Toxic mold has moved the Fabry family to Arizona. Their family’s health began to deteriorate in 2007 when mold was discovered in their Colorado home. They cut into their bathroom wall, accidentally releasing toxic spores which began a series of health problems. To make matters worse, remediators used fans on the mold, spreading the spores throughout the home.
Dangerously high levels mold spores were confirmed by an indoor air test in 2008, and later, urine tests revealed mold toxins in all 11 family members. Taking the advice of a mold specialist, Chris & Andrea Fabry moved to Arizona in hopes their family could recover better in a warm and dry environment.
Toxic mold is no match for Maggi, a dog abandoned and rescued from a hurricane in 2004. Trained at the Florida Canine Academy for eight months, she is an expert in mold detection. Maggi gives current owner Rob Donahue an edge in his Investigative Home Inspection business. She is 90% accurate, and must return to the training center once a year for re-certification in mold identification.
Toxic mold keeps coming back at Rogers County Courthouse. Attempts to clean the mold have been nullified by frequent flooding. County leaders believe it’s no longer cost effective to repair the building because of age and size. The courthouse was built in 1936 and has been outgrown.
A Kentucky school is addressing fears of toxic mold. Approximately 1200 students attend Taylor County Elementary School, making it the largest elementary school in Kentucky. The building is 75 years old and has constant moisture problems. Superintendent Roger Cook receives dozens of complaints every month from parents concerned about allergic reactions to mold and mildew.
Quadrant Homes is being sued because of toxic mold. The Sigafoos family moved into a Quadrant home four years ago. It didn’t take long for the Sigafoos to realize the home had flaws which ultimately led to mold growth. The family began to get sick and have been forced to spend the majority of their time in the master bedroom.
As part of the lawsuit, the family was examined by Dr. Matthew Keifer who said, “The longer the Sigafoos family live in and are exposed to the conditions in their Quadrant home, the greater the risk that the health problems caused to each of them will become chronic or permanent even after they are removed from the unhealthy environment,” Keifer said in a declaration filed with the court. “It is in the best interest of each of the Sigafoos family members to remove themselves (from) the harmful air quality in their Quadrant home as soon as they reasonably can.”
Toxic mold has consumed April Lynn’s life. Problems began in 2008 when she and her family moved into a modest rental unit. Shortly after Lynn developed laryngitis, followed by pneumonia and an upper respiratory infection, while her son began having recurring nose bleeds. “I know more about mold now than I ever wanted to. It’s one of those things where I’ve looked at so many pictures, I can pick them out from a mile away. It’s consumed my life.” Lynn says.
Toxic mold is a concern for students at New York Institute of Technology. Complaints are coming from students that live off campus at the Old Westbury location. Following a visual inspection, NYIT determined the mold was non-toxic. The institute claims the problem has been addressed and students were given a choice to move. Some students disagree.
Updated 11-19-09… Non-toxic mold is the reported result at ECSU. Mold was discovered in the band hall and mechanical room of the Fine Arts Center, and then across campus in the G.R. Little Theater. Clean up has already begun, dehumidifiers are being used, and ceiling tiles are being replaced. New procedures are being followed in order to avoid any future occurrences.
Original post 10-26-09… Toxic mold appears to be an issue at Elizabeth City State University. The problem is originating in the Fine Arts center. Some classes have been held outside, and one particular student wears a mask when he can because the smell and mold have gotten so bad. “Basically it’s gotten to the point now our chests are starting to get congested, our throats started getting backed up,” student Akeem Williams said. ECSU leaders acknowledge conditions have deteriorated and warrant a full scale solution.
A Silver Spring resident says toxic mold consumed her apartment. The problem began this summer when an AC unit flooded her apartment while she was out of town. Shortly after, she began having headaches, nausea and sinus problems. Charmaine Green-Forde noticed it was just when she was in her apartment that she felt sick. She is seeking $8000 to cover clothing, housing and medical expenses.
Recent Tennessee rains has lead to toxic mold growth in homes. Basements and crawl spaces have flooded, creating the perfect environment for fungus to grow. “If you see a spot that shows up on a wall, that may just be the tip of the iceberg. That could be just a small part of what’s actually going on,” says Mold Drs. USA President Jeremy Akers. One of the dangers with mold is–just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not present in your home.
