Battle Creek burglary not the same mold story

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Wednesday, October 16, 2002

Battle Creek burglary not the same mold story

By Trace Christenson

The Enquirer

A Battle Creek burglar may have carted away more than household items from a

home this month.

The thief could have spread a strain of black mold that can cause illness to

those who come in contact with it.

Battle Creek police reported a break-in at 997 Capital Ave. S.W. The

burglary occurred sometime between Aug. 5 and Oct. 5.

Police said someone pulled off a board and entered the home, damaging the

interior and taking several items -- all of which might have been infected

with black mold spores.

The home, owned by Crinion, has been closed and boarded for nearly a

year because of the mold, police said. He had to leave all his property

behind.

Officer Doug Graham said he didn't inspect the interior of the house after

the burglary report because of the mold, and was awaiting an inventory by

Crinion, who had to wear a special, airtight suit before going inside.

Crinion could not be reached for comment.

The mold can cause respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion,

burning, watery, red eyes, dry, hacking cough, sore throat, nose and throat

irritation, shortness of breath, skin irritation, central nervous system

problems, aches and pains and possible fever.

The thief could have spread the mold by entering the house and taking items

out, said Ted Havens, director of the environmental health with the Calhoun

County Health Department.

" If they didn't know what they were getting into and didn't have proper

suits, they could be exposed to all that junk and might take it to their

house, " Havens said. " If the conditions are right, they moved the problem. "

Havens said his department has not been involved with this house. He said

mold can't be seen or smelled.

" But once you get it, it's difficult to get rid of if you don't get on top

of it quickly, " he said.

He said a bleach-and-soap solution is used to clean areas affected with

mold, but he said if the thieves don't know that the house and contents were

contaminated, they could spread it by keeping or distributing the items they

took.

" If they went in and grabbed some stuff -- it could be a problem. "

Trace Christenson covers crime and courts. He can be reached at 966-0685 or

tchrist@...

Source: Molds in Your Home, Michigan Department of Community Health