TOXIC MOULD LINKED TO SICKNESS by Silvia McFadyen-Jones

Considering the expressed interest received in response to my article in The Condo Chronicle, Volume 2003-1, I have done further research into the information pertaining to the possible health hazards of the mould that is associated with the "leaky condo phenomenon". Even though my report focused on the leaky building crisis in New Zealand, the leaky condo disaster struck a cord across the whole construction industry and caused the owners and buyers of homes to loose trust and confidence in the residential construction everywhere. The New Zealand Government admitted that its handling of the leaky building problem could cost the country up to $240 million in repair bills.

Then came the information about the mould. Scientists have now confirmed that the mould growing in the water-damaged homes can be dangerous to human health and may also have a negative affect on animals. The toxin producing fungus 'stachybotrys' has been linked to serious illnesses and deaths in United States, but this information was not reported in medical journals in US. One may well ask why? At least the New Zealand Government admitted that their Microbiological Hort Research has found stachybotrys and other toxic fungi growing in water-damaged buildings.

Some homeowners in New Zealand have reported rashes, tiredness, various allergic reactions, breathing problems, lingering headaches, chronic chest infections and immune system deterioration. Most symptoms were confirmed by their doctors as linked to the toxic fungus. "We are finding that the population of fungi in the walls is more complex than we thought" says Dr. Waipara from the microbiological research agency of New Zealand. According to New Zealand samples taken from 10 to 43 leaky homes, the occupants had reported illnesses related to toxicity. Stachybotrys grows when materials such as wood or carpet backing are saturated with water over a period of time. If let grow, it will rot wood, carpeting, wallpaper and plaster. The fungus emits toxic gases that can permeate minute cracks in plaster or wallpaper. When disturbed, the fungus sends out spores that expose people to dangerous levels of toxins. Thus, even the builders making repairs to rotting homes were at high risk to toxic exposure.

The New Zealand Health department reveals that their preliminary test results have already attracted international interest and the New Zealand evidence has been included in stachybotrys research at Columbia University in New York, Denmark's Technical University and the Institute of Hygiene and Medicine in Germany. As said earlier, the concern of toxic mould as a health hazard is reaching international proportions. No more so than right here in our own Province. Yes, we are aware of the 'Homeowners Protection Act', yes we know that a Provincial Advisory Council on Homeowner Protection exists. Yes we are told that the Home Owners Protection Office is to provide the research and education initiatives and consumer information programs. But where is the health component in all this structure? Who assumes the fiduciary responsibility when an occupant's health exposed to dangerous building conditions is permanently affected? Joining a not-for-profit, co-operative community service organization like the Pacific Condominium Association can make it possible to bring this vital issue to the attention of a relevant Government Authority or Agency.