New York City To Address Mold Problems in Public Housing Faster

The New York City Housing Authority say they'll eliminate mold more quickly, following a lawsuit settlement being filed Tuesday in federal court.

"It represents a real recognition for the first time of the connection between mold and moisture and asthma, something that NYCHA has not been as willing to recognize," said Mark Cohan, the director of litigation at the National Center for Law and Economic Justice, which brought the lawsuit on behalf of public housing residents in conjunction with the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The lawsuit alleges that people with asthma were experiencing exacerbation of their condition because NYCHA failed to do timely mold repairs. Under the settlement, NYCHA will need to make mold repairs within seven to 15 days. The Authority says it has made strides in the past year in reducing the number of mold complaints.