Dumont officials authorize air testing in police department

Officials in Dumont are testing the air quality in police headquarters and determining what steps need to be taken to address issues found during an inspection conducted by the Bergen County Health Department.

The levels of carbon monoxide are very high in the police department, which require the air quality test, and mold and lead paint are additional concerns in the environment, according to officials.

"We've been dealing with this for a number of months now," Borough Administrator John Perkins said at a recent meeting.

"There are some issues that need to be addressed as the result of the inspection done by the county health," he said.

The cost of the air testing is not to exceed $9,500, according to a resolution passed by the governing body at June 18 meeting.

The testing is being conducted by Birdsall Services Group, which Dumont used several years ago when the borough hall needed testing and remediation for asbestos.

Following the inspection by the Bergen County Health Department, officials learned of the high carbon monoxide levels and presence of mold in the police department's area.

"It's not black mold," said Perkins. "It's the mold that makes you kind of sneeze and feel like you have allergies."

There are also a couple of rooms including the evidence room and a back room in the department where the paint on the outside walls is peeling.

Perkins said that, based upon the length of time the paint has been there, it is likely it is lead-based and thus requires testing.

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Dumont officials authorize air testing in police department