14 DAY TRIAL // An increasing number of people are moving into energy-efficient homes and offices these days. The problem is that, as friendly to one's wallet as such buildings might be, they appear to also be a perfect breeding ground for toxic mold.
Gizmodo reports that, back in 2001, the Alberta Court of Appeal had to close due to the fact that mold had taken up residence inside its walls.
Interestingly enough, the mold only appeared in the aftermath of a series of renovations intended to make the building more energy efficient by sealing cracks in its walls that allowed for air currents to move in and out of the construction.
The same source details that, shortly after work on greening up the Alberta Court of Appeal had been completed, both judges and attorneys who spent a considerable amount of time inside it accused fatigue, irritated lungs, and watery eyes.
According to the results of several investigations, these symptoms were all due to the fact that toxic mold had formed and was thriving inside the walls of the building.
Following this discovery, the Alberta Court of Appeal was left with no choice expect move to another building downtown.
Its original home has not reopened to the public all these years, and traces of mold can still be found on paper court documents recovered from its archive. Hence, people must wear respirators when handling them.
Specialists explain that, all things considered, toxic mold ended up filling this building due to the airtight walls that the construction got in the aftermath of the renovations it was subjected to.
More precisely, they say that, although energy-efficient buildings keep out drafts and consequently bring down heating bills, they also trap humid air. This means that, under certain circumstances, they can prove to be a perfect environment for toxic mold not just to live, but also to thrive in.