Phoenix resident inspires mold legislation

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Phoenix resident inspires mold legislation

3 commentsby Jolie McCullough - May. 25, 2010 05:07 PM

The Arizona Republic

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/05/25/20100525possible-toxic-mold-le\

gislation-abrk0525.html

Almost nine years after discovering mold in her house, a Phoenix woman went to

her state representative to find a better way for mold victims to address the

legal issues that surround the problem.

Carl Seel, R-Phoenix, plans to draft new legislation that would create a clear

legal process for those whose homes are affected by toxic mold, he said in a

press conference Tuesday. Seel was surrounded by supporters who have had mold

and believe some remediation companies are negligent.

In November 2001, Luz Fuenzalida, of Phoenix, discovered mold in her home from a

broken pipe, she said. She called her insurance company who recommended her to a

mold remediation company.

She said a man arrived two days later and sprayed chemicals on the mold. She

said he told her there was no need for her family to leave the house.

The next day, her family woke up with flu-like symptoms. One of her sons began

to develop spots on his skin like burn marks, and she said two of her children

still suffer from a weakened immune system.

" I've gone through a living hell, " she said.

Fuenzalida said her coverage proved worthless. After years of dealing with her

insurance company and many legal media, her case was dismissed, she said. She

approached Seel and told him her story in 2009.

Seel said he hoped to draft legislation to help Fuenzalida and others by the

fall of 2010. He plans to adjust the law to deal with the few bad actors in the

insurance field and make sure all mold remediation companies are properly

certified.

He said a clear process would help both companies and homeowners. " It'll help

the insurance companies if they know the process, " he said.

Mold affects many homes in the state and can develop because of flooding, leaky

roofs and even the steam from showers and cooking, according to the Arizona

Department of Health Services website.