Mold Makes Woman Sick -- In More Ways Than One

[Guest guest]

Mold Makes Woman Sick -- In More Ways Than One

Friday, Nov 03, 2006 - 10:37 PM

Alaina

WSAV-TV - Savannah,GA

WSAV News

http://www.wsav.com/midatlantic/sav/news/crime___safety.apx.-content-

articles-SAV-2006-11-03-0021.html

A Southside Savannah woman says hidden mold in her condo's walls are

making her sick and she claims it's all because of a type of

plumbing you might have in your own house.

Polybutlyene is a plastic pipe used for water lines. The Chatham

County Health Department tells us people across the United States

have had problems with the fittings on the pipes -- they leak,

causing mold to grow in the walls.

Paya bought her condo about four years ago and didn't have any

problems with it until about two months ago. Now she's living in a

hotel.

At first she says, " I loved it. It was a wonderful, quiet

neighborhood. Very friendly people. " But most people don't have

signs that read " Microbial Hazard " on their front doors.

It started when started feeling weird. " I've been so tired. I

couldn't move from the bed and I've been having blood in my nose and

I couldn't breathe, " says . Then in September she noticed some

water damage in her bathroom.

says, " I called the plumbing people and they came and asked if

they can open the walls. " So they did -- and found what says is

toxic mold. " And they told me right away to move out, " says .

Her condo looks like a disaster area -- furniture pushed everywhere

and walls knocked out. Dehumidifiers keep the air dry to get rid of

the mold.

" My doctor says I have to get sinus surgery. I am on an asthma

machine, " says .

As for her condo, 's friends tell her to just put the walls back

in, slap on a little paint, and sell it -- like nothing's wrong. " I

can't do it. I don't want this to happen to anyone. Honest to

goodness, " says .

The Chatham County Health Department says mold from Polybutlyene

pipes can cause major health problems, such as allergic, infectious,

and toxic reactions. is currently working with the health

department and state offices to figure out what to do next.

If you're worried about that type of plumbing in your house, here

are some links about Polybutlyene and a Class Action Settlement

administered by the Consumer Plumbing Recovery Center:

Polybutlyene Plumbing

Consumer Plumbing Recovery Center