BUSTING GROW OPS UNHEALTHY FOR POLICE?

EDMONTON -- Canada's police chiefs are calling on the federal
government to launch a study into the health effects of busting
marijuana grow ops. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police is
particularly worried about toxic mould often found in damp and poorly
ventilated illegal grow operations. "Large amounts of moisture in
(marijuana grow op) confined spaces create and encourage the growth of
many micro-organisms and indoor species of mould," said the
resolution, passed last week at the police chiefs' annual conference
in Vancouver. Some varieties of mould are toxic and can cause
respiratory illnesses.

One veteran of the Edmonton Police Service Green Team said it's
something he and his colleagues worry about.

"It's not as bad as busting meth labs -- it's a little more organic,"
said Det. Clayton Sach. "But yeah, it's a concern.

"Some of these places are so clean you could eat off the floor. Some
of them are pretty nasty... you can see the black mould just creeping
out of the drywall."

Marijuana grow operations also use large amounts of pesticides and
fungicides to keep plants healthy.

Between the mould and the poisons, it's not hard for someone exposed
to a grow op to get seriously sick, say health officials. "If you
actually live in the house, these agents can be dangerous," said Dr.
Gerry Predy, Edmonton's medical officer of health. "Some people are
sensitive to mould, and can end up with short-term respiratory
problems. Long-term exposure to some of these pesticides can cause
cancers, nervous system disorders and breathing problems."