Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -- Voltairez 

Mold is everywhere
Yes, mold is everywhere. It is necessary for the recycling of organic building blocks, which allow plants and animals to live. Because it is found in nature does not mean it is healthy to breath in enclosed spaces. Anthrax is also found in nature, but we have seen how deadly it can be depending on its concentration and point of entry. Molds also can have an impact on human health depending on the level of toxicity and exposure to the mold or byproducts, the susceptibility of those exposed and the nature of the species.

I can't see anything, so it must not be there
It has been called the "Silent Killer" and "seeing is believing" does not apply here. Some of the most toxic molds are hidden in wall cavities or air ventilation systems. Since mold cannot survive without moisture, the hidden molds are commonly found in areas where there has been water intrusion. Building defects such as leaks from the roof, windows, pipes and other areas are some causes. Water sometimes gets trapped in the ceiling, behind wallpaper or tile and between wall cavities leading to unknown mold growth. If there is a musty or moldy "smell" you have mold growth. Depending on an individuals sensitivity level to smells, it is not always detected.

No one else is complaining
The first group of individuals to "complain" are those with heightened sensitivities. These individuals are the "canaries in the coal mine." These would include chronic disease (asthma and allergies), compromised immune systems (cancer, diabetes) , very young, very old, smokers, pregnancy, and people on antibiotics. Many symptoms are non-specific and frequently occupants do not associate their ill feeling to their immediate environment because of this. Headaches, skin rashes, fatigue and congestion many times are symptoms that are ignored and blamed on other factors until the symptoms become more severe.

My kids will be out of that school in few years
Unfortunately this is a common phrase that will only continue the cycle of problems. The damage that may happen in a short period of time may have lifelong health implications on your child. By not bringing your concerns to the Administration will only make the conditions worsen. If your child is suffering from what you feel may be a link to the environment at his school, the conditions need to be investigated. Keeping a child medicated to attend school is not the answer. Keeping a child on medication will only "mask" the symptoms. They are still being exposed to pollutants that are affecting them, as there are many health risks associated with indoor air pollution. By exposing our children to even low levels of allergens, it can lead to allergic sensitization. Why has asthma become the most common chronic respiratory condition increasing 50% each decade? Our children are at most risk and your child and future generations will pay the price for your silence or apathy.

I am not a troublemaker and don't like making waves
Silence is not golden. Doing the right thing by speaking up is called being responsible not being a troublemaker. When it comes to your health or the health of your children, it is irresponsible to stay silent if you have concerns. To alert others to a potential harmful environment should be applauded. There are appropriate ways to communicate your concerns. It is your right to demand a safe environment for yourself as well as your children. The more educated people become about this issue and its "warning signs", the safer our indoor environments will become. By voicing your own concerns, you are creating the awareness that will help bring change. The squeaky wheel gets the oil.

All this is hype for those companies to make money from
As with any business, there are those who will try to take advantage of a victim. That is more the reason to become an educated consumer. Once you understand what causes indoor air pollution and fix the problem, you can make sure the company you are dealing with is knowledgeable too. Check references and credentials as you would with any other company and do not let your misfortune become someone else's reward.

I want to have scientific proof there is a problem before I get involved
It is not recommended by scientist to wait to take action until toxicity is determined after laboratory culture, since molds are toxic in their normal environment and may lose their toxicity in the laboratory over time. Therefore, it may not be identified as toxic when indeed it is. Also, investigations generally occur after patients have become ill, and do not necessarily reflect the exposure conditions that occurred during development of the illness. All cases of inhalation exposure to toxic agents suffer this deficit. However, exposures to chemicals not generated biologically can sometimes be re-created, unlike those with active microbial growth. Indoor environments are dynamic ecosystems that change over time. Prudent public health practice might advise speedy clean-up or removal of a heavily exposed populations form exposure as a first resort and public education about this potential for harm.

If it is such a big deal, why doesn't the health department get involved
The role of the Health Department is one of tracking "infectious disease." Unless it is a communicable disease, or there are widespread health implications, the public health department does not have jurisdiction. There are laws that protect work related environments that would be overseen by OSHA.

My doctor does not believe in this stuff
Many doctors are not trained in environmental illness and are taught to treat symptoms. Because building related symptoms are usually non-specific, you need to be your own investigator. After all, it is your health that is being affected. The more information regarding timing of illness and its association with potential cause will aid in narrowing down the link for your health practitioner. Many times it is necessary to seek the advice of specialists in this field.

It costs too much to clean it up
The longer the problem is ignored, the more it will cost to fix. Temporary or band-aid fixes will only work for a short period of time.

No one is regulating our Schools' Indoor Air Quality
The EPA has stated that over half of our nations schools have problems which affect indoor air quality. Many problems arise from lack of routine maintenance. Our children are not currently being protected by anyone besides the self-policing of their school districts. Our schools need to be accountable and responsible for our children's sake.

I would get involved but I don't want people to judge me or my lifestyle
Don't kill the messenger. If an environment is unhealthy, it makes no difference how you live in the privacy of your own home. Often times we like to blame the messenger, to divert the attention. It is easier than having to deal with change. Being afraid of being judged will not do anything but let the problem get worse. If you are concerned with your own private environment, then make necessary corrections, but do not let it be an excuse to get involved in making positive change for others.