Boston City Council Order to hold hearing on Mold in Schools

[Guest guest]

Subj: Boston City Council Order to hold hearing on Mold in Schools

Date: 10/09/2002 12:05:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time

From: MLMJ75

amc@...

City of Boston

In City Council

October 9, 2002

ORDER OF COUNCILLOR CHARLES C. YANCEY

Concerning the Presence of Mold in some Boston Public Schools

WHEREAS: A recent article in the October 7, 2002 issue of the Boston Herald newspaper discussed the problem(s) of chronic mold present in some rundown Boston public school buildings; and

WHEREAS: Parents and teachers alike have complained about this problem, which is clearly visible in a number of schools, by bringing it to the attention of school officials and administrators, some of whom insist there is no serious problem caused by mold; and

WHEREAS: One school teacher suffered for four years with sinus, throat, respiratory infections and loss of hair until she took a sample swatch of material from her classroom closet, had it analyzed where it tested positive for a mold that can be toxic; and

WHEREAS: School administrators have stated that when the problem is visibly identified by their three member team of roving inspectors, the mold is quickly removed; and

WHEREAS: The mold aggravates some people causing numerous nasal-like symptoms, and can cause severe and chronic illness to those most susceptible such as eye irritation, coughing, respiratory problems, memory impairment and exacerbates conditions such as asthma, hay fever and other allergies; and

WHEREAS: According to the Boston Herald, the school department has stated that it does not have the manpower to inspect all of its 125 schools and only respond to complaints and make routine visits to non-ventilated schools. In the last year, only 55 schools have been visited; Be It Therefore

ORDERED: That the appropriate committee of the Boston City Council convene a hearing to discuss the public health concerns caused by the presence of mold within Boston Public School buildings; and Be It Further

ORDERED: That appropriate designees from the Boston School Department, Boston Public Health Commission, the Inspectional Services Department and the general public be invited to testify.