‘This is poisonous’: Lakeland mother of 2 says she’s stuck in a moldy apartment

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — A Lakeland mother of two boys says she’s stuck in a moldy apartment.

Every step inside Cardasha Benson’s apartment comes with a stench and a sight that she says is almost too much to bear.

The mother of two is grappling with growing mold that continues to seep into her clothing, walls, and carpet.

“This is killing us slowly and we’re breathing this in and it’s very toxic,” Benson said. “This is poisonous.”

Benson’s grandmother is stepping in and call 8 On Your Side for help.

“I’m terrified over this,” Ivory Benson said. “The boys are so young and they have to go through this and breath this stuff.”

Ivory Benson took her complaints to Code Enforcement.

The first violation was back in August, citing the apartment complex for a “black growth like substance on the interior walls.”

Then, within the last month, the complex was cited once again for a “black like substance on the interior wall, surfaces, and doors.”

In the meantime Benson is sounding the alarm about her situation with worries that her poor living condition will continue to persist.

“I thought that this would be a fresh start for me and my kids, but it’s been horrible,” she said.

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