Marcellino’s Legislation To Create The "toxic Mold Task Force" Passes Senate"

Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R-Syosset) Chairman of the New York State Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, today announced the passage of the "Toxic Mold Task Force." The "Toxic Mold Task Force" directs The New York State Department of Health to convene a task force to comprehensively assess the issue of toxic mold and the danger to people that toxic mold presents within buildings and structures.

"It is time for New York State to fully assess molds and indoor air quality. Since I introduced the Toxic Mold Task Force in the New York State Senate I have heard from victims from not only across the country, but internationally, as well, who have experienced this devastating problem. Today’s passage is an important first step in achieving the goal of better protecting human health and in communicating more clearly to the general public and the impacted industry leaders on this issue," said Senator Marcellino.

On Long Island, some school districts have spent a lot of time and money on environmental cleanup after mold was discovered in a school building. The parents of a 7-year-old boy sued the Hampton Bays School District after doctors said something in the school made him sick. Once mold was discovered in parts of the school, the District put in a new air duct system and new tile floors and the carpeting was ripped up. The mother of a student at Islip Terrace Junior High School says she spotted mold in a classroom and in the auditorium. She claims her son and other students have been complaining about headaches and coughing while at the school. Some children have missed many days of school.

Americans on an average spend 75% to 90% of their time indoors. Trapped air that does not circulate properly together with air conditioning and heating ducts that are not properly maintained, add to existing problems.

"This is a positive step in evaluating health risks and reviewing government regulations or standards concerning containment or remediation of identified toxic mold in our homes, schools and commercial buildings," concluded Senator Marcellino.

Toxic mold presents a danger within buildings and structures. It is important that the extent of its presence be determined and a corresponding plan of action be taken to eliminate such hazards from buildings and structures within the State. Identifying and studying this indoor toxin is the first step towards eliminating it from homes, schools and not-for-profit organizations throughout the State.