Your Home Shouldn’t Make You Sick

What happens when a child’s lungs become the canary in the housing crisis? In this powerful episode, Jenny is joined by Dr Abigail Whitehouse — a paediatric respiratory doctor and clinical academic who’s bridging research and real-life action. Abby co-leads the UK’s first Children’s Environmental Health Clinic and is on a mission to stop housing from making kids sick. 

Together, they explore: 

• Why mould, damp and overcrowding aren’t just housing issues — they shape a child’s lungs for life 

• How pollution-monitoring backpacks and home visits are changing NHS asthma care 

• The power of asking, “Can you heat your home?” in clinical settings 

• Misconceptions about indoor air pollution (yes, your toaster and candles count) 

• Why training future doctors to consider housing as a health determinant is urgent 

• The moral and economic case for putting children’s health at the centre of retrofit and asset decisions 

Abby says: “We don’t need more fancy medicine — we need fewer sick children.” 

 
And Jenny challenges: “Are we thinking enough about the families living in these homes?” 

Resources & Links: 

• RCPCH indoor air quality guidance 

Tune in, reflect, and share with colleagues who care about creating healthier homes and a healthier future.