Monster Mold Threatens Health in the South
(New Orleans, AP, 9/28/05)

Mold spreads by launching airborne spores that grow on wet surfaces. Even under ordinary circumstances, it can’t be totally eradicated, just controlled by limiting humidity. But in areas like flood-ravaged New Orleans, mold is notoriously widespread and it has infiltrated many structures to an extent that will necessitate houses being torn down to protect residents against the toxic allergens that it produces. Buildings that remain standing may require extensive and expensive remediation to make them habitable. The cleanup process is especially critical for hospitals where unseen spores could prove deadly for patients with impaired immune systems. Unfortunately insurance companies typically exclude coverage for mold damage and people under pressure to reclaim their homes may fall victim to incompetent or unscrupulous remediators.