Pocatello man suffering from mold related illnesses

Matthew Shugert who is going to school at Idaho State University has been sick for about four years, not knowing what the cause of illness was. It wasn’t until January of this year, he finally got answers. He says that’s when he found out his illnesses were because of mold growth inside his apartment at Ridge Crest Housing.

Shugert says a window near the kitchen area was leaking in water from an outside source that started the mold, and has since spread to other areas.

“Over the years, chronic exhaustion to the point of passing out. Sleep problems, respiratory problems, neurological problems, bloody noses, just a wide range of symptoms,” said Shugert, of his illnesses.

He even says he has issues with his memory and says, going to school and keeping a job has been another issue because of his health problems.

Peter Farina, Technical Safety Director of ISU says housing inspectors visited Shugert’s home in early March and assessed the mold problems. He says Shugert should be free and clear of it. Farina also says he’s not aware of any other students having problems there in Ridge Crest, but has advice for them if they ever find the same problems, or other hazardous problems.

“What they need to do is immediately contact our university housing if there are leaks. Because mold needs water to grow and needs a continuous source. If you cut off the water, the mold will stop growing. Also, students need to be careful what they bring into the dorms or houses, we’ve had a lot of fires in the past,” said Farina.

Matthew Shugert who is going to school at Idaho State University has been sick for about four years, not knowing what the cause of illness was. It wasn’t until January of this year, he finally got answers. He says that’s when he found out his illnesses were because of mold growth inside his apartment at Ridge Crest Housing.

Shugert says a window near the kitchen area was leaking in water from an outside source that started the mold, and has since spread to other areas.

“Over the years, chronic exhaustion to the point of passing out. Sleep problems, respiratory problems, neurological problems, bloody noses, just a wide range of symptoms,” said Shugert, of his illnesses.

He even says he has issues with his memory and says, going to school and keeping a job has been another issue because of his health problems. Shugert

Peter Farina, Technical Safety Director of ISU says housing inspectors visited Shugert’s home in early March and assessed the mold problems. He says Shugert should be free and clear of it. Farina also says he’s not aware of any other students having problems there in Ridge Crest, but has advice for them if they ever find the same problems, or other hazardous problems.

“What they need to do is immediately contact our university housing if there are leaks. Because mold needs water to grow and needs a continuous source. If you cut off the water, the mold will stop growing. Also, students need to be careful what they bring into the dorms or houses, we’ve had a lot of fires in the past,” said Farina.

Steve Deguilio from Advantage House and Property Inspections says the best thing for anyone to do, is to make sure there’s no leaking water from anywhere in their house.

“Even rain and snow water intrusion can cause leaks, then cause mold if water is not dried,” said Deguilio.

He also says just because we live in a dryer climate is no excuse for possible mold growth in your home.