picking up infections myself. And my wife is really struggling.
"She's been put on anti-depressants recently. We had four kids and I'm worrying about how this is affecting them. I feel like such a bad parent."
Jason, who suffers from asthma and scarring on his lungs due to recurring chest infections, claims he complained for months before the council sent out a specialist contractor in December. They suggested painting the walls with an anti-mould coating but Jason says he has already done this on numerous occasions.
The family are now having to throw out essential items that they can't afford to replace because they have been destroyed by the growing mould spores.
Pictures show mould covering the baby's cot and on their clothing, while spores can be seen growing inside the windows. Dirt and grime caused by the mould has started to decay wooden furniture, while curtains and other soft furnishings have also been spoiled.
He continued: "The mould started growing on our baby's cot. It's worse in our bedroom and she sleeps in there at night with us.
"We limit the time she spends in there.
"If I see a black spot on the wall I'll wipe it quickly but it just comes back and festers.
"I bought a brand new pair of Timberland boots that cost £100. I took them out from under the bed and there were mould spores all over them in the box.
"We're having to throw out clothes, shoes and furniture. Everything smells. We don't have a lot of money and can't replace the items quickly.
"We can't afford to move out but we can't live like this."
A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “Extensive preservation works were carried out at this property in 2019 to deal with condensation issues.
“Following contact from the tenant in November 2022, the property was surveyed by a specialist preservation contractor who determined the cause of dampness to be condensation. Works have been instructed to apply anti-condensation paint and install a new extractor fan to prevent and control further condensation issues.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
