Tracy Press

A Sacramento safety specialist counters a local inspector's assertions about protocol when possible mold was found at Tracy High School.

EDITOR,

The recent opinion piece about mold at Tracy High School shows only one side of many issues. Contrary to Larry Hite’s contention that sampling materials is the standard of care in the industry, most federal and state guidelines state that sampling is not needed and that most areas with apparent mold growth need no additional sampling.

Also, without actually seeing the filtering face piece (respirator) that was worn, no statement regarding the proper type of respirator can be made. There are many filtering face pieces that are properly rated for just that kind of work.

Caution in mold work is always advisable, but it must be balanced against the reality of the problem, and consumers need to remember that every emerging building problem, whether it’s lead-based paint, asbestos or something else, gives rise to a group of consultants. Many of these consultants are knowledgeable professionals, but there will always be a sizable number who have gone to a short course and declare themselves experts.

In the mold business these days, there is still a “buyer beware” caveat, as there are no real reputable certifying bodies on the subject. If someone did have a mold concern, a reasonable expectation would be for a consultant to be a certified industrial hygienist with experience in mold.

— Solon Kobza, Sacramento, safety specialist for Sacramento County

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written by Mold Literate , March 09, 2008

At The Center for School Mold Help, we know that it is imperative to know what you are dealing with in a building, from a health standpoint. Certain molds cause certain illnesses. This is the only way to know if one's illness may be related. When people ill from mold go to the doctor, the first thing the doctor wants is evidence of any testing that proves mold was present and what type - if the doctor is at all versed in fungal diseases. The government would have us believe this isn't necessary, from a building standpoint - but they conveniently and it seems, callously, forget about the health of the people inside. So yes - do test.

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written by Mold Literate , March 09, 2008

Visit the TX Tech Fungal Glossary on our site at https://www.schoolmoldhelp.org/content/view/677/189/. Look up Stachybotrys sp., a mold often found in schools with longterm leaks.

It says: ALLERGENICITY

Can be allergenic(1440,1441,1457)

MYCOTOXINS PRODUCED

3-Acetyl-deoxynivalenol (23, Atranones A-G (1021,1443,1444), Cyclosporins (1445), Diacetoxyscirpenol (23, Deoxynivalenol or Vomitoxin (238,1449,1450), Epoxytrichothecene (1446), Isosatratoxins F, G & H (1447-1449), Phenylspirodrimanes (1447), Roridins A, E (1449-1452,1456), Satratoxins F, G & H (238,1444,1449-1452,1456), Stachylysin (1453,1454,145, Trichoverrols A, B (1451,1452), Verrucarins A,J (1449-1452,1455,1456), Verrucarol (T-2-tetraol) (238,1446,1456).

PATHOGENICITY IN HUMANS

Mycotoxin-caused pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis in infants(1459,1460), dermatitis, cough, rhinitis, itching or burning sensation in mouth, throat, nasal passages and eyes(1461).

Then look up aspergillus species, fusarium, penicillium species, Chaetomium sp. and others that are often found in schools. You will see the health implications are often extensive and quite dire. This is how those liable keep it under the rug. "Don't test" means "no proof of illness". Don't be fooled. Test - have your own testing done - by someone who is truly expert. At the very least, take your own samples - visit our About Testing page on www.schoolmoldhelp.org to learn more.