A lung health charity is urging political parties in Wales to act quickly on poor housing conditions following manifesto commitments to tackle cold and damp homes.

Asthma + Lung UK Cymru is calling for a strong cross-party agreement after the election to ensure new laws are introduced without delay to improve housing standards.

Cold and damp homes can have serious health impacts, particularly for people with respiratory conditions. They can worsen symptoms for those living with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), increasing the risk of attacks and flare-ups. Research shows prolonged mould exposure can trigger asthma - especially in children - and cause conditions like aspergillosis.

The charity is urging the next Welsh Government to take decisive action by learning from Awaab’s Law, which sets strict deadlines in England for dealing with hazards like damp and mould in social housing.

It is also calling for expanded warm homes schemes, including better insulation, ventilation and the prioritisation of heating such as air source heat pumps, alongside legislation to ensure social housing is free from damp and mould.

Survey data from the charity shows 33 per cent of people with lung conditions are triggered by mould, while nearly 17 per cent struggle to keep their homes warm.

Bec Miller, Policy and Public Affairs Officer for Asthma + Lung UK Cymru, said: “As the election manifestos have been released, we are pleased to see the majority of parties in Wales make commitments to extend warm homes schemes and improve energy efficiency. Some have also said they will take steps to tackle damp and mould which are extremely dangerous to lung health.

“We are therefore looking forward to working with new MSs to ensure the swift introduction of new legislation, so everyone feels safe and warm in their homes and are not left fighting for breath.”