De Blasio Proposes Post-Storm Mold Plan

Unchecked mold is a health hazard to people with mold allergies

Saturday, Dec 22, 2012 | Updated 3:59 PM EDT

New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio says more needs to be done to fight mold in homes flooded by Sandy.

Unchecked mold is a health hazard to people with mold allergies.

De Blasio is asking for FEMA aid to fund more inspections. He's also calling on the city to set up a mold hotline and perform health monitoring. He says thousands of moldy homes are making New Yorkers sick.
The federal government does not reimburse homeowners for mold remediation, nor does a city repair program aimed at restoring heat and electricity to damaged buildings.

Property owners are generally responsible for paying for mold cleanup themselves.