Pause
Seymour public housing residencies are full of black mold; this is the same mold that has been known to cause lung cancer and other deadly illnesses. Seymour housing residents suffer from many illnesses and side effects due to mold; including:
• chronic cough
• acute asthma
• reoccurring pneumonia
• skin rashes
• irritable bowels
• migraines
• memory loss
• chronic sinus infections and
• severe allergies
Pause
According to the Health and Energy website, "Persons with weakened and suppressed immune systems, particularly those in treatments such as chemotherapy and the elderly, are at higher risk. Infants and young children likewise are more susceptible to serious health problems from mycotoxin exposure" (nd). Mycotoxins are toxic properties produced by black mold spores; these toxins are dangerous because they can be produced in both living and dead mold spores. The only way to eliminate black mold is to remove not only the mold but the area in which it contaminates; meaning if the mold is in the walls, the walls need to be knocked down and rebuilt.
Pause
Many of Seymour public housing residents are elderly, disabled or have young children. The Seymour housing authority does not have the money to care for the residencies and residents are punished for that by suffering debilitating illnesses.
There are residents with lowered immune systems due to illnesses such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as those who are currently in cancer treatment. Children are at the highest risk of toxic mold exposure and illness due to their still-developing immune systems. One resident has a seven year old daughter, Haley, who is a cancer survivor; imagine how the parents feel knowing their child is being raised in a home where cancer causing agents thrive. Haley never suffered asthma a day in her life until her family moved to their home in Seymour. She now suffers acute asthma and must use a breathing machine. Residents have reported suspicious rashes on their bodies and on those of their family members and many suffer from chronic sinus infections due to mold allergies.
Pause
Mold problems occur when there is moisture in the home and a lack of ventilation. Moisture needs an escape route, however when moisture is sedentary due to lack of ventilation or drainage, it is then that mold forms and grows. The majority of Seymour housing residencies have cracks in the foundation; causing flooding in basements during snow and rainstorms. The houses are not ventilated and with every flooding the mold grows. The bathrooms do not have ventilation, causing black mold to form on the ceilings, the tubs and even in the toilets. Windowsills are lined with mold and the mold covers the residents’ furniture and walls, requiring constant cleaning. Many elderly and disabled residents are unable to clean the mold because it requires harsh chemicals and physical strength.
Pause
Low and moderate income housing is meant to provide families of limited means with safe homes in which to improve their lives and to one day enable them to become self-sufficient. These homes are causing residents to become ill, to miss work due to mold-related illnesses and are increasing their medical expenses. Their dreams of financial independence will not be achieved when they are constantly paying for medicine and mold cleaning chemicals and losing money when they must call out from work due to mold-related illnesses.
Pause
Connecticut's goal of helping low income families through state-assisted housing can not be achieved when the homes are falling apart and causing residents to become ill.
Many of state housing authority developments are over forty years old and have not had any significant renovations since they were built. I am not here today to ask for cosmetic repairs, I am asking that you support the passing of bill 597 which will allow for much needed repairs to be done on not only Seymour public housing residencies, but on state-public housing residencies across Connecticut. State public housing residencies must be repaired so that children and their families may grow up in safe, healthy homes.
Pause
In the essence of time, I have included in my testimony, literature on mold, mold prevention and mitigation. I have also included copies of pictures from three resident homes; pictures of mold, cracked foundations and moisture damage. These are only three of the many homes that need repair.
As a member of the Public Housing Resident Network, I have heard stories from residents across the state; homes are falling apart, they are dangerous, they are hazardous to the residents’ health. I ask that you please pass senate bill 597 for the proposed sum of 440 million dollars. CT public housing residents desperately need your support.
Thank you.