[Restorer]

That sleazeball attorneys and contractors have a financial incentive to blow this out of proportion is not surprising.

It should not be overlooked, however, that insurance companies, property owners, realtors, builders, and lots of other groups have an exactly equal and opposite financial incentive to downplay the problem and/or to denigrate those who advocate further research.

As others have pointed out, the big problems have arisen because buildings in the last 25 years, for a host of reasons, have created an indoor ecology that has never existed before. It would not be beyond the realm of reason to expect previously rare organisms to thrive in such environments and create previously rare health effects as a result.

[slimer]

This is a hot issue in the housing industry for sure. I am a member of the California Apartment Association and they have been battling on behalf of property owners with the Legislature to contain the issue.

One of the problems that owners are facing is savy tenants, looking to cash in on toxic mold, exagerate health problems and bring cases to court. Even though they may not win a case, it can be very expensive for property owners who have to pay for legal defense. And of course there is no lack of personal injury lawyers who take cases on consignment and then try to settle (extort) out of court.

I have all tenants read and sign a Mold Addendum that explains who is responsible in what situations for mold problems. It is basically a legal shield for owners but there are always exceptions to the rule when a determined (greedy) tenant decides to make an issue out of it because they are tired of paying rent and are looking for a down payment on a home.