Health affected by ‘damp’ woman says

Melanie Kirkpatrick, who lives in Drumbo, has Crohn’s Disease and says the damp conditions she lives with are worsening her condition.

“I was told in February that I need an operation. I’m on the waiting list at the moment. Living with damp is not helping my health. I have arthritis with the Crohn’s and when the room is cold and damp my arthritis gets worse.”

Melanie and her husband, who has taken asthma as a result of the damp conditions, have lived in the house at Titterington Gardens for just over two years. They have had problems with damp since they moved in and have been in contact constantly with the Housing Executive throughout that time.

“There is damp in the bedroom and around the front door, mushrooms actually started growing around the door. The wallpaper is falling off, my bed and clothes are also damp.

“They keep saying it is condensation, keep the window open, the vents open, I’ve done all that. I have OCD and this has made it worse. I’ve washed it with two parts bleach, one part water, like they said, it’s just not going away.

“I feel that the way the Housing Executive have treated me and the stress they have caused is disgusting,” Melanie concluded.

Speaking about the situation, a Housing Executive spokesperson said: “There has been a recent report which indicates that the problem at this property is condensation. However, arrangements have been made for a further inspection by a maintenance officer.

“Housing Executive staff are available to advise on how to alleviate and resolve condensation issues. Ventilation is the key to reducing condensation. You must ensure your home is adequately ventilated.

• Good ventilation of kitchens when cooking, washing or drying clothes is essential. If there is an extraction fan, use it. 

• When in use, keep the bathroom window open and shut the door for long enough to dry off the room.

• Too much ventilation in cold weather is uncomfortable and wastes heat. All that is needed is a slightly opened window.

• If washing is put to dry in a bathroom or kitchen, open the window or turn on the extractor fan to ventilate the room.

• Try to ensure that all rooms are at least partially heated. It is always better to have a small amount of heat for a long period than a lot of heat for a short time.

• Houses and flats left unheated during the day become cold. Whenever possible, keep some heating on, even if at a low level.

“The effects of condensation are unpleasant, but follow some or all of the above suggestions and it can be gone.”