Excessive 'hoarding' target of Massachusetts officials

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (AP) - Berkshire County health officials are forming a task force to battle excessive hoarding.

The announcement comes after officials reported dealing with a number of recent hoarding cases, some involving junk stacked from floor to ceiling.

City of Pittsfield health director James Wilusz said eight to 10 percent of housing inspections turn up cases of hoarding.

An issue that has spawned national television coverage, such as "Hoarders" on A&E TV, hoarding disorder is when a person has chronic difficulty discarding possessions, even though the items have little or no value.

Officials say hoarding clutters the home, creating health and safety issues for individuals and their families.

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Information from: The Berkshire Eagle, http://www.berkshireeagle.com

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.