a public awareness campaign ...calling for a hearing on the ill effects of indoo

[Guest guest]

A look at mold

Councilor Maura A. Hennigan joined the U.S. House of Representatives as well

as various local and national organizations in a public awareness campaign

by calling for a hearing on the ill effects of indoor mold. Although indoor

mold is sometimes invisible to the naked eye, the potential health effects and

symptoms associated with mold exposures are very visible and include, but are

not limited to, allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.

The aim of Hennigan's order is to educate the public about the problem of

indoor mold and poor indoor air quality due to water intrusion in public and

private buildings in the city.

" Just because you don't see something doesn't mean its not there, " said

Hennigan during the hearing. " This is a serious public health risk, and I look

forward to continuing to raise awareness and educate the public by holding a

hearing and bringing in those who are knowledgeable on th issue. "

Hennigan's call for a hearing on the issue corresponds with legislation,

H.R. 1268, introduced by Congressman Conyers Jr. of Michigan, which is

being considered on the national level by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The

bill, otherwise known as the U.S. Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act or

" The Melina Bill, " would generate guidelines for preventing indoor mold growth;

establish standards for removing mold when it does grow; provide grants for

mold removal in public buildings; authorize tax credits for inspection and/or

remediation of mold hazards; and create a national insurance program to

protect homeowners from catastrophic losses.

Currently, Hennigan's order for a hearing has been referred to the Boston

City Council's Committee on Health and Human Services where it awaits to be

scheduled.

If you have any questions about this order, have a personal story to tell,

or would like to be notified when the hearing is scheduled, contact Hennigan's

office at 617-635-4217 or via e-mail at: _maurah@..._

(mailto:maurah@...) .

_http://www2.townonline.com/allston/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=116397_

(http://www2.townonline.com/allston/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=116397)