Milford sets new rules to examine mold complaints

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Article created: 02/06/2006 04:33:00 AM

Milford sets new rules to examine mold complaints

DIRK PERREFORT dperrefort@...

http://www.connpost.com/news/ci_3480435

Bridgeport,CT

MILFORD — The city's Health Department has set new guidelines for

investigating complaints about mold that could result in legal

action.

The department is implementing the new standards four months after

it condemned the Milford Arms apartment complex on Melba Street for

excessive mold and rampant safety violations. Work on the project

reinforced the need to have stricter guidelines in place, according

to city Health Director Dr. Dennis McBride.

" For the most part, mold testing is expensive and not necessary, "

McBride said. " But in a situation like Melba Street, where there

could be possible legal action, the samples have to be taken in such

a way to preserve them as evidence. "

The department plans to use Aerotech of New Jersey, a laboratory

that handles mold testing. Samples would be sent to the lab in cases

to ensure proper documentation, he said.

Ginsberg, the senior toxicologist with the state Department of

Public Health, said most health department inspectors would use

their own judgment to determine a mold problem. While state law

doesn't require mold testing, it often becomes important when law-

enforcement action