Fighting Toxic Mold: BEM Seminar Highlights New Weapons & Techniques

[Guest guest]

Fighting Toxic Mold: BEM Seminar Highlights New Weapons & Techniques.

Author/s:

Issue: April 3, 2002

Business Editors

CHATHAM, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 2002

When toxic molds get a foothold in a residence or public building, the

result can be illness or even death for susceptible individuals, with

children and the immune-compromised high on the list of likely victims.

This recently recognized phenomenon, which some compare to asbestos as an

environmental hazard, could eventually cost billions for medical bills,

remediation, damages, and insurance. To bring together recent findings in

this field, environmental consultants BEM Systems, Inc. recently hosted a

full-day multidisciplinary seminar, " Toxic Mold Litigation, Investigation

and Control. " The good news is that recent advances in environmental science

and medicine are helping to bring the so-called " Mold Monster " under

control.

" Public awareness of toxic molds has been driven mainly by anecdotal

evidence and sensational press coverage, " said BEM president Mark

Nardolillo. " It is time now for trained experts from the scientific,

medical, engineering, legal, and public health communities to take a leading

voice in this discussion, so we as a society can make informed decisions

based on objective, unbiased data. Today's seminar is intended as a step in

that direction. "

Dr. Santilli, of St. 's Medical Center, Bridgeport, Conn.,

described the health impacts from molds, which can include chronic and acute

infections, visual and cognitive problems, and occasionally, cancers.

" Elementary schools are among the most dangerous places, " he observed.

" Children track water into carpeted areas, which remain damp, and the result

is a building full of `Petrie dishes.' For the children's sake, I would

start by taking all the carpets out of the schools. Children don't have OSHA

or NIOSH to protect them. "

Coffey, founder of TechClean Industries, Farmingdale, N.Y.,

described new technologies being used against mold infestation. The

remote-sensing technology that helped NASA find water on Mars can also

reveal facts about the history of buildings contaminated with Aspergillus,

Stachybotrys and other potentially lethal molds, he said.

Meanwhile, scientists in Europe, particularly Scandinavia, are uncovering

the complex pathways involved in the development of mold-related illnesses

and developing other new fungi-fighting tools. Other new approaches include

nitrogen-extraction technology and silicon epoxy coatings that prevent fungi

from taking root.

Coffey's company gets rid of toxic mold with a slow-release form of peroxide

in a propylene glycol base--the same mixture used for stage " smoke. " The

treatment oxidizes the cellular protein in mold and mold byproducts, and the

premises can be reoccupied safely after 24 hours.

No state or federal guidelines currently govern mold exposures, said seminar

chairman Ruffe, who heads BEM's toxic mold practice. " But consultants

today do have the science and methodologies to determine if there is a valid

association between mold conditions and risk to health, " he added.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Business Wire

COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group