BtlB AND BRtltlK G[l THE EXTRA MILE.

To say that Boise Cascade BMDB 0utside Sales Representatives Bob Gengler and Brook Hatfield will go the extra mile for a customer is a bit of an understatement. Take the time when their customer sold BCI'Joists to a conlractor who had never used engineered wood before. Bob and Brook could sense his hesitation, so they oflered to drive out to his job site and help him frame the floor. Even though it meant each of them driving over 600 miles round trip.

'1,100 feet of BCI's later, the contractor had a new floor. And Bob and Brook had one very happy customer.

At Boise Cascade EWP, and at each one of our nationwide network 0t distributors, we know that keeping your cuslomers happy is the most important part of your job. And we'll do whatever it takes to make it easier, even if it means driving clear across the country lor a project.

0r driving a few nails when we get there.

DAVID CUTLER Dublisher emeritus

Here We Go Again

As if the wood business didn't have enough to worry about, now a new concern about the public's health has surfaced and wood is involved.

Mold and mildew on lumber are among the suspects, and the problem is rapidly gaining prominence as the public becomes aware and industry ponders ways to cope. As the wave of concern rises, it's reminiscent of the asbestos troubles that washed across the economy two decades ago and are still causing business serious pain.

Before the mid-1980s, mills and distributors used pentachlorophenol to eliminate or minimize mold on lumber, especially green lumber. But the Environmental Protection Agency put a stop to that. Complaints about mold began to escalate.

No direct link has ever been established between the mold and mildew commonly found on lumber and associated health problems.

Private citizens and their lawyers are now citing a number of medical problems ostensibly caused by mold and mildew as public health departments and building officials also weigh the threat. Environmental activist Erin Brockovich, the real one who inspired the movie named after her, testified before the government that she and her family have suffered illnesses caused by mold and mildew. Trial lawyers already see gold in the mold.

Most of the fungi merely discolors lumber and other building surfaces. They are relatively harmIess, causing at most sneezing, runny noses, itching eyes and rashes in sensitive people. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention point out that the mold Stachybotrys has been linked to infant deaths, lung hemorrhages, asthma and other respiratory diseases. Property damage is also involved. At least one homeowner burned down his house, the owner of a 190-unit apartment complex had to kick out all the tenants, and a major pension fund excluded certain industrial buildings from a major real estate deal.

Most of the toxic molds are due to construction defects and builders have been quick to point out that they are taking every possible step to keep moisture out of the buildings they construct. Water is the prime mover of mold growth.

Most mold and mildew are no cause for panic. We hope the subject can be dealt with calmly and rationally, avoiding the aspects of hysteria that occurred regarding asbestos.