Experts to discuss health risks of toxic mold in Inverness, Florida; woman begins petition drive

[Guest guest]

http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/577/public/news257000.html

Experts to discuss health risks of toxic mold; woman begins petition drive

02/20/02

Jan Witherspoon

A ville toxicologist and a New Mexico immunotoxicologist will speak

to a group of concerned residents at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 26, about molds

and toxic molds.

The two mold experts will meet at First United Methodist Church on Pleasant

Grove Road in Inverness at the request of Morelli and a group of

people who believe their health problems may involve toxic mold. The meeting

is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about this health and

insurance issue.

Morelli's family left their furniture and other belongings in their

Inverness home about three months ago after Dr. Lipsey, a

toxicologist, told her she couldn't go back inside. Morelli and her three

children all have high levels of mycotoxins in their blood and have

exhibited several symptoms such as skin rash and upper respiratory

difficulties. They all suffer from a long-term, constant cough, they say.

The toxicologist tested her house and yard and found high levels of toxic

mold. Her situation has become a source of concern for others who wonder if

their medical problems might be caused by toxic mold.

Lipsey will conduct tests while he is here. So far, nine homes and two

businesses are on his schedule.

Morelli said more than 25 people have called her about the mold issue. She

will have a petition at the meeting. The petition calls for Florida

legislators to introduce a Toxic Mold Protection Act. The act, Morelli said,

is to educate homebuyers, landlords and doctors about toxic mold. It is

similar to one signed into law in California.

" We petition the Office of Environmental Health to prepare an assessment of

the risk to public health posed by exposure of mold in indoor environments, "

Morelli said.

The act would set exposure limits for residential, commercial and

institutions including schools, hospitals and government buildings. A Toxic

Mold Protection Act would mandate standards for cleanup and requirements for

testing.

" We want the Toxic Mold Protection Act to require the state of Florida

Department of Health Services to adopt specific regulations to protect the

public health from toxic mold, " Morelli said.

The Toxic Mold Protection Act also addresses the issue of insurance

companies not covering toxic mold claims under homeowner policies.

California and Texas have already dealt with toxic mold issues and in Texas

one woman won a $32 million lawsuit.