CDC research says that asthma affects 17.3 million people yearly (10 million adults and 7 million children), costs more than $10 billion for medical care, causes over 10 million missed school days and more than 5000 deaths.

Indoor dampness and mold study shows “evidence of the relation between workplace exposure to indoor molds and the development of asthma in adulthood.” Mold triggers allergic reactions ranging from wheezing, sneezing, shortness of breath, skin rashes, upper respiratory irritation, coughing, eye irritation, headaches, lethargy and more.

Medically defined allergic syndromes related to mold include Allergic Bronchopulmonary Mycosis, Allergic Fungal Sinusitis, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Pulmonary Mycotoxicosis and Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis.

There are over 10,000 mold related law suits pending in the nation. (Notwithstanding home exposure,) there is evidence of a relationship between workplace exposure to indoor molds and adult-onset asthma.

Fire Station No. 1. in Hattiesburg is taking contractor’s bids as it is damaged beyond saving by water and mold. Case Study Project

Is the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services killing Eugene Phelps?

That’s what Phelps believes.

The Chicago resident lives in a water damaged house, dating back from when a water pipe broke in the basement during a bathroom remodel. In April 2004, Phelps was found to be eligible for DHS home services. Buffalo Grove-based Lang Home Medical Equipment made the modifications to Phelps’ bathroom and installed a water heater, sump pump and tub.

Phelps was told that someone would come back in a few weeks to fix it, but they did not come back until three months later, and when they finally came, the pipe was duct-taped shut. The still leaking pipe has resulted in serious mold and mildew infestation. His doctor is recommending Phelps move out of the house, but he’s lived there for thirty years.

A mold inspection revealed toxic mold throughout the basement.

Most healthy people are not harmed by mold, but ironically, prolonged exposure to mold will cause mold allergies. And people who have allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to molds. Some of the effects are skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough, nasal congestion, aggravation of asthma or difficulty breathing, immune suppression or underlying lung disease.

Additionally, mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by mold which cause toxic effects, including fatigue, nausea, headaches, and irritation to the lungs and eyes.

Sacramento’s Riverview Plaza is a 15-story apartment building located at 600 I Street–owned and operated by the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency and intended to provide 123 affordable apartments to low-income seniors. 14 tenants (including 4 deceased ones) have suffered respiratory ailments. Set for March completion, the building is undergoing a $5 million building rehab–painting and upgrading the emergency and fire systems– handled by Turner Construction.

As evidenced by tenant complaints, water damage from an overflowing rooftop pool, humid exhaust from nearby industry and other sources seem likely to have created optimum conditions for mold. But the building has not been tested recently or thoroughly for mold. Does Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency feel like its poor and vulnerable residents are only worthy of substandard housing?

Agency officials reported ongoing work using, in part, a DNA-based method for analyzing 36 species of mold that EPA developed, patented, and has licensed commercial laboratories to perform. Working with HUD, EPA used this method to develop a standard sampling and analytic process that then led to the development of the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) scale for U.S. homes. According to EPA, this index provides a simple, objective evaluation of the mold burden in a home. EPA reported ongoing epidemiological studies using the ERMI scale aimed at determining if the ERMI values can be used to understand the risk of asthma or related respiratory symptoms.

Indoor Mold: Better Coordination of Research on Health Effects and More Consistent Guidance Would Improve Federal Efforts
United States Government Accountability Office

What makes a green building?

According to the Florida Green Building Coalition, it requires 101 required points for certification. In case you’ve never heard of it (and we never heard of it, not being in Florida), the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) is a nonprofit Florida corporation dedicated to improving the built environment. Their mission is “to provide a statewide green building program with environmental and economic benefits.”

That’s available here by pdf

But that is not why I started this…It’s because I read about Core-fill 500 spray foam insulation that is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, mold and pest resistant. Anything mold resistant is good stuff. And no, this is not an ad. For all I know, this mold resistant stuff gives off toxic fumes. Better find out before you use it.

Remediation began at Walker Butte K-8 in Queen Creek. Indoor test results were: 1300, 1300 and 1384 mold spore counts per cubic meter

In mold remediation and prevention phase 1, crews sealed off contaminated sections of classrooms and bathrooms. Arrangements had been in case the contamination had been deemed dangerous, but since it is not, remediation is being done after school and on the weekends