In 2016-2017, I developed a chronic cough, severe sinus pain, difficulty breathing and eventually was diagnosed with COPD, chronic bronchitis, severe sinusitis, puffy eyelids and doctors prescribed numerous medications, inhalers and advised over the counter decongestants, antihistamines, etc. Nothing helped.
In mid-2017, I began to smell an overpowering moldy smell. I hired a mold inspection company who identified multiple mold locations. I rented the property, and the owner did not address the mold for two years. Luckily, I temporarily moved in with my brother to receive cancer treatment. During this six-month period, my respiratory symptoms dissipated. When I returned to the moldy home, my symptoms reappeared, and I finally realized the mold was making me sick.
I escalated my requests with the property owner and obtained more mold inspections. The owner finally had workers perform an unprofessional cover-up and removal of the mold. The health department got involved, and I was very unimpressed. According to a health department worker, painting over mold was an acceptable remediation. I learned from various mold inspection employees that this is quite prevalent.
From my experience, I believe that indoor mold is the primary cause of COPD, chronic bronchitis, asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions. I have done some research and I have learned that health departments throughout the country ignore or minimally address mold in rented homes and workplaces. These same health agencies are now making a big deal about the coronavirus and shutting down the economy, where most people who are hospitalized and die have comorbidities such as COPD, chronic bronchitis, asthma and other preventable chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, morbid obesity, etc.
The true "pandemic" is the preventable comorbidities and mold. Please start taking action on this.
