FAMILIES living in run-down housing in the North-East are having their health put at risk, according to a study published today.

The Shelter report reveals that, after homelessness and the threat of eviction, health problems have been the biggest cause of calls to its housing helpline Shelterline during the three years since it was launched.

The report, Home Sick: Shelter and Bradford and Bingley's Campaign for Healthy Homes, reveals that over 125,000 households in the North-East are living in poor housing - amounting to 12 per cent of the population.

Latest official statistics show that 9,250 households were found to be homeless by their local authority during the year to September 2001.

And there were more than 1,550 households living in temporary accommodation in the region - an increase of 16.5 per cent on the previous year.

Shelter director Chris Holmes said: "Most people's homes provide them with somewhere warm, comfortable and safe to live.

"But for others it can be a nightmare from the moment they wake up to the day's end.

"Damp, run-down housing is causing misery for thousands of people."

Shelter has found that damp, mouldy and overcrowded homes are linked to health problems, which range from gastro-enteritis and skin disorders to chronic asthma.

Anyone suffering from housing problems is urged to call Shelterline on freephone 0808 800 4444 for help and advice.