Bronx tenant says years of lead and mold exposure have taken a toll
News 12 first reported on the struggles of Kingsbridge Heights resident Tyrone Headlamb last month. Since then, Headlamb says the city investigated his apartment following concerns he had raised for years.
A Bronx man says years of living with lead and mold inside his apartment have finally been acknowledged by city inspectors, but he claims the conditions that affected his health have yet to be properly addressed.
News 12 first reported on the struggles of Kingsbridge Heights resident Tyrone Headlamb last month. Since then, Headlamb says the city investigated his apartment following concerns he had raised for years.
"After your broadcast, they came to our apartment. A week later, they did a thorough check, and every room was tested," Headlamb said.
According to Headlamb, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development found a Class C lead violation in his apartment, the most severe category of lead-related violations.
"It's part of a relief, at least. At least they know that I'm living in violation," he said.
Despite the findings, Headlamb says building management has not adequately addressed the problem.
"They came and they just covered the whole house with sheetrock instead of removing the mold and removing the lead," he said.
Headlamb says the conditions have affected his health and led to multiple hospital visits. He says doctors have suspected mold exposure as a contributing factor to his symptoms.
The resident says he no longer feels safe sleeping in his apartment and has been spending nights outside.
"I'm sleeping across the street in a reservoir at night because I can't do that. I can't do it. I have nowhere else to go," he said.
News 12 contacted the building's management company for a response. A spokesperson said crews are working on repairs inside Headlamb's apartment. The spokesperson added that if HPD continues to find violations in the unit, management will consider transferring Headlamb to another apartment.
The situation remains under review as repairs continue.
