Man issues warning over household mould after he is hit by deadly fungal lung disease
A man is worried his home might kill him after claiming black mould in the property hit him with a deadly fungal lung disease.
Matthew Langsworth moved into his social housing flat in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, in March 2010. Three years later, he started noticing black mould in the flat.
The 32-year-old says he flagged the issue with his landlord but claims the mould was simply 'redecorated over' and not properly removed.
He now claims doctors have confirmed he has fungal aspergillosis but they fear it could have developed into invasive aspergillosis - a life-threatening fungal infection where mould spreads from the lungs to the blood - and he is now so breathless he can barely walk to the shops.
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Matthew said: "My life has just been physically, mentally and financially ruined by this ordeal. I'd describe it as the worst experience of my life. I'd describe it as hell on earth.
"In 2013 I first noticed it and they did a batch of works which obviously did not eradicate it. I've had continuous intestinal problems and skin conditions. I've now been told by a doctor everything I've experienced over the last 10 years is all mould related."
He estimates that around 75 percent of the flat has mould on it, including on door frames, inside the plasterboard and on his bedroom walls.
Social housing provider Stonewater claimed that they replaced the 'entirety of his bathroom and kitchen' following a leak in 2023 and more recently installed new flooring.
Matthew was removed from his flat for three months due to these leaks and black mould while work was done.
But within two weeks of returning, he suffered a collapsed lung due to pneumonia and spent five days in hospital. He later went into septic shock.
"I'm 32 years old, that definitely shouldn't be happening," he said. "I returned to the property. Within three hours, I was with my friend, my breathing got really bad so she called 999.
"Within a minute or two of being in hospital I collapsed. I woke up surrounded by doctors and nurses. The doctors were wiping tears from my eyes because I thought I was going to die."
But, while Matthew claims doctors have said that his health problems have been caused by mould exposure, the council deem his flat 'fit for living,' meaning he has to choose between staying there or becoming homeless.
He is now alternating between staying with a friend and at his flat so he can take care of his four-year-old cat, Gizmo.
Matthew said: "The local authority's position is that because it's deemed as suitable housing there's nothing they can do. They're now investigating all of that.
"They've declared the property fit for living which means I'm not eligible for re-housing. If I leave the property I make myself intentionally homeless. So [my choice is] die, or be homeless."
He believes the treatment he has received is 'unforgivable' and has criticised the social housing system, which he said is meant to protect society's 'most vulnerable.'
A spokesperson for Stonewater said: "We have worked incredibly hard since Mr Langsford first reported a minor leak in his home back in 2023 to ensure that the water damage that did occur has been completely rectified. This work has included replacing in their entirety both his kitchen and bathroom and more recently installing new flooring throughout.
"Mr Langsford remains concerned that his home is affected by damp and mould and that this is affecting his health. We visited the flat as recently as 2nd December 2024 to complete a further damp and mould survey.
"The surveyor didn't identify any structural defects in Mr Langford's home, but mould was present on the shower curtain, the bathroom sink waste overflow and in the washing machine powder drawer. We also found that the extractor fan in the bathroom, although not reported to us previously, wasn't working.
"Mr Langsford is currently pursuing both a Housing Disrepair and Personal Injury Claim against Stonewater following a court ruling to dismiss previous injunctions sought by him. We will of course continue to work with Mr Langsford to complete any further repairs that may be needed and continue to provide further reassure that his home is free from damp and mould."
A Warwick District Council spokesperson said: "Warwick District Council is aware of Mr Langsford's case and is working alongside his landlord to fully investigate the serious issues that have been raised."
Matthew has created a GoFundMe page and hopes to raise enough money to cover his mounting medical expenses and to replace the plaster boards in his home.
Bec Oakes