Toxic Mold --- Texas

[Pam]

We've been hearing rumblings of a toxic mold that is eating Texas. True? False?

How is it being handled? Is there a standard test/inspection being required? Is it limited to certain areas (counties)?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[xmrdfghap]

Sorry, I can't help myself

We've been hearing rumblings of a toxic mold that is eating Texas. True? False?

There used to be....but he moved to the White House....... :twisted: :roll:

 

[Pam]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Charlotte Dixon]

for you, Mr!
He's OUR President and we're at war.
Go to ... The Watercooler

Charlotte from Delaware

 

[Restrain]

The problem is that there are numerous molds in high humidity areas, most of which are just a nuisance. However, Stachybotris (sp) has been shown to MAY cause health problems. Numerous buildings have been closed, including schools, fire stations, etc and people in bio-warfare suits come in to clean them, or in one case, the building was condemned. The major lawsuit is a home near Austin - multi-million judgement against the homeowner's ins. co - failure to act promptly to clean it up. Home will probably be demolished. Latest action is a new homeowner's policy that restricts mold damages to $5000. The main culprit appears to be water that leaks (ac systems, leaking pipes, etc) and is not found or if found, not cleaned up promptly. Talked with a new home builder - if new carpet gets wet for some reason, instead of simply pulling it back to let it dry, they rip it out to avoid any future claim. Watch for similar notes in FL,LA, MS, etc. where attorneys find mold to be worth its weight in gold.

 

[AC King]

Those in the D/FW area may wish to attend an MCE course on 1/30/02 at the GDAR office on Stemmons. All day course. First half-day covers the newly promulgated RE contracts. The second half-day covers the toxic mold situation in Texas. I'll be there for education purposes. Many of the MCE courses are also accepted for ACE courses.

 

[Will Granger]

I had an office in a building with recirculating hot and cold water for HVAC. I kept getting sicker by the minute. After a couple of years I pulled off one of the registers to find the most mould you could ever imagine growing on the pipes and fins. My wife an I both developed serious allergies and got out of the building as quickly as possible.

The problem can be generally cured with addition of ozone (triple oxygen) to the indoor air. Mould doesn't grow outside, so I try to duplicate fresh air indoors. Works like a charm. I even have one in my car so I don't get gassed on the roads.

This is an impossible appraisal problem today. :?:

 

[Farm Gal]

http://www.cjonline.com/stories/010702/hea_mold.shtml

 

[Farm Gal]

The posted reference abovehttp://www.cjonline.com/stories/010702/hea_mold.shtml

is to a local Topeka KS article which caused some minor furor from those prone to hysteics, no noticable adverse effect on home prices (will be watching the refenced street carefully for future effect) small cul-de-sac in which several homeowners moved out when mold was found in a couple of the homes, and the paper subsequently printed a IMHO highly inflammitory article about strachybotys (Black Mold).

Farmers Ins and State Farm (I believe) are refuseing to write new business in Texas and may be cancelling policies as they renew unless/untill someone changes the liability rules in that state.

This IS a serious matter to those who are sensitized to the toxins produced by these molds. However like many other things there may be other factors or individualized responses.

Lack of air circulation is the primary cause - in combination with moisture, warmth, AND cellulose products think: wood, drywall, some forms of insulation.... and about half of the products making up the typical new home.

When you then put an EIFS wrap on a air tight house - trouble is bound to occur. Low level leaks over time are the primary concern, as what occurred in the Ballard home...

I think as with all other appriasal factors: knowing YOUR market and the degree of current hysteria on this matter is of paramount concern.

Lee Ann in KS

 

[Joker]

I think the Toxic mold is Tim Hicks