Housing Health and Safety Rating System

1. Damp and Mould Growth

Dust mites and the presence of mould or fungus can lead to a range of health threats commonly associated with damp, humid and mouldy conditions.
Issues include the triggering of various allergies, asthma and the various effects of mould and fungal infection toxins.

2. Excess Cold

Cold temperatures indoors can be just as damaging as cold temperatures outdoors. A healthy indoor temperature is 18-21°C.
Respiratory conditions such as flu, pneumonia and bronchitis can be caused or aggravated by cold temperatures, and they can also increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions like strokes and heart attacks

3. Excess Heat 

High indoor temperatures with no regulation measures can be highly damaging. They can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, cardiovascular and respiratory issues.

4. Asbestos and Manufactured Mineral Fibres

Asbestos and Manufactured Mineral Fibres, which were formerly used to insulate buildings, are notorious factors in the development of respiratory problems.
Asbestos can cause significant damage to lungs, including lung cancer, while MMF can cause damage to skin, eyes and lungs.

5. Biocides

Some chemicals which are used to treat timber and mould growth can cause significant issues to building occupants’ health.
There is a risk from breathing the chemicals in, any contact they might have with bare skin and swallowing of the chemical.
6. Carbon Monoxide and Fuel Combustion Products

Faulty boilers, among other things, can lead to excess levels of carbon monoxide in a property along with nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and smoke.
Excess amounts of the above gases can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, disorientation, unconsciousness, breathing problems and death.

7. Lead

Lead ingestion from paint, water pipes, soil and fumes from leaded petrol can cause lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning can cause nervous disorders, mental health issues, infertility, blood production issues and death.

8. Radiation

Radon gas, which comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, can enter a home through a basement or cellar floor in an airborne state, but also dissolved in water.
Exposure to radon daughters has been linked to the development of lung cancer
9. Uncombusted Fuel Gas

Fuel gas escaping into the atmosphere within a property displaces the oxygen in the air and makes it difficult to breathe.
It can lead to suffocation, unconsciousness, brain damage and death.

10. Volatile Organic Compounds

A diverse group of organic chemicals, including formaldehyde, that are gaseous at room temperature and can be found in a wide variety of materials in the home, can present a health threat.
Health issues they cause include aggravation of allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and skin, headaches, nausea, dizziness and drowsiness.

11. Crowding and space

There are many hazards associated with the lack of space needed for normal living, sleeping and general household life.
A lack of space can cause psychological distress and mental disorders in addition to increased risk of hygiene issues, accidents and personal space and compromised privacy

12. Entry by Intruders

A property must be kept secure against unauthorised entry in terms of entry and exit points.
Associated hazards here include fear of burglary occurring, stress and anguish caused by burglary and any injuries caused by an intruder.

13. Lighting

Inadequate natural or artificial light can cause physical and psychological harm.
Physical issues include eyestrain; mental problems can include depression due to a lack of natural light.

14. Noise

Exposure to noise within the property can cause physical and psychological damage.
Issues include problems resulting from a lack of sleep, poor concentration, headaches and general anxiety.

15. Domestic hygiene, pests and reuse

Health hazards here relate to poor design and layout which make it hard to keep a property clean and hygienic, therefore attracting pests, and inadequate and unhygienic provision for storing household waste. Potential health issues include stomach and intestinal disease, infection, asthma, allergies, disease from rats and physical hazards.