Houses and other buildings used to grow marijuana indoors contain high levels of mold, which could pose a health threat to residents living there and law enforcement agents investigating them, according to new research from National Jewish Health. Industrial hygienist John Martyny, PhD, led a team that evaluated potential hazards including mold, pesticides, fertilizers, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana.

The report was funded by the US Department of Justice and designed to provide advice about precautions and protective equipment law enforcement agents should wear when investigating indoor marijuana grow operations. Dr. Martyny announced results of the study Monday, September 10, at a press conference.

PEARLINGTON, Miss. (AP) - Weeks after Hurricane Isaac caused widespread flooding and power outages in South Mississippi, people are still tearing out drywall and throwing away furniture covered in mold.

Mold spores are a familiar foe for those who live in the low-lying areas of Hancock County. They fought them after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, then Gustav in 2008 and now Isaac. All three caused heavy flooding in Pearlington and elsewhere. Isaac pushed 16 inches of water into Racquel Barnhart's home in the Oak Harbor area, where it stayed for several hours.

"This entire neighborhood was flooded," she said. "We all had mold. When we pulled out the (drywall), there was mold, mold on wood, mold on the furniture, mold on the cabinets. If you didn't have mold, I don't know how that was possible."