Jeff Charlton:
A Pioneer in Environmental Health
Jeff Charlton’s mission to protect people from hidden dangers in their homes was born from personal tragedy and fueled by decades of innovation and expertise.
His career began in the 1970s as a technician in medical physics, later applying his skills in the Army before moving into global environmental decontamination—from flood and fire restoration to chemical and biological cleanups. A breakthrough came in Kuwait, where he secured government contracts to decontaminate war-damaged buildings, earning recognition from the US Army Corps.
A remarkable centre piece fun article on Jeff in the 80s with his peculiar management skills.
This centre fold spread is on Jeffs earlier career and escapades cataloguing his rise- fall and resilience.
Back in the UK, Jeff founded The British Damage Management Association and Building Forensics, now a leading authority on mould and building-related illness. His work is recognised by medical professionals, industry bodies, and government, with invitations to present at the House of Commons and international conferences.
The true turning point came when Jeff’s daughter developed leukaemia linked to toxic mould in her home. This personal crisis deepened his resolve to bridge the gap between environmental hazards and health. His research revealed a national problem—families unknowingly living with mould-linked illnesses while medical understanding lagged.
Unfortunately, Jeff also developed CIRS mould illness and experienced the dreadful symptoms so many of his clients do. He found difficulty in walking, speaking and had several visits to the hospital for suspected heart attacks, stokes and brain bleeds even breast cancer, but all triggered by years of exposure and thankfully all misdiagnosed.
Brain and whole body inflamation shown in face and brain scan and a few years on.
Despite resistance, Jeff persisted, founding Mould Lab to make testing and solutions more accessible. His work has since garnered media attention and informed national discussions on housing and health. Jeff’s goal is clear: to make homes healthier and safer or everyone. Through education, innovation, and advocacy, he’s not just tackling mould—he’s leading a movement.
Jeff has earned numerous prestigious accolades, including Lifetime Achievement and Personality of the Year awards with the latter marking what many thought was the end of his career at 65. Yet, his proudest moment came at 76, receiving BBE’s Industry Impact award, proving his AI-driven success wasn’t a swansong but a bold restart.