One of the more serious threats to health and safety may already be hiding inside your home.
You may not o see it, smell it or even know it exists. Unfortunately, that just adds to the growing concern about this potentially toxic environmental hazard called mold.
Many have described it as the this generations asbestos — One environmental problem that is likely to have strong impact on residential and commercial properties. Mold can cause allergies, infections, irritations and toxicities.
Experts consider mold the latest in a long list of environmental concerns and is the most recent concern to snare the attention of home buyers and sellers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that 1.34 million US. office buildings have poor air quality. More than 20 million American workers face unnecessary health risks, such as sick building syndrome and building-related illness, because of indoor pollution from mold.
Mold claims are becoming as prevalent as the asbestos claims of the l980s, and more and more homeowners are
filing insurance claims and lawsuits over toxic mold, and the damages they seek are rising with the claims.
As a result, most insurance companies are now taking steps to exclude mold and water damages from their policies.
They’re especially worried about personal injury claims from mold exposure, Lavoie explained. Since there re no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants, or even studies to prove how much mold is too much, it is easier to claim mold as the source of health problems than to prove that it isn’t. |
|
Getting Rid Of Mold
Identify end correct the moisture source (e.g. leaky roof or window).
Clean, disinfect and dry the wet area. Wash the area with soap and water, then disinfect with a solution of one part bleach mixed with four parts water. Let cleaned areas dry overnight Remove any materials affected by the mold.
Remove porous materials that have been damaged by mold, such as sheetrock, carpeting and plywood.
Bag and discard the materials at the work area rather than possibly spreading contaminants throughout the home.
Tips for Preventing Mold Growth
- Clean, disinfect, and dry surfaces.
- Check for leaks. Repair and clean any moisture damage caused by the leak.
- Ventilate kitchens and bathrooms to the outdoors with fans.
- Open windows in the bathroom and other moist rooms.
- Try to keep the humidity level between 40 and 50 percent year round,
- Increase home airflow by moving furniture from walls and opening closet doors.
- Maintain humidifiers properly, especially if you use room units.
- Empty the condensation collection trays under dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and refrigerators frequently.
(Source: American Lung Association, Cornell Cooperative Extension Service).
|
