Mold in home: USA Today Weekend, 2002 feature article

[Guest guest]

This is very good article on mold problems in homes from USA Weekend

back in 2002, including mold problem in home of Jordan, and

other home owners, says incident of this is growing, causes health

problems, as well as where to live in meantime, including some who

have problem of not being able to move. It also has links there

regarding related stores. Mold was feature of that issue of USA

Weekend.

http://www.usaweekend.com/02_issues/020721/020721moldapt.html

In 1993, was doing well, with a terrific, rent-

stabilized apartment on Manhattan's fashionable Upper West Side, a

boyfriend, a dog and her own psychotherapy practice. But things

changed. Nine years later, she found herself sick, alone and

virtually homeless, a victim of toxic mold.

The problems started shortly after she moved into the 20-unit, turn-

of-the-20th-century building. First came the migraine headaches, then

the sinus and respiratory problems, nausea, constipation and severe

joint pain. Doctors didn't know what was going on. By the time

fled the leak-plagued building last summer, she had been diagnosed

with mold-related immunologic problems, impaired thyroid and adrenal

function, chronic fatigue and memory impairment.

" I'm feeling like a refugee, " said in her downtown office,

where she slept three nights a week for eight months until she found

an affordable, mold-free apartment. The other four nights, she spent

with friends.

" The biggest tragedy for me is to be this bright, competent

professional just trying to establish my practice, to be sick and

feel stuck. "

Since 1999, when USA WEEKEND Magazine first published the story of a

mold-stricken family in Dripping Springs, Texas, reports of mold-

related illnesses and insurance claims have skyrocketed from

California and Texas to Louisiana and New York. Families have

abandoned mold-plagued houses. Affected schools have closed and

relocated children. Insurance companies hit with mounting claims for

moldy homes have raised premiums and, in some regions, stopped

selling homeowner policies altogether.

http://www.usaweekend.com/02_issues/020721/020721moldapt.html