Toxic Mold Could Have Had a Part in Brittany Murphy’s Death
Was Brittany Murphy’s premature death due to Toxic Mold?

Speculations have recently arisen once more on the true culprit behind Brittany Murphy’s death. A renowned actress, Murphy died in December 2009, due to pneumonia and anemia. Her husband, Simon Monjack died just 5 months later to the same complications. Now, years later and rumors have begun to resurface that mold could have played a part in the premature death of two young people.
Murphy purchased the home she perished in from Brittney Spears back in 2003. Less than six years later, she collapsed on the bathroom floor after having flu-like symptoms. Her mother called 911 and rushed her to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where Murphy was pronounced dead. A few months later, the coroner confirmed she died from untreated pneumonia, anemia and drug intoxication from the over-the-counter medications and prescriptions Murphy was taking for her illness.
Just a mere 154 days later, Monjack was found unresponsive in the same home as Murphy. He died of similar afflictions that took his wife, acute pneumonia and severe anemia. The similarities and proximity of both tragedies sparked concerns.
“It is unusual to have two people die of similar circumstances with pneumonia,” Los Angeles County assistant chief coroner Ed Winter told ABC News at the time. “We’ve been looking at it and saying, ‘Something isn’t right.’ I’m not saying you can’t get pneumonia from mold, but we did all the tests on it—mold did not come up in the toxicology reports.”
Some family members don’t seem to be so convinced. Monjack’s Mother, Linda Monjack, expressed to the Daily Mail that she had concerns of mold toxicity. She confirmed her son had found “severe mold” in thehome before he died and was hallucinating. She says, “All I know is that before Simon’s death, he was having hallucinations that things were crawling out of his skin.”
According to Roger Neal, Murphy’s publicist, The home apparently was tested by “a well-respected company” for dangerous mold just two months before Murphy’s death.
It has been noted that Murphy would often plead to her husband to not go home. Monjack was quoted by the Hollywood Reporter stating, “Brittany absolutely hated the Rising Glen house. Every time we would drive up Sunset, Brit would say, ‘Please, can we stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel?’ I’d say: ‘Honey, you’ve got to be realistic. We have our house, a 10,000-square-foot home. We’re going to stay in it.’”
Although the Los Angeles County Department of Health first considered mold as a possible cause of Murphy and Monjack’s fatal pneumonia, the cornor’s department stated that there were “no indicators” that mold was a factor in Murphy or Monjack’s deaths.
Murphy’s mother, Sharon Murphy, at first believed it was “absurd” that reports circulated that mold could have been the culprit of this double tragedy. But then in December of 2011 she retracted her statement and claimed that toxic mold was the cause of her daughter and son-in-law’s death. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sharon filed a complaint against Steiner & Libo, the attorneys who represented her in an earlier lawsuit against the builders of Murphy’s Hollywood Hills home. She charged the firm with legal malpractice, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty for not properly informing her that—when she accepted the final settlement of her earlier lawsuit in January 2011—that she was giving up her right to sue for the wrongful deaths of her daughter and son-in-law due to the presence of mold in their 13-year-old home.
No one can truly know what caused such a young couple to die from the same complications and within months of each other. Both the victims’ mothers believe it was toxic mold that pushed their children to mortality. All we can do now is help spread education, awareness and solidarity for those affected by mold.
Mold Facts
- According to the World Health organization in 2014, 7 million deaths per year are linked to indoor and outdoor air pollution
- Over 20% of cases of asthma in the U.S are estimated to be attriburable to dampness and mold exposure in the mold according to EPA and Berkley National Laboratory, 2007.
- At least 45 million buildings in the United States have unhealthy levels of mold.
- Infants who are exposed to mold in their living environments are 3 times more likely to become asthmatic than those without mold exposure in their first year of life (Michael Pinto, 2018)
- According to Dr. Scott McMahone, MD, “Most doctors do not have the training to identify mold illness. “Possibly every doctor in the United States is treating mold illness, and they just don’t realize it.”
- Mold starts to grow just 24-48 hours after any kind of water damage (flood, pipe burst, leak)
- A quarter of the population has a genetic pre-disposition that makes them more susceptible to mold illness. (Mold Sensitized, 2015)
- Mycotoxins can spread and affect the immune system severely. These lead to health conditions like allergies, hypersensitivity, respiratory problems (asthma, wheezing, coughing); and some other severe ones like those of memory loss, depression, anxiety and reproductive problems among several others. (Rujuta Borkar, 2018)
- The 2015 documentary “Moldy” explains that more than 50% of houses in America have mold issues.
Ways To Prevent Mold
- Mold can only thrive in humid and damp spaces
- Keep humidity levels below 50%
- Clean surfaces regularly
- Tend to the issue as soon as you suspect it
MVP Environmental Sponsors at Make School Safe Golf Classic
MVP Environmental Solutions Sponsors 1st Hole at Make Our Schools Safe Golf Classic
The sun was shining on Friday, September 17th 2021 as sponsors quickly gathered around and began to set up in preparation for the first annual Make Our Schools Safe Golf Classic. MVP Environmental Solutions Inc., was proud to sponsor the first Hole and set up a booth to connect with the community. One hundred and forty-four players participated in the first annual Golf Classic. An outstanding turnout for such an important organization. With the help and rally of the community, Make Our Schools Safe was able to hold a fabulous event meanwhile raising thousands to help further their mission. We encourage all our readers to take the time to learn more about this organization and donating to help further the cause.
Make Our Schools Safe (MOSS) was founded after the MSD tragedy where 17 students and staff were murdered. MOSS is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting students and teachers at school. Their mission is to empower students and staff to help create and maintain a culture of safety and vigilance in a secure school environment. The foundation collaborates with high-level security advisors to offer survival information for protection in emergencies. “We are focused on bringing these skills to schools so teachers feel confident to protect their students and themselves. Code-red training must be as intrinsic a part of schooling as fire drills.” http://makeourschoolssafe.org
“Having four children in Parkland schools, it is crucial for our family to feel comfortable sending them to school every day. Make Our Schools Safe is playing a critical role for our children and children across the country to be in safer schools.” – Leo Gordon III, President



Their Vision
Created after the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018, Make Our Schools Safe is dedicated to driving and guiding best practices in school safety.
Their Mission
Our Mission is to empower students and staff to help create and maintain a culture of safety and vigilance in a secure school environment.
Their Action
P
Preparedness: Knowing the threats and hazards schools face; planning and training for emergency responses to those threats and hazards; knowing and correcting vulnerabilities, thus mitigating/preventing those threats and hazards events/incidents.
O
Observation: Situational awareness and decision support.
W
Willingness to Act: Preparedness response training for school leaders and teachers.
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Education: Knowledge of response protocols and drills.
R
Response: Responding and recovering from threats and hazards as trained and planned for; building campus resiliency.




Parkland Water, Mold or Fire Damage Spotlight
Parkland and Coral Springs Magazine Highlights MVP for Water, Mold and Fire Damage
Spectator Magazine Highlights your most trusted, local restoration company in Parkland and Coral Springs for any Water, Mold and Fire Damage. After writing a beautiful Family In Focus article on the family behind the company, Spectator Magazine continued to elaborate on the family business and how we help Parkland and Coral Springs residents tackle their Water, Mold and Fire Damage needs.
Spectator Magazine has been the #1 family resource since 2002 in Parkland and Coral Springs, Florida. They currently mail their monthly issue to over 20,000 local families. They offer everything families would want to know about in the community. You can check out their wonderful articles on https://www.myspectatoronline.com

Written by Dorron Blumberg, the article gives you a glimpse behind your most trusted restoration company in Parkland and Coral Springs. Here is a snippet …
“Parkland residents Leo Gordon, III and his blended family (5 kids) have been celebrating the 10 year anniversary of their Company MVP Environmental Solutions since last January. A full service water, mold, and fire cleanup and restoration company, clients can call Leo for the company’s emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Very friendly and connected closely to the community, Leo tells us, “We are a local, family run business, and our vision is to be the most influential and honest restoration Company in this industry. We really rooted ourselves in the community, got involved with a lot of charitable organizations, and stretch ourselves beyond the “one and done“ attitudes of others. Our vision statement is to be the most valuable professionals and the most influential company in the water, mold & fire restoration industry.”
Having worked with many government officials, Leo says, “From the leaders in our community to our neighbors, it’s been very positive for our business!“
Leo says that this particular industry has been fraught with troubles for some time. “The insurance industry itself has really put a black eye on restoration contractors. Since beginning our business, my goal has always been to be transparent and honest. Anyone can say they are honest, but our years of proving it has really set us apart.”
Parkland Mayor Rich Walker has used MVP’s services twice. He says, “We have had the pleasure of utilizing MVP Environmental for a few unfortunate situations. We experienced a water leak, and MVP was quick to address and correct the issue, with the added comfort of ensuring that our home was free of any mold. We were able to quickly restore our home back to its original condition. We had a small fire in our kitchen a couple of years ago and, once again, MVP Environmental came to the rescue by cleaning our home and belongings. In both instances, MVP handled the clean-up and repairs quickly, efficiently and, most importantly, professionally. MVP Environmental is the type business that you encounter during unplanned emergencies and disasters within your home. It is with utmost confidence that I can state that MVP will address your family’s needs with a pristine industry standard, coupled with a neighborly touch.”
Click the link above or below to continue reading.
Who Should You Call When Standing Water Turns into Mold In or Around Your Home?
One of the worst things to come home to is a flooded laundry room or kitchen. Seeing your floor covered in standing water can stress you out and cause you to panic. Fortunately, for those in the Fort Lauderdale area, MVP Environmental Solutions specializes in water damage remediation! No matter where in the house the water is, the longer it sits, the more damage it can cause. At MVP Environmental Solutions, the safety and health of your family or building occupants is our priority. Mold damage can quickly spread to other areas and it can have long-lasting effects on your health and the health of your loved ones.?
When you call the professionals at MVP Environmental Solutions to help with your water damage, the first thing they will do is extract the excess water. Using a variety of equipment, such as vacuums, squeegees, and compression extractors; MVP Environmental Solutions? technicians will thoroughly remove the standing water. Once the standing water is removed, our technicians will then dry the affected area. MVP Environmental Solutions begins the drying process by carefully controlling the airflow, temperature, and humidity through our top-of-the-line equipment. By using our specially designed equipment, MVP Environmental Solutions can eliminate or minimize the possibility of rotting or mold growth.
Once the area has been dried, MVP Environmental Solutions will then monitor the affected area daily to ensure there is no mold growth. Our technicians perform this by taking detailed psychometric readings of the affected area to ensure the drying conditions are perfectly balanced. If for any reason, the drying conditions are not perfectly balanced, we adjust our equipment to fit our predetermined drying goals and let you get back into your home or office as quickly as possible.
If left untreated, mold can begin growing within 24-hours of water damage. Mold can present numerous health risks, including upper respiratory symptoms, coughing, wheezing, and possible development of asthma in children. If your water damage has turned into mold, don?t fear! MVP Environmental Solutions also can provide mold testing and removal services in Fort Lauderdale.
Mold Testing
MVP Environmental Solutions is licensed to inspect both commercial and residential buildings in Fort Lauderdale for evidence of mold. Similar to the water remediation process, our technicians use the best available testing and sampling equipment to find and collect mold in various locations to be sent for further testing. MVP Environmental Solutions works with our technicians and consults with Certified Environmental Hygienists to classify and determine the extent of damage that has occurred in your building. We can then provide you with possible solutions to remedy this mold problem and determine the best course of action for you.
Mold Removal
After a Mold Test has been conducted, allow MVP Environmental Solutions to perform a mold remediation project to safely dispose of and thoroughly clean your home. MVP Environmental Solutions begins the mold removal process by identifying problem areas and removing the source of the mold growth safely and properly. The objective with all mold removal projects from MVP Environmental Solutions is to solve the problem with the minimal amount of work to avoid demolition. However, if major work is required, MVP Environmental Solutions? experts handle the removal project with the utmost care and caution, adhering to strict industry standards.
Once the affected area has been removed/treated, MVP Environmental Solutions proceeds to conduct a rough clean, followed by a micro-clean to ensure the area has been thoroughly swabbed and cleaned. Every mold remediation project is finished with a post-remediation test to ensure the environment is clear of mold and safe for your family or building occupants to return to. At MVP Environmental Solutions, we strive to remedy your mold problem efficiently and effectively so you can get back to your life quickly and with peace of mind.
Contact Us Today to Get Started!
MVP Environmental Solutions has been serving the people of Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties since 2011. Using the latest and best equipment available, MVP Environmental Solutions can handle any emergency. Whether it?s damage caused by water, mold, or fire; MVP Environmental Solutions’ technicians have seen everything. Allow MVP Environmental Solutions to work for you to counter any emergency that comes your way. Trust the professionals at MVP Environmental Solutions to get the job done right the first time.
Do You Need Expert Mold Testing in Plantation?
While it may not be the most pleasant thing to think about, it is important to stay on top of mold growth in your living environment, especially in Plantation, where it can be hot and humid most days of the year. Mold thrives in damp conditions and, if left untreated too long, can destroy your property and become a health hazard to you and your family. MVP Environmental Solutions is here to help residential homes and commercial buildings identify mold, find its location, and eliminate it. However, mold testing in Plantation is the first step in protecting your property and those who reside in it. If you are unsure if you should get your property tested for mold, here are a few reasons why you should:
- If you have recently experienced a leak in your home
- If you can smell mold or mildew
- If you need to find the location of the mold
- If you need to measure the number of spores in the air
- If you have recently removed mold from your home and you want to make sure it is completely gone.
Most people are not exactly sure what mold looks like because it often looks like a brownish-black dirt stain on your walls or ceiling. Here are three of the most common signs of mold:
- Strange odor
If you smell something out of the ordinary like mildew, you may have mold growth in your home.? Try and locate where the smell is strongest to find the source of the problem. However, mold detection can be difficult without the proper equipment. If you suspect mold, it is best to call the expert technicians at MVP Environmental Solutions. We will thoroughly test, identify the strain, and remove it for you safely.
- Visible growth
Mold does not always stay hidden; sometimes, it can grow even in the most visible of places. However, most people do not recognize or notice it until it’s too late. It is important to note that mold’s color can appear black, white, gray-green, or even gray-brown.? Always look for any unusual growth, especially in areas that receive high moisture such as bathrooms, garages, and laundry rooms.
- Water damage
Areas that are susceptible to water damage are prime locations for mold to grow. Look out for any water stains on your walls, ceilings, and floor. Discoloration could mean that mold is already forming beneath the surface and causing some damage.
How do I get started?
At MVP Environmental Solutions, we offer three options for mold testing in Plantation. These options include air testing, surface testing, and bulk testing. Once the test samples are complete, we will create culture tests to identify the mold species in your home or business accurately.
If you are interested in finding out more about mold testing in Plantation, don’t hesitate to call the expert technicians at MVP Environmental Solutions us at (954) 247-9444. We can help remediate the mold from your property and return it to its original state. Our team will ensure that you and your family live happily in your home mold-free for years to come.
How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricanes to Avoid a Water Damage
How can a person protect their home from one of the strongest storms produced by mother nature? It seems that no matter what you do, you?ll still be at risk for a flooded home, broken appliances, or a damaged roof. The truth is that you can?t stop Mother Nature from her downpours and winds, but you can take action to ensure that your home stays safe during these serious storms. At MVP Environmental Solutions, Inc., many of our clients come from post-hurricane damages. If you?ve been wondering how to protect your home from water, keep reading!?
What are the Risks??
Before we dive into ways to protect your home, it?s important to understand what we?re protecting your house from. During a hurricane, some of the biggest risks are floods, high winds, storm surges, and heavy rains. The wind can tear shingles from housing, leaving the roof vulnerable and exposed. A vulnerable roof can lead to a leaking roof, which can ultimately lead to internal water damage. Storm surges can affect homes located near the water, as the water can brush up against the doors, surpassing even the thickest of sandbags. Not only is water damage extremely devastating, but it?s also expensive to repair. The cost increases if mold or mildew grows, which is not out of the question in the state of Florida. Therefore, it?s best to avoid water damage at all costs.?
Here?s What You Can Do to Prevent Water Damage
Now that we know what to expect, let?s explore how we can decrease the likelihood of a water damage remediation specialist!?
- Contact a Roofing Professional Before Storms?
When it comes to securing your home before a strong storm, it truly does take a village. The roofing expert will be the company to tell you what on your roof isn?t working. They?ll tell you where you have weak spots, where there is already pending water damage, and where you?re missing shingles or tiles. With their experience and services, you?ll be able to repair vulnerable elements before a hurricane weakens them further.?
- Trim Large Trees?
Even if your roof is secure or brand new, there?s still a chance that flying debris could damage the structure. One of the easiest ways for this to happen is from large tree branches shattering the roof of your home. With large or small punctures, the torrential downpours associated with hurricanes and tropical storms can leave a small lake within your living room! Trimming nearby trees can minimize the likelihood of this happening.?
- Use Sandbags?
Sandbags are incredible options for front doors, side doors, and low windows. The weight and absorbent nature of the sand stops the water from overflowing into the cracks and crevices. It?s important to note that though sandbags are a preferred method for water control during surges, hurricanes, and storms, they don?t always help if the floor waters are strong enough. However, it?s a precaution worth taking.?
- Contact a Water Damage Specialist?
Last, but not least, we encourage you to call a water damage specialist, as they?ll be able to help you identify what needs to be fixed, repaired, or replaced prior to a large storm. With their help, you can take action to fix anything that needs assistance before it?s too late.?
MVP Environmental Solutions Can Help!
At MVP Environmental Solutions, Inc., we pride ourselves on being able to help our clients pre and post-hurricane season. From large storms to broken appliances, to AC leaks and roof problems, we?re here to give our guidance and expertise. We have over 40 years in the remediation business and assist with devastations such as water, fire, mold, and more. When your home is in danger, there?s no time to waste. We?ll even work with public adjusters, insurance adjusters, mechanical contractors, microbiologists, and more to ensure that everything is as it should be. There?s no job too large for our teams to handle! Contact our team today at 954-787-3961 for our help with a water damage remediation in Pompano Beach!?
5 Steps to Handling Water Damage from Your Water Restoration Experts in Pompano Beach
There?s nothing like leaking pipes, a leaking roof, or broken appliances to start your day! If you?ve recently been affected by water damage, you?re not alone. Millions of people every year deal with the harsh realities of water damage and are thrown into the hustle to have everything repaired, dried, and remediated. However, the challenge is that some individuals simply don?t know where to start. It?s very stressful, but there are a few tips that you can use for DIY water restoration in Pompano Beach.?
Water Restoration Professionals
We know that we mentioned there are a few DIY steps that you can take, though we?d truly recommend calling the experts. The reason being is that when water damage makes an appearance, it?s already seeped into hard-to-reach crevices and cracks that can be very challenging to dry. In the state of Florida, it?s not uncommon for water damage to turn into mold damage, especially with the high levels of humidity that accompany almost every type of weather pattern. While professionals can help you safely and efficiently restore your home or office back into tip-top shape, there are a few things you can do on your own. Keep reading to learn more!?
Step One: Disconnect Power?
If it?s safe to do so, we recommend disconnecting the power and removing any items that are plugged in away from the outlets. Sometimes, this isn?t safe to do so be sure to check your surroundings. Make sure there is no standing water around and ensure that there is no water on the outlet itself. Even standing in a small puddle can be a danger. Be extra careful around gas lines and major appliances, as those can come with higher voltages, explosions, and severe shocks.?
Step Two: Remove Valuables?
Keep your valuables safe and out of harm’s way. This can include furniture, jewelry, family portraits or heirlooms, electronics, and any other valuable items in the home. For those that have artwork, you?ll want to remove this as well. Humidity and other residues can ruin the surface of your painting or lead to mold.?
Step Three: Check for Mold?
Mold can come quickly and it can appear in the places we least expect. If you are dealing with water damage you?ll want to consider this and think of all the places mold could be located. Keep in mind that mold can settle on walls, in closets, plants, and even furniture. You?ll want to double-check any and everything that could have come in contact with water to prevent spreading and health issues.?
Step Four: Dry Excess Water?
Standing water that is left on the floor can lead to water damage and other issues. If you plan on filing an insurance claim you?ll want to take pictures of the water before cleaning it, as they will serve as extra proof of the damage that was done. But as soon as this is done, you?ll want to clean it up. If left for too long water can seep into your flooring causing warping, bulging, structural damage, and more.?
The Final Step is to Contact the Experts!
At MVP Environmental Solutions, Inc., we?re the professionals in water damage care, meaning that we know what it takes to help you clean, clear, and repair with safety and efficiency. While we recognize that some individuals may want to take repairs into their own hands, we also know just how damaging water can be. It seems to be the calmest of all the natural forces, but rarely is it acknowledged that water can cause devastation in the home?s foundations, mold growth, and bacteria issues. Our team has the equipment necessary to assess the damage, clean the water, check for mold, remediate mold, and dry out the property entirely. Save yourself time and money by hiring the professionals at MVP Environmental Solutions, Inc. We?re here to help with water restoration in Pompano Beach! With over 40 years of experience and thousands of satisfied clients, why choose anywhere else? Contact a member of our team today at 954-787-3961.?