Guest guest Posted February 20, 2000 Report Share Posted February 20, 2000 i wanna to quit this thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2000 Report Share Posted November 11, 2000 ----- Original Message ----- From: <egroups> <egroups> Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2000 5:05 AM Subject: [] Digest Number 675 > > There are 10 messages in this issue. > > Topics in this digest: > > 1. Re: Digest Number 674 > From: " Bill Cook " <wscook@...> > 2. Re: Insurance & Construction Defects > From: RGlin2000@... > 3. Mold plagues tenants, landlords in Deer Park Apartments > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 4. Having Trouble Breathing? The Problem Could Be Indoor Air > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 5. Children deserve adequate facilities > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 6. Fight to have 'invisible' ills recognized > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 7. Shameful Treatment of Gulf War Vets > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 8. 900 more in Libby may be ill > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 9. Church Group Infected with Fungal Disease in Mexico > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 10. A ray of hope > From: " KC " <tigerpaw2C@...> > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 11:40:37 -0500 > From: " Bill Cook " <wscook@...> > Subject: Re: Digest Number 674 > > Regarding the insurance coverage for damage associated with mold. It is not > a cut and dried issue as indicated by Mr. Washngton. The issues of coverage > all relate to the proximate cause of loss and then the cause of loss must be > not excluded under most homeowner policies. Then the issues may be further > complicated as to the contents damages and the cause of loss to the > contents. Many times if coverage is found for the building the coverage > will not extend to the contents. There are some very tricky issues that > effect the damages being brought under the coverage terms of the policy. > Any serious claim should have benefit of a public adjuster working on your > behalf to insure claim is presented to assure maximum entitlements under the > policy. > Bill Cook > Private Investigator > Public Adjuster (Acting for the Insured Only) > n Orlando > 407 658 7789 > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <egroups> > <egroups> > Sent: Friday, November 10, 2000 6:29 AM > Subject: [] Digest Number 674 > > > > > > There are 11 messages in this issue. > > > > Topics in this digest: > > > > 1. insurance coverage for mold > > From: Dale Washington <dalewashington@...> > > 2. Miami Herald Editorial on Molds in Schools > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 3. Re: insurance coverage for mold > > From: " KC " <tigerpaw2C@...> > > 4. Seemingly docile mildew is everywhere > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 5. Dateline Story Fuels National Investigation > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 6. Cleanup uncovers more mold at Carmel school > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 7. Clean-air cost rule? Court skeptical > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 8. Keeping Your Kids Asthma and Allergy Free > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 9. Re: Re: insurance coverage for mold > > From: Angel MCS <jap2bemc@...> > > 10. Frog Deformities and Environmental Pollution > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 11. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 1 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 11:46:02 -0500 (EST) > > From: Dale Washington <dalewashington@...> > > Subject: insurance coverage for mold > > > > Hi everyone: > > > > I want to alert members that mold or fungus infestation resulting from a > > covered loss is itself covered. > > > > Let me give the typical example: > > > > Employee leaves water running, floods the whole business overnite. > > Insurance company pays for the damaged merchandise and runs big fans for a > > few days to dry out the room. They never check for problems behind the > > drywall or in other inaccessible places and never warn the insured about > the > > possibility of mold, what to watch for, to call them if there is any odor > or > > visible mold. Who is " they " ??!! Is it the responsibility of the insurance company to know of the proper steps for mold remidiation? do you think that the insurance company would be willing to make the investment into equipment, training and retention of qualified personell- and then get behind them in terms of liability when things go terribly wrong? I don't think so! " They " will farm it out to the low bidder, then when things go into the toilet, " they " will start " their " typical game of finger pointing, legal maneauvering, and delay, delay , delay!.... Meanwhile " we " get the shaft! > > > > If in fact mold develops in the wall and the occupants get sick, they have > a > > claim going back to the original claim. In my view, they also have a > claim > > for insurance bad faith, because the carriers are very, very aware that > mold > > is a frequent result of flooding, what it does to inhabitants, and how, > for > > some extra money at the first claim, they can eliminate the risk. > > > > Same thing applies with homeowner's claims. If the water damage is from a > > covered problem, the ensuing loss is also covered. > > > > Watch for changes in policies to exclude mold - currently is is covered. > > > > If there are any insurance adjusters out there, invite you to weigh in on > > this, anonymously if need be. I find people do not know what is covered, > > what is not, and they do not have access to understandable coverage info > > other than from the insurance company - not the best source. > > > > Best regards, > > > > Dale Washngton > > Los Angeles > > > > > > ______________________________________________ > > FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com > > Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 2 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 12:27:43 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Miami Herald Editorial on Molds in Schools > > > > Category: OPED Page > > Publication: The Herald > > Publication Date: 10/11/2000 > > Page and Section: 6 A > > > > Moldy schools are hazardous > > > > Moldy schools are no laughing matter. > > > > Mold at Banks Elementary School in Fort Mill may be making students > > sick. > > Parents have complained of children developing headaches, nausea, > > fatigue, > > dizziness and sore throats as a result of a buildup of mold at the > > school. > > > > Officials think excessive moisture has caused the spread of mildew and > > other > > molds. The district has cleaned the carpet, walls and floor tiles, and > > replaced > > water-logged ceiling tiles. Industrial dehumidifiers also have been > > placed in > > classrooms. > > > > We credit district officials for taking the matter seriously. They > > contacted the > > state Department of Health and Environmental Control about the matter > > and did > > everything the agency recommended. > > > > But this dilemma highlights a disturbing omission in state law: No state > > agency > > regulates air quality inside our schools. Local officials were surprised > > to learn > > that no laws govern air quality, and not even DHEC has any authority to > > act in an > > official capacity regarding problems such as excessive mold. > > > > State Rep. Becky Meacham- plans to change that. She hopes to > > introduce legislation similar to a Vermont law that regulates indoor air > > quality at > > the state's public schools. > > > > This, we think, is an important concern. Most school districts these > > days would > > not dream of allowing students or teachers to smoke inside schools. But > > in many > > cases, mold spores can be more dangerous than second-hand smoke. > > > > We hope efforts to get rid of the excess water and mold at Banks > > Elementary are > > successful. We also hope this ordeal spawns legislation requiring the > > state to > > come up with measures to deal with future air quality problems in > > schools. > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 3 > > Date: Thu, 09 Nov 2000 20:10:21 -0000 > > From: " KC " <tigerpaw2C@...> > > Subject: Re: insurance coverage for mold > > > > Let me just add my two cents worth. Everyone should check the fine > > print very carefully. I received a notice to update my homeowners > > insurance for major disasters (naturally at a special price), it > > sounded great until I read the very fine print. In tiny letters it > > said, " it does not cover any allergy related illness due to flooding > > or water damage. " Naturally it never said mold/fungus, but the > > implications were there and so is nonpayment. Like the old saying > > goes,BUYER BEWARE. KC > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 4 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 20:03:42 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Seemingly docile mildew is everywhere > > > > Published Sunday, October 15, 2000 > > > > ON THE HOUSE: JAMES & MORRIS CAREY > > > > Seemingly docile mildew is everywhere > > > > Fight the battle cheaply and effectively with homemade concoctions > > FIRST, THERE WAS nuclear waste, then came contaminated ground water. > > Polluted streams, rivers with fewer fish and oceans with oil slicks > > followed. There's radon, carbon monoxide gas and more. > > > > Inside pollutants can be almost as dangerous as any of the others that we > > just mentioned. > > > > Mildew might seem like a docile organism to some, but for many, it has a > > number of consequences. An allergic reaction to mildew spores can result > in > > an extended hospital visit. At best, mildew is a nuisance. So, with that > in > > mind, here is our old standby formula with a few new twists. But, first a > > bit about where the black, fuzzy stuff comes from. > > > > > > The breeding ground > > Mildew and mold spores are everywhere. And your home can be a primary > > breeding ground. Condensation and humidity are the culprits. If you live > in > > a humid area, you are destined to have mildew. That's because humid air > > causes damp surfaces, and that is exactly where mildew settles. In other > > climates where the relative humidity is lower, there is still a chance of > > growth. Condensation can occur in the desert, perhaps not to the same > extent > > as in the Florida Keys or in New Orleans, but it can occur anywhere. And > > where there is moisture in the air or on ceilings and walls -- or even in > > walls and ceilings and below floors -- mildew can, and usually does, > settle > > in. > > > > One can battle mildew by eliminating the feeding ground. Keep the house > dry > > and mildew will not find a damp surface upon which to grow. You keep the > > house dry by circulating the air; by exhausting damp air in bathrooms, at > > the stove and in the laundry or wherever water vapors appear. In that way, > > condensation can't occur. Opening windows after a shower helps as well. > > > > In very humid areas, a dehumidifier is a must. But, if you have a portable > > one, be sure to empty the drain pan. Also, don't forget the drain pans in > yo > > ur air conditioner and refrigerator. Swamp coolers work best in extremely > > arid locations. If you live in a warm humid climate and you have a swamp > > cooler, you can count on having mildew and mold year-round. > > > > > > Less costly remedies > > As promised, here's our famous all-purpose mildew cleaning formula and > some > > alternatives (these cleaning concoctions cost only about a 1/10 of the > price > > of commercial mildew cleaners): > > > > > > For outdoor mildew removal, mix 1 quart of liquid chlorine bleach and 1/3 > > cup of powdered laundry detergent into 3 quarts of hot water. Stir until > > thoroughly mixed, and place in a spray bottle. > > > > For counters, shower walls and for the bathroom in general, use 11/2 cups > of > > bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water. > > > > For mildewed clothing, use 2 tablespoons of bleach in 1 quart of water (we > > prefer soapy water). Be sure the fabric is colorfast. > > > > On painted surfaces you can use the outdoor formula. However, you might > have > > sensitive paint. If so, use 11/2 cups of bleach and 1/3 cup of powdered > > laundry detergent in 1 gallon of hot water. > > > > For wood, plaster, plastic and metal surfaces -- indoors or out -- mix > > vinegar with borax. What a cleaner. Mix as much borax into the vinegar as > > you can. Keep mixing until the borax will no longer dissolve. Scrub this > > onto the surface and watch it get clean. > > Tip: If you go to a janitorial supply store to get your spray bottle, you > > will be in for a surprise. The bottles and sprayers are sold separately. > > It's the same spray unit, except that with the shorter bottles the > drawtube > > on the sprayer is cut shorter. The bottles in the janitorial supply store > > are a little bit sturdier than the ones you find at the grocer or at the > > hardware store. The big surprise is when the bottle is filled and you > start > > squirting. It's amazing. You can set a janitorial grade sprayer to hit a > > spot from across the room. > > > > Pittsburg contractors and O. Carey can be heard Saturday > > mornings on KSFO 560 AM. Write the Carey Brothers, c/o the Associated > Press, > > 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020-1666, or e-mail them at > > careybro@.... Their Web site is at www.onthehouse.com. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 5 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 20:18:40 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Dateline Story Fuels National Investigation > > > > http://www.claimsmag.com/Issues/sept00/dateline.asp > > > > Dateline Story Fuels National Investigation > > > > By Mikel M. Benton > > > > The NBC television news program Dateline recently conducted two > > investigations into State Farm Insurance's use of independent medical > exams > > during the processing of injury claims, alleging that some medical > decisions > > were made by non-medical or unqualified personnel. > > > > The nationally televised segments, which aired on June 23 and July 25, > have > > also triggered inquiries by the National Association of Insurance > > Commissioners and several state insurance departments about the purported > > misuse of utilization reviews. > > > > " Dateline provided a valuable public service in its 15-month > investigation, " > > said Nichols, President of the NAIC and insurance commissioner for > > Kentucky. " After viewing the broadcast, regulators from a number of the > > states convened a conference call to express their concern on behalf of > > consumers and to call for an expanded market conduct exam of State Farm. " > > > > Although Nichols confirmed that multi-state exams will focus on how State > > Farm uses independent medical exams and utilization or paper reviews, the > > NAIC has not reached any conclusions regarding the insurer's conduct. > " Until > > the states can complete their nationally coordinated exam, we cannot pass > > judgment on State Farm or their contractors, and we cannot go into details > > of the extent or nature of these exams, " he said. > > > > The utilization review process is a sound business practice, of benefit to > > both consumers and insurers, according to the Alliance of American > Insurers. > > " Medical review procedures are proven techniques to hold down medical > claim > > costs, and the review procedures benefit consumers, " said Kirk Hansen, > > director of claims for the Alliance. " If insurers paid all bills without > > question, claim costs would run out of control. Insurers would become > > nothing more than ATM machines for doctors. " > > > > Hansen expects that the NAIC investigation will identify only " some > > individual irregularities. " > > > > The news program's interest was originally caught by the plight of Lecreca > > Duffey, who was injured in a traffic accident in 1993. Although her > medical > > treatment totaled more than $10,000, after consulting with an independent > > medical review company, State Farm paid only $780 of her claim. > > > > According to Dateline investigators, State Farm makes a practice of hiring > > companies such as Comprehensive Medical Review of San Diego and Medical > > Claims Review Services of Bethesda, Md., to review claimants' medical > > records and accident reports. Allegedly, State Farm adjusters then use the > > so-called paper reviews as justification for offering reduced settlement > > figures. > > > > State Farm refutes the Dateline allegations, saying that paper reviews are > > sought for only 5 percent of all claims. > > > > The television segment further accused State Farm and the review services > of > > colluding to deny care to victims of automobile accidents and work-related > > injuries. Reports from both of the companies investigated were forwarded > to > > State Farm adjusters without being seen by physicians, according to > > Dateline, which alleges that reports were signed by people with no medical > > training or altered after they had been signed by doctors. > > > > CMR went so far as to advertise a crash database, which could be used to > > predict the likelihood of an injury through comparisons with other > injuries > > and accidents. According to a former CMR employee, who was interviewed in > > silhouette, the database never existed and " was a big joke in the hallways > > of CMR. " > > > > State Farm executives said that they were shocked to learn of CMR's > actions. > > " We learned some things about CMR that disappointed us, " said Senior Vice > > President Jack North. In response to further accusations from the > anonymous > > employee that State Farm adjusters would help CMR to author reports and > ask > > to have dollar amounts changed, North said, " That just isn't the way we do > > business. " Since learning of CMR's questionable business practices, State > > Farm no longer uses the company's services, according to North. > > > > State Farm's experience with MCRS and CMR misrepresents their record with > > paper reviews, according to North, who sent out a memo apologizing to > those > > who lost out due to the company's practice of seeking independent reviews. > > The company also released a statement asserting that Dateline > investigators > > had rehashed allegations made in a small number of lawsuits. > > > > " State Farm acknowledges mistakes were made with respect to some > utilization > > reviews, " the release states. " We are taking steps to make sure that our > > insureds were not harmed by reviews by CMR and MCRS, the two firms > featured > > on the Dateline program. " The company says it has implemented an audit > > procedure to verify that only qualified medical professionals do reviews > and > > now requires that all firms with which it does business use doctors of the > > same medical specialty as the insured's treating doctor to conduct auto > > insurance utilization reviews. > > > > Washington, one of the states contacted by Dateline prior to its original > > inquiry, has launched its own investigation, according to state Insurance > > Commissioner Deborah Senn. " There are serious allegations about companies > > who do business in the state of Washington, and we want to be sure that > the > > industry is adhering to the rules we have spelled out, " Senn said. > > > > Following a similar investigation in 1996, Washington's DOI was one of > four > > states to adopt regulations ensuring that carriers use the right type of > > health-care providers to review auto injury claims. In order to prevent > > improper denials, the regulations require that insurers use " like > licensure " > > providers. This means that, if a patient sees a chiropractor, the carrier > > cannot have the treatment reviewed by an orthopedic surgeon who is not > > trained as a chiropractor. > > > > The state's investigation will take the form of a " desk audit, " according > to > > Harkins, chief deputy insurance commissioner. " Our initial look is > > primarily to see that there is compliance with those rules in effect in > > Washington state, " he said. " We're not walking in with an assumption of > > wide-spread abuse. " State laws should prevent the types of problems > Dateline > > uncovered. > > > > Senn has ordered six of the largest carriers in the state - State Farm > > Mutual, Safeco, Farmers, Pemco, Mutual of Enumclaw and Allstate - to > submit > > claims data to DOI investigators. Although Dateline focused on State Farm, > > " chances are that if there are significant problems being experienced by > > Washington state consumers, it won't be limited to one company, " Harkins > > said. > > > > Washington's DOI is participating in the NAIC multi-state exam looking > into > > the specific allegations raised by Dateline, but expects that its own > > investigation will proceed more quickly. " By doing this desk-audit model, > > targeted investigation, we hope to have the preliminary results fairly > > quickly, sometime this fall, " Harkins said. " Certainly our hope is that > our > > work will complement what the NAIC is doing, and vice versa. " > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 6 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 21:19:36 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Cleanup uncovers more mold at Carmel school > > > > http://www.starnews.com/news/articles/mold1109.html > > > > Cleanup uncovers more mold at Carmel school > > > > Hamilton County: Parents concerned as workers discover signs of fungi in > > other elementary classrooms. > > > > By Holly VanSlambrook > > Indianapolis Star > > > > November 9, 2000 > > > > CARMEL, Ind. -- The weekend removal of carpeting in five classrooms at > > Orchard Park Elementary was slowed after workers found evidence of more > > moldlike material in cabinets and drywall in two first-grade rooms. > > > > E. Mc, assistant superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools, > > confirmed the finding but said it did not affect the cleanup project. > > > > " We are assuming it was mold, but that didn't change our remediation, " he > > said. " We're disposing of damaged material, and then we'll retest to see > if > > we were successful. " > > > > The cleanup was Carmel's response to recommendations by ATC Associates of > > Indianapolis. The air quality firm found four molds, including > stachybotrys > > chartarum, during spot testing at Orchard Park Sept. 22, 27 and 28, > > Mc said. > > > > The spot testing was in response to the school's discovery of mold in a > > second-grade classroom in July. > > > > In its report dated Oct. 31, ATC said that stachybotrys, a mold that led > to > > the September closing of the Westfield library, was found in Rooms 17, 5 > and > > 31 and in a tunnel under the school's first- and second-grade classroom > > wing. > > > > Elevated levels of aspergillus, penicillium, chaetomium and ulocladium > fungi > > also were identified in bulk samples taken in other areas, including the > > cafeteria and media center, the report shows. > > > > ATC's recommendations were reported to Orchard Park parents in a letter > Nov. > > 1 from Principal G. Biederstedt. They included immediate removal > > of carpeting in the five " most contaminated " rooms, cleaning of all > > remaining carpets and removal of insulation lining of unit ventilators in > > the primary wing. That work has been done. > > > > Removal of carpet in two other classrooms, the cafeteria and the media > > center could be delayed, the report stated. > > > > Mc said there are plans to replace carpet in the two other > classrooms > > and the cafeteria over Thanksgiving and in the media center during the > > winter break, instead of waiting until spring, as he originally announced > > last week. > > > > Work in Rooms 14, 17 and 18 was completed Saturday and Sunday. Room 13 was > > cleaned after school Monday, and Room 5, where the four molds initially > were > > found by custodians last summer, was completed Tuesday. > > > > Room 5 has been closed to students and school employees since July. But > > Lawrence W. Grauvogel, another consultant to the school district, said in > > the Oct. 31 report that it was not necessary to evacuate other affected > > rooms. > > > > Grauvogel did say that asthmatics and those with allergic responses should > > be offered the choice of relocating while cleanup is being completed. > > > > Carpet for the first five classrooms is expected to arrive later today and > > will be installed by Monday, Mc said. > > > > Orchard Park parents have maintained a low profile since they learned of > the > > mold testing in a letter from Biederstedt dated Oct. 5. > > > > But some parents are asking to meet directly with school officials and air > > quality experts to discuss concerns. > > > > " We appreciate the letters that have been sent home, but we feel we need > to > > have our questions answered directly, " parent Cook said. > > > > Cook's daughter, then a first-grader, was diagnosed two years ago with > > " allergy-induced asthma. " She continued to experience asthmatic episodes > > last year, Cook said, as a student in the classroom where the mold was > found > > last summer. > > > > Cook does not blame Orchard Park for her daughter's illness. > > > > " I just want to make sure my child is safe, " she said. > > > > Mc did not rule out the possibility of a meeting with parents. > > > > " We are always available for parent questions, " he said. " If I get just > one > > call, I'll probably just meet with that person individually. If there are > 10 > > or 20, I may meet with a group. " > > > > Biederstedt said she has received nine calls from parents seeking > > information about the molds and the remediation schedule. > > > > School custodians first found the mold in a cabinet under a leaking sink > in > > July. A teacher had reported the leak in April, and custodians placed the > > job on their summer building maintenance list. > > > > When the identified molds included stachybotrys, Biederstedt asked for > > further testing. > > > > Currently there are no levels set for acceptable exposure to molds like > > stachybotrys, according to ATC project manager Upchurch. > > > > " This is an evolving field, " he said. " People are doing research, but the > > government has not stepped in yet. " > > > > But the molds levels at Orchard Park could create symptoms in individuals > > who are sensitive to the fungi, he said. > > > > This is not Orchard Park's first environmental battle. The school was > closed > > in November 1979 after 60 percent of the staff and some students suffered > a > > flulike illness. > > > > Officials from the Indiana State Board of Health and the Centers for > Disease > > Control and Prevention in Atlanta tested the building for chemical and > > biological agents but never determined a cause. > > > > The school housed Carmel's administration for much of the 1980s, reopening > > to students in August 1986. > > > > The building was renovated in 1991, when much of the original structure > was > > replaced. The primary wing, however, which houses the first- and > > second-grade classrooms where the mold was found, is the original > structure. > > > > Carmel officials do not believe the present mold is connected to Orchard > > Park's past difficulties. > > > > " We can trace this problem to factors like a broken water line, sink > > backsplashes that were not sealed and some of our mechanical settings, " > > Mc said. > > > > He does, however, intend to take additional steps to control the indoor > > environment of all Carmel school buildings. Humidity controls were > adjusted > > at Orchard Park last summer, an action Mc hopes has alleviated the > > school's " ongoing humidity issues. " > > > > He also has begun to evaluate Carmel's energy management program. The > > shutdown of air conditioning during the summer, he said, might have > > increased some humidity problems. > > > > Meanwhile, Orchard Park parents just want their school to be safe for > > children. > > > > " We love Orchard Park, " Cook said. " We just need to look out for > our > > children's health and safety. I want them to fix the problem so it's a > > permanent fix. " > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > -- > > ---- > > This story appears in the Metro North edition of today's paper. > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 7 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 21:25:38 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Clean-air cost rule? Court skeptical > > > > Published Wednesday, November 8, 2000 > > > > Clean-air cost rule? Court skeptical > > Justices hear industries' plea for a formula to limit the expense of > > compliance, but doubt it will work > > By Laurie Asseo > > ASSOCIATED PRESS > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > -- > > ---- > > > > WASHINGTON -- Supreme Court justices voiced skepticism Tuesday about > > ordering the federal government to change decades of clean-air policy and > > begin considering compliance costs -- not just health benefits -- in > setting > > nationwide air-quality standards. > > > > A lawyer for industry groups asked the justices to rule that federal Clean > > Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency to weigh the cost of > > reducing harmful emissions against the benefits of improved air quality. > > > > Justice s said the industry groups appeared to be seeking > a > > rule that the EPA must set air-quality standards " to protect the public > > health, provided it doesn't cost too much. " > > > > Chief Justice H. Rehnquist told the industry groups' lawyer, " You > > say you don't know how we can live with " a requirement that the EPA > consider > > only health issues and not costs. " We have lived with it for 20 years " > since > > a lower court decided that issue, the chief justice added. > > > > Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg questioned how a cost-benefit analysis would > > work. " You are adding something that will create another morass, " she > said. > > > > The justices are expected to issue a ruling by July that could have a > major > > impact on clean-air rules and possibly on regulatory actions by other > > federal agencies. > > > > The Clean Air Act, adopted in 1970, requires the EPA to set national > > air-quality standards to " protect the public health. " The agency is to use > > criteria that " accurately reflect the latest scientific knowledge " for > > identifying pollution's effects on health. > > > > The Clinton administration is asking the justices to reverse a lower court > > ruling that said the EPA went too far in adopting tougher clean-air > > standards in 1997. The appeals court ruled for the industry groups on that > > question, but rejected their argument that the EPA should consider the > cost > > of compliance in setting air-quality standards. > > > > Warren, representing the American Trucking Associations, U.S. > Chamber > > of Commerce and other business groups, said the EPA " wishes to regulate > > every nook and cranny of this environment for air pollution reasons " > without > > a clear standard for doing so. > > > > " There has to be some common sense brought to bear " by balancing costs and > > health benefits, Warren added. > > > > Solicitor General Seth Waxman, representing the government, said, " The > > health in this country is vastly better now than it was in 1970. " Under > the > > clean-air law, the EPA does not consider compliance costs in setting the > > standard, but it does consider costs in deciding how states will try to > meet > > the standard, Waxman said. > > > > Justices G. Breyer, Antonin Scalia and Day O'Connor also > > expressed doubts about requiring a cost-benefit analysis. > > > > " I've listened to a lot of vague language from you and I don't understand > > what it is that you're saying, " O'Connor said. > > > > Several justices also questioned Waxman closely about how much leeway the > > EPA believes it has to set the air-quality standard. > > > > " How do you decide how much risk is too much risk, or is that just up to > the > > agency? " Scalia asked. Later, he added, " You still haven't given me a > > criterion of where you stop. " > > > > O'Connor questioned whether the EPA could decide that electric cars would > > improve public health, and then lower the air-quality standard to force > > their use. > > > > Waxman said the agency would not consider such issues in setting the > > standard. And, he said, the clean-air law does not let the EPA set a > > standard that would require " zero risk " to health. > > > > In 1997, the EPA adopted air standards that imposed new limits on soot and > > ozone, a major component of smog. They were challenged by industry groups, > > and a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., blocked the EPA from > > enforcing the rules in May 1999. > > > > Some observers believe that if the Supreme Court decided the EPA took too > > much of Congress' power when it set the clean-air rules, it could affect > the > > regulatory power of other federal agencies with broad congressional > > mandates. For example, federal law directs the Federal Communications > > Commission to regulate broadcasting in the " public interest. " > > > > The cases are Browner v. American Trucking Associations, 99-1257, and > > American Trucking Associations v. Browner, 99-1426. > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 8 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 21:27:05 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Keeping Your Kids Asthma and Allergy Free > > > > Wednesday November 8, 2:18 pm Eastern Time > > Press Release > > > > SOURCE: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology > > Keeping Your Kids Asthma and Allergy Free > > > > MILWAUKEE, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year asthma and allergies take > their > > toll on a large percent of the American population. More then 35 million > > people in the United States suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis, or > ``hay > > fever,'' while another 17 million Americans suffer from asthma, according > to > > the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). Considered > > the most common chronic childhood disease, asthma also affects nearly five > > million children in the United States. What most people don't realize is > > that children with asthma also tend to suffer from allergies. > > > > Preventing Allergic Rhinitis > > > > Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is triggered by allergens, or airborne > > irritants such as pollen, mold, animal dander or dust mites. This causes > > sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. Approximately 50 million Americans > > suffer from some form of allergic disease. Allergic diseases develop at > any > > age, and heredity plays a key role in who will develop an allergy. If one > > parent has an allergic disease, the estimated risk of the child developing > > allergies is 48%; if both parents have allergies, the child's risk jumps > to > > 70%. > > > > ``It's impossible to completely eliminate all the things that might > trigger > > a child's allergies, but taking steps to delay the child's exposure to > > certain allergens may help,'' said , M.D., Fellow of the > > AAAAI. To help reduce the risk for developing allergic rhinitis, > allergists > > recommend you take the following steps to reduce the levels of allergens > in > > your home: > > > > > > Dust Mites > > -- use zippered, plastic covers on pillows and mattresses to reduce > the > > presence of dust mites, > > -- minimize the number of stuffed animals kept in the bedroom, > > -- remove carpet from the child's bedroom, > > -- wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water (130 degrees F) > weekly > > and > > -- keep indoor relative humidity below 50% to inhibit dust mite > growth. > > > > Indoor Mold > > -- fix leaky faucets and pipes, > > -- avoid vaporizers and > > -- reduce indoor humidity to less than 50%. > > > > Cockroach allergens > > -- do not leave food or garbage exposed and > > -- use boric acid traps. > > > > Animal dander > > -- remove furry pet from the home to prevent exposure particularly in > > the > > first year of life, > > If the pet can not be removed from the home > > -- keep the pet out of the infant's bedroom, > > -- frequently vacuum rooms where the pet lives and > > -- wash the pet weekly to decrease the amount of dander, urine and > dried > > saliva. > > > > > > Your role in avoiding asthma > > > > Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by coughing, chest > tightness, > > shortness of breath and wheezing. Children with a family history of > allergy > > or asthma are at risk for developing asthma. Studies show that up to 80% > of > > children with asthma develop symptoms before the age of five, thus the > more > > subtle signs of asthma, such as chest tightness, often are not identified > > early on, according to . The only observable symptoms a child > with > > asthma may have are a cough, rapid or noisy breathing, and chest > congestion. > > ``A parent may notice that their child has less energy than other children > > during active playtime or the child may try to limit physical activities > to > > prevent coughing or wheezing. A child's allergist relies heavily on > parents' > > observations to determine the signs of asthma and make a proper > diagnosis,'' > > said. > > > > There are two forms of asthma. Allergic asthma is triggered by many of the > > same allergens that trigger other allergic conditions such as allergic > > rhinitis. Nonallergic asthma is triggered by substances that aggravate the > > nose and airways, but do not necessarily trigger allergies. These > irritants > > may include smoke, strong odors such as perfumes or household cleaners, > > other airborne particles such as coal or chalk dust, changing weather > > conditions and strenuous physical exercise. > > > > Parents should take the following steps to reduce their child's risk for > > developing asthma: > > > > use dust mite control measures, > > limit exposure to furry animals, > > do not smoke around the child or in the child's home, > > eliminate wood stoves and fire places and > > breast feeding your infant strengthens the child's immune system against > > becoming overly sensitized to allergens. > > Preventing Food Allergies > > > > Approximately 2-4% of children experience allergic reactions to foods. The > > most common food, responsible for up to 90% of all allergic reactions, are > > cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, seafood and tree nuts. > Allergic > > reactions to food may produce symptoms such as hives or eczema. Food > allergy > > suffers may also experience symptoms such as sneezing, vomiting, stomach > > cramps, diarrhea and difficulty breathing. > > > > The best strategy for preventing food allergies is to avoid the specific > > food that triggers the allergy. Allergists recommend: > > > > breast feeding infants for four to six months (breast milk is less likely > to > > produce allergic reactions and it strengthens the immune system), > > delaying exposing infants to potentially allergenic foods and liquids, > such > > as cow's milk, peanuts and fish, until the child is one year old, > > introducing infants to new foods one at a time so parents can identify and > > eliminate any foods that cause allergic reaction, > > reading food labels and becoming familiar with scientific names for food. > > An allergist/immunologist can provide you with more information on > > preventing allergies and asthma. If you suspect your child has allergies > or > > asthma, an allergist can diagnose and treat allergies and asthma in your > > child. To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to learn more > about > > allergies and asthma, call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information > > Line at 800-822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at http://www.aaaai.org .. > > > > The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology is the largest > > professional medical specialty organization in the United States, > > representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, > allied > > health professionals, and others with a special interest in the research > and > > treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the Academy has more > > then 6,000 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. > > > > SOURCE: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 9 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 20:39:36 -0600 (CST) > > From: Angel MCS <jap2bemc@...> > > Subject: Re: Re: insurance coverage for mold > > > > > > > > > > Please... > > > > What company is this for a heads up to the rest of us? > > > > " If having endured much, we at last asserted our 'right to know' and if, > > knowing, we have concluded that we are being asked to take senseless and > > frightening risks, then we should no longer accept the counsel of those > > who tell us that we must fill our world with poisonous chemicals, we > > should look around and see what other course is open to us. " > > Carson > > > > " My toxicasa (world) is your toxicasa (world). " > > Judith Goode > > > > > > On Thu, 9 Nov 2000, KC wrote: > > > > > Let me just add my two cents worth. Everyone should check the fine > > > print very carefully. I received a notice to update my homeowners > > > insurance for major disasters (naturally at a special price), it > > > sounded great until I read the very fine print. In tiny letters it > > > said, " it does not cover any allergy related illness due to flooding > > > or water damage. " Naturally it never said mold/fungus, but the > > > implications were there and so is nonpayment. Like the old saying > > > goes,BUYER BEWARE. KC > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 10 > > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 05:04:59 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Frog Deformities and Environmental Pollution > > > > FROG DEFORMITIES & ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION > > > > Date: 001106 > > From: http://www.enn.com/ > > > > University of New Hampshire > > > > UNH STUDY REVEALS THAT ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION COULD BE A LEADING > > CAUSE OF FROG DEFORMITIES AND DECLINING POPULATIONS > > > > November 6, 2000 > > > > Durham, NH - A new study for the first time demonstrates that > > environmental contaminants could be a leading cause of frog > > deformities and declining amphibian populations. > > > > Published by University of New Hampshire researchers in the November > > issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, the pilot study shows that > > frogs with developmental deformities, like missing or malformed limbs, > > also have irregular levels of hormones that are central to > > reproduction and development. > > > > " It is clear that something is throwing off these frogs' hormones at > > a key developmental stage, " says Stacia Sower, UNH professor of > > biochemistry and one of study's authors. > > > > " Previous research has shown that chemicals that interfere with the > > endocrine system by mimicking hormones or by blocking the action of > > hormones can cause reproductive dysfunction and abnormal development > > in several species, including fish and alligators. We suspect that > > these same chemicals are having similar effects on frogs. " The normal > > growth and development of amphibian larvae rely on healthy aquatic > > systems. > > > > Developing frogs are particularly susceptible to chemical > > contamination that accumulates in rivers, lakes and ponds. Potential > > sources of endocrine disrupting chemicals include municipal sewage, > > pulp mill effluents, agricultural runoff (pesticides and herbicides), > > and petroleum from bilge water and two-cycle boats. > > > > Kim Babbitt, UNH assistant professor of natural resources, laid the > > groundwork for these studies by her extensive survey of thousands of > > frogs from New Hampshire and Massachusetts in 1997 and 1998. Deformed > > green frogs (Rana clamitans) and bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) were > > found at 86 percent of sites sampled (31 or 35 sites). Deformity rates > > ranged from zero to 9.3 percent, and the average deformity rate was > > 4.9 percent for 1997 and 4.1 percent for 1998. > > > > Most malformations involved absence of all or part of a digit or a > > limb, asymmetrical development of the limbs, and deformed eyes. > > > > Sower, Babbitt and post-doc then conducted a series of > > tests on the normal and deformed frogs. They found that the abnormal > > frogs had significantly lower concentrations of sex hormones called > > androgens and of a brain hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone > > (GnRH), which controls reproduction in vertebrates. > > > > " These findings suggest that there may be significant interactions > > among environmental and endocrinological factors during the > > development of amphibian larvae that affect different processes > > including reproduction and limb development, " says Sower. " We know, > > for example, that disruption of the GnRH system can produce > > infertility. " Sower says that the study does not provide conclusive > > evidence that environmental contam-inants are causing the deformities. > > What it does for the first time show is that frogs with malforma-tions > > also have abnormal levels of several hormones vital for reproduction > > and development. > > > > Many other hormones, she says, could also be affected. Further > > research is necessary to determine if endocrine disrupting chemicals > > alone are causing the deformities, or if it is a synergistic > > interaction with other things, like parasites or increased UV-B > > radiation caused by the thinning of the ozone layer. > > > > " What we know is that the cause is not parasites or predators by > > themselves, " says Sower. > > > > " The potential role that malformities play in amphibian decline is > > not clear, " adds Babbitt. > > > > " However, the results of our study suggest an increased effort to > > determine how malformities affect population growth is warranted. " > > > > * * * > > > > Editors/News Directors: > > Photo scans of deformed frogs are available by calling the UNH News > > Bureau at 603-862-1566, or by visiting the Website > > http://www.unh.edu/news/Nov00/sk_20001103frogs.html > > > > For more information, contact: > > Keeler Sharon, Science Writer > > University of New Hampshire > > 603-862-1566 > > sjkeeler@... > > Web site: http://www.unh.edu/news > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 11 > > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 05:09:47 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: American Public Health Association Annual Meeting > > > > http://ens-news.com/ens/nov2000/2000L-11-09-09.html > > > > WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS TO HUMAN HEALTH > > > > BOSTON, Massachusetts, November 9, 2000 (ENS) - The U.S. Geological Survey > > (USGS) will host an exhibitor workshop on environmental threats to human > > health at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting on Sunday. > > The workshop will also describe how health organizations and the USGS can > > form effective partnerships for public health protection. Signs of > > environmental threats to human health are everywhere, USGS experts say. > West > > Nile Virus spreads among birds, mosquitoes and people. Cancer and > > reproductive failure are linked to arsenic, pesticides and other chemicals > > are found in water. Most states have fish consumption advisories because > of > > toxic mercury in sport fish. Arsenic is released from burning coal, and > dust > > blown from Africa to North America and the Caribbean harbors harmful > > chemicals and microbes. > > > > Recent partnerships between the USGS and the National Cancer Institute, > the > > National Institute for Environmental Health Science, the Centers for > Disease > > Control and Prevention, and other public health organizations have helped > to > > provide a better understanding of the nature of environmental health > > threats. At the USGS, the nation's largest water, earth and biological > > science and civilian mapping agency, that understanding is enhanced > through > > systematic monitoring and data collection, sophisticated geographic > > analysis, and basic research. For more information about the American > Public > > Health Association Annual Meeting, which will be held at the Hynes Center > in > > Boston, visit http://www.apha.org/meetings/ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 2 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 12:28:27 EST > From: RGlin2000@... > Subject: Re: Insurance & Construction Defects > > In a message dated 11/10/2000 8:43:58 AM Pacific Standard Time, > wscook@... writes: > > << Regarding the insurance coverage for damage associated with mold. It is > not > a cut and dried issue as indicated by Mr. Washngton. The issues of coverage > all relate to the proximate cause of loss and then the cause of loss must be > not excluded under most homeowner policies. Then the issues may be further > complicated as to the contents damages and the cause of loss to the > contents. Many times if coverage is found for the building the coverage > will not extend to the contents. There are some very tricky issues that > effect the damages being brought under the coverage terms of the policy. > Any serious claim should have benefit of a public adjuster working on your > behalf to insure claim is presented to assure maximum entitlements under the > policy. > Bill Cook > Private Investigator > Public Adjuster (Acting for the Insured Only) >> > > I find this interesting and somewhat up in the air? > > First let me briefly lay out the situation. > > About two months ago I received phone call from a home owner regarding > problems they were having with moisture and the installation of a new wood > floor. I did some test and found that the moisture on the slab was high in > two (2) different locations at different ends of the house. > > Without destructive construction investigation, I was leaning toward the fact > that possibly the vapor barrier had been left out of the slab. We did some > simple water test to make sure that there was not a water leak, which turned > out negative. At the same time, I asked this home owner to ask her neighbors > if any were having problems? > > One of her neighbors indicated the same problems and contacted me because > they had seen a previous article in the Newspaper about my self. > > My main priority during this investigation has to keep the cost down and to > try a get there insurance companies to come to the rescue. > > After a slab investigation we determined that the vapor barrier had been left > out. Further we found water filling in an our test holes. Now this is the > desert. We eliminated all possible sources, irrigation, etc. Finally we > tested the two houses with a camera and found that both the waste drains had > be broken during construction. > > Now the dilemma is how can these two people find help now, and not until > after a court has determined construction defects. In this case you have a > General Contractor who has put his head in the sad and " states he is going to > sue me for slander " for stirring these people up. I told him to take his best > shot! > > First I run into the Attorneys who only want to take on a class action case? > The others who what to take the case under a huge contingency fee, are > questionable? > > Second, one of these families has small children who I think should see a > doctor who specializes in " Sick Building " issues. They have adequate health > insurance to cover the cost. Does anyone know of one in the Las Vegas, Nevada > area who would be a good Doctor to consult. > > Third, is there a way to get there property owners insurance to handle some > of this and have them go after the Contractors insurance company? > > > G. lin > lin Associates > Licensed General Contractors B2-0048180 > Construction Consultants and Managers > Professional Real Estate Investigations > Las Vegas, Nevada > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 3 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 15:25:25 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: Mold plagues tenants, landlords in Deer Park Apartments > > http://www.sacbee.com/ib/news/ib_news01_20001110.html > > Mold plagues tenants, landlords > By LePage > Bee Staff Writer > (Published Nov. 10, 2000) > > Anyone who wonders whether indoor mold is a serious problem just needs to > tune into the drama unfolding at Deer Park Apartments in Antelope. > > " It's an extreme example of how serious and expensive the mold problem can > be if it's not cleaned up as soon as possible, " says Jim Lofgren, executive > director of the Rental Housing Association of Sacramento Valley. > > The owners of the 190-unit complex are spending what a Deer Park spokeswoman > said are hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy, clean and dispose of > tenant possessions that might be contaminated by mold. Those costs include a > 60-foot-long, five-stage decontamination chamber built at the complex to > expedite and lower the cost of the cleaning process. > > Two weeks ago, with two toxic mold-related lawsuits against them pending, > Deer Park's owners gave all 270 tenants 35 days' notice to vacate their > apartments by Nov. 30. The owners plan to test for mold and decontaminate > units. > > With the holidays just around the corner, the mandate caught Deer Park > tenants off guard, thrusting them into one of the capital region's tightest > and priciest rental housing markets ever. Many face paying $100 or more a > month more for rent than they are now paying. > > Deer Park tenants were offered a move-out package that included $2,000 to > $4,000 per unit to help pay for cleaning their possessions possibly > contaminated by mold. That's far less than the $12,000 to $17,000 apiece an > attorney said he won for more than 100 tenants who settled their property > damage claims against Deer Park's owners, a group of investors, in summer > 1999. > > Deer Park's owners have since bolstered the move-out package. Whoever > accepts the offer agrees not to seek future damages. > > State, federal Web sites offer mold advice > There are no local, state or federal health agencies that set mold > contamination standards or have authority over mold problems. Rather, under > current laws and regulations they are limited to providing information and > advice. > > Here are two Web sites, both with links to additional resources, that offer > practical advice on mold from the key state and federal health agencies. > > The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov/iaq/. > > The state Department of Health Services (DHS) at > www.cal-iaq.org/iaqsheet.htm#Mold. > > For those without Internet access: > > To receive a state DHS brochure titled " Mold in My Home: What do I do? " > (also available online at the DHS Web site), call your county's Department > of Environmental Health Services. > > The Sacramento Human Rights/Fair Housing Commission offers a free mold > brochure, available by calling the commission at (916) 444-6903 ext. 120 or > contacting the commission at 1112 I St., Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95814. > > -- LePage > > Residents, however, have complained that they still may not be able to > secure housing in the area. > > At least five Antelope apartment complexes have refused to rent to Deer Park > tenants unless they can somehow prove their belongings are mold free. > > " They've got my ($100 deposit) money, but so far they're not letting me in, " > said Deer Park tenant Rodger Parrish, 29, who is trying to move into a > nearby complex. > > Deer Park has taken several new steps since making its initial offer. > > It has hired a firm to set up an on-site mold decontamination center to > clean hard goods such as tables, desks and chairs. Electronics equipment is > being cleaned off-site. > > However, the cost of such cleaning will be deducted from the $2,000 to > $4,000 tenants are being offered if they leave by Nov. 30. Deer Park reports > that so far the expense of decontamination hasn't exceeded $600 per unit. > > Deer Park owners have also hired an insurance adjuster and are paying > tenants " fair market value " for soft-good possessions such as beds, couches > and fabric chairs that can't be totally cleared of mold and will either be > thrown away or incinerated. Tenants with sales receipts for such soft goods > will be paid replacement value. > > Buller, spokeswoman for Deer Park's owners, said that so far the > owners have paid an average of $3,000 to $4,000 per unit in soft goods > compensation. > > Deer Park owners have sent neighboring apartment complexes copies of a Nov. > 7 letter from an official with the state Department of Health Services that > states the steps Deer Park is taking are adequate. > > " I do commend the Deer Park Apartment owners and their agents in taking > these measures to ensure that tenants leaving their apartments do not bring > contaminated material to their new residences, " writes Jed M. Waldman, chief > of DHS' indoor air quality section. " My office would be happier if more > landlords acted in such a responsible manner. " > > Lofgren, executive director of the local rental housing association, said > the DHS letter and another from tenants stating they would only move in > decontaminated or new belongings " should be sufficient to relieve owners of > their concerns. " > > " However, the owners may want to consult with their own attorneys or > insurance company to ensure there are no problems, " he said. > > Meanwhile, scores of Deer Park tenants are scrambling to find new homes or > get settled in new places by Thanksgiving week. > > Stuart is one of them. He's upset that he didn't have more time to > look for a new home, particularly since the owners have known about mold > problem for at least a year. > > " I'm very angry about that, " he said. > > , 30, has lived at the complex for about a year, paying $925 a month > for a three-bedroom, one-story unit. But today's rental market is different > and , a paramedic, says he couldn't find a comparable home for less > than $1,200 a month. > > He said mold in his apartment has made him sick, and he's now among about 40 > other Deer Park tenants who recently joined in a legal complaint seeking > mold-related property damages from Deer Park. > > Some Deer Park tenants contend they have had extensive mold growth in their > apartments and have suffered allergic reactions, including flu-like symptoms > and exacerbated asthma. > > Buller said testing of about 50 units showed " abnormal " levels of mold in > all but 10 of them. > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 4 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 17:21:27 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: Having Trouble Breathing? The Problem Could Be Indoor Air > > http://www.emagazine.com/november-december_2000/1100gl_home.html > > GREEN LIVING HOUSE & HOME > The Inside Scoop > Having Trouble Breathing? The Problem Could Be Indoor Air > By Kathleen O'Neil > > Most people link air pollution with industrial smokestacks or trucks > belching clouds of diesel exhaust. But the air we breathe while indoors, > where most of us spend 80 to 90 percent of our time, is filled with > chemicals and particles that can deliver even higher levels of chemical > exposure. > > > Most of us spend 90 percent of our time indoors, where we're bombarded with > chemical pollutants. An air filter or cleaner can be a very effective > contributor to home health. > www.airpurifiers.com > A recent study of residents in both rural and industrial areas confirmed > this. It found high chemical levels in the subjects' bodies, indicating they > had received doses of pollutants in their homes five to 70 times higher than > the highest outdoor levels. > > Go to the Source > > The best way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate as many sources > of pollution as possible: cigarette smoke, older carpeting, mold and > mildew--even hoodless stoves, pressed wood cabinets and burning candles > contribute their share. " The sources of pollutants vary greatly, as does the > sensitivity of individuals, " says Hal Levin, editor and publisher of Indoor > Air Bulletin. > > Unless you live in a city with unhealthy ozone levels, the next step is to > open the windows, or otherwise improve your home's ventilation. An air > filter or cleaning device may be another quick fix. They are most useful in > a room with a constant pollution source, or one with limited ventilation. > Most only reduce particles in the air, however, and do not eliminate gaseous > pollutants. > > Mechanical and electric filters may be installed in heating or air > conditioning ducts, or used in a portable device with a fan. Basic flat > filters can trap large particles, but don't effectively remove small > particles, which are easily breathed in. Medium-efficiency filters are > typically pleated, woven material made with smaller fibers that can trap the > breathable particles without reducing air flow. They are rated at 20 to 50 > percent efficiency for removing particles of 0.3 to 10 microns (a micron is > one millionth of a meter). > > The effectiveness of an air cleaner depends on how well it collects > pollutants from indoor air (a percentage efficiency rate) and how much air > it draws through the cleaning or filtering element (measured in cubic feet > per minute). > > High-efficiency filters are rated at 60 to 95 percent efficiency, and are > sometimes confused with High Efficiency Particle Arrestance (HEPA) filters, > which are defined as being 99.97 percent efficient. Since HEPA filters > require powerful fans, they are rarely used in central forced air systems of > homes, but are available in portable units. For most homes, upgrading to a > medium- or high-efficiency in-duct filter (which cost about $20 to $130) may > provide a noticeable improvement. > > Filters only work until they become clogged, so pay attention to their > performance and change them if you notice a decline. Or you can have an > inexpensive pressure gauge installed and change it when the pressure reaches > the manufacturer's maximum recommended for the model. As Levin points out, > manufacturers' recommendations for changing them are only guidelines; if the > air is very dirty, they'll need to be replaced much more often. > > Go Electric or Charge It > > Electric filters create an electrically charged field or ionize particles to > trap them more effectively. Some use electrostatic precipitators, which are > charged plates that collect the particles before they are attracted to > something else in the room. They were found to be the best filter device by > a recent Consumer Reports test. But because of their high cost, the magazine > recommended an alternative combination electrostatic/mechanical pleated > filter. > > Ion generators, available as portable units, also use electrical charges. > They work by charging particles in a room, but do not collect them. The > particles are then attracted to any nearby surface--walls, floors, furniture > or people. These do not improve breathing conditions, as the charged > particles are also more attracted to the walls of your respiratory tract. > > A few products intentionally produce ozone, which the manufacturers say can > improve air by breaking down harmful gases and bacteria. However, ozone is a > lung irritant, and although the concentrations from these sources may be > low, it is best not to intentionally introduce more into your home. Ozone, a > reactive form of oxygen, can also create more harmful chemicals than the > ones it breaks down. > > Many public health organizations, including the American Lung Association > and the California Department of Health Services, warn consumers not to use > ozone generators because of ozone's harmful health effects. Electric > filters, which may also produce ozone, need to be monitored, particularly if > they were not installed or maintained correctly. > > Since the effectiveness of filters varies based on airflow, the size of the > room and of the particles to be filtered, and how quickly the filtering > mechanism needs to be replaced, compare filter efficiencies before > investing. > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 5 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 17:23:59 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: Children deserve adequate facilities > > http://www.jsonline.com/news/editorials/nov00/refs-edit110400.asp > > > Children deserve adequate facilities > >From the Journal Sentinel > Last Updated: Nov. 4, 2000 > > At least two cliches apply to the school building referendums that voters in > the Oconomowoc area and New Berlin will face on Tuesday. The first is > " Nothing lasts forever. " The second is from the motor oil TV ad in which the > mechanic says, " You can pay me now or you can pay me later. " > > For those two reasons, we recommend " Yes " votes in both referendums. > > Neither bill will be cheap, but cheap won't give students the education they > need to meet the challenges of a global economy. Children and educators > deserve reasonable and adequate facilities to help them do their jobs. And > maintaining old and inadequate facilities only costs more in the long run. > > Oconomowoc voters face the bigger bill, but that district's building plan is > more comprehensive. One of the questions calls for building three new > schools - two elementary schools and a middle school - and an auditorium at > a cost of $44.5 million. A second question asks voters to allow the district > to exceed the state-imposed limit on the tax levy - by $500,000 in 2001-'02 > and $875,000 annually after that - so the district will have the money to > maintain those and other buildings. > > The newest building in the district was built in 1965. That's the high > school, where a new auditorium would go. Of the buildings that will be > replaced, one elementary school was built in 1911, another in 1962 as a > monastery and the middle school in 1923. > > Now, it's true that the Great Pyramids at Giza still stand, but those are > monuments visited by tourists; they don't see much active use. And unless > Oconomowoc voters want to build monuments to failed education, they will see > to it that the buildings their kids actively use are adequate for their > needs. > > Yes, the district could keep using and maintaining these antiquated > structures. Kids could continue to exercise in hallways rather than gyms; > roofs could continue to leak; orchestra students could continue to practice > in school basements. > > But that would cost more money in the long run than building now, and the > district would eventually have to replace the buildings anyway, at an even > higher cost. It's much better to foot the bill now. > > The same holds true in New Berlin, where the district - in the wake of last > spring's defeat of a more comprehensive solution to its problems - is taking > a more piecemeal approach. The referendum question there asks voters to > approve building a new $8.55 million Elmwood Elementary School. > > At Elmwood, rusty rainwater - the kids call it " blood water " - seeps from > the ceiling, which sags in places; tiles crumble; steel walls rust; teachers > find mold on their instructional materials; all-school assemblies are not > held because there's no single space big enough in the school. And city > planners are expecting hundreds of new homes in the Elmwood area in the near > future. > > Apparently, there are those who will vote against this referendum because it > will raise their annual taxes by, say, $30 a year. We would say the kids at > Elmwood are worth an additional $30 a year, but we'd probably be accused of > being mushy-headed liberals who actually see some value in public education. > > And the accusers would be right. We do think education is worth a little > sacrifice. And we hope voters show their agreement by voting " yes " on > Tuesday. > > > Appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Nov. 5, 2000. > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 6 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 17:39:45 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: Fight to have 'invisible' ills recognized > > http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/pages/001105/4813676.html > > Sunday 5 November 2000 > > Fight to have 'invisible' ills recognized > > MIKE KING > The Gazette > > Rene Paquin suffered what many consider work-related burnout after 29 years > in the provincial civil service. > > Three illnesses commonly called " invisible diseases " were diagnosed - > chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivities. > > The Quebec City-area man went on sick leave in 1996 and was unable to return > to work. > > He requested a disability pension in September 1997 - three months after > accepting an early-retirement package - but wasn't granted it until a year > later, when yet another illness was diagnosed. It was early Parkinson's. > > Not Recognized > > When Paquin first sought a disability pension, he learned that his mystery > disability wasn't recognized by such government agencies as the work > health-and-safety commission, the automobile-insurance board and the Quebec > Pension Plan, as well as many private insurance companies. > > Now he is preparing to be the lead plaintiff in a billion-dollar > class-action lawsuit that bourg lawyer Petit plans to launch > against those compensating groups. > > Petit wants to have those conditions recognized as debilitating medical > conditions. > > In September 1998, Paquin formed a provincial association for others who > have been unable to receive long-term disability benefits from public or > private insurers. > > " More than 100,000 people in Quebec are dealing every day with a > debilitating medical condition associated with auto-immune diseases, > resulting in chronic pain frequently associated with debilitating fatigue, > various and diverse cognitive handicaps and neuro-somatization, " he said in > a statement. > > Most Are Women > > These people - most of them women - did not have access to a proper medical > investigation despite the wide range of disorders affecting them, he added. > > " This situation has placed the victims under great stress and fatigue and > they are further weakened by their fight to have their disability recognized > by the various public organisms providing disability insurance. " > > Paquin listed those insurance providers as the Societe de l'Assurance > Automobile du Quebec, the Commission sur la Sante et la Securite du Travail, > the Regie des Rentes du Quebec and private insurance firms. > > An Edmonton woman won a chronic-fatigue lawsuit against her insurer in 1998. > That same year, the Quebec College of Physicians officially recognized that > affliction as well as fibromyalgia as legitimate illnesses, but limited sick > leave to short periods rather than indefinitely. > > Some life-insurance companies in the United States have also been taken to > court over the same issue. > > - To register for the class action, call the Association Quebecoise des > Victimes de Regimes d'Assurance Invalidite toll-free at (877) 622-4010. > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 7 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 17:45:20 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: Shameful Treatment of Gulf War Vets > > http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2000/11/10 > /ED66988.DTL > > Shameful Treatment of Gulf War Vets > > Ray McGovern > Friday, November 10, 2000 > > " If any question why we died > Tell them, because our fathers lied. " > -- Rudyard Kipling > > AN AVID NEW YORK METS fan, I was glued to the TV on the evening of Oct. 22, > watching the Mets contend with the Yankees. Between innings, I tuned in to > MSNBC's panegyric to the American generals of the Persian Gulf War, " Waging > War: General Schwarzkopf's Diary. " The parallel was eerie -- an equation as > sobering as it is telling. The Mets are to the Yankees as the vets are to > the generals, except that for the vets there is no level playing field. > > The two-hour special ended with a 30-second " oh-by-the-way " : " For some of > the troops of Desert Storm, there's a sad and puzzling legacy -- the > so-called Gulf War Syndrome. " These veterans, the narrator went on to say, > " blame their time in the gulf " for their illnesses, but " no clear cause has > been established. " > > Of the 582,663 Persian Gulf War veterans eligible to apply for disability > compensation, 186,438 had done so by July 15, according to the Department of > Veterans Affairs. That's only 32 percent! The department's chief R & D officer > told a Senate subcommittee on Oct. 12 that " Gulf War veterans report a > variety of chronic and ill-defined symptoms, including fatigue, > neurocognitive and musculoskeletal problems, at rates significantly greater > than nondeployed veterans. " > > What has made so many so ill? No one knows for sure, but Iraqi nerve gas is > a prime suspect. The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine has > concluded that there is suggestive evidence of an association between > exposure to the nerve agent sarin and subsequent long-term health effects. > Despite this, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Hershel Gober reportedly is > about to deny service-connected compensation to Persian Gulf War veterans > exposed to sarin. > > Research by Dr. Haley, director of the University of Texas > Southwestern Medical Center, points to brain damage from such exposures. > These findings have been published in professional journals, but have been > repeatedly rejected by a Pentagon-paid panel of peers. > > One key impediment is the lack of specific data on exposures. Army logs > recording chemical exposures disappeared mysteriously after the war. An > investigation by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service shed little > light on how that could have happened. Still other evidence has been > suppressed or discounted -- for example, the captured Iraqi air force manual > that noted that nerve agents " have a cumulative effect; if small doses are > used repeatedly on a target, the damage can be very severe. " > > Low levels of nerve gas were detected during the Persian Gulf War, but most > American troops did nothing to protect themselves. Their commanders had been > told that low levels would cause no harm, and they were afraid of causing > panic. But the Government Accounting Office subsequently identified numerous > deficiencies. These include shortages in individual protective equipment, > inadequate detection devices and lack of training and supplies. > > The conventional wisdom at the outset of the war, as expressed by then > Undersecretary of Defense Deutch, was that any nerve gas worth worrying > about " causes you to die very promptly. " Speaking from the same script after > the war, Gen. Colin told the press that " chemical weapons usually > make you ill rather immediately " and that Army commanders " didn't see anyone > becoming ill. " > > Conventional wisdom has a way of becoming policy. The Pentagon's subsequent > behavior reinforces Barbara Tuchman's key insight in her book, " The March of > Folly, " in which she says, " Once a policy has been adopted and implemented, > all subsequent activity becomes an effort to justify it. " > > Three years ago, the Presidential Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' > Illnesses charged that the Pentagon's battlefield surveys, research and > analysis had hopelessly biased conclusions against the possibility that > low-level exposures to chemical agents were a factor. In a stinging > critique, the committee noted that many U.S. alarm and detection systems > could not detect lower levels of chemicals that might have delayed effects, > and that the Pentagon had summarily dismissed virtually all other reported > detections -- by British, French, and Czech forces -- as unproven. > > Sharp criticism also came from the House subcommittee on government > oversight chaired by Shays, R-Conn., who called the > investigations by the defense and veterans affairs departments " irreparably > flawed " and " plagued by arrogant incuriosity and a pervasive myopia that > sees a lack of evidence as proof. " > > Coincident with the release of those reports, President Clinton appointed an > " independent " panel to oversee the Pentagon's investigation of possible > chemical exposures. Former Sen. Warren Rudman was named to chair the panel. > No one seemed to notice -- or to care -- but Rudman was already part of the > problem, having been tapped six months earlier by his close friend, Defense > Secretary Cohen, as special adviser on Persian Gulf War affairs. The > Presidential Advisory Committee found that during those six months, " public > mistrust about the government's handling of the Gulf War veterans' illnesses > not only endured, it expanded. " > > The Rudman panel has kept a low profile over the past three years, and will > go out of business in January 2001. Its last open meeting on Oct. 27 > featured a Pentagon announcement that 30,000 more Persian Gulf War > servicemen and women are about to be told that they may have been exposed to > sarin. The approach was vintage Pentagon, reminiscent of the artificial > ceilings imposed on counts of enemy forces in Vietnam. Then, as now, there > was a public relations problem -- the same one. On Nov. 21, 1967, National > Security Assistant Walt Rostow advised President that " the danger is > that the press will latch on to our previous underestimates and revive > credibility gap talk. " > > In 1997, 99,000 servicemen and women were told they may have been exposed to > low levels of sarin. At the Oct. 27 meeting, Rudman asked (and answered) > rhetorically, " Does this (the additional 30,000) mean any more people are > ill? So far there is no evidence of this. " > > The briefer explained that 30,000 of those who earlier had been told that > they were exposed will now be told they were not, leaving the overall total > for exposures at 99,000. Lest anyone miss the point, Rudman panel spokesman > Kaplan emphasized that that number " remains the same. " > > Small wonder that Dr. Vinh Cam, a member of the Rudman panel, expressed > concern that the shuffling of numbers will again " raise questions of > credibility. " The National Gulf War Resource Center, a prominent advocacy > group for veterans, has already dismissed the Pentagon statistics as a > " shell game. " > > As the presidential and congressional committees both asserted three years > ago, the government's credibility on this issue is zero, and a truly > independent investigation needs to take place. This should be among the > first items of business for the new administration. > > The more fundamental problem lies deeper. It is that no one seems to give a > damn. I suspect this is largely because, in this era of the all-volunteer > Army, the children and siblings of " important " folks are not affected. They > watch the war on TV. > > In his second inaugural, Abraham Lincoln appealed to his fellow citizens to > care for those who " have borne the battle. " Are the men and women we sent to > the Persian Gulf worth so little -- is our need to sing our (unblemished) > victories so great -- that we no longer care? Then shame on us. > > Ray McGovern was an officer in the Army from 1962 to 1964. > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 8 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 18:09:35 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: 900 more in Libby may be ill > > http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-story.asp?date=102500 & ID=s870400 & cat=sec > tion.montana > > October 25, 2000 > Environment > > 900 more in Libby may be ill > > Associated Press > > > KALISPELL _ As many as 15 percent of the Libby residents and former > residents who were tested may be diagnosed with asbestos-related lung > disease, the state's top medical expert said this week. > > The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has been > screening residents and former residents for three months to determine the > extent of asbestos exposure from the former W.R. Grace Co. vermiculite mine. > > Roughly 6,200 people will have undergone chest X-rays and lung-function > tests by the time testing wraps up Nov. 2. > > State medical officer Spence estimated the screening program could > reveal disease in as many as 900 Libby residents and former residents. > > Spence based his prediction on the number of people screened who showed > immediate signs of asbestos-related diseases. Those who showed symptoms of > asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer were notified by telephone. Other > patients are waiting for a written report. > > The new cases will be in addition to about 400 Libby-area residents who have > been diagnosed and treated by Dr. Alan Whitehouse, a Spokane internal > medicine and pulmonary disease specialist. > > National news reports last November said close to 200 people have died from > lung disease linked to asbestos exposure at the mine. > > The ATSDR will release preliminary test data Nov. 1. > > " Our report won't include any assessment and won't necessarily provide a > relationship to asbestos, " division director Lybarger said. > > " We'll have some very crude demographic statistics and magnitude of > numbers. " > > Screening data will be released to the public incrementally, but a formal > analysis won't be ready until next year. The agency also has analyzed death > records from the Libby area and will release the results of that study in > December. > > As of Oct. 17, the ATSDR had screened 5,377 people, and 800 were still > waiting for tests. The total is expected to exceed 6,200, more than double > the number the agency expected. > > A weeklong screening began Monday in Elko, Nev., where 68 former Libby > residents are being tested > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 9 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 18:25:55 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: Church Group Infected with Fungal Disease in Mexico > > Church Group Infected with Fungal Disease in Mexico > > ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- Twenty-three members of a Pennsylvania church group > were infected with a potentially serious fungal disease during a trip to > Mexico to help build a church, government researchers said Thursday. > > The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the church members > developed flu-like symptoms later determined to be coccidioidomycosis, also > known as San Joaquin Valley fever. > > Eighteen sought medical attention and one was hospitalized in intensive care > for a day. > > People become infected by inhaling airborne spores from a fungus found in > the soil. The disease is endemic to deserts of the southwestern United > States and Central and South America. > > The CDC estimates about 100,000 Americans are infected each year. Many never > develop symptoms. Others simply think they have the flu. If left untreated, > the infection can spread to the brain, heart, bones and liver and can cause > meningitis. > > The CDC did not identify the hometowns of the Pennsylvanians or the church. > > Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 10 > Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2000 01:32:14 -0000 > From: " KC " <tigerpaw2C@...> > Subject: A ray of hope > > Hello all, > I just spoke to a woman who came recommended to me that is very aware > of toxic poisoning. I spoke with her for about an hour on mold and > chemical exposure and talk about an informative hour. She is licensed > to testify in many states and is very willing to do so. She seems to > be very knowledgable and is not afraid to speak the truth. She is an > expert witness. She helped me understand a little bit more why my > wife was experiencing certain symptoms due to mold exposure. You need > to check out her webpage: > http://hometown.aol.com/lmay4111/myhomepage/index.html > Her email: LMay4111@... > She is also very eager to help anyone that may need it. I hope > someone else will speak to her and post what your thoughts are. > KC > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2000 Report Share Posted November 11, 2000 ----- Original Message ----- From: <egroups> <egroups> Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2000 5:05 AM Subject: [] Digest Number 675 > > There are 10 messages in this issue. > > Topics in this digest: > > 1. Re: Digest Number 674 > From: " Bill Cook " <wscook@...> > 2. Re: Insurance & Construction Defects > From: RGlin2000@... > 3. Mold plagues tenants, landlords in Deer Park Apartments > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 4. Having Trouble Breathing? The Problem Could Be Indoor Air > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 5. Children deserve adequate facilities > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 6. Fight to have 'invisible' ills recognized > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 7. Shameful Treatment of Gulf War Vets > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 8. 900 more in Libby may be ill > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 9. Church Group Infected with Fungal Disease in Mexico > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > 10. A ray of hope > From: " KC " <tigerpaw2C@...> > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 11:40:37 -0500 > From: " Bill Cook " <wscook@...> > Subject: Re: Digest Number 674 > > Regarding the insurance coverage for damage associated with mold. It is not > a cut and dried issue as indicated by Mr. Washngton. The issues of coverage > all relate to the proximate cause of loss and then the cause of loss must be > not excluded under most homeowner policies. Then the issues may be further > complicated as to the contents damages and the cause of loss to the > contents. Many times if coverage is found for the building the coverage > will not extend to the contents. There are some very tricky issues that > effect the damages being brought under the coverage terms of the policy. > Any serious claim should have benefit of a public adjuster working on your > behalf to insure claim is presented to assure maximum entitlements under the > policy. > Bill Cook > Private Investigator > Public Adjuster (Acting for the Insured Only) > n Orlando > 407 658 7789 > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <egroups> > <egroups> > Sent: Friday, November 10, 2000 6:29 AM > Subject: [] Digest Number 674 > > > > > > There are 11 messages in this issue. > > > > Topics in this digest: > > > > 1. insurance coverage for mold > > From: Dale Washington <dalewashington@...> > > 2. Miami Herald Editorial on Molds in Schools > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 3. Re: insurance coverage for mold > > From: " KC " <tigerpaw2C@...> > > 4. Seemingly docile mildew is everywhere > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 5. Dateline Story Fuels National Investigation > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 6. Cleanup uncovers more mold at Carmel school > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 7. Clean-air cost rule? Court skeptical > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 8. Keeping Your Kids Asthma and Allergy Free > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 9. Re: Re: insurance coverage for mold > > From: Angel MCS <jap2bemc@...> > > 10. Frog Deformities and Environmental Pollution > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > 11. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 1 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 11:46:02 -0500 (EST) > > From: Dale Washington <dalewashington@...> > > Subject: insurance coverage for mold > > > > Hi everyone: > > > > I want to alert members that mold or fungus infestation resulting from a > > covered loss is itself covered. > > > > Let me give the typical example: > > > > Employee leaves water running, floods the whole business overnite. > > Insurance company pays for the damaged merchandise and runs big fans for a > > few days to dry out the room. They never check for problems behind the > > drywall or in other inaccessible places and never warn the insured about > the > > possibility of mold, what to watch for, to call them if there is any odor > or > > visible mold. > > > > If in fact mold develops in the wall and the occupants get sick, they have > a > > claim going back to the original claim. In my view, they also have a > claim > > for insurance bad faith, because the carriers are very, very aware that > mold > > is a frequent result of flooding, what it does to inhabitants, and how, > for > > some extra money at the first claim, they can eliminate the risk. > > > > Same thing applies with homeowner's claims. If the water damage is from a > > covered problem, the ensuing loss is also covered. > > > > Watch for changes in policies to exclude mold - currently is is covered. > > > > If there are any insurance adjusters out there, invite you to weigh in on > > this, anonymously if need be. I find people do not know what is covered, > > what is not, and they do not have access to understandable coverage info > > other than from the insurance company - not the best source. > > > > Best regards, > > > > Dale Washngton > > Los Angeles > > > > > > ______________________________________________ > > FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com > > Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 2 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 12:27:43 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Miami Herald Editorial on Molds in Schools > > > > Category: OPED Page > > Publication: The Herald > > Publication Date: 10/11/2000 > > Page and Section: 6 A > > > > Moldy schools are hazardous > > > > Moldy schools are no laughing matter. > > > > Mold at Banks Elementary School in Fort Mill may be making students > > sick. > > Parents have complained of children developing headaches, nausea, > > fatigue, > > dizziness and sore throats as a result of a buildup of mold at the > > school. > > > > Officials think excessive moisture has caused the spread of mildew and > > other > > molds. The district has cleaned the carpet, walls and floor tiles, and > > replaced > > water-logged ceiling tiles. Industrial dehumidifiers also have been > > placed in > > classrooms. > > > > We credit district officials for taking the matter seriously. They > > contacted the > > state Department of Health and Environmental Control about the matter > > and did > > everything the agency recommended. > > > > But this dilemma highlights a disturbing omission in state law: No state > > agency > > regulates air quality inside our schools. Local officials were surprised > > to learn > > that no laws govern air quality, and not even DHEC has any authority to > > act in an > > official capacity regarding problems such as excessive mold. > > > > State Rep. Becky Meacham- plans to change that. She hopes to > > introduce legislation similar to a Vermont law that regulates indoor air > > quality at > > the state's public schools. > > > > This, we think, is an important concern. Most school districts these > > days would > > not dream of allowing students or teachers to smoke inside schools. But > > in many > > cases, mold spores can be more dangerous than second-hand smoke. > > > > We hope efforts to get rid of the excess water and mold at Banks > > Elementary are > > successful. We also hope this ordeal spawns legislation requiring the > > state to > > come up with measures to deal with future air quality problems in > > schools. > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 3 > > Date: Thu, 09 Nov 2000 20:10:21 -0000 > > From: " KC " <tigerpaw2C@...> > > Subject: Re: insurance coverage for mold > > > > Let me just add my two cents worth. Everyone should check the fine > > print very carefully. I received a notice to update my homeowners > > insurance for major disasters (naturally at a special price), it > > sounded great until I read the very fine print. In tiny letters it > > said, " it does not cover any allergy related illness due to flooding > > or water damage. " Naturally it never said mold/fungus, but the > > implications were there and so is nonpayment. Like the old saying > > goes,BUYER BEWARE. KC > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 4 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 20:03:42 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Seemingly docile mildew is everywhere > > > > Published Sunday, October 15, 2000 > > > > ON THE HOUSE: JAMES & MORRIS CAREY > > > > Seemingly docile mildew is everywhere > > > > Fight the battle cheaply and effectively with homemade concoctions > > FIRST, THERE WAS nuclear waste, then came contaminated ground water. > > Polluted streams, rivers with fewer fish and oceans with oil slicks > > followed. There's radon, carbon monoxide gas and more. > > > > Inside pollutants can be almost as dangerous as any of the others that we > > just mentioned. > > > > Mildew might seem like a docile organism to some, but for many, it has a > > number of consequences. An allergic reaction to mildew spores can result > in > > an extended hospital visit. At best, mildew is a nuisance. So, with that > in > > mind, here is our old standby formula with a few new twists. But, first a > > bit about where the black, fuzzy stuff comes from. > > > > > > The breeding ground > > Mildew and mold spores are everywhere. And your home can be a primary > > breeding ground. Condensation and humidity are the culprits. If you live > in > > a humid area, you are destined to have mildew. That's because humid air > > causes damp surfaces, and that is exactly where mildew settles. In other > > climates where the relative humidity is lower, there is still a chance of > > growth. Condensation can occur in the desert, perhaps not to the same > extent > > as in the Florida Keys or in New Orleans, but it can occur anywhere. And > > where there is moisture in the air or on ceilings and walls -- or even in > > walls and ceilings and below floors -- mildew can, and usually does, > settle > > in. > > > > One can battle mildew by eliminating the feeding ground. Keep the house > dry > > and mildew will not find a damp surface upon which to grow. You keep the > > house dry by circulating the air; by exhausting damp air in bathrooms, at > > the stove and in the laundry or wherever water vapors appear. In that way, > > condensation can't occur. Opening windows after a shower helps as well. > > > > In very humid areas, a dehumidifier is a must. But, if you have a portable > > one, be sure to empty the drain pan. Also, don't forget the drain pans in > yo > > ur air conditioner and refrigerator. Swamp coolers work best in extremely > > arid locations. If you live in a warm humid climate and you have a swamp > > cooler, you can count on having mildew and mold year-round. > > > > > > Less costly remedies > > As promised, here's our famous all-purpose mildew cleaning formula and > some > > alternatives (these cleaning concoctions cost only about a 1/10 of the > price > > of commercial mildew cleaners): > > > > > > For outdoor mildew removal, mix 1 quart of liquid chlorine bleach and 1/3 > > cup of powdered laundry detergent into 3 quarts of hot water. Stir until > > thoroughly mixed, and place in a spray bottle. > > > > For counters, shower walls and for the bathroom in general, use 11/2 cups > of > > bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water. > > > > For mildewed clothing, use 2 tablespoons of bleach in 1 quart of water (we > > prefer soapy water). Be sure the fabric is colorfast. > > > > On painted surfaces you can use the outdoor formula. However, you might > have > > sensitive paint. If so, use 11/2 cups of bleach and 1/3 cup of powdered > > laundry detergent in 1 gallon of hot water. > > > > For wood, plaster, plastic and metal surfaces -- indoors or out -- mix > > vinegar with borax. What a cleaner. Mix as much borax into the vinegar as > > you can. Keep mixing until the borax will no longer dissolve. Scrub this > > onto the surface and watch it get clean. > > Tip: If you go to a janitorial supply store to get your spray bottle, you > > will be in for a surprise. The bottles and sprayers are sold separately. > > It's the same spray unit, except that with the shorter bottles the > drawtube > > on the sprayer is cut shorter. The bottles in the janitorial supply store > > are a little bit sturdier than the ones you find at the grocer or at the > > hardware store. The big surprise is when the bottle is filled and you > start > > squirting. It's amazing. You can set a janitorial grade sprayer to hit a > > spot from across the room. > > > > Pittsburg contractors and O. Carey can be heard Saturday > > mornings on KSFO 560 AM. Write the Carey Brothers, c/o the Associated > Press, > > 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020-1666, or e-mail them at > > careybro@.... Their Web site is at www.onthehouse.com. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 5 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 20:18:40 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Dateline Story Fuels National Investigation > > > > http://www.claimsmag.com/Issues/sept00/dateline.asp > > > > Dateline Story Fuels National Investigation > > > > By Mikel M. Benton > > > > The NBC television news program Dateline recently conducted two > > investigations into State Farm Insurance's use of independent medical > exams > > during the processing of injury claims, alleging that some medical > decisions > > were made by non-medical or unqualified personnel. > > > > The nationally televised segments, which aired on June 23 and July 25, > have > > also triggered inquiries by the National Association of Insurance > > Commissioners and several state insurance departments about the purported > > misuse of utilization reviews. > > > > " Dateline provided a valuable public service in its 15-month > investigation, " > > said Nichols, President of the NAIC and insurance commissioner for > > Kentucky. " After viewing the broadcast, regulators from a number of the > > states convened a conference call to express their concern on behalf of > > consumers and to call for an expanded market conduct exam of State Farm. " > > > > Although Nichols confirmed that multi-state exams will focus on how State > > Farm uses independent medical exams and utilization or paper reviews, the > > NAIC has not reached any conclusions regarding the insurer's conduct. > " Until > > the states can complete their nationally coordinated exam, we cannot pass > > judgment on State Farm or their contractors, and we cannot go into details > > of the extent or nature of these exams, " he said. > > > > The utilization review process is a sound business practice, of benefit to > > both consumers and insurers, according to the Alliance of American > Insurers. > > " Medical review procedures are proven techniques to hold down medical > claim > > costs, and the review procedures benefit consumers, " said Kirk Hansen, > > director of claims for the Alliance. " If insurers paid all bills without > > question, claim costs would run out of control. Insurers would become > > nothing more than ATM machines for doctors. " > > > > Hansen expects that the NAIC investigation will identify only " some > > individual irregularities. " > > > > The news program's interest was originally caught by the plight of Lecreca > > Duffey, who was injured in a traffic accident in 1993. Although her > medical > > treatment totaled more than $10,000, after consulting with an independent > > medical review company, State Farm paid only $780 of her claim. > > > > According to Dateline investigators, State Farm makes a practice of hiring > > companies such as Comprehensive Medical Review of San Diego and Medical > > Claims Review Services of Bethesda, Md., to review claimants' medical > > records and accident reports. Allegedly, State Farm adjusters then use the > > so-called paper reviews as justification for offering reduced settlement > > figures. > > > > State Farm refutes the Dateline allegations, saying that paper reviews are > > sought for only 5 percent of all claims. > > > > The television segment further accused State Farm and the review services > of > > colluding to deny care to victims of automobile accidents and work-related > > injuries. Reports from both of the companies investigated were forwarded > to > > State Farm adjusters without being seen by physicians, according to > > Dateline, which alleges that reports were signed by people with no medical > > training or altered after they had been signed by doctors. > > > > CMR went so far as to advertise a crash database, which could be used to > > predict the likelihood of an injury through comparisons with other > injuries > > and accidents. According to a former CMR employee, who was interviewed in > > silhouette, the database never existed and " was a big joke in the hallways > > of CMR. " > > > > State Farm executives said that they were shocked to learn of CMR's > actions. > > " We learned some things about CMR that disappointed us, " said Senior Vice > > President Jack North. In response to further accusations from the > anonymous > > employee that State Farm adjusters would help CMR to author reports and > ask > > to have dollar amounts changed, North said, " That just isn't the way we do > > business. " Since learning of CMR's questionable business practices, State > > Farm no longer uses the company's services, according to North. > > > > State Farm's experience with MCRS and CMR misrepresents their record with > > paper reviews, according to North, who sent out a memo apologizing to > those > > who lost out due to the company's practice of seeking independent reviews. > > The company also released a statement asserting that Dateline > investigators > > had rehashed allegations made in a small number of lawsuits. > > > > " State Farm acknowledges mistakes were made with respect to some > utilization > > reviews, " the release states. " We are taking steps to make sure that our > > insureds were not harmed by reviews by CMR and MCRS, the two firms > featured > > on the Dateline program. " The company says it has implemented an audit > > procedure to verify that only qualified medical professionals do reviews > and > > now requires that all firms with which it does business use doctors of the > > same medical specialty as the insured's treating doctor to conduct auto > > insurance utilization reviews. > > > > Washington, one of the states contacted by Dateline prior to its original > > inquiry, has launched its own investigation, according to state Insurance > > Commissioner Deborah Senn. " There are serious allegations about companies > > who do business in the state of Washington, and we want to be sure that > the > > industry is adhering to the rules we have spelled out, " Senn said. > > > > Following a similar investigation in 1996, Washington's DOI was one of > four > > states to adopt regulations ensuring that carriers use the right type of > > health-care providers to review auto injury claims. In order to prevent > > improper denials, the regulations require that insurers use " like > licensure " > > providers. This means that, if a patient sees a chiropractor, the carrier > > cannot have the treatment reviewed by an orthopedic surgeon who is not > > trained as a chiropractor. > > > > The state's investigation will take the form of a " desk audit, " according > to > > Harkins, chief deputy insurance commissioner. " Our initial look is > > primarily to see that there is compliance with those rules in effect in > > Washington state, " he said. " We're not walking in with an assumption of > > wide-spread abuse. " State laws should prevent the types of problems > Dateline > > uncovered. > > > > Senn has ordered six of the largest carriers in the state - State Farm > > Mutual, Safeco, Farmers, Pemco, Mutual of Enumclaw and Allstate - to > submit > > claims data to DOI investigators. Although Dateline focused on State Farm, > > " chances are that if there are significant problems being experienced by > > Washington state consumers, it won't be limited to one company, " Harkins > > said. > > > > Washington's DOI is participating in the NAIC multi-state exam looking > into > > the specific allegations raised by Dateline, but expects that its own > > investigation will proceed more quickly. " By doing this desk-audit model, > > targeted investigation, we hope to have the preliminary results fairly > > quickly, sometime this fall, " Harkins said. " Certainly our hope is that > our > > work will complement what the NAIC is doing, and vice versa. " > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 6 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 21:19:36 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Cleanup uncovers more mold at Carmel school > > > > http://www.starnews.com/news/articles/mold1109.html > > > > Cleanup uncovers more mold at Carmel school > > > > Hamilton County: Parents concerned as workers discover signs of fungi in > > other elementary classrooms. > > > > By Holly VanSlambrook > > Indianapolis Star > > > > November 9, 2000 > > > > CARMEL, Ind. -- The weekend removal of carpeting in five classrooms at > > Orchard Park Elementary was slowed after workers found evidence of more > > moldlike material in cabinets and drywall in two first-grade rooms. > > > > E. Mc, assistant superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools, > > confirmed the finding but said it did not affect the cleanup project. > > > > " We are assuming it was mold, but that didn't change our remediation, " he > > said. " We're disposing of damaged material, and then we'll retest to see > if > > we were successful. " > > > > The cleanup was Carmel's response to recommendations by ATC Associates of > > Indianapolis. The air quality firm found four molds, including > stachybotrys > > chartarum, during spot testing at Orchard Park Sept. 22, 27 and 28, > > Mc said. > > > > The spot testing was in response to the school's discovery of mold in a > > second-grade classroom in July. > > > > In its report dated Oct. 31, ATC said that stachybotrys, a mold that led > to > > the September closing of the Westfield library, was found in Rooms 17, 5 > and > > 31 and in a tunnel under the school's first- and second-grade classroom > > wing. > > > > Elevated levels of aspergillus, penicillium, chaetomium and ulocladium > fungi > > also were identified in bulk samples taken in other areas, including the > > cafeteria and media center, the report shows. > > > > ATC's recommendations were reported to Orchard Park parents in a letter > Nov. > > 1 from Principal G. Biederstedt. They included immediate removal > > of carpeting in the five " most contaminated " rooms, cleaning of all > > remaining carpets and removal of insulation lining of unit ventilators in > > the primary wing. That work has been done. > > > > Removal of carpet in two other classrooms, the cafeteria and the media > > center could be delayed, the report stated. > > > > Mc said there are plans to replace carpet in the two other > classrooms > > and the cafeteria over Thanksgiving and in the media center during the > > winter break, instead of waiting until spring, as he originally announced > > last week. > > > > Work in Rooms 14, 17 and 18 was completed Saturday and Sunday. Room 13 was > > cleaned after school Monday, and Room 5, where the four molds initially > were > > found by custodians last summer, was completed Tuesday. > > > > Room 5 has been closed to students and school employees since July. But > > Lawrence W. Grauvogel, another consultant to the school district, said in > > the Oct. 31 report that it was not necessary to evacuate other affected > > rooms. > > > > Grauvogel did say that asthmatics and those with allergic responses should > > be offered the choice of relocating while cleanup is being completed. > > > > Carpet for the first five classrooms is expected to arrive later today and > > will be installed by Monday, Mc said. > > > > Orchard Park parents have maintained a low profile since they learned of > the > > mold testing in a letter from Biederstedt dated Oct. 5. > > > > But some parents are asking to meet directly with school officials and air > > quality experts to discuss concerns. > > > > " We appreciate the letters that have been sent home, but we feel we need > to > > have our questions answered directly, " parent Cook said. > > > > Cook's daughter, then a first-grader, was diagnosed two years ago with > > " allergy-induced asthma. " She continued to experience asthmatic episodes > > last year, Cook said, as a student in the classroom where the mold was > found > > last summer. > > > > Cook does not blame Orchard Park for her daughter's illness. > > > > " I just want to make sure my child is safe, " she said. > > > > Mc did not rule out the possibility of a meeting with parents. > > > > " We are always available for parent questions, " he said. " If I get just > one > > call, I'll probably just meet with that person individually. If there are > 10 > > or 20, I may meet with a group. " > > > > Biederstedt said she has received nine calls from parents seeking > > information about the molds and the remediation schedule. > > > > School custodians first found the mold in a cabinet under a leaking sink > in > > July. A teacher had reported the leak in April, and custodians placed the > > job on their summer building maintenance list. > > > > When the identified molds included stachybotrys, Biederstedt asked for > > further testing. > > > > Currently there are no levels set for acceptable exposure to molds like > > stachybotrys, according to ATC project manager Upchurch. > > > > " This is an evolving field, " he said. " People are doing research, but the > > government has not stepped in yet. " > > > > But the molds levels at Orchard Park could create symptoms in individuals > > who are sensitive to the fungi, he said. > > > > This is not Orchard Park's first environmental battle. The school was > closed > > in November 1979 after 60 percent of the staff and some students suffered > a > > flulike illness. > > > > Officials from the Indiana State Board of Health and the Centers for > Disease > > Control and Prevention in Atlanta tested the building for chemical and > > biological agents but never determined a cause. > > > > The school housed Carmel's administration for much of the 1980s, reopening > > to students in August 1986. > > > > The building was renovated in 1991, when much of the original structure > was > > replaced. The primary wing, however, which houses the first- and > > second-grade classrooms where the mold was found, is the original > structure. > > > > Carmel officials do not believe the present mold is connected to Orchard > > Park's past difficulties. > > > > " We can trace this problem to factors like a broken water line, sink > > backsplashes that were not sealed and some of our mechanical settings, " > > Mc said. > > > > He does, however, intend to take additional steps to control the indoor > > environment of all Carmel school buildings. Humidity controls were > adjusted > > at Orchard Park last summer, an action Mc hopes has alleviated the > > school's " ongoing humidity issues. " > > > > He also has begun to evaluate Carmel's energy management program. The > > shutdown of air conditioning during the summer, he said, might have > > increased some humidity problems. > > > > Meanwhile, Orchard Park parents just want their school to be safe for > > children. > > > > " We love Orchard Park, " Cook said. " We just need to look out for > our > > children's health and safety. I want them to fix the problem so it's a > > permanent fix. " > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > -- > > ---- > > This story appears in the Metro North edition of today's paper. > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 7 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 21:25:38 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Clean-air cost rule? Court skeptical > > > > Published Wednesday, November 8, 2000 > > > > Clean-air cost rule? Court skeptical > > Justices hear industries' plea for a formula to limit the expense of > > compliance, but doubt it will work > > By Laurie Asseo > > ASSOCIATED PRESS > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > -- > > ---- > > > > WASHINGTON -- Supreme Court justices voiced skepticism Tuesday about > > ordering the federal government to change decades of clean-air policy and > > begin considering compliance costs -- not just health benefits -- in > setting > > nationwide air-quality standards. > > > > A lawyer for industry groups asked the justices to rule that federal Clean > > Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency to weigh the cost of > > reducing harmful emissions against the benefits of improved air quality. > > > > Justice s said the industry groups appeared to be seeking > a > > rule that the EPA must set air-quality standards " to protect the public > > health, provided it doesn't cost too much. " > > > > Chief Justice H. Rehnquist told the industry groups' lawyer, " You > > say you don't know how we can live with " a requirement that the EPA > consider > > only health issues and not costs. " We have lived with it for 20 years " > since > > a lower court decided that issue, the chief justice added. > > > > Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg questioned how a cost-benefit analysis would > > work. " You are adding something that will create another morass, " she > said. > > > > The justices are expected to issue a ruling by July that could have a > major > > impact on clean-air rules and possibly on regulatory actions by other > > federal agencies. > > > > The Clean Air Act, adopted in 1970, requires the EPA to set national > > air-quality standards to " protect the public health. " The agency is to use > > criteria that " accurately reflect the latest scientific knowledge " for > > identifying pollution's effects on health. > > > > The Clinton administration is asking the justices to reverse a lower court > > ruling that said the EPA went too far in adopting tougher clean-air > > standards in 1997. The appeals court ruled for the industry groups on that > > question, but rejected their argument that the EPA should consider the > cost > > of compliance in setting air-quality standards. > > > > Warren, representing the American Trucking Associations, U.S. > Chamber > > of Commerce and other business groups, said the EPA " wishes to regulate > > every nook and cranny of this environment for air pollution reasons " > without > > a clear standard for doing so. > > > > " There has to be some common sense brought to bear " by balancing costs and > > health benefits, Warren added. > > > > Solicitor General Seth Waxman, representing the government, said, " The > > health in this country is vastly better now than it was in 1970. " Under > the > > clean-air law, the EPA does not consider compliance costs in setting the > > standard, but it does consider costs in deciding how states will try to > meet > > the standard, Waxman said. > > > > Justices G. Breyer, Antonin Scalia and Day O'Connor also > > expressed doubts about requiring a cost-benefit analysis. > > > > " I've listened to a lot of vague language from you and I don't understand > > what it is that you're saying, " O'Connor said. > > > > Several justices also questioned Waxman closely about how much leeway the > > EPA believes it has to set the air-quality standard. > > > > " How do you decide how much risk is too much risk, or is that just up to > the > > agency? " Scalia asked. Later, he added, " You still haven't given me a > > criterion of where you stop. " > > > > O'Connor questioned whether the EPA could decide that electric cars would > > improve public health, and then lower the air-quality standard to force > > their use. > > > > Waxman said the agency would not consider such issues in setting the > > standard. And, he said, the clean-air law does not let the EPA set a > > standard that would require " zero risk " to health. > > > > In 1997, the EPA adopted air standards that imposed new limits on soot and > > ozone, a major component of smog. They were challenged by industry groups, > > and a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., blocked the EPA from > > enforcing the rules in May 1999. > > > > Some observers believe that if the Supreme Court decided the EPA took too > > much of Congress' power when it set the clean-air rules, it could affect > the > > regulatory power of other federal agencies with broad congressional > > mandates. For example, federal law directs the Federal Communications > > Commission to regulate broadcasting in the " public interest. " > > > > The cases are Browner v. American Trucking Associations, 99-1257, and > > American Trucking Associations v. Browner, 99-1426. > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 8 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 21:27:05 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Keeping Your Kids Asthma and Allergy Free > > > > Wednesday November 8, 2:18 pm Eastern Time > > Press Release > > > > SOURCE: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology > > Keeping Your Kids Asthma and Allergy Free > > > > MILWAUKEE, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year asthma and allergies take > their > > toll on a large percent of the American population. More then 35 million > > people in the United States suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis, or > ``hay > > fever,'' while another 17 million Americans suffer from asthma, according > to > > the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). Considered > > the most common chronic childhood disease, asthma also affects nearly five > > million children in the United States. What most people don't realize is > > that children with asthma also tend to suffer from allergies. > > > > Preventing Allergic Rhinitis > > > > Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is triggered by allergens, or airborne > > irritants such as pollen, mold, animal dander or dust mites. This causes > > sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. Approximately 50 million Americans > > suffer from some form of allergic disease. Allergic diseases develop at > any > > age, and heredity plays a key role in who will develop an allergy. If one > > parent has an allergic disease, the estimated risk of the child developing > > allergies is 48%; if both parents have allergies, the child's risk jumps > to > > 70%. > > > > ``It's impossible to completely eliminate all the things that might > trigger > > a child's allergies, but taking steps to delay the child's exposure to > > certain allergens may help,'' said , M.D., Fellow of the > > AAAAI. To help reduce the risk for developing allergic rhinitis, > allergists > > recommend you take the following steps to reduce the levels of allergens > in > > your home: > > > > > > Dust Mites > > -- use zippered, plastic covers on pillows and mattresses to reduce > the > > presence of dust mites, > > -- minimize the number of stuffed animals kept in the bedroom, > > -- remove carpet from the child's bedroom, > > -- wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water (130 degrees F) > weekly > > and > > -- keep indoor relative humidity below 50% to inhibit dust mite > growth. > > > > Indoor Mold > > -- fix leaky faucets and pipes, > > -- avoid vaporizers and > > -- reduce indoor humidity to less than 50%. > > > > Cockroach allergens > > -- do not leave food or garbage exposed and > > -- use boric acid traps. > > > > Animal dander > > -- remove furry pet from the home to prevent exposure particularly in > > the > > first year of life, > > If the pet can not be removed from the home > > -- keep the pet out of the infant's bedroom, > > -- frequently vacuum rooms where the pet lives and > > -- wash the pet weekly to decrease the amount of dander, urine and > dried > > saliva. > > > > > > Your role in avoiding asthma > > > > Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by coughing, chest > tightness, > > shortness of breath and wheezing. Children with a family history of > allergy > > or asthma are at risk for developing asthma. Studies show that up to 80% > of > > children with asthma develop symptoms before the age of five, thus the > more > > subtle signs of asthma, such as chest tightness, often are not identified > > early on, according to . The only observable symptoms a child > with > > asthma may have are a cough, rapid or noisy breathing, and chest > congestion. > > ``A parent may notice that their child has less energy than other children > > during active playtime or the child may try to limit physical activities > to > > prevent coughing or wheezing. A child's allergist relies heavily on > parents' > > observations to determine the signs of asthma and make a proper > diagnosis,'' > > said. > > > > There are two forms of asthma. Allergic asthma is triggered by many of the > > same allergens that trigger other allergic conditions such as allergic > > rhinitis. Nonallergic asthma is triggered by substances that aggravate the > > nose and airways, but do not necessarily trigger allergies. These > irritants > > may include smoke, strong odors such as perfumes or household cleaners, > > other airborne particles such as coal or chalk dust, changing weather > > conditions and strenuous physical exercise. > > > > Parents should take the following steps to reduce their child's risk for > > developing asthma: > > > > use dust mite control measures, > > limit exposure to furry animals, > > do not smoke around the child or in the child's home, > > eliminate wood stoves and fire places and > > breast feeding your infant strengthens the child's immune system against > > becoming overly sensitized to allergens. > > Preventing Food Allergies > > > > Approximately 2-4% of children experience allergic reactions to foods. The > > most common food, responsible for up to 90% of all allergic reactions, are > > cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, seafood and tree nuts. > Allergic > > reactions to food may produce symptoms such as hives or eczema. Food > allergy > > suffers may also experience symptoms such as sneezing, vomiting, stomach > > cramps, diarrhea and difficulty breathing. > > > > The best strategy for preventing food allergies is to avoid the specific > > food that triggers the allergy. Allergists recommend: > > > > breast feeding infants for four to six months (breast milk is less likely > to > > produce allergic reactions and it strengthens the immune system), > > delaying exposing infants to potentially allergenic foods and liquids, > such > > as cow's milk, peanuts and fish, until the child is one year old, > > introducing infants to new foods one at a time so parents can identify and > > eliminate any foods that cause allergic reaction, > > reading food labels and becoming familiar with scientific names for food. > > An allergist/immunologist can provide you with more information on > > preventing allergies and asthma. If you suspect your child has allergies > or > > asthma, an allergist can diagnose and treat allergies and asthma in your > > child. To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to learn more > about > > allergies and asthma, call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information > > Line at 800-822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at http://www.aaaai.org .. > > > > The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology is the largest > > professional medical specialty organization in the United States, > > representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, > allied > > health professionals, and others with a special interest in the research > and > > treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the Academy has more > > then 6,000 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. > > > > SOURCE: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 9 > > Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2000 20:39:36 -0600 (CST) > > From: Angel MCS <jap2bemc@...> > > Subject: Re: Re: insurance coverage for mold > > > > > > > > > > Please... > > > > What company is this for a heads up to the rest of us? > > > > " If having endured much, we at last asserted our 'right to know' and if, > > knowing, we have concluded that we are being asked to take senseless and > > frightening risks, then we should no longer accept the counsel of those > > who tell us that we must fill our world with poisonous chemicals, we > > should look around and see what other course is open to us. " > > Carson > > > > " My toxicasa (world) is your toxicasa (world). " > > Judith Goode > > > > > > On Thu, 9 Nov 2000, KC wrote: > > > > > Let me just add my two cents worth. Everyone should check the fine > > > print very carefully. I received a notice to update my homeowners > > > insurance for major disasters (naturally at a special price), it > > > sounded great until I read the very fine print. In tiny letters it > > > said, " it does not cover any allergy related illness due to flooding > > > or water damage. " Naturally it never said mold/fungus, but the > > > implications were there and so is nonpayment. Like the old saying > > > goes,BUYER BEWARE. KC > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 10 > > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 05:04:59 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: Frog Deformities and Environmental Pollution > > > > FROG DEFORMITIES & ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION > > > > Date: 001106 > > From: http://www.enn.com/ > > > > University of New Hampshire > > > > UNH STUDY REVEALS THAT ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION COULD BE A LEADING > > CAUSE OF FROG DEFORMITIES AND DECLINING POPULATIONS > > > > November 6, 2000 > > > > Durham, NH - A new study for the first time demonstrates that > > environmental contaminants could be a leading cause of frog > > deformities and declining amphibian populations. > > > > Published by University of New Hampshire researchers in the November > > issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, the pilot study shows that > > frogs with developmental deformities, like missing or malformed limbs, > > also have irregular levels of hormones that are central to > > reproduction and development. > > > > " It is clear that something is throwing off these frogs' hormones at > > a key developmental stage, " says Stacia Sower, UNH professor of > > biochemistry and one of study's authors. > > > > " Previous research has shown that chemicals that interfere with the > > endocrine system by mimicking hormones or by blocking the action of > > hormones can cause reproductive dysfunction and abnormal development > > in several species, including fish and alligators. We suspect that > > these same chemicals are having similar effects on frogs. " The normal > > growth and development of amphibian larvae rely on healthy aquatic > > systems. > > > > Developing frogs are particularly susceptible to chemical > > contamination that accumulates in rivers, lakes and ponds. Potential > > sources of endocrine disrupting chemicals include municipal sewage, > > pulp mill effluents, agricultural runoff (pesticides and herbicides), > > and petroleum from bilge water and two-cycle boats. > > > > Kim Babbitt, UNH assistant professor of natural resources, laid the > > groundwork for these studies by her extensive survey of thousands of > > frogs from New Hampshire and Massachusetts in 1997 and 1998. Deformed > > green frogs (Rana clamitans) and bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) were > > found at 86 percent of sites sampled (31 or 35 sites). Deformity rates > > ranged from zero to 9.3 percent, and the average deformity rate was > > 4.9 percent for 1997 and 4.1 percent for 1998. > > > > Most malformations involved absence of all or part of a digit or a > > limb, asymmetrical development of the limbs, and deformed eyes. > > > > Sower, Babbitt and post-doc then conducted a series of > > tests on the normal and deformed frogs. They found that the abnormal > > frogs had significantly lower concentrations of sex hormones called > > androgens and of a brain hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone > > (GnRH), which controls reproduction in vertebrates. > > > > " These findings suggest that there may be significant interactions > > among environmental and endocrinological factors during the > > development of amphibian larvae that affect different processes > > including reproduction and limb development, " says Sower. " We know, > > for example, that disruption of the GnRH system can produce > > infertility. " Sower says that the study does not provide conclusive > > evidence that environmental contam-inants are causing the deformities. > > What it does for the first time show is that frogs with malforma-tions > > also have abnormal levels of several hormones vital for reproduction > > and development. > > > > Many other hormones, she says, could also be affected. Further > > research is necessary to determine if endocrine disrupting chemicals > > alone are causing the deformities, or if it is a synergistic > > interaction with other things, like parasites or increased UV-B > > radiation caused by the thinning of the ozone layer. > > > > " What we know is that the cause is not parasites or predators by > > themselves, " says Sower. > > > > " The potential role that malformities play in amphibian decline is > > not clear, " adds Babbitt. > > > > " However, the results of our study suggest an increased effort to > > determine how malformities affect population growth is warranted. " > > > > * * * > > > > Editors/News Directors: > > Photo scans of deformed frogs are available by calling the UNH News > > Bureau at 603-862-1566, or by visiting the Website > > http://www.unh.edu/news/Nov00/sk_20001103frogs.html > > > > For more information, contact: > > Keeler Sharon, Science Writer > > University of New Hampshire > > 603-862-1566 > > sjkeeler@... > > Web site: http://www.unh.edu/news > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > Message: 11 > > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 05:09:47 -0500 > > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > > Subject: American Public Health Association Annual Meeting > > > > http://ens-news.com/ens/nov2000/2000L-11-09-09.html > > > > WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS TO HUMAN HEALTH > > > > BOSTON, Massachusetts, November 9, 2000 (ENS) - The U.S. Geological Survey > > (USGS) will host an exhibitor workshop on environmental threats to human > > health at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting on Sunday. > > The workshop will also describe how health organizations and the USGS can > > form effective partnerships for public health protection. Signs of > > environmental threats to human health are everywhere, USGS experts say. > West > > Nile Virus spreads among birds, mosquitoes and people. Cancer and > > reproductive failure are linked to arsenic, pesticides and other chemicals > > are found in water. Most states have fish consumption advisories because > of > > toxic mercury in sport fish. Arsenic is released from burning coal, and > dust > > blown from Africa to North America and the Caribbean harbors harmful > > chemicals and microbes. > > > > Recent partnerships between the USGS and the National Cancer Institute, > the > > National Institute for Environmental Health Science, the Centers for > Disease > > Control and Prevention, and other public health organizations have helped > to > > provide a better understanding of the nature of environmental health > > threats. At the USGS, the nation's largest water, earth and biological > > science and civilian mapping agency, that understanding is enhanced > through > > systematic monitoring and data collection, sophisticated geographic > > analysis, and basic research. For more information about the American > Public > > Health Association Annual Meeting, which will be held at the Hynes Center > in > > Boston, visit http://www.apha.org/meetings/ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 2 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 12:28:27 EST > From: RGlin2000@... > Subject: Re: Insurance & Construction Defects > > In a message dated 11/10/2000 8:43:58 AM Pacific Standard Time, > wscook@... writes: > > << Regarding the insurance coverage for damage associated with mold. It is > not > a cut and dried issue as indicated by Mr. Washngton. The issues of coverage > all relate to the proximate cause of loss and then the cause of loss must be > not excluded under most homeowner policies. Then the issues may be further > complicated as to the contents damages and the cause of loss to the > contents. Many times if coverage is found for the building the coverage > will not extend to the contents. There are some very tricky issues that > effect the damages being brought under the coverage terms of the policy. > Any serious claim should have benefit of a public adjuster working on your > behalf to insure claim is presented to assure maximum entitlements under the > policy. > Bill Cook > Private Investigator > Public Adjuster (Acting for the Insured Only) >> > > I find this interesting and somewhat up in the air? > > First let me briefly lay out the situation. > > About two months ago I received phone call from a home owner regarding > problems they were having with moisture and the installation of a new wood > floor. I did some test and found that the moisture on the slab was high in > two (2) different locations at different ends of the house. > > Without destructive construction investigation, I was leaning toward the fact > that possibly the vapor barrier had been left out of the slab. We did some > simple water test to make sure that there was not a water leak, which turned > out negative. At the same time, I asked this home owner to ask her neighbors > if any were having problems? > > One of her neighbors indicated the same problems and contacted me because > they had seen a previous article in the Newspaper about my self. > > My main priority during this investigation has to keep the cost down and to > try a get there insurance companies to come to the rescue. > > After a slab investigation we determined that the vapor barrier had been left > out. Further we found water filling in an our test holes. Now this is the > desert. We eliminated all possible sources, irrigation, etc. Finally we > tested the two houses with a camera and found that both the waste drains had > be broken during construction. > > Now the dilemma is how can these two people find help now, and not until > after a court has determined construction defects. In this case you have a > General Contractor who has put his head in the sad and " states he is going to > sue me for slander " for stirring these people up. I told him to take his best > shot! > > First I run into the Attorneys who only want to take on a class action case? > The others who what to take the case under a huge contingency fee, are > questionable? > > Second, one of these families has small children who I think should see a > doctor who specializes in " Sick Building " issues. They have adequate health > insurance to cover the cost. Does anyone know of one in the Las Vegas, Nevada > area who would be a good Doctor to consult. > > Third, is there a way to get there property owners insurance to handle some > of this and have them go after the Contractors insurance company? > > > G. lin > lin Associates > Licensed General Contractors B2-0048180 > Construction Consultants and Managers > Professional Real Estate Investigations > Las Vegas, Nevada > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 3 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 15:25:25 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: Mold plagues tenants, landlords in Deer Park Apartments > > http://www.sacbee.com/ib/news/ib_news01_20001110.html > > Mold plagues tenants, landlords > By LePage > Bee Staff Writer > (Published Nov. 10, 2000) > > Anyone who wonders whether indoor mold is a serious problem just needs to > tune into the drama unfolding at Deer Park Apartments in Antelope. > > " It's an extreme example of how serious and expensive the mold problem can > be if it's not cleaned up as soon as possible, " says Jim Lofgren, executive > director of the Rental Housing Association of Sacramento Valley. > > The owners of the 190-unit complex are spending what a Deer Park spokeswoman > said are hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy, clean and dispose of > tenant possessions that might be contaminated by mold. Those costs include a > 60-foot-long, five-stage decontamination chamber built at the complex to > expedite and lower the cost of the cleaning process. > > Two weeks ago, with two toxic mold-related lawsuits against them pending, > Deer Park's owners gave all 270 tenants 35 days' notice to vacate their > apartments by Nov. 30. The owners plan to test for mold and decontaminate > units. > > With the holidays just around the corner, the mandate caught Deer Park > tenants off guard, thrusting them into one of the capital region's tightest > and priciest rental housing markets ever. Many face paying $100 or more a > month more for rent than they are now paying. > > Deer Park tenants were offered a move-out package that included $2,000 to > $4,000 per unit to help pay for cleaning their possessions possibly > contaminated by mold. That's far less than the $12,000 to $17,000 apiece an > attorney said he won for more than 100 tenants who settled their property > damage claims against Deer Park's owners, a group of investors, in summer > 1999. > > Deer Park's owners have since bolstered the move-out package. Whoever > accepts the offer agrees not to seek future damages. > > State, federal Web sites offer mold advice > There are no local, state or federal health agencies that set mold > contamination standards or have authority over mold problems. Rather, under > current laws and regulations they are limited to providing information and > advice. > > Here are two Web sites, both with links to additional resources, that offer > practical advice on mold from the key state and federal health agencies. > > The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov/iaq/. > > The state Department of Health Services (DHS) at > www.cal-iaq.org/iaqsheet.htm#Mold. > > For those without Internet access: > > To receive a state DHS brochure titled " Mold in My Home: What do I do? " > (also available online at the DHS Web site), call your county's Department > of Environmental Health Services. > > The Sacramento Human Rights/Fair Housing Commission offers a free mold > brochure, available by calling the commission at (916) 444-6903 ext. 120 or > contacting the commission at 1112 I St., Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95814. > > -- LePage > > Residents, however, have complained that they still may not be able to > secure housing in the area. > > At least five Antelope apartment complexes have refused to rent to Deer Park > tenants unless they can somehow prove their belongings are mold free. > > " They've got my ($100 deposit) money, but so far they're not letting me in, " > said Deer Park tenant Rodger Parrish, 29, who is trying to move into a > nearby complex. > > Deer Park has taken several new steps since making its initial offer. > > It has hired a firm to set up an on-site mold decontamination center to > clean hard goods such as tables, desks and chairs. Electronics equipment is > being cleaned off-site. > > However, the cost of such cleaning will be deducted from the $2,000 to > $4,000 tenants are being offered if they leave by Nov. 30. Deer Park reports > that so far the expense of decontamination hasn't exceeded $600 per unit. > > Deer Park owners have also hired an insurance adjuster and are paying > tenants " fair market value " for soft-good possessions such as beds, couches > and fabric chairs that can't be totally cleared of mold and will either be > thrown away or incinerated. Tenants with sales receipts for such soft goods > will be paid replacement value. > > Buller, spokeswoman for Deer Park's owners, said that so far the > owners have paid an average of $3,000 to $4,000 per unit in soft goods > compensation. > > Deer Park owners have sent neighboring apartment complexes copies of a Nov. > 7 letter from an official with the state Department of Health Services that > states the steps Deer Park is taking are adequate. > > " I do commend the Deer Park Apartment owners and their agents in taking > these measures to ensure that tenants leaving their apartments do not bring > contaminated material to their new residences, " writes Jed M. Waldman, chief > of DHS' indoor air quality section. " My office would be happier if more > landlords acted in such a responsible manner. " > > Lofgren, executive director of the local rental housing association, said > the DHS letter and another from tenants stating they would only move in > decontaminated or new belongings " should be sufficient to relieve owners of > their concerns. " > > " However, the owners may want to consult with their own attorneys or > insurance company to ensure there are no problems, " he said. > > Meanwhile, scores of Deer Park tenants are scrambling to find new homes or > get settled in new places by Thanksgiving week. > > Stuart is one of them. He's upset that he didn't have more time to > look for a new home, particularly since the owners have known about mold > problem for at least a year. > > " I'm very angry about that, " he said. > > , 30, has lived at the complex for about a year, paying $925 a month > for a three-bedroom, one-story unit. But today's rental market is different > and , a paramedic, says he couldn't find a comparable home for less > than $1,200 a month. > > He said mold in his apartment has made him sick, and he's now among about 40 > other Deer Park tenants who recently joined in a legal complaint seeking > mold-related property damages from Deer Park. > > Some Deer Park tenants contend they have had extensive mold growth in their > apartments and have suffered allergic reactions, including flu-like symptoms > and exacerbated asthma. > > Buller said testing of about 50 units showed " abnormal " levels of mold in > all but 10 of them. > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 4 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 17:21:27 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: Having Trouble Breathing? The Problem Could Be Indoor Air > > http://www.emagazine.com/november-december_2000/1100gl_home.html > > GREEN LIVING HOUSE & HOME > The Inside Scoop > Having Trouble Breathing? The Problem Could Be Indoor Air > By Kathleen O'Neil > > Most people link air pollution with industrial smokestacks or trucks > belching clouds of diesel exhaust. But the air we breathe while indoors, > where most of us spend 80 to 90 percent of our time, is filled with > chemicals and particles that can deliver even higher levels of chemical > exposure. > > > Most of us spend 90 percent of our time indoors, where we're bombarded with > chemical pollutants. An air filter or cleaner can be a very effective > contributor to home health. > www.airpurifiers.com > A recent study of residents in both rural and industrial areas confirmed > this. It found high chemical levels in the subjects' bodies, indicating they > had received doses of pollutants in their homes five to 70 times higher than > the highest outdoor levels. > > Go to the Source > > The best way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate as many sources > of pollution as possible: cigarette smoke, older carpeting, mold and > mildew--even hoodless stoves, pressed wood cabinets and burning candles > contribute their share. " The sources of pollutants vary greatly, as does the > sensitivity of individuals, " says Hal Levin, editor and publisher of Indoor > Air Bulletin. > > Unless you live in a city with unhealthy ozone levels, the next step is to > open the windows, or otherwise improve your home's ventilation. An air > filter or cleaning device may be another quick fix. They are most useful in > a room with a constant pollution source, or one with limited ventilation. > Most only reduce particles in the air, however, and do not eliminate gaseous > pollutants. > > Mechanical and electric filters may be installed in heating or air > conditioning ducts, or used in a portable device with a fan. Basic flat > filters can trap large particles, but don't effectively remove small > particles, which are easily breathed in. Medium-efficiency filters are > typically pleated, woven material made with smaller fibers that can trap the > breathable particles without reducing air flow. They are rated at 20 to 50 > percent efficiency for removing particles of 0.3 to 10 microns (a micron is > one millionth of a meter). > > The effectiveness of an air cleaner depends on how well it collects > pollutants from indoor air (a percentage efficiency rate) and how much air > it draws through the cleaning or filtering element (measured in cubic feet > per minute). > > High-efficiency filters are rated at 60 to 95 percent efficiency, and are > sometimes confused with High Efficiency Particle Arrestance (HEPA) filters, > which are defined as being 99.97 percent efficient. Since HEPA filters > require powerful fans, they are rarely used in central forced air systems of > homes, but are available in portable units. For most homes, upgrading to a > medium- or high-efficiency in-duct filter (which cost about $20 to $130) may > provide a noticeable improvement. > > Filters only work until they become clogged, so pay attention to their > performance and change them if you notice a decline. Or you can have an > inexpensive pressure gauge installed and change it when the pressure reaches > the manufacturer's maximum recommended for the model. As Levin points out, > manufacturers' recommendations for changing them are only guidelines; if the > air is very dirty, they'll need to be replaced much more often. > > Go Electric or Charge It > > Electric filters create an electrically charged field or ionize particles to > trap them more effectively. Some use electrostatic precipitators, which are > charged plates that collect the particles before they are attracted to > something else in the room. They were found to be the best filter device by > a recent Consumer Reports test. But because of their high cost, the magazine > recommended an alternative combination electrostatic/mechanical pleated > filter. > > Ion generators, available as portable units, also use electrical charges. > They work by charging particles in a room, but do not collect them. The > particles are then attracted to any nearby surface--walls, floors, furniture > or people. These do not improve breathing conditions, as the charged > particles are also more attracted to the walls of your respiratory tract. > > A few products intentionally produce ozone, which the manufacturers say can > improve air by breaking down harmful gases and bacteria. However, ozone is a > lung irritant, and although the concentrations from these sources may be > low, it is best not to intentionally introduce more into your home. Ozone, a > reactive form of oxygen, can also create more harmful chemicals than the > ones it breaks down. > > Many public health organizations, including the American Lung Association > and the California Department of Health Services, warn consumers not to use > ozone generators because of ozone's harmful health effects. Electric > filters, which may also produce ozone, need to be monitored, particularly if > they were not installed or maintained correctly. > > Since the effectiveness of filters varies based on airflow, the size of the > room and of the particles to be filtered, and how quickly the filtering > mechanism needs to be replaced, compare filter efficiencies before > investing. > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 5 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 17:23:59 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: Children deserve adequate facilities > > http://www.jsonline.com/news/editorials/nov00/refs-edit110400.asp > > > Children deserve adequate facilities > >From the Journal Sentinel > Last Updated: Nov. 4, 2000 > > At least two cliches apply to the school building referendums that voters in > the Oconomowoc area and New Berlin will face on Tuesday. The first is > " Nothing lasts forever. " The second is from the motor oil TV ad in which the > mechanic says, " You can pay me now or you can pay me later. " > > For those two reasons, we recommend " Yes " votes in both referendums. > > Neither bill will be cheap, but cheap won't give students the education they > need to meet the challenges of a global economy. Children and educators > deserve reasonable and adequate facilities to help them do their jobs. And > maintaining old and inadequate facilities only costs more in the long run. > > Oconomowoc voters face the bigger bill, but that district's building plan is > more comprehensive. One of the questions calls for building three new > schools - two elementary schools and a middle school - and an auditorium at > a cost of $44.5 million. A second question asks voters to allow the district > to exceed the state-imposed limit on the tax levy - by $500,000 in 2001-'02 > and $875,000 annually after that - so the district will have the money to > maintain those and other buildings. > > The newest building in the district was built in 1965. That's the high > school, where a new auditorium would go. Of the buildings that will be > replaced, one elementary school was built in 1911, another in 1962 as a > monastery and the middle school in 1923. > > Now, it's true that the Great Pyramids at Giza still stand, but those are > monuments visited by tourists; they don't see much active use. And unless > Oconomowoc voters want to build monuments to failed education, they will see > to it that the buildings their kids actively use are adequate for their > needs. > > Yes, the district could keep using and maintaining these antiquated > structures. Kids could continue to exercise in hallways rather than gyms; > roofs could continue to leak; orchestra students could continue to practice > in school basements. > > But that would cost more money in the long run than building now, and the > district would eventually have to replace the buildings anyway, at an even > higher cost. It's much better to foot the bill now. > > The same holds true in New Berlin, where the district - in the wake of last > spring's defeat of a more comprehensive solution to its problems - is taking > a more piecemeal approach. The referendum question there asks voters to > approve building a new $8.55 million Elmwood Elementary School. > > At Elmwood, rusty rainwater - the kids call it " blood water " - seeps from > the ceiling, which sags in places; tiles crumble; steel walls rust; teachers > find mold on their instructional materials; all-school assemblies are not > held because there's no single space big enough in the school. And city > planners are expecting hundreds of new homes in the Elmwood area in the near > future. > > Apparently, there are those who will vote against this referendum because it > will raise their annual taxes by, say, $30 a year. We would say the kids at > Elmwood are worth an additional $30 a year, but we'd probably be accused of > being mushy-headed liberals who actually see some value in public education. > > And the accusers would be right. We do think education is worth a little > sacrifice. And we hope voters show their agreement by voting " yes " on > Tuesday. > > > Appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Nov. 5, 2000. > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 6 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 17:39:45 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: Fight to have 'invisible' ills recognized > > http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/pages/001105/4813676.html > > Sunday 5 November 2000 > > Fight to have 'invisible' ills recognized > > MIKE KING > The Gazette > > Rene Paquin suffered what many consider work-related burnout after 29 years > in the provincial civil service. > > Three illnesses commonly called " invisible diseases " were diagnosed - > chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivities. > > The Quebec City-area man went on sick leave in 1996 and was unable to return > to work. > > He requested a disability pension in September 1997 - three months after > accepting an early-retirement package - but wasn't granted it until a year > later, when yet another illness was diagnosed. It was early Parkinson's. > > Not Recognized > > When Paquin first sought a disability pension, he learned that his mystery > disability wasn't recognized by such government agencies as the work > health-and-safety commission, the automobile-insurance board and the Quebec > Pension Plan, as well as many private insurance companies. > > Now he is preparing to be the lead plaintiff in a billion-dollar > class-action lawsuit that bourg lawyer Petit plans to launch > against those compensating groups. > > Petit wants to have those conditions recognized as debilitating medical > conditions. > > In September 1998, Paquin formed a provincial association for others who > have been unable to receive long-term disability benefits from public or > private insurers. > > " More than 100,000 people in Quebec are dealing every day with a > debilitating medical condition associated with auto-immune diseases, > resulting in chronic pain frequently associated with debilitating fatigue, > various and diverse cognitive handicaps and neuro-somatization, " he said in > a statement. > > Most Are Women > > These people - most of them women - did not have access to a proper medical > investigation despite the wide range of disorders affecting them, he added. > > " This situation has placed the victims under great stress and fatigue and > they are further weakened by their fight to have their disability recognized > by the various public organisms providing disability insurance. " > > Paquin listed those insurance providers as the Societe de l'Assurance > Automobile du Quebec, the Commission sur la Sante et la Securite du Travail, > the Regie des Rentes du Quebec and private insurance firms. > > An Edmonton woman won a chronic-fatigue lawsuit against her insurer in 1998. > That same year, the Quebec College of Physicians officially recognized that > affliction as well as fibromyalgia as legitimate illnesses, but limited sick > leave to short periods rather than indefinitely. > > Some life-insurance companies in the United States have also been taken to > court over the same issue. > > - To register for the class action, call the Association Quebecoise des > Victimes de Regimes d'Assurance Invalidite toll-free at (877) 622-4010. > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 7 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 17:45:20 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: Shameful Treatment of Gulf War Vets > > http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2000/11/10 > /ED66988.DTL > > Shameful Treatment of Gulf War Vets > > Ray McGovern > Friday, November 10, 2000 > > " If any question why we died > Tell them, because our fathers lied. " > -- Rudyard Kipling > > AN AVID NEW YORK METS fan, I was glued to the TV on the evening of Oct. 22, > watching the Mets contend with the Yankees. Between innings, I tuned in to > MSNBC's panegyric to the American generals of the Persian Gulf War, " Waging > War: General Schwarzkopf's Diary. " The parallel was eerie -- an equation as > sobering as it is telling. The Mets are to the Yankees as the vets are to > the generals, except that for the vets there is no level playing field. > > The two-hour special ended with a 30-second " oh-by-the-way " : " For some of > the troops of Desert Storm, there's a sad and puzzling legacy -- the > so-called Gulf War Syndrome. " These veterans, the narrator went on to say, > " blame their time in the gulf " for their illnesses, but " no clear cause has > been established. " > > Of the 582,663 Persian Gulf War veterans eligible to apply for disability > compensation, 186,438 had done so by July 15, according to the Department of > Veterans Affairs. That's only 32 percent! The department's chief R & D officer > told a Senate subcommittee on Oct. 12 that " Gulf War veterans report a > variety of chronic and ill-defined symptoms, including fatigue, > neurocognitive and musculoskeletal problems, at rates significantly greater > than nondeployed veterans. " > > What has made so many so ill? No one knows for sure, but Iraqi nerve gas is > a prime suspect. The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine has > concluded that there is suggestive evidence of an association between > exposure to the nerve agent sarin and subsequent long-term health effects. > Despite this, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Hershel Gober reportedly is > about to deny service-connected compensation to Persian Gulf War veterans > exposed to sarin. > > Research by Dr. Haley, director of the University of Texas > Southwestern Medical Center, points to brain damage from such exposures. > These findings have been published in professional journals, but have been > repeatedly rejected by a Pentagon-paid panel of peers. > > One key impediment is the lack of specific data on exposures. Army logs > recording chemical exposures disappeared mysteriously after the war. An > investigation by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service shed little > light on how that could have happened. Still other evidence has been > suppressed or discounted -- for example, the captured Iraqi air force manual > that noted that nerve agents " have a cumulative effect; if small doses are > used repeatedly on a target, the damage can be very severe. " > > Low levels of nerve gas were detected during the Persian Gulf War, but most > American troops did nothing to protect themselves. Their commanders had been > told that low levels would cause no harm, and they were afraid of causing > panic. But the Government Accounting Office subsequently identified numerous > deficiencies. These include shortages in individual protective equipment, > inadequate detection devices and lack of training and supplies. > > The conventional wisdom at the outset of the war, as expressed by then > Undersecretary of Defense Deutch, was that any nerve gas worth worrying > about " causes you to die very promptly. " Speaking from the same script after > the war, Gen. Colin told the press that " chemical weapons usually > make you ill rather immediately " and that Army commanders " didn't see anyone > becoming ill. " > > Conventional wisdom has a way of becoming policy. The Pentagon's subsequent > behavior reinforces Barbara Tuchman's key insight in her book, " The March of > Folly, " in which she says, " Once a policy has been adopted and implemented, > all subsequent activity becomes an effort to justify it. " > > Three years ago, the Presidential Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' > Illnesses charged that the Pentagon's battlefield surveys, research and > analysis had hopelessly biased conclusions against the possibility that > low-level exposures to chemical agents were a factor. In a stinging > critique, the committee noted that many U.S. alarm and detection systems > could not detect lower levels of chemicals that might have delayed effects, > and that the Pentagon had summarily dismissed virtually all other reported > detections -- by British, French, and Czech forces -- as unproven. > > Sharp criticism also came from the House subcommittee on government > oversight chaired by Shays, R-Conn., who called the > investigations by the defense and veterans affairs departments " irreparably > flawed " and " plagued by arrogant incuriosity and a pervasive myopia that > sees a lack of evidence as proof. " > > Coincident with the release of those reports, President Clinton appointed an > " independent " panel to oversee the Pentagon's investigation of possible > chemical exposures. Former Sen. Warren Rudman was named to chair the panel. > No one seemed to notice -- or to care -- but Rudman was already part of the > problem, having been tapped six months earlier by his close friend, Defense > Secretary Cohen, as special adviser on Persian Gulf War affairs. The > Presidential Advisory Committee found that during those six months, " public > mistrust about the government's handling of the Gulf War veterans' illnesses > not only endured, it expanded. " > > The Rudman panel has kept a low profile over the past three years, and will > go out of business in January 2001. Its last open meeting on Oct. 27 > featured a Pentagon announcement that 30,000 more Persian Gulf War > servicemen and women are about to be told that they may have been exposed to > sarin. The approach was vintage Pentagon, reminiscent of the artificial > ceilings imposed on counts of enemy forces in Vietnam. Then, as now, there > was a public relations problem -- the same one. On Nov. 21, 1967, National > Security Assistant Walt Rostow advised President that " the danger is > that the press will latch on to our previous underestimates and revive > credibility gap talk. " > > In 1997, 99,000 servicemen and women were told they may have been exposed to > low levels of sarin. At the Oct. 27 meeting, Rudman asked (and answered) > rhetorically, " Does this (the additional 30,000) mean any more people are > ill? So far there is no evidence of this. " > > The briefer explained that 30,000 of those who earlier had been told that > they were exposed will now be told they were not, leaving the overall total > for exposures at 99,000. Lest anyone miss the point, Rudman panel spokesman > Kaplan emphasized that that number " remains the same. " > > Small wonder that Dr. Vinh Cam, a member of the Rudman panel, expressed > concern that the shuffling of numbers will again " raise questions of > credibility. " The National Gulf War Resource Center, a prominent advocacy > group for veterans, has already dismissed the Pentagon statistics as a > " shell game. " > > As the presidential and congressional committees both asserted three years > ago, the government's credibility on this issue is zero, and a truly > independent investigation needs to take place. This should be among the > first items of business for the new administration. > > The more fundamental problem lies deeper. It is that no one seems to give a > damn. I suspect this is largely because, in this era of the all-volunteer > Army, the children and siblings of " important " folks are not affected. They > watch the war on TV. > > In his second inaugural, Abraham Lincoln appealed to his fellow citizens to > care for those who " have borne the battle. " Are the men and women we sent to > the Persian Gulf worth so little -- is our need to sing our (unblemished) > victories so great -- that we no longer care? Then shame on us. > > Ray McGovern was an officer in the Army from 1962 to 1964. > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 8 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 18:09:35 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: 900 more in Libby may be ill > > http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-story.asp?date=102500 & ID=s870400 & cat=sec > tion.montana > > October 25, 2000 > Environment > > 900 more in Libby may be ill > > Associated Press > > > KALISPELL _ As many as 15 percent of the Libby residents and former > residents who were tested may be diagnosed with asbestos-related lung > disease, the state's top medical expert said this week. > > The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has been > screening residents and former residents for three months to determine the > extent of asbestos exposure from the former W.R. Grace Co. vermiculite mine. > > Roughly 6,200 people will have undergone chest X-rays and lung-function > tests by the time testing wraps up Nov. 2. > > State medical officer Spence estimated the screening program could > reveal disease in as many as 900 Libby residents and former residents. > > Spence based his prediction on the number of people screened who showed > immediate signs of asbestos-related diseases. Those who showed symptoms of > asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer were notified by telephone. Other > patients are waiting for a written report. > > The new cases will be in addition to about 400 Libby-area residents who have > been diagnosed and treated by Dr. Alan Whitehouse, a Spokane internal > medicine and pulmonary disease specialist. > > National news reports last November said close to 200 people have died from > lung disease linked to asbestos exposure at the mine. > > The ATSDR will release preliminary test data Nov. 1. > > " Our report won't include any assessment and won't necessarily provide a > relationship to asbestos, " division director Lybarger said. > > " We'll have some very crude demographic statistics and magnitude of > numbers. " > > Screening data will be released to the public incrementally, but a formal > analysis won't be ready until next year. The agency also has analyzed death > records from the Libby area and will release the results of that study in > December. > > As of Oct. 17, the ATSDR had screened 5,377 people, and 800 were still > waiting for tests. The total is expected to exceed 6,200, more than double > the number the agency expected. > > A weeklong screening began Monday in Elko, Nev., where 68 former Libby > residents are being tested > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 9 > Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 18:25:55 -0500 > From: " bherk " <bherk@...> > Subject: Church Group Infected with Fungal Disease in Mexico > > Church Group Infected with Fungal Disease in Mexico > > ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- Twenty-three members of a Pennsylvania church group > were infected with a potentially serious fungal disease during a trip to > Mexico to help build a church, government researchers said Thursday. > > The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the church members > developed flu-like symptoms later determined to be coccidioidomycosis, also > known as San Joaquin Valley fever. > > Eighteen sought medical attention and one was hospitalized in intensive care > for a day. > > People become infected by inhaling airborne spores from a fungus found in > the soil. The disease is endemic to deserts of the southwestern United > States and Central and South America. > > The CDC estimates about 100,000 Americans are infected each year. Many never > develop symptoms. Others simply think they have the flu. If left untreated, > the infection can spread to the brain, heart, bones and liver and can cause > meningitis. > > The CDC did not identify the hometowns of the Pennsylvanians or the church. > > Copyright 2000 The Associated Press. > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > Message: 10 > Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2000 01:32:14 -0000 > From: " KC " <tigerpaw2C@...> > Subject: A ray of hope > > Hello all, > I just spoke to a woman who came recommended to me that is very aware > of toxic poisoning. I spoke with her for about an hour on mold and > chemical exposure and talk about an informative hour. She is licensed > to testify in many states and is very willing to do so. She seems to > be very knowledgable and is not afraid to speak the truth. She is an > expert witness. She helped me understand a little bit more why my > wife was experiencing certain symptoms due to mold exposure. You need > to check out her webpage: > http://hometown.aol.com/lmay4111/myhomepage/index.html > Her email: LMay4111@... > She is also very eager to help anyone that may need it. I hope > someone else will speak to her and post what your thoughts are. > KC > > Dear KC; It seems that this lady has a bacheolor of science degree and is a licensed nurse. My fear is that an insurance company big kahunna doctor type would get on the witness stand and then tell the jury how much more education he's got, how much smarter he is, and how a lowly nurse can't possibly understand the complexities of the human body! My theory is to get someone from higher on the totem pole than they can get. The sad truth is that she probably deserves a spot on the totem pole and that the lawyers and ins. companies have forced us to play by their rules. peter > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > ________________________________________________________________________ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 6, 2001 Report Share Posted February 6, 2001 I don't know what the Ldl and the Hdl stands for.  Could someone send some information?  Thanx in advance.  Grapeseed oil, an ideal salad dressing, cooking , frying  & baking oil that raises HDL( good cholesterol ) and lowers  the LDL(bad cholesterol), reducing a primary risk factor for heart disease. Its healthful qualities have been appreciated for over 100 years. No preservatives & 100%-natural grapeseed oil   Claude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 6, 2001 Report Share Posted February 6, 2001 In a message dated 2/6/01 6:52:09 AM Pacific Standard Time, escort7980@... writes: Claude can you pls tell me if grapeseed oil is better than canola oil. an is grapeseed oil good for frying. not that i fry stuff just when i really want something fry ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 12, 2002 Report Share Posted February 12, 2002 HI A GOOD SWEETENER IS STEVIA(liquid and concentrated)We use for baking Brown Ryce Syrup it tatstes like honey.Miss Robens has The ultimate Sweetener which is birch bark, our nutritionist did not aloow us on that since it can make microscopic holes in the gut....We pretty much do our own baking,hard to find ready products... good luck Miriam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2002 Report Share Posted May 3, 2002 Deborah,I am not offended and am glad that you offered your advice which is what this group is for.No professional that works with my son,teacher,SLP,OT have even suggested that he is autistic.His teacher told me that although my son talks out a lot in class she is not concerned because it doesn't interfere with his learning.Who diagnosed your son with autism? Did this person notice your son's idiocencriteis or did you have to point them out. I have my son's IEP on Tuesday and I may bring the word autism up and see how that fairs.Thanks for the advice. Gretchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 3, 2002 Report Share Posted May 3, 2002 Isn't thatt something that their speech is better when angry.When I used to work and worked with stroke patients the same thing happened.They couldn't talk but when they got frustrated the cuss words cam out really clear.Like apraxia a stroke is in the brain also.Interesting isn't it. Gretchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 4, 2002 Report Share Posted May 4, 2002 ANger is an intense emotion with input from the right side of the brain. Perhaps we therapists should all tap into that... grtchnwgnmn@... wrote: Isn't thatt something that their speech is better when angry.When I used to work and worked with stroke patients the same thing happened.They couldn't talk but when they got frustrated the cuss words cam out really clear.Like apraxia a stroke is in the brain also.Interesting isn't it. Gretchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2002 Report Share Posted September 18, 2002 in Houston, Thanx for sharing your urge...I could have used it yesterday. One of the things I forgot to share about my post-op time is that every 3-4 days I get so naseaus that I either throw up or have dry heaves. Yesterday's episode lasted longer than usual. Are most heller myotomies preformed from the front or back? What is your experience? Thanx again, Penny > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2004 Report Share Posted April 22, 2004 , it will pass cuz I started off the same way with real bad headaches..I also take Enbrel three times a week. Tkae care. Lucy I noticed that I get wicked headaches that really comeon fast since I've started Enbrel. They say it willprobably stop as my body gets adjusted.- --- Houston <lhn7294@...> wrote:> ..My name is and I have been reading your> shares> for about 3 weeks. I have had both of my knees> replaced in the past 18 months. The 2nd replacement> was 9 months ago and I am still suffering with> tendon> and muscle pain around the knees. The actual> replacement is perfect, therefore, that rules out a> mistake in the actual replacement . The reason for> this is RA If any of you have experienced this> type> of pain after surgery, please let me know.> > I have been on Meth. for years and took a drug> holiday--When the MD re-started me, I had terrible> headaches and nausea. She has cut the dose down and> now I seem to tolerate it. I am also on Humeria--I> have only taken one shot--I was on Emberal and after> 3> months the drug stopped working. > > I work part-time and have a Rhuemy that I trust --I> feel that I am blessed to be able to do the things> that I do.> > Thank you for the messages of hope . I have enjoyed> reading all of the shares.> > L.> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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