The first ever comprehensive review of the health effects of mold.  Conducted by the non-partisan Institute of Medicine, part of the Congressionally-chartered National Academy of Sciences that advises the federal government on health issues.

The report was conducted by leading international environmental, health and building scientists over a two-year period and represents the first comprehensive analysis of the health effects associated with damp environments.

The report essentially concludes that mold is linked to allergies and may possibly be linked to asthma and upper respiratory problems, but no evidence exists to support a link to more cancer, fatigue, neuropsychiatric disorders or other serious health claims.

The study should go a long way toward quelling consumer fears about mold and should bring some relief to the real estate industry, which has been inundated with lawsuits seeking compensation for exposure to mold.

Even though the report rejects the most sensational mold-related claims, it echoes NMHC/NAA's long-held advice to property owners to deal promptly and effectively with indoor dampness.