TENANTS HEALTH IS A CONCERN

Mould From Grow-Ops Probed

Police have already smoked out the marijuana grow ops and made some
arrests, the problem now is what might be lurking in the walls for
the tenants at 2600 Jane St.

While police speculated about potentially harmful spores floating
through the air in the building and mould in the walls, Dr. Howard
Shapiro, associate medical officer of health for Toronto Public
Health, wasn't ready to sound the alarm bells.

"We've seen a bit of mould from the pictures on TV," Shapiro said.
"It's certainly not the worst we've seen."

Inspectors from Toronto Public Health were expected to enter the
building last night to assess the damage and risks to the remaining
tenants.

Ventilation System

Shapiro said inspectors will check the ventilation systems and look
to see if the mould has gone past the apartments housing the pot plants.

"Usually the mould is limited to the specific unit with the grow op,"
Shapiro said.

Symptoms of mould infestation include potential allergic reactions, a
chronic cough, itchy, watery eyes, and a general tiredness. Nothing's
been reported so far, he said.

Local councillor Giorgio Mammoliti is holding a meeting for tenants
today at Domenico DiLuca Community Centre.

"We'll reassure them someone's going to be listening to them,"
Mammoliti said. "We'll let them know there is a place for them to ask
some questions."

'Get Some Answers'

His concern is for those people who continue to make 2600 Jane St.
their home.

"Do people have to be moved out?" he asked. "We need to get some
answers."

Toronto Police, Municipal Licensing and Standards, Toronto Fire and
Toronto Public Health will all be at the meeting to take questions
from the residents.

Mammoliti said with the grow ops on just about every floor it's a
building-wide issue that could have long-term effects on the tenants.

Mammoliti said there has been trouble at the building in the past.

"There were complaints by residents about the landlord," he said
yesterday.