Guest guest Posted May 13, 2002 Report Share Posted May 13, 2002 First: You need to understand the strange dynamics that have emerged in this new industry. There are three groups that work with toxic mold: Microbiologists, Industrial Hygenists, and Building Inspectors. The Microbiologists' position seems to be that if you have been sensitized, you can never re-enter a contaminated space or be exposed to contaminated items again without getting sick. The Industrial Hygenists seem to be in the camp that says that mold is, for the most part, harmless, and that in extreme cases cleanup is necessary, but otherwise, keep humidity down and look at other indoor contaminants for contributing to your health problems. The Building Inspectors (most of them that I know) don't particulary seem to be interested in one position or the other -- their angle is that they will look at your home, find the problems, test for mold, and then tell you what type it is, and how much of it there is -- beyond that, the most they can do is refer you to someone for abatement. Next: Follow the money -- Industrial Hygenists seem to be primarily working for " the other side " , that is, the insurance companies, builders, etc., so they have a vested interest in finding no major problems. On the other hand, the Microbiologists have a vested interest in selling you as many mold tests and expensive remediation as possible -- more tests and treatments = more money. Somewhere in the middle lies the truth -- if it were me, as a layperson, I don't have to give a damn about double-blind studies, anecdotal evidence, etc. I would say -- the stuff made me sick, so it's got to be the stuff, then find an expert who agrees with me to go up against the insurance company. Your best bet is going to be a microbiologist (in my experience). I will tell you that I recently attended a seminar for Realtors on toxic mold. The instructor was an Industrial Hygenist, with a ton of Ph.D.'s. He started the seminar with a slide, entitled " Debunking the Mold Monster " . He promoted washing off mold with a diluted bleach solution. I'm sure that based on your experience alone, you wouldn't feel comfortable entering a contaminated home without a respirator & tyvek coveralls, let alone spending all day washing down the walls with bleach!! Would you live there again? Anyway, to expose my own selfish motive, the company I work for has a treatment (not washing) for homes and for belongings that have been exposed to mold (or other allergens). You can find a local partner at www.medallionhealthyhomes.com. Like everything else, it works well, and it will break down toxins, spores, etc.; however, you may be so sensitive that even the remnants might produce allergic symptoms. Therefore, if it works, then it is a relatively inexpensive solution -- if it doesn't, then at least you gave it a try. If you are in Wisconsin, I'd give you a free demonstration on some token items -- if it helps you, then you can hire me and if it doesn't, then I won't charge you. Other partners in other areas may do things differently, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Anyway, I hope this helps you. Jeff and --------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Sun, 12 May 2002 06:28:22 -0000 From: " dandkjohn1 " <townsend11@...> Subject: Should We Burn Our Belongings? Allstate's Industrial Hygienist said they can be cleaned. Toxicologist's receptionist said that last weekend's health episodes could be blamed on my husband's bringing towels and spices from the infected home. (We never even went into the house, just got sick from the contaminated items) She also said that we should discard all porous items in the home. Allstate says that they have to go by what the Industrial Hygienist says. I wonder if there is any documented protocol that says that porous material must be discarded. We are not interested in cashing in at the insurance co's expense and getting new furniture. Rather, we are interested in not being sick anymore. I need solid documentation that says that our belongings must be discarded, because the CDC and EPA web pages both say that the furniture/clothes etc can be " cleaned. " Does anyone have any experience in this? I hear so many stories about people walking away from their homes. Who is telling them to do this and on what information are they basing their recommendations off of? Please, if you have hard data, can you please share? Thank you, Townsend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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