As evidenced by sensational stories in The New York Times Magazine, regional newspapers, television specials on 48 Hours and The Today Show, and a number of regional and national conferences, toxic mold is an emotionally charged issue that has created a public frenzy over its potential health impact. Although it affects a broad range of concerns for risk managers, from damage claims to workers' compensation, this frenzy has created an instant insurance industry crisis. The major reason toxic mold has become one of the hottest topics in the insurance industry is the usual reason: money, in the form of multimillion dollar judgments against insurers. The insurance industry is monitoring the mold issue closely and it is uneasy. Insurers are considering a number of options to mitigate mold losses, including premium increases, excluding mold from policies or eliminating policies that cover water damage and the mold damage that may follow.

• fungi: molds in buildings
• IAQ: sick building syndrome, SBS