Wichita's Community Advocate on Toxic Mold

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http://www.kake.com/news/features/2/139412.html

Toxic Mold

Community Advocate

Aker

Whether you rent or own, a little bit of water in your home can quickly grow

into a health problem. Mold is a toxic threat.

While experts dispute how dangerous the spores are to your health, one thing

is certain, mold clean up is a booming industry. Using a company to cleanup

the mess can cost you thousands of dollars. Even then, the problem often

goes unsolved or gets worse.

Laci Carelton's home has become bio-danger to her family. Carlton found mold

growing in thick patches under the rug in the house she rents. Her landlord

refused to remove the mold so she decided to get rid of it on her own.

No matter how bad the mold is in your house, experts say removing it own

your own can often make the problem worse. Mold removal is risky business,

but hiring a professional to remove do it can be just as risky.

Health officials say most companies don't know what they're doing. With no

government guidelines many companies remove mold however they want, often

increasing the health risks by stirring up more spores into the air.

Authorities agree it's time for some kind of regulation. A few local

companies only employ highly trained, certified workers. Non-existent

regulations allow other companies to get certified with little or no real

experience.

Congress and several states are considering legislation to regulate mold

cleanup. Until then, keep a few tips in mind that can help:

Ask if the company holds a certification from the indoor air quality

association. Most others are not as difficult to get.

Try to use a company with insurance that specifically covers mold cleanup.

Always ask for references.