Housing ‘health hazard’
Fears over mould in floor
A DISABILITY support pensioner fears she is slowly being killed by the toxic black mould riddling her floor and carpet.
Moonah social housing resident Brigitte Hordern says she has sent more than 30 emails to Housing Tasmania, the health department and the tenants’ union, but has so far seen no action.
She suffers from asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and fibrosis, and her pulmonologist warns that black mould would worsen her conditions.
“I’m just so frustrated. I have four lung conditions, but I don’t think they get it,” Ms Hordern said. “You’re just a number and unless you start being the squeaky wheel you don’t get heard.
“I have emailed so many people, I have been on the phone to Housing (Tasmania) that many times, but nothing ever happens.”
Ms Hordern believes the mould problem was caused by several leaky doors and windows, which she has also reported to Housing Tasmania.
Some of the mould has been painted over. However, no work was performed to remove it from the floor.
A Housing Tasmania spokesman said mould issues could usually be prevented by tenants themselves.
“Mould issues are most commonly an avoidable problem which can be prevented with ventilation and minor maintenance,” the spokesman said. “Housing Tasmania responded to emails sent from the tenant over the weekend and contacted her on Monday [October 11] to arrange an inspection which has occurred [on Monday] at 1pm.
“We have acted to engage an expert to inspect and recommend either hygiene measures or, if necessary, rectification works.”
The spokesman said if mould was caused by structural issues, they would work to resolve the issue.
Ms Hordern said the black mould was not her fault, insisting she has kept her house spotless for the past seven years.
“You can come to my place any day or night and it looks like this. I have OCD with cleaning,” she said.
“I take a lot of pride in my home – I pay my rent, I’ve paid my taxes, and I don’t need to be living in a health hazard.”
Ms Hordern said living in social housing was not her choice, having worked for more than 30 years before succumbing to illness and landing on the disability support pension.