A coroner has determined that a baby who resided in a mold-infested housing association flat in north London died from causes unrelated to his living conditions.
Akram Mohammed passed away in February at just 15 weeks old, with his parents believing that the damp environment in their Camden residence was a contributing factor.
Earlier this year, the tragic death of the infant led to significant protests directed at the housing association Notting Hill Genesis, highlighting concerns over the condition of the family’s home and the lack of appropriate response to the issue.
Senior coroner Mary Hassell recognized that their living space was damp and affected by mold; however, she concluded that Akram’s actual causes of death were Group B Streptococcus (Strep B), pneumonia, and a Vitamin D deficiency.
During the coroner’s court proceedings at St Pancras last week, a pathologist revealed that the fungal infections discovered in Akram’s lungs were not consistent with the type of mold present in his home.
The court also heard that Akram’s mother, Aiat Mohammed, had contracted Group B Streptococcus prior to his birth; because the infection was not treated, it was transmitted to him. This bacterial infection impacts approximately 500 newborns annually.
After the court session on Monday, Akram’s father Abdushafi told the BBC that he accepted the coroner’s conclusions.