Eric David of Guardian Environmental at the April luncheon. Guardian is this year's Major SCA Golf Tournament sponsor

Rick Boggs, of FRSTeam at the April meeting.

Congrats to April 50/50 Raffle winner, Jon Aronson, of JM Environmental.

April 12 SCA luncheon
By Bryan Harrison

The April 12, 2007 luncheon meeting of the Sacramento Claims Association featured Dr. Eric Gershwin, MD speaking on the true health affects of exposure to mold.

Addressing another capacity crowd at Chops restaurant, Dr. Gershwin presented an insightful perspective to the whole mold issue. He covered respiratory issues in general, then focused in on data directly related to mold-related issues.

"There's probably more mold in a boys' locker room than in most homes that have suffered water damage," he quipped.

"I'm an allergist," he stated flatly. "I love cats. I put three kids through college because of cats."

He did say, however, that mold that has become aerosolized can present problems, especially for those already suspect to breathing issues. "People with asthma should maintain a clean environment," he said.

Dr. Gershwin likened the human immune system to that of sharks or fish, pointing out that "our immune systems as people have evolved to protect us". From his perspective, one of the reasons we have so many allergies is that we're "too clean".

He also spoke directly to the issue of "Sick Building Syndrome", stating that he "was the first person to use the term "sick building syndrome". Inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants from indoor sources as well as outdoor sources, and biological contaminants, bacteria and mold are all elements that may act in combination and may supplement other complaints such as inadequate temperature, humidity or lighting, all working to bring on the effects of those who may suffer from SBS. "However," he qualified, "the presence of these factors does not necessarily confer illness."

Thanks to ALL Our April Door Prize Contributors

SCA President Art Coussoulis thanked guest speaker Eric Gershwin, MD for addressing the April gathering.

SCA Board Member Jon Aronson is the 2007 CCNC President. He announced progress made thus far on the Sept 13-14 event, including making the request that people get their hotel reservations made now. ClaimsConference.org.

SCA Secretary Kelly Szymulewski, of V&M Restoration, Inc., and SCA Golf Tournament Co-Chair Chris Yaw, of Calison Plumbing.