* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Burnett
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - Mold in Housing
For the purpose of inviting the Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, the Health Commissioner, and the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health or his designee to appear before the City Council to discuss the potential dangers of mold in housing.
body
Recitals
Mold is a health risk for many vulnerable members of our community, including infants and children, individuals with respiratory conditions, allergies, or asthma, and persons with weakened immune systems.
Mold grows indoors, typically where there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness. Common sources of indoor moisture that can cause mold to grow include flooding, roof and plumbing leaks, and damp basements and crawl spaces.
The Institute of Medicine has found sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold to upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughs, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people, and to aggravated asthma symptoms in people with asthma. Indoor exposure to mold can lead to flu-like symptoms, such as cough, congestion, headache, and fatigue.
The Baltimore City Council is interested in learning about mold in housing, City agencies’ current strategies to address mold in owner-occupied and rental housing, remedies tenants and homeowners in our community have when they are exposed to indoor mold, and ways regulatory efforts can be enhanced.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the City Council invites the Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, the Health Commissioner, and the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health or his designee to appear before the City Council to discuss the potential dangers of mold, agency regulatory efforts, and remedies for renters and homeowners.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, the Health Commissioner, the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.