Mold Infects Blackfeet Reservation

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Mold Infects Blackfeet Reservation

KWYB Butte, MT*

by Alden Downing

http://www.kwyb.com/index.php?StoryID=9206

FEBRUARY 29, HELENA - Law makers are comparing it to Hurricane

Katrina, saying residents on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation have

been living in unsafe conditions for close to 30 years without help,

attention or anywhere to go.

A group of state law makers says residents of the Blackfeet Indian

Reservation aren't even safe in their own homes. That's because

toxic mold is creeping up the walls built by the Department of

Housing and Urban Development.

They say the federal government is responsible for using hazardous

materials.

" That is what this is about, " said state representative

Augare, (D) Browning. " Holding federal government accountable for

their responsibility in this lack of attention that they show, and

their lack of compassion and commitment to keep our Montana families

healthy. "

The homes were built using wood foundations, treated with

formaldehyde and chromated copper arsenate, materials now banned for

residential use by the Environmental Protection Agency. A national

study done by HUD found that 15% of tribal homes nationwide have

black mold. According to a study done by the University of Montana,

the effects of the toxic mold here are widespread.

" In our health survey we found that 71% of the 127 residents of

these homes reported symptoms associated with mold exposure, "

explained Assistant Professor Robin Saha.

Common health risks of toxic mold include chronic headaches,

nosebleeds and respiratory problems.

" Residents in Browning in these 150 different homes report even more

severe health problems. Such as kidney failure, cancer and overall

weakened immune systems that they believe are caused by the

unhealthy conditions of their homes, " added state senator Carol

Juneau, (D) Browning.

HUD estimates that $91 million would be needed to address mold and

moisture issues associated with tribal homes nationwide. But unlike

similar HUD programs, tribal housing does not have an emergency fund

to immediately address these issues.

State law makers say they don't know how much it will take to get

Blackfeet residents into safe housing, but that Montana's

Congressional delegation needs to start working on a solution.

Law makers have suggested appropriating federal funds to help

Blackfeet residents, or include the allocation in two pieces of

tribal housing legislation currently before Congress.