Black Mold Infects Housing on Pine Ridge Sioux Indian Reservation

Due to the high level of black mold present in housing on the Pine Ridge Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota , the Lakotah Nation has declared a health emergency.

 

The serious health consequences of black mold infestation are well documented.  Also known as Strachybotrys chartarum or Strachybotrys atra, this mold has been closely linked to the death of babies from respiratory bleeding, and as a contributing factor to illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.

 

The federal government has been aware of the black mold problem on the reservation for years.  Former Senator Tom Daschle, and Obama’s choice for Health and Human Services Secretary, was reporting on the situation back in 2004.  A report released from his office stated:

 

On South Dakota ’s reservations, it is estimated that over 900 homes are infested and remediation may cost between $10,000 and $40,000 per unit. Tribes currently don’t have the funds to deal with the problem and Senator Daschle has recently asked the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to issue promised department recommendations to address the problem.

 

And in 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency reported:

 

On the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, black mold:

 

• Has been found in 75% of the 1,700 tribal housing on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.  
• Causes sickness and poor health among tribal members.  
• Health effects include chronic sinusitis, severe headaches, fungal skin infections, upper and lower respiratory illness; cancer cases rising and diabetesworsening.  
•  Diabetes found to be 800% higher on this reservation than U.S. national average.    

The housing on the reservation is government issued.  The government has been aware there of the problem since 2004. Tom Daschle has known about this problem for at least four years and has accomplished absolutely nothing, zero, in terms of remedying the situation. We wonder what, if anything, will change now.

 

The following video, Toxic Housing, was produced by Russell Means and the Lakota Nation.

For more information:

 

http://www.epa.gov/osp/tribes/tribal/SciencePriorities.pdf

 http://www.sdpb.org/Archives/ProgramDetail.asp?ProgID=2471

http://www.republicoflakotah.com/? 

p=547

 

Comments

[Joe]

How difficult is it to remove black mold on your own? Is it better to call someone in to do it or can I get it done myself?

Are there any specific tools I may need?

[Puma for Llife]

I found this website, Toxic Black Mold Information Center. Be careful when removing:

http://www.toxic-black-mold-info.com/moldclean.htm

[mold removal NYC]

Mold is becoming a problem all over the United States and is an important reason for concern among home and business owners. Over the past few years we have seen a rise in household mold exposure cases and in some instances has resulted in serious illnesses and death. Stachybotrys or black mold is commonly found in areas that are frequently subjected to water and moisture including carpets, furniture and even wallpaper. Black mold is identified by its greenish black color that is often slimy to the touch. This fungus releases tiny spores consisting of deadly chemicals called mycotoxins into the air which is picked up in your air conditioning and distributed throughout your entire home to be inhaled by your family and pets.If you believe that your family and animals have been exposed to stachybotrys you should seek a doctor or veterinarian before the affects of this mold become permanent. If you are unsure of a possible mold problem in your home a simple mold inspection will give you all of your answers on the type of mold found in your home as well as the proper procedure to remove it.

[Tampa Mold Remediation]

Indeed mold is becoming a very irritating problem. Besides it is very difficult for us to know even if our home is infested with molds.

[Water Damage Tampa]

This mold problem has to be taken care of and solutions and remedies sought.It could be a very big reason for ill health.

[nyc mold inspections]

Mold can get dangerous and affect the health very badly...it can even cause death.

[New York Mold Removal]

Black mold is scary and sometimes mistaken for some other molds.One has to be alert to see and observe them.

[DIY Mold Testing]

The main problem is how we know that these molds are creeping in so that we remove them at the onset itself. This is a truly informative and usefulposting.