May, 25, 2010
The Arizona Republic
Almost nine years after discovering mold in her house, a Phoenix woman went to her state representative to find a better way for mold victims to address the legal issues that surround the problem.
Carl Seel, R-Phoenix, plans to draft new legislation that would create a clear legal process for those whose homes are affected by toxic mold, he said in a press conference Tuesday. Seel was surrounded by supporters who have had mold and believe some remediation companies are negligent.
In November 2001, Luz Fuenzalida, of Phoenix, discovered mold in her home from a broken pipe, she said. She called her insurance company who recommended her to a mold remediation company.
She said a man arrived two days later and sprayed chemicals on the mold. She said he told her there was no need for her family to leave the house.
The next day, her family woke up with flu-like symptoms. One of her sons began to develop spots on his skin like burn marks, and she said two of her children still suffer from a weakened immune system.
“I’ve gone through a living hell,” she said.
Fuenzalida said her coverage proved worthless. After years of dealing with her insurance company and many legal media, her case was dismissed, she said. She approached Seel and told him her story in 2009.
Seel said he hoped to draft legislation to help Fuenzalida and others by the fall of 2010. He plans to adjust the law to deal with the few bad actors in the insurance field and make sure all mold remediation companies are properly certified.
He said a clear process would help both companies and homeowners. “It’ll help the insurance companies if they know the process,” he said.
Mold affects many homes in the state and can develop because of flooding, leaky roofs and even the steam from showers and cooking, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services website.
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