Experts say Awaab Ishak's mould-hit home should have had better ventilation - with a surveyor telling his inquest the flat was 'unfit for human habitation' without repairs. The toddler died aged two on December 21, 2020, with mould given as the 'most plausible, or only explanation' for the fatal breathing conditions that led to his death, Rochdale Coroners Court had previously heard.
This morning (November 10), the court heard evidence from two experts who visited the property on Rochdale's Freehold estate - owned and managed by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) - before and after Awaab's death. Daniel McVey, building surveyor at Rochdale Council, carried out an inspection at the property on December 23, 2020, on the request of Greater Manchester Police.
The court heard that Mr McVey recommended a 'suitable fan' was installed in both the bathroom and kitchen, as well as a 'positive ventilation unit' for the property that would be 'more effective than a stand alone fan'. He also recommended that repairs were carried out to the property, with mould found in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom cupboard.
