A lot of news coverage has been given to mold taking over government buildings, public facilities, and homes. According to research, in the past 20 years, a 300% increase in the asthma rate can be connected to growth of indoor mold. Mold has also been associated with other problems like runny noses and problems that can possibly be fatal like bleeding in the lungs. While builders were expected to make buildings compact and constricted to help cut utility bills during the 1970’s energy crisis, this design can obstruct the flow and exchange of fresh air. Another reason for the mold growth may buildings that are not properly maintained and errors that have been made by architects.

The public, in general, is much more aware of health issues today than it was, say 40 years ago, and this may also be a factor. At any rate, for people who identify and clean up buildings with mold problems, business has grown tremendously over recent years. Those in the business say that while there are no federal or state guidelines governing the removal of mold, training is what is important in this line of work. Experts have recommended that remediators become accredited as asbestos abatement contractors because remediators have experience with air sampling and they utilize removal procedures akin to that of removing asbestos.