Your article on the growing mold epidemic (“Mold fear is growing, but data still lacking,” Metro, May 26) hit the nail on the head: There is currently very little sound, scientific evidence about the health effects of mold. In the absence of that sound science, those who prey on our fears have stepped to the forefront and are fueling the fires of overreaction.
Unfortunately that overreaction could very well have the effect of reducing both the availability and affordability of homeowners’ insurance. Why? Because instead of chancing a lawsuit, insurers are paying out many thousands of dollars more than is typical for water damage and mold claims.
Until the frenzy subsides and credible research is done on the true health effects of mold, we can only hope that Illinois does not follow Texas’ lead. Before mold hysteria hit that state, the typical family of four paid about 1 percent of its annual household income for a homeowners’ insurance policy. That number has now doubled, and the coverage is far more restricted. Unfounded panic about the health effects of mold might be making a few plaintiffs richer, but it’s costing homeowners a pretty penny.