The issue of mold contamination has drawn the national and international spotlight on the heels of publicity about prominent situations, such as a hotly contended link between mold and severe illness—and one death—in 10 Ohio infants in 1993 and 1994; a major 2001 insurance battle over the moldy Dripping Springs, Texas, house of Melinda Ballard and her family; the mushrooming mold infestations indoors and out along the Gulf Coast after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita slammed ashore in 2005; and the mold infestation that helped spur the February 2007 outcry over the treatment given to recuperating soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. As recently as 25 years ago, inhaled mold was considered primarily a nuisance, not a serious health threat. But the growing scientific and medical evidence suggests the threat is widespread and, for some people, quite serious.

Concerns have been raised regarding whether homeowners use windows, exhaust fans, and other mechanical ventilation devices enough to remove indoor air contaminants and excess moisture. In a multi season study of ventilation and indoor air quality of 108 new single family, detached homes in California, window use, ventilation rates, and air contaminant concentrations were measured. The median 24 hour outdoor air exchange rate was 0.26 air changes per hour; 67 percent of the homes were below the California building code requirement of 0.35 air changes per hour; and 32 percent of the homes did not use their windows. Home to garage pressure testing guidelines were exceeded in 65 percent of the homes.

RIVERVIEW — Discovery of an unknown mold in the men’s room at the city’s public library has led to its temporary closure.

Librarian Kirk Borger said the library closed at 4:30 p.m. Monday after Department of Public Works employees discovered the mold during routine maintenance.