GOOD WEBSITES ABOUT MOLD HEALTH PROBLEMS

"Most homeowners believe that as long as they do not see visible signs of mold, that is, patches of green, blue, or black discoloration on surfaces, their environment is free of contamination. What they don't realize, however, is that large accumulations of [hidden or concealed] mold may be growing in areas that they cannot see, like air  ducts, remote attic or basement spaces, or wall cavities. Left to multiply, these  infestations may produce enough organic compounds to cause allergic reactions, sickness and, in extreme cases, death (a possibility with infants)," Edward R. Lipinski, "HOME CLINIC: The Battle Against Mold and Mildew,"

"All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to  mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants. Potential health  concerns are an important reason." The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, March, 2001. 

"Even if mold in your house doesn't cause you any medical problems, if it becomes established in the wood in your home, 'dry rot' may form. Dry rot can result in a homeowner's nightmare. When the mold dies, the wood dries and then shrinks, breaking up into irregular chunks. Cracks in the wood fiber then act like straws, siphoning up moisture and carrying it to undamaged portions of the wood. Left unchecked, this process keeps recurring, continually rotting more wood, and can cause severe structural damage to your home," warned Vicki Lankarge, on the website insure.com.

"Mold problems have become more prevalent because of increased use of cheaper building materials like plasterboard and plywood, which are more prone to growing mold when wet...Mold, as always, is spreading. But so is mold litigation, to the consternation of the insurance industry. Last week a state court in Austin, Texas, awarded Melinda Ballard and her family $32.1 million in a case involving allegedly extensive mold damage to their Dripping Springs, Texas, house. The jury ruled that Farmers Insurance Group had failed to properly address Ms. Ballard's original water-damage and mold claim and committed fraud in its handling of her claim," noted Christopher Oster, "Insurers Blanch At Proliferation of Mold Claims," Wall Street Journal, June 6, '01.