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Dear Editor,
I have come across some concerns in Hamilton County when it comes to mold in houses, schools, local shops, rental properties and workplaces alike.
It concerns me because according to Hamilton County’s own website, it states, “Currently there are no regulations or standards that require mold to be cleaned up or address how much mold you can be exposed to.”
If the state and county do not have clear standards or regulations, how we going to improve our air quality and lower risk of mold-related infections? Mold can be anywhere and without standards, it can be growing in our workplaces, our homes and even the stores we go to shop.
The other piece of information that concerns me and the general population is about rent properties with a landlord. My old house in Noblesville was rented and our landlord did and still is not required to disclose high concentrations of mold in rental properties to prospective tenants according to Nolo, an organization that helps consumers and small businesses find answers to their everyday legal and business questions.
Why don’t we strive for a better community that has fewer risks of being exposed to mold? Those with asthma and allergy-related issues such as myself can be at serious risk.
According to the CDC about mold, “Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.”
Starting the solution with clear standards and regulations will help bring high rates of mold down. We already have companies that will come and help clean up mold but what we need are clear guidelines to how rental properties, houses, schools, shops and workplaces are investigated for mold.
Allison Edge
A public health advocate, concerned citizen and student at Ball State University