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Carrollton filmmaker documents mold exposure
By Senitra Horbrook, Staff Writer
Michael Roland Williams hopes people will ask others “Have you seen that crazy mold movie?” after taking a look at his documentary.
That “crazy mold movie” is called “Black Mold Exposure” and is based on Carrollton residents Williams and his girlfriend, Karen Noseff, who became ill after they were unknowingly exposed to high levels of mold that had infested Noseff’s Dallas apartment. That apartment complex wound up evacuating all 264 units and closed indefinitely.
Noseff and Williams’ mold story began seven and a half years ago, when Noseff moved into Saratoga Springs Apartments.
Williams said when he stayed with her he went from feeling “well to ill” in just a few minutes. Eventually, they discovered mold in the vents and moved out, but the story doesn’t end there.
First, it was difficult to get treatment for the rashes, nausea, skin burning and allergic reactions they felt.
“We actually developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity,” Williams said. “Some physicians don’t believe it can exist … physicians don’t think mold can make you sick.”
Williams claims Noseff saw multiple doctors who couldn’t treat her because they didn’t know what was wrong. Karen was finally referred to Dr. William Rea, environmental health physician in Dallas, and he started treating her.
Then, they also found it hard to find a new place to live that wouldn’t trigger the new allergic reactions they’d developed.
“I left everything and Karen did the same, but it was difficult to find a new place to live,” he said.
Williams and Noseff moved into her grandparent’s home in Carrollton, where they still reside today. Noseff went on to found Fortune Denim, a fashion company, but they both claim to sometimes struggle from symptoms related to mold exposure.
“We try to stay away from products that smell: harsh chemicals, cleaning products, some foods,” Williams said.
Williams previously worked as a paid actor, but his personal experience made him want to try his hand at filmmaking.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a mold advocacy story,” he said. “I try to present the story the way it is. I let the viewer make up their own mind.”
According to the movie, there are hundreds of legal cases, as well as thousands of health care claims associated with mold poisoning. Politicians, doctors and members of the Center for Disease Control share their viewpoints on the subject during the movie.
The movie also shows the lives of seven others who were affected by mold exposure, like Melinda Ballard. Ballard, who won a record $32 million judgment against Farmer’s Insurance, bulldozed her 10,000 square foot home. Dr. David Straus, a microbiologist from Texas Tech University, said when he entered the home prior to its destruction, he became violently ill with vomiting and hearing loss within half an hour. Another man, Jonathan, moved out of his apartment in order to avoid illness. He’s been homeless and living in his car and a tent for more than two years.
“I was trying to make a movie that was entertaining, yet enlightening,” Williams said. “It’s not just a bunch of statistics.”
“Black Mold Exposure” is screening in Landmark Theatres in select cities: Dallas, Austin, San Diego, Boston, Seattle, Houston and Chicago. Local moviegoers can watch the movie at 7:30 p.m. April 22 and 23 at the Magnolia Theater in Dallas’ West Village.
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