"When Home Becomes a Hazard: A Reminder We Can’t Ignore"

This week, the news out of East Texas stopped us in our tracks: a family battling unexplained health issues for months learned that their illnesses were caused by mold toxins that had been growing inside their home. It's the kind of story that doesn't just make headlines--it makes you pause, look around your own home, and ask: Could that happen here?

As this story caught the attention of our staff across the state, including in East Texas, it became a reminder that working in insulation is not just about home comfort, but about protection. And our work touches more than just energy bills or R-values, it touches health and safety.

We often think of “home” as our safest place. But over time, certain building materials—especially in places like the attic—can degrade, trap moisture, and become breeding grounds for mold. When that happens, the very place meant to shelter us can slowly start making us sick.

The Silent Threat: Mold, Toxins, and the Materials We Live With

Mold spores are naturally present in the environment, but inside our homes, trapped moisture can turn a harmless spore into a life-threatening hazard—especially when combined with insulation materials that absorb and retain that moisture over time.

Many traditional insulation types can:

• Trap moisture and create the perfect environment for mold growth

• Break down over time, releasing fibers or dust into the air

• Harbor harmful chemicals or synthetic polymers that worsen indoor air quality

It’s Time to Ask: What’s in Your Attic?

This is a reminder that what’s hidden in our walls can hurt us. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can take action now to protect your home and your family.

Your attic may not be somewhere you spend time every day—but what’s up there matters. It impacts the air your family breathes, the energy your home uses, and the long-term safety of your living space.

Our thoughts are with the Geretys as they navigate through this unexpected circumstance. As of April 24, a GoFundMe for the Gerety family has raised more than $30,000 -- funds that will surely help the family receive the medical assistance needed and for the family to replace possessions that had to be thrown away.

MILO Insulation