The Center for School Mold Help

This article, from the Hartford (CT) Courant, gives good advice, we think. However, most insurers do NOT cover mold at all, and if they do, it may be $3,000 - $5,000 maximum. (SMH)

When people realize mold is a health issue, it is "time to do something". When they think it is not a health issue, they can justify not doing anything. Mold is being recognized as a health issue in an Indiana jail, in this article - we wish that people like these were in charge of schools, and that the problem would be recognized as urgent. Over the past 6 1/2 years that this jail has had mold, the general public has started to recognize that there are health issues involved, indeed. Thus, the urgency! (SMH)

The Acting US Surgeon General, Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H., pictured above.  The US Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes, 2009 is a groundbreaking, very welcome document. It includes information regarding respiratory health effects due to mold, with comments pertaining to prevention and removal of mold in homes. It is the important start of a government action plan to reduce the impact of mold on health in America. Of note is that mold is alluded to as only an allergen in the press release, without mentioning its toxic potentials, which have far greater impact on the public, according to researchers such as Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker. However, later in the document itself, toxic properties of mold are briefly mentioned.

We need the same sort of strongly worded guidance for our schools, a US Surgeon General's Strategic Plan for Schools, which does not yet exist, but could, in the near future. SMH will followup with a letter to that effect, offering our assistance. We encourage you, also, to call and write the US Surgeon General's office with your concerns related to the need for a plan to ensure that our schools become healthy places to occupy. We have provided his contact information, below. Also, we have listed the Surgeon General's Health Priorities - many of which tie into prevention of health problems and education - exactly our mission, here at The Center for School Mold Help.

Please consider a donation of any amount to help us continue our advocacy and education. (SMH)

The Brooklyn Rail presents a look into dangerous housing conditions - identical to those in schools - that destroy health, and some legislation in NYC that may assist sick tenants.  (SMH)