New Study Says Mold Hype is Unfounded

A new report by the Texas Medical Association says the public’s heightened concern over adverse health effects from mold is not supported by medical evidence, according to The National Association of Independent Insurers (NAII).

The NAII said the medical association concluded that adverse health effects from Stachybotrys mold spores in water-damaged buildings are not supported by peer-reviewed reports in medical literature in its report, “Black Mold and Human Illness”.

“This report strengthens insurers’ contentions that mold exposure standards are premature at best and quite possibly a mistake,” said David Golden, director of Commercial Lines for the National Association of Independent Insurers (NAII).

The report recommends that the Texas Medical Association support continued scientific research; educate its members, other medical professionals and the public on this issue; share the report with state governmental agencies; and support general water damage remediation techniques in homes and other buildings unless there is clear medical evidence that mold is contributing to a particular illness.

“The report also sets out requirements necessary to scientifically validate an environmental agent as a contributor to human illness. This requirement will help insurers to debunk junk science regarding mold,” said Golden.

NAII supports the Texas Medical Association’s conclusions and recommendations. These findings support insurance industry messages that mold is generally not a significant health threat; allergic reactions to mold vary from individual to individual and most mold problems can be avoided through routine maintenance and a quick response to water leaks.

“Junk science and other unfounded claims have helped to fuel the public’s concern about mold and their health. The effort of the Texas medical Association and other well-respected medical and public health experts to promote the facts about mold are very helpful in calming fears,” said Golden.

Topics Texas