Pioneering environmental health specialist Jeff Charlton will be a featured speaker at BSEM’s 2025 Training Day, themed Ecological Approaches to Healthy Homes, taking place this June.
With decades of experience and a deeply personal mission, Jeff will share his ground-breaking work on indoor air quality, the health risks of toxic mould, and ecological methods for transforming homes into healthier environments.
Jeff’s career began in the 1970s at St George’s Hospital, where he trained as a Technician in Medical Physics and Nuclear Medicine. He later brought his technical expertise to the British Army, setting the stage for an extensive international career in disaster recovery and environmental decontamination.
His work has included high-risk scenarios such as fire, flood, crime scenes, and chemical clean-ups — with operations spanning the UK, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. One of his most notable roles was overseeing the decontamination of the Emir’s Palace in Kuwait post-Gulf War. His techniques gained global recognition, and he was later invited to train contractors in the United States.
Back in the UK, Jeff founded Building Forensics and The British Damage Management Association, both of which have significantly influenced the field. His work has informed government policy and contributed to improved public health guidelines, including appearances before Parliament.
Yet his advocacy became even more personal after his daughter’s leukaemia diagnosis. Jeff discovered toxic mould in her flat, which he identified as a contributing factor in her illness — a revelation that spurred him to push for better detection and awareness.
In response, he launched Mould Lab, a service providing both professional testing and low-cost DIY kits for those unable to afford full remediation. His aim is to equip every household with the tools to detect hidden environmental threats before they impact health.
Despite institutional pushback — including a PACE interview — Jeff remains at the forefront of environmental health. He is a Founding Member of the International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness, a Chartered Institute of Environmental Health member, and co-author of several research publications.
His session at the BSEM Training Day will highlight the urgent need for a cross-disciplinary approach to home health — with practical guidance for clinicians, environmental consultants, and concerned homeowners alike.
