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Florida Representative Linda Armstrong's ordeal with mold |
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Sunday, 27 August 2006 |
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Family experiencing health problems due to house mold
Many families have had mold in their houses but for one family, it has reached a hazardous level. The problem has gotten so bad, the family won't even go in to one room and the mother and daughter are experiencing respiratory problems. According to one expert, the problem is only getting worse.
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Mold
Mold under carpet
Scraping hardened mold off a window seal
Linda Armstrong
Linda seals off a room in the house
Dr. Richard Lipsey takes a mold sample for testing.
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By First Coast News Staff
JACKSONVILLE, Fl - Many families have had mold in their houses but for one family, it has reached a hazardous level. The problem has gotten so bad, the family won't even go in to one room and the mother and daughter are experiencing respiratory problems. According to one expert, the problem is only getting worse.
The problems started 2 years ago when Linda Armstrong noticed a small mold stain on the carpet. All the moisture in the house created the perfect breeding ground for mold. In Jacksonville, at least 10% of all homes are contaminated with mold.
Toxicologist Dr. Richard Lipsey took some samples at Linda Armstrong's house. In most homes, the mold content is around 30 units-per-colony. In Linda's home, it's 270 million. The problem is so bad, Linda has sealed off an entire room. Still, the mold is all around. Linda's attempts to clean it off can't get it to go away. One window seal is covered so thick, it was a tough job to scrape a sample off for testing.
The home is serving as a giant "petri dish." It is producing and is hosting a reservoir for mold. While there is little Linda can do, she refuses to move. While leaving isn't an option, staying is not real safe either with more prescriptions and visits to the doctor.
Linda Armstrong has been told by doctors to get out of the house but the problem is money. She can't afford to pay the mortgage on that house and another one. As for why the house is so contaminated with mold, experts say it's a moisture problem. Linda claims the home was built without the proper moisture barrier, which is why so much mold is growing behind the walls where she can't get to it. She is suing the home builder. However, that could take years to resolve.
Some symptoms and warning signs of mold toxicity include upper respiratory breathing problems, watery and itchy eyes, rashes and general fatigue. If you think your house has an abnormal amount of mold, there are a few things you can do. First, have your home checked by an expert. In most cases, a sample of dust from your vacuum or air conditioning filter will do. Another option is calling a pest control company, which can actually check the moisture in the walls that may lead to mold. Finally, get a HEPA-vac cleaner. It will help sanitize the air.
Dr. Richard Lipsey, a mold expert and toxicologist, can take samples from house air filter or vacuum to test for molds. He can be reached at 904-398-2168. A fee will be charged for the procedure. | |
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