Since mold has been on the planet forever, why the sudden surge in mold claims in the past few years?
Some of the obvious reasons:
(1) New building materials. In response to the energy crisis of the 1970s, there was a rise in the use of paper products in construction, and some are more susceptible to mold growth. For example, wallboard is commonly used for interior walls and its paper backing provides an excellent Petri dish for mold growth.
(2) Changes in way homes, buildings, and workplaces are designed and built. After the 1970’s energy crisis, new construction was built “air tight” to improve energy efficiency. Sealed buildings and central heating and air conditioning systems reduce ventilation and encourage mold growth.
(3) Lousy construction practices: Many homes and buildings with the construction boom were built by less experienced contractors entering the industry.
(4) Media coverage: Heavily publicized cases by celebrities such as talk-show sidekick and veteran television pitchman Ed McMahon and environmental crusader Erin Brockovich have raised public consciousness of the problem, especially after being awarded large insurance settlements. So after a surfeit of reports raising the alarm, public thinks “mold” when health concerns arise in a house or building.
(5) More sophisticated medical diagnostics: as medical technology has increased, so have links of aggravating asthma to mold infestation.
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