...ambient humidity or moisture is any more intense today than it was 50 years ago. Are the houses the problem ?
To some extent Ross this IS the case, , the proliferation of airconditioning (nearly non-existant in the 50's and nearly universal today - even in areas where it is largely gratuitous!) the 'tightening up' of homes and the amount of stuff inside and overall size of the homes ARE issues~
There weren't too many below grade finshed areas in the 'days back when, nor were they as impervious to fresh air circulation...
As I understand it some of the problem IS with a change in the formulation of drywall within the last 7 years, contributing to an even more ideal medium for growth.
Exterior finishes which do not breathe, and windows locked permanently in the 'shut' position are also problems.... any want to place a small wager on future potential for non opening windows being considered functional obsolesence???
Do we simply have quicker, faster and more wide-spread news media
:evil:
YES
Environmental issues always come as a trend, and now it is mold.
Yup, but behind most smoke there is at least a little fire... Personally I think it takes some unfortunate combinations and circumstances to cause the most extreme reactions... But it may help explain the proliferation of asthma and other alergic reactions over the last few decades...
Part of the fact that most folks are losing in discussion of the Ballard case, is the fact that much of the 'damages' were punitive for the insurance companies refusal to correctly address the initial problem... as further compounded by that civic minded group 'lawyers'... SHe was bright enough and intense enough to acquire a real hot shot team, which trumped the opposition (Farmers Insurance) rather soundly...