Boise family battles 'toxic mold'

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Boise family battles 'toxic mold'

04/07/2002

Lee McGuire

Idaho's NewsChannel 7

lmcguire@...

A Boise family is finally home, after six months fighting a health risk

you'd never expect: Toxic mold.

WATCH STORY

The mold, and health problems they can trace back to the substance, forced

them out of their home for a month and a half. Now, they're trying to help

other Treasure Valley families who might have the same problem, but don't

know it.

The Chaloupsky family bought that house just three years ago. They say they

wish they'd paid attention to some early warning signs that could have saved

them a lot of time, money, and health problems.

Chuck Chaloupsky: " " We were out for six weeks and one day. " "

Chuck Chaloupsky, his wife and their two young children are moving

back into their home. Just a month ago, it was surrounded by protective

plastic. It was such a health risk, you needed a gas mask just to go inside.

But for years, the Chaloupskys had no idea their own house was dangerous.

Chuck: " " In the beginning, we didn't know why we were getting sick on and

off. " "

Chaloupsky: " " My kids were constantly getting sick, in particular my

son. My kids never got the chance to get better. " "

The problem started in the crawlspace under their new home. When he moved

in, Chuck noticed it always seemed damp.

Chuck: " " You could go in various places, and see damp ground. At times there

was standing water. " "

They later learned a leaking pipe and poor drainage created a breeding

ground for mold. Over time the mold got into everything -- and it only got

worse.

The Chaloupskys think there was a problem with the way the house was

built -- and that it contributed to their mold problem. We talked to the

building contractor, Rod Blackstead. He wouldn't comment, except to say that

there is an insurance investigation underway.

The Chaloupskys spent nearly $50 thousand cleaning their house, and

everything they owned. Just this weekend, they got the official all-clear

from the company they hired to scrub everything clean - and fix the problems

which they suspect caused the mold to grow in the first place.

Chuck: " " It's a monumental task to have this type of situation repaired. " "

Now, they're warning other families to check their crawlspaces for trouble.

Chuck: " " The longer you let it go and go, the more health problems you will

face, and the more damage to your house you will face. " "

Here are some things to look for that could signal a possible mold problem.

First, check to see if water gets into your basement when it rains. Then,

look at your drain pipes -- they should drain away from your house. Mold

thrives on humidity.

Call a building expert if you think your home might be having mold

problems -- it's easy to fix if caught early, but can be very hard to deal

with if left unchecked.

The EPA has set up a website that describes some of the symptoms of " toxic

mold, " also known as the fungus " stachybotrys atra. " You can read about the

substance, and some of the warning signs, at

http://www.epa.gov/appcdwww/crb/iemb/child.htm