Homes condemned after mould found

November 21, 2005

Last updated Nov 21 2005 07:38 AM MST

CBC News

Canada

Potentially deadly mould has been found to contaminate numerous

homes in the Yukon community of Carmacks – leading some First

Nations people to fear for their health.

Seven homes in the community were so mouldy they were deemed unfit

for habitation, and four had to be demolished.

The black mould was found in homes owned by the Little Salmon

Carmacks First Nation. It was discovered after an air-quality expert

from the University of Calgary inspected the First Nation's houses

in May.

In his report, Tang Lee says he discovered mould in all 10 of the

houses he looked at.

He links the chronically mouldy conditions to illness and possibly

even deaths in the First Nation.

" I seem to be a lone voice crying in the wilderness, " he says. " I'm

putting up a challenge in saying there is a possible link. Now let's

put some efort into it and see whether those links are true or not. "

One of the homes that had to be destroyed belonged to Skookum.

She lived there eight years with her husband and four children.

Lee's team discovered a pool of water in her crawlspace that was

full of mould spores. The spores got into the house through the heat

ducts and then crept into walls, carpets, furniture and clothing.

Skookum says she and her children experienced chronic health

problems including fatigue, chest congestion and persistent

headaches.

" It was a foul smell, " she says. " A really funny smell that gives

you a headache and you're drowsy every day, and you're tired and you

have no energy in you to do anything. Just like I'm all worn right

down. "

Lee says Health Canada and Indian Affairs must help the First Nation

deal with what he calls a " very serious " health situation. He says

the other 90 houses owned by the First Nation should also be tested.

Lee also says the community health nurse should survey all of the

people who live in those homes for illnesses such as asthma and

chronic respiratory infections.

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