SAN DIEGO -- Mold is the focus of increasing health concerns.
For years, people have known about mold allergies. Now, studies show mold can cause infections, exacerbate immunological reactions and have toxic effects.
Some controversial studies even link mold to cancer and brain damage, especially in children, 10News reported.
Health problems associated with mold are closing dozens of schools across the country, including Chapultepec Residence Hall at San Diego State University.
The dorm is closed until the fall of 2002 while mold is removed from the rooms. The university received a $6.1 million settlement to fix the problem caused by a construction defect.
According to 10News, two homeowners have even burned down their homes because of mold rather than try to fix them. Mark O'Hara of Eugene, Oregon had the local fire department burn his newly remodeled home to the ground after doctors linked his family's chronic nosebleeds, flu-like symptoms and headaches to mold.
10News Anchor Kimberly Hunt (pictured, left) has a personal experience with toxic mold. Her family hasn't been able to live in their home for two years because of mold resulting from pipe breaks under the house.
Many experts, like Indoor Environmental Attorney Edward Cross, say that we're seeing more mold problems today because of bad construction.
Mold assessment and cleanup businesses, including Environmental Testing and Technology in Encinitas, are booked solid for weeks.
Part of the problem is that many times mold contamination is not visible, 10News reported. It's hidden in the walls and ceilings, growing on one of it's favorite surfaces -- drywall.
The good news is most houses with mold can be repaired. Many times walls have to be ripped out and replaced.
The bad news is that it's expensive and much of the mold clean up is litigation-driven, involving insurance companies and attorneys.
California lawmakers are taking action on toxic molds. According to 10News, two bills are currently working there way though the state legislature.
SB 732 would require sellers and landlords to disclose the presence and location of mold. Although the bill has been watered down some, consumer groups say that disclosure is an important health issue. The bill would also have the state set permissible exposure limits, something many experts say is impossible.
AB 284 would establish a toxic mold surveillance, monitoring and education program within the State Department of Health Services in an effort to minimize the adverse effects of toxic mold on human health.
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