Questions are answered by experts at the Oregon Health Authority, other state agencies or community partners. Questions and answers are republished by permission.
Q: Hello — I’m trying to find someone to go through our apartment because we have been living with awful bugs and 42-year-old carpet, and when we told the landlord about our bugs and black mold, they told us we would have to pay to get rid of these bugs, so we did. We got a couple of bug bombs, and when we came home (when it said it was safe to do so), I walked in, took a couple of breaths and couldn’t breathe. My husband called 911, I went to the hospital and now have damage to my lungs. Can you tell me where I can get help? – Glenda, Stayton
A: Glenda, we’re sorry to hear about your troubles with bugs and mold. That sounds horrible!
OHA does not have regulatory authority over mold, and staff are not able to conduct site visits. However, some city or county governments have rental inspection programs (Stayton is not one of them, unfortunately), which can send an inspector out to inspect the residence. If the inspector discovers that mold is present, they can require the landlord to address the mold issue using building code regulations.
Also, renters who believe their landlords are not taking appropriate action for their safety can call the Community Alliance of Tenants Renters’ Rights Hotline (503-288-0130) for guidance.
Illnesses due to pesticide exposure are reportable in Oregon, and OHA’s Environment Public Health Section will reach out to you for more information. We use the data to develop policy or regulatory action to help prevent future exposures. Regarding your health, please consult with your health care provider with any concerns.
Many people call Oregon Poison Center (OPC) at 800-222-1222 when they believe they’ve been exposed to pesticides. When that happens, OPC sends the information to OHA, and we will reach out to get more details for official reporting purposes. People can also call OHA’s Pesticide Exposure, Safety and Tracking (PEST) Program directly to report pesticide-related illnesses at 971-673-0400, or via email at pesticides.health@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
People can also report a pesticide related illness to the Pesticide Analytical Response Center (PARC) with Oregon Department of Agriculture. They take complaints and may launch an investigation, but they want to do so within 30 days of someone noticing the problem, so it’s important to report incidents to PARC as quickly as possible. Call 503-986-4635 or toll-free at 844-688-7272.
Lastly, when using retail bug bombs (aka foggers) or other retail pest control products, it’s important to follow all safety instructions that are printed on or come with the product. This usually includes instructions for safe application, handling, storage, and disposal, cautionary hazards for humans and pets (with first aid tips in case of exposure), as well as a manufacturer’s website and/or toll-free phone number for consumers who want to do more research or ask questions.
If you have questions about health topics for the Oregon Health Authority, submit your question here. Although the agency is unable to answer every question, it will try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that OHA is unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
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