Mold
Sources: Mold grows in humid environments where there is excessive moisture in buildings or on building materials such as insulation and drywall in basements and bathrooms or where a water leak has occurred.
Health Effects: Headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic reaction and aggravation of asthma symptoms. The vast majority of health problems with mold come from making existing problems worse. Research is ongoing.
Steps to reduce Mold exposure: Prevention is the first step. If there are areas in your home that have excessive moisture, take steps to reduce it. Ventilating the area better, sealing the area where the moisture originates (such as basement walls) or installing dehumidifiers are ways to do this. If mold comes from leaks or flooding, you probably will need to hire a specialist to correct the problem.
EPA's Indoor Air Quality Web Site
Who do I call if I have mold in my house?
Homeowners
If you own the property: Please refer to the yellowpages under "mold remediation" for professional assistance. Or for more information contact the City of Ennis, Department of Health Services at (972) 875-1234 M-F 8am to 5pm. We are located at 500 Lake Bardwell Drive. Note: The Department of Health Services is unable to conduct investigations into mold situations, but can provide information on possible health effects associated with such problems, and possible corrective actions. Renters and landlords each have certain responsibilities in such situations. The following sites listed below under Indoor Air Quality Program offer helpful information for tenants and property owners/managers.
Renters
If you rent: Notify property owner/manager of concerns and allow reasonable amount of time for them to address and correct the problem.
What if the owner or manager does not respond?
If the owner/manager has been notified and is not responsive, contact the City of Ennis, Department of Health Services at (972) 875-1234 M-F 8am to 5pm. We are located at 500 Lake Bardwell Dr. Ennis, Texas 75119. You may also click here to report a non emergency violation.
Important Notice
The City of Ennis Department of Health Services only offers environmental health-related services. For medical, immunizations and other services, contact your family physician or the Texas Department of State Health Services Region 3 Clinics and Field Offices at 3001 S. Washington Kaufman, Texas 75142 Phone 972-932-2038 or 618 N. Main Street Corsicana, Texas 75110 Phone 903-654-4952.
Texas Department of State Health Services (MOLD RELATED INFORMATION ).
Indoor Air Quality Program
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) receives many calls from citizens renting an apartment or home who feel their landlords are not properly responding to situations such as water leaks and resulting mold problems, dirty air handling units and duct systems, fumes from painting neighboring units, cigarette smoke odors from adjacent units, etc. DSHS is unable to conduct investigations into these situations, but can provide information on possible health effects associated with such problems, and possible corrective actions. Renters and landlords each have certain responsibilities in such situations. The following sites offer helpful information for tenants and property owners/managers: