TOXIC MOLD OUTBREAKS, particularly in buildings, have been causing headaches across the U.S. for some time. But the problem has yet to register as a crisis in construction, according to results of this week's enr.com poll. Of 363 voters on ENR's Website, 42% believe mold is a serious industry concern, but 33% think the problem is overblown (see chart).

Molds are fungi that exist everywhere in nature and are not all toxic. However, when water or moisture invades a closed environment such as school or office buildings, toxic molds that grow on drywall and other building materials can cause other problems. Certain varieties of mold can produce mycotoxins that cause respiratory problems in humans. Health symptoms include asthma, dry cough, upper respiratory problems and headaches. Mold abatement basically involves removing the contaminated material and eliminating the moisture problem.

Many lawyers now believe that mold suits could become the asbestos issue of the new millennium. The cost of combating mold growth appears to be climbing. Some Texas cities, affected by heavy rains several years ago during a severe tropical storm, have been hit hard by the problem.

Austin, Texas, voters last February approved a $49.3-million measure to combat toxic molds in eight schools and to institute preventive measures in 95 other facilities. The schools involved are 20-year-old steel-framed concrete block facilities.

Last July, officials at San Diego State University closed a 120,000-sq-ft, eight-year-old residence hall after widespread mold infestation-- allegedly resulting from leakage problems--appeared in the structure soon after its opening. After a round of unsuccessful repairs, a $6-million settlement was reached. The problem has also surfaced in Ontario, Canada, where millions of dollars are being spent on mold remediation in flat-roofed buildings and portable classrooms.

• fungi: legal, law, litigation, insurance issues
• fungi: molds in buildings