This will change, Mr. Gallo – the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, has determined after a two year exhaustive study of existing research through 2003 that mold, indeed, does harm humans – that it causes mild to severe diseases of the upper and lower respiratory system. Also, they found that more information is needed regarding immune system disorders and neurological problems often reported and in existing research. This is not going to be argued with – they were extremely careful and were commissioned by the CDC. So yes, building molds are dangerous. The jury is back with the verdict. See http://www.schoolmoldhelp.org for more information regarding this and other breaking research. As a teacher disabled by school mold in two of my recent schools, and Executive Director of The Center for School Mold Help, I can tell you that this is real and it is harming America. Insurance companies can help with prevention and assistance for families who experience mold problems – not by refusing to cover mold, either. There are situations where mold grows despite all best efforts.
Two years ago I was exposed to mold in my workplace. I had symptoms similar to MS, sinus problem and now I have asthma. If you would have told me back then that mold was this bad, I would of laughed…I am not laughing now. Thousands of people who have been exposed, are showing the same symptoms as me. I hate it when I read that mold just causes respiratory problems. You have to start looking “outside the box” and realize that this is a big problem, and its not going away.
As President of Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings (www.hadd.com) I hear daily from victims of mold in their homes. Mold due to water intrusion through the roof, improperly installed siding, windows with no flashing and caulking, foundations with no rebar, improper grading around foundations, and unstable soil. Home builders are adding millions to their bottom line by skimping on important components of homes. At the same time they are attempting to pass legislation in every state to protect themselves from law suits. AND the insurance companies are complicent in this legislation by raising builders liability insurance claiming that there are “frivolous” lawsuits being filed against builders. FALSE!!! The insurance companies would be far better off to help consumers hold builders accountable and responsible. Home builders have NEVER been able to produce a single “frivolous” lawsuit according to Consumer Reports Jan. 2004 issue, and HADD has asked for them to produce just one repeatedly to no avail.
Another serious cause of mold in homes is bad faith insurance. When companies don’t respond in a timely manner to a covered water leak claim and do proper repairs mold is inevitable.
The citizens of this country need protection for the largest single investment they ever make, their home.
Yes, Sharon H., mold does cause more than pulmonary problems – as a victim, I know this – I have the immune system dysfuction and neurological problems from it, too – but the important thing to know is that the IOM report shows, for all those “doctors” out there and insurance companies that try to claim mold hysteria is at work because mold is only allergenic – that molds ARE indeed toxic and can cause cellular damage to lungs and sinuses in people who were healthy and not allergic. That is B-I-G for those with mold cases. The insurance companies can no longer claim that mold isn’t a real health threat.
Business sure is great for the insurance industry in this area because they have their best interests locked up with the politicians. In plain English, the insurance industry thrives in the Hudson Valley because of the unscrupulous ways in which they deal with their clients or choose not to deal with them after they’ve put in a legitimate claim.
“According to Gallo, the hard data regarding the harmfulness of mold has not been determined. He maintained that it is difficult to get legislation or regulations passed because the people affected have a wide range of symptoms or none at all.”
I would like to thank Mr. Gallo for acknowledging that people affected by mold have a wide range of symptoms. And that because of this fact, it adds tremendously to the difficulty of promoting education and change. As far as no hard data, one simply has to put the words “fungal or mycotic” into a google search to see there are in fact, many peer reviewed, US government accepted, medical research documents verifying the corrilation between exposure to fungi and grave illness.
Further education of America’s medical community regarding the recognition and treatment of mycotic illnesses is a must to benefit ALL concerned and involved in this multifaceted issue.
Many lives and many dollars are being unnecessarily wasted simply by the lack of understanding of the issue. The mold itself is not the real problem. The way it is being handled is the problem.
Early medical diagnostics and treatments are the key to lessening the severety of fungal illnesses. As a result, they are also the key to lessening the financial burdens caused by this challenging and complex issue.
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This will change, Mr. Gallo – the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, has determined after a two year exhaustive study of existing research through 2003 that mold, indeed, does harm humans – that it causes mild to severe diseases of the upper and lower respiratory system. Also, they found that more information is needed regarding immune system disorders and neurological problems often reported and in existing research. This is not going to be argued with – they were extremely careful and were commissioned by the CDC. So yes, building molds are dangerous. The jury is back with the verdict. See http://www.schoolmoldhelp.org for more information regarding this and other breaking research. As a teacher disabled by school mold in two of my recent schools, and Executive Director of The Center for School Mold Help, I can tell you that this is real and it is harming America. Insurance companies can help with prevention and assistance for families who experience mold problems – not by refusing to cover mold, either. There are situations where mold grows despite all best efforts.
Two years ago I was exposed to mold in my workplace. I had symptoms similar to MS, sinus problem and now I have asthma. If you would have told me back then that mold was this bad, I would of laughed…I am not laughing now. Thousands of people who have been exposed, are showing the same symptoms as me. I hate it when I read that mold just causes respiratory problems. You have to start looking “outside the box” and realize that this is a big problem, and its not going away.
As President of Homeowners Against Deficient Dwellings (www.hadd.com) I hear daily from victims of mold in their homes. Mold due to water intrusion through the roof, improperly installed siding, windows with no flashing and caulking, foundations with no rebar, improper grading around foundations, and unstable soil. Home builders are adding millions to their bottom line by skimping on important components of homes. At the same time they are attempting to pass legislation in every state to protect themselves from law suits. AND the insurance companies are complicent in this legislation by raising builders liability insurance claiming that there are “frivolous” lawsuits being filed against builders. FALSE!!! The insurance companies would be far better off to help consumers hold builders accountable and responsible. Home builders have NEVER been able to produce a single “frivolous” lawsuit according to Consumer Reports Jan. 2004 issue, and HADD has asked for them to produce just one repeatedly to no avail.
Another serious cause of mold in homes is bad faith insurance. When companies don’t respond in a timely manner to a covered water leak claim and do proper repairs mold is inevitable.
The citizens of this country need protection for the largest single investment they ever make, their home.
Yes, Sharon H., mold does cause more than pulmonary problems – as a victim, I know this – I have the immune system dysfuction and neurological problems from it, too – but the important thing to know is that the IOM report shows, for all those “doctors” out there and insurance companies that try to claim mold hysteria is at work because mold is only allergenic – that molds ARE indeed toxic and can cause cellular damage to lungs and sinuses in people who were healthy and not allergic. That is B-I-G for those with mold cases. The insurance companies can no longer claim that mold isn’t a real health threat.
Go to http://www.policyholdersofamerica.com for help with non-paying insurance companies.
Business sure is great for the insurance industry in this area because they have their best interests locked up with the politicians. In plain English, the insurance industry thrives in the Hudson Valley because of the unscrupulous ways in which they deal with their clients or choose not to deal with them after they’ve put in a legitimate claim.
“According to Gallo, the hard data regarding the harmfulness of mold has not been determined. He maintained that it is difficult to get legislation or regulations passed because the people affected have a wide range of symptoms or none at all.”
I would like to thank Mr. Gallo for acknowledging that people affected by mold have a wide range of symptoms. And that because of this fact, it adds tremendously to the difficulty of promoting education and change. As far as no hard data, one simply has to put the words “fungal or mycotic” into a google search to see there are in fact, many peer reviewed, US government accepted, medical research documents verifying the corrilation between exposure to fungi and grave illness.
Further education of America’s medical community regarding the recognition and treatment of mycotic illnesses is a must to benefit ALL concerned and involved in this multifaceted issue.
Many lives and many dollars are being unnecessarily wasted simply by the lack of understanding of the issue. The mold itself is not the real problem. The way it is being handled is the problem.
Early medical diagnostics and treatments are the key to lessening the severety of fungal illnesses. As a result, they are also the key to lessening the financial burdens caused by this challenging and complex issue.