Duct hunting for mold

If you visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Mold Resources Web site, you’ll find information on duct cleaning as a method for dealing with mold. It actually is quite useful because it goes beyond mold investigation and remediation and looks at other supposed benefits of duct cleaning and gives advice on choosing a good inspector. At Advance Mold Remediation, we know a thing or two about duct cleaning and believe this is a worthwhile site that consumers should use to avoid unscrupulous duct cleaning companies.

Although the EPA points out that it can’t verify the claims some proponents of duct cleaning make, the one thing it says for sure is that mold can grow in you ductwork. This causes particular problems because mold spores can easily spread throughout your house through your ducts.

However, because it’s difficult for average homeowners to inspect ductwork on their own, unethical service providers can use an inspection to create a problem where none exists. Aside from a musty smell in your ducts, the only sure way of determining whether mold is present is to actually see it. The EPA recommends asking your service provider to show you any mold it claims to find and to have the substance tested by a laboratory. The EPA provides a full rundown on its Web site.

At Advance Mold Remediation, we follow procedures and protocols developed by the EPA when serving our customers, so you can trust us to make a thorough and honest inspection of your heating and cooling system. If, and only if, we find mold, we’ll walk you through our process for cleaning out your system and keeping you and your family safe. Contact us to learn more.

July 26, 2010 Tags: Advance Mold Remediation, duct cleaning, ductwork, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, HVAC, HVAC cleaning, HVAC decontamination, mold, mold inspection, mold remediation Posted in: Uncategorized No Comments

Moldy foreclosed homes

While the housing crisis has been a nightmare for many, it’s presented other with the opportunity of purchasing a cheap foreclosed home. However, it’s not always all good news for these buyers. Lurking in these discounted homes can be hidden problems that can quickly eat up the money their saving. An an article in Popular Mechanics listed mold as the top problem home buyers should look for when considering a foreclosed home.

We’ve blogged a lot about how easily mold can grow out of sight and cause real health problems. All this occurs in occupied homes where families, whether they intend to or not, create inhospitable environments for mold. Summer is a time for air conditioning and dehumidifiers, which combat the warm, wet environments that mold needs to grow. Leaks are quickly dealt with, and if mold does rear its ugly head, homeowners are usually quick to deal with it.

With a foreclosed home, which usually goes unoccupied for months, the air conditioning, dehumidifiers, and vigilance all go away. What’s left is a musty space where leaks can go unnoticed and mold can easily spread. It can get into ductwork and then spread through the rest of the house. Even then, a prospective buyer still may not notice it until it’s too late.

For sure, this sort problem is more common in Florida where the conditions are better for mold growth and there are many more foreclosed homes on the market. However, last summer brought the story of a Rockville, MD home that sat empty after foreclosure, and became infested with mold.

The wise homebuyer will use some of the money saved from purchasing a foreclosure to have it inspected by a mold specialist before signing on the dotted line. At Advance Mold Remediation, we’re ready to help you determine whether you’re truly getting a good deal on a foreclosure and give you some peace of mind as you go to settlement. Contact us to learn more.

July 23, 2010 Tags: Advance Mold Remediation, foreclosed homes, foreclosure, mold, mold inspection, mold remediation, mold removal, risks of buying foreclosed homes, summer mold, toxic mold signs Posted in: Uncategorized No Comments

Mold hide and seek

Have you checked your house for signs of mold? If not, check out earlier post to learn what you should be looking for. Of course the problem is, many of these signs indicate only that you could have mold. Often you don’t see the mold itself, and it’s difficult to check the place where there’s an indication of mold. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a page dedicated to this “hidden mold.”

One of the main points of the page that we’d like to highlight is the risks you face when you just investigate possible mold growth. If you peel back wallpaper, move ceiling tiles, or take up areas of carpeting, the disturbance to any mold growing there can cause the release of spores. Suddenly the mold growth in one part of your house can spread to other parts.

The page also points out the dangers of using chlorine bleach to deal with mold infestation. It’s harmful to mold but is also hazardous to other things in your home including kids, animals, and plants (and you if the area’s not well ventilated).

The best option is to call in a professional like those at Advance Mold Remediation. Contact us, and we’ll tell you how we can minimize the risk of releasing mold spores during our investigation and then safely eliminate the mold without harming your family.

July 16, 2010 Tags: Advance Mold Remediation, bleach, chlorine bleach, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, hidden mold, mold, mold growth, mold indication, mold indicators, mold infestation, mold investigation, mold removal, signs of mold Posted in: Uncategorized No Comments

Getting to know the Indoor Air Quality Association

We’ve long been aware of outdoor airborne particles that can adversely affect our health. One has to look no further than seasonal allergy sufferers to find evidence of this. Lately, indoor air has come under more scrutiny as we learn more about the presence and effects of mold and other indoor air contaminants. As you seek ways of keeping yourself safe from these dangers, the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) can be a helpful resource.

The IAQA is a non-profit organization based right here in Maryland that supports research and education about indoor environments to promote the safety and well being of the general public. It also monitors legislation nationwide that concerns indoor air and promotes activity that encourages better air. Its communications keeps members abreast of the latest research and legislative developments.

As part of its mission, the IAQA establishes and promotes standards and protocols that different industries and the public can use when grappling with issues of indoor air quality. These standards can help you determine when poor air quality threatens the health of building inhabitants. They help us at Advance Mold Remediation correct problems. Afterward, the standards again help you to figure out whether contractors like us have done a good job.

Probably the most useful resource for you is the IAQA’s Consumer Information section. You’ll find all kinds of individuals and companies that can help you identify and correct indoor air problems. You can work with these service providers knowing that they’re the most qualified experts in the field and they’ve undergone an extensive education, training, and certification process to ensure you have the best indoor air quality possible.

You’ll find us on that list. Advance Mold Remediation is a proud IAQA member and relies on it to help us provide the best service possible for our customers. Contact us to learn more about how we put out IAQA membership to work for your benefit.

July 6, 2010 Tags: Advance Mold Remediation, air quality contractors, IAQA, IAQA certification, IAQA certified, IAQA members, indoor air contaminants, indoor air particles, indoor air quality, Indoor Air Quality Association, indoor air quality service providers Posted in: Uncategorized No Comments

6 signs you have a mold problem

One of the scariest aspects of mold is its ability to grow and affect people without them being aware of its presence. However, if you know what to look for, you can spot a mold problem or the conditions that promote its development.

For starters, we’ve provided some signs the you have a mold problem on our web site. In general, these warning signals are seeing mold, a musty smell, and inhabitants showing symptoms of mold allergies.

However, there are other signs you should look out for. While most of these don’t necessarily indicate mold, they do indicate excessive moisture which encourages mold growth.

Condensation on pipes, windows, or walls inside a building.
Rusting on metal, especially pipes.
Discoloration of walls (yellow indicates moisture; green, brown, or black indicates mold).
Cracked and peeling paint
Warped wood
High humidity. (All of the above indicate high humidity, but the best way to tell is with a humidity sensor. Ideally, your home should have a relative humidity of 30-50 percent. If it’s 55 percent or greater, mold can grow easily.)

If you suspect or are concerned about mold growth in your home, contact us to schedule a free estimate or an inspection.

June 30, 2010 Tags: Advance Mold Remediation, condensation on windows, cracked paint, damp smell, high humidity, indications of mold, indoor condensation, mold testing, musty smell, peeling paint, rusty pipes, signs of a mold problem, signs of mold, wall discoloration, warped wood, yellow wall stains Posted in: Uncategorized One Comment

Toxic mold suits cost landlords

Calling all landlords! Ignoring mold problems in your properties could cost you millions. Our last post talked about the medical problems common indoor molds can cause. If your tenants suffer from these problems, they can take legal action against you and win.

Onlinelawyersource.com points out that exposure to harmful mold can lead to serious conditions such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, which can result in death. But less serious ailments can still cost you big. A California family won $2.7 million from their landlord after proving mold caused their headaches, respiratory problems, joint pain, skin rashes, repeated colds, and gastrointestinal issues.

And you won’t be paying for just your tenants’ medical care if they win a judgment against you. The $3.3 million an Arizona tenant won in a toxic mold lawsuit included compensation for personal items contaminated by mold. Lawyers.com reports that landlords can be held responsible for property inspection and repair, replacing damaged household items, temporary housing for tenants while the repairs are made, and emotional distress. Moreover, some insurance companies now exclude coverage of toxic mold claims, leaving landlords to foot the bill.

With so much at stake, you need to respond quickly if you receive mold complaints from your tenants. A Delaware landlord ignored the complaints of leaks and mold from two tenants and had to pay $1.04 million as a result. In the Arizona case above, the landlord had performed mold remediation but not quickly enough after receiving tenant complaints to avoid the unfavorable verdict.

For more detailed information about your liability as a landlord, you should consult an attorney, but if you have or suspect you have a mold problem, call Advance Mold Remediation at 1-877-411-MOLD (6653) to schedule an inspection.

June 24, 2010 Tags: Advance Mold Remediation, landlord, landlord liability, mold, mold contamination, mold lawsuits, mold remediation, sick building syndrome, tenant lawsuits, toxic mold, toxic mold syndrome Posted in: Uncategorized No Comments

Law Suits Against Landlords Regarding Mold In Tenants

Two Women in Delaware

Two women in Delaware were awarded $1.04 million because their landlord failed to fix leaks which led to mold in the residence, as well as claimed health issues as a result.

Desert State Claims Rise Even Faster

In desert states such as Arizona and New Mexico, the number of mold claims against insurance companies continues to rise faster than in any other part of the nation.

This is due to the increase in new construction, as well as the need of the occupants to use air conditioners, which can trap and redistribute mold spore.

With more homes being built, more water being run into commercial buildings, and more people being aware of the hazards of mold, lawsuits will onl

Why are Mold Lawsuit Cases Rising?

Lawsuits against building owners, contractors, and insurance companies have skyrocketed over the last 10 years. Many people blame the increasing American culture of wanting to sue.

However, many factors play into the overall increase of claims being filed.

Many fears of mold, and the claims that go with them, are without warrant, though there are a number of valid claims that are filed every day.

Judges and juries have already awarded millions in several lawsuits regarding health and home damage that resulted from mold exposure.

What is Toxic Mold?

Molds are found virtually everywhere- outdoor and indoors. Common indoor molds include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, andPenicillium. Although most are harmless, two types of household molds – Stachybotrys and Memnoniella — are toxicigenic and can pose health risks to humans.

Stachybotrys chartarum, or “black mold,” is the fungus associated with “toxic mold syndrome.” It grows in damp places on materials that contain cellulose such as wood, carpet, cardboard, wallpaper, wet leaves, hay, and straw.

What are the Risks of Being Exposed to Toxic Mold?

While there aren’t standard guidelines about how much or what kind of mold is toxic, mold, especially in high concentrations, has been blamed for:

Headaches
Skin rashes
Respiratory problems
Lung disease
Memory loss and brain damage (in extreme circumstances
Infant death

What Should I Do if my House is Contaminated?

It’s important to contact your homeowner’s insurance company, or notify your landlord’s insurance company, as soon as you are aware of a potential mold problem.

The insurance company will want to send out an inspector to determine the type of mold and the source of the problem. Inspections cost at least $1,500, which should be paid by the insurance company. If you aren’t happy with the inspection done by the insurance company, you may want to hire your own inspector for a second opinion.

Many insurance policies have what’s called a “no action” clause, which requires you to file a lawsuit within a year of discovering the mold. And all states have what’s called “statutes of limitation” that require you to file a lawsuit within a short time after discovering the problem. So if you can’t come to an agreement with the insurance company as to what damages should be paid, or if the insurance company claims damage caused by mold is excluded under the insurance policy, it’s time to contact a lawyer who specializes in personal injury or insurance law.

If you own the property, you have the legal duty to “mitigate your damages” by ridding yourself of the mold as soon as possible. The “remediation” process often involves ripping out walls and floor surfaces to eliminate the mold. It will also be necessary to repair the source of the water damage that made the mold growth possible, such as burst pipes, leaky foundations and so forth.

You may need to temporarily relocate while the remediation repair work is going on, so as not to expose yourself to mold in the air. If you’ve been told you must leave your apartment because it’s unsafe for you to stay, you may have been “constructively evicted” and your landlord should pay for the costs of relocating to another apartment.

What Kind of Information Do I Need?

Whether you end up being able to negotiate successfully with the insurance company, or must file a lawsuit and go to court, will depend in part on how organized and thorough you are in documenting the mold problem and your damages. At a minimum, you should save:

Photos taken at every step of the process, from first discovering the mold through inspection and repair, including photos of household items contaminated by the mold
Bills and receipts for inspections, repairs, medical expenses, household items you had to replace, relocation expenses, and any other expenses caused by the mold problem
Medical reports and records

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need?

You’ll want to look for a personal injury lawyer who has had some experience dealing with toxic mold issues. It’s especially important to find a lawyer who knows how to negotiate with insurance companies, but can also take your case to trial if necessary.

What About Filing a Lawsuit?

If you or a family member have been harmed by toxic mold, you may have a negligence legal claim against:

Your landlord or property managers
The people who sold you your house, if they knew about the mold and didn’t disclose the problem
The contractors who built your apartment or home
The suppliers or manufacturers of defective building materials

You may have a legal right to recover the costs of:

Inspection
Repair
Replacing ruined household items
Finding other housing during repairs
Medical expenses
Future medical expenses
Emotional distress

Juries have made substantial awards in mold cases.

In Delaware, two women claimed that their landlord failed to fix leaks and mold problems in their apartment and that his negligence resulted in asthma attacks. The jury awarded the women $1.04 million’an award that was upheld by the Delaware Supreme Court.
A Texas jury awarded a homeowner $32 million after finding that the homeowner’s insurance carrier acted in an unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent manner when evaluating the homeowner’s property damage claim for mold. The award was reduced to $4 million on appeal.
In California, a jury awarded a homeowner $18 million after his insurance carrier denied his claims for mold damage. The award was later reduced to $3 million.

In response to the growing number of mold-related lawsuits, some insurance companies have inserted absolute mold exclusions into some of their insurance policies sold to building owners and are denying coverage for toxic mold claims.

Even so, the evidence is unclear. Researchers conducting a medical review of 50 mold cases were able to identify other medical causes to explain the illnesses of persons suffering from “toxic mold syndrome.”

Related Resources on Lawyers.com^sm

Lawsuits against Landlords for Mold

Absolutely. And more and more renters are doing just that. Mold is a proven health hazard, especially to young children, the elderly and those who have respiratory problems.

You must also make sure that you have documentation of everything. Also, any problems pertaining to the mold must be in writing to provide backup, otherwise you may not have a legitimate suit. If you signed a mold addendum when you moved in, make sure you read your copy thouroughly for more info. Since mold is caused from some sort of water, your landlord must fix the problem, it is most likely a leak. (Again, this must be in writing) In Texas, I know for sure after you give them 3 letters in writing (certified mail is a good way to go), you can break your contract and then I would pursue legal action.

What Is Mold And What Causes It?

Mold is type of fungus that is present in our natural environment. Mold spores, which ar tiny microscopic “seeds”, can be found virtually everywhere, including in homes, and are a part of the general dust found in homes. These spores can grow on building materials and furnishings if conditions are correct. Excess moisture is the critical factor in any indoor mold problem. Mold growth should not be tolerated in our homes. Eventually, the moisture and mold will damage what it is growing on, which may include both the building and the renter’s personal belongings. The key to preventing mold growth is to prevent moisture problems.

What Are The Health Concerns?

Health effects from exposure to mold can vary greatly depending on the person, the amount of mold in their home. The type of symptoms that may occur include coughing, wheezing, nasal symptoms and throat symptoms. People with asthma or allergies who are sensitive to mold may notice their asthma or allergy symptoms worsen. Individuals with severely weakened immune system who are exposed to moldy environments are at risk of developing serious fungal respiratory infections. MDH recommends that people consult a medical professional if they are concerned about the effects of a moldy environment on their health.

June 23, 2010 Tags: black mold, landlord, landlord and mold, law suits against landlord, mold, mold damage, mold exposed, mold headaches, mold in tenants, mold inspection, mold law suits rising, mold lung disease, mold skin rashes, toxic mold issues, toxic mold syndrome Posted in: Uncategorized No Comments

Common indoor molds

The who, what, and where for the most common, harmful indoor molds

Mold is everywhere: inside, outside, upstairs, downstairs, in the dark, in the light. Certain types of mold though thrive particularly well in indoor spaces and pose a threat to people occupying these buildings. Let’s run down a few of the most common indoor molds listed on Mold-Info.net that need to be eliminated.

Aspergillus. When you let starchy foods such as bread and potatoes sit around too long, you’re providing a good environment for this mold. One type of Aspergillus is a main component of mildew. Though this type of mold is used to produce alcoholic drinks such as sake and medications, it can also damage human lungs, and is particularly dangerous to those with respiratory or immune problems.

Stachybotrys. This species of mold likes the essential components of structures. Sheet rock, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, and insulation backing are all fertile breeding grounds for Stachybotrys when they’re water-damaged and unattended to. These fungi are among the most dangerous to humans as they can damage the immune system and can also cause cancer. However, they also require a lot of time and moisture to grow, so a quick response to water damage is the best way to avoid this mold.

Cladosporium. You may never see this mold, which can grow in ductwork with fiberglass lining. On the other hand you can also find it growing on decaying plants, food, paint, and textiles. It can cause a number of respiratory and skin ailments, which is why Advance Mold Remediation offers duct cleaning as part of its services.

Fusarium. If you’ve ever seen mold growing in and around a humidifier, you’ve probably seen Fusarium. It also grows on plants and water-damaged carpets. It can cause gastrointestinal problems in humans as well as eye, skin, and respiratory irritation.

Penicillium. Though Penicillium helps produce one of the most useful antibiotics, it can also be quite harmful to us. Worse yet, it can grow many places inside the home. Food, some building materials, paint, carpet, and duct insulation all provide good homes for Penicillium. It’s most harmful to those with suppressed immune systems and can cause liver and kidney issues.

You have mold in the places you live and work. You can’t avoid it. But with some preventative measures, diligence when an outbreak occurs, and some help from mold experts such as Advance Mold Remediation you can make these fungi a little less common. Call us at 1-877-411-MOLD (6653) or visit our website: http://www.advancemoldenv.com/.

June 20, 2010 Tags: Advance Mold Remediation, Aspergillus, carcinogens, Cladosporium, duct cleaning, ductwork, fungi, fungus, Fusarium, gastrointestinal, harmful molds, humidifier mold, HVAC cleaning, immunosuppressive, indoor molds, irritants, mildew, mold, mold elimination, mold testing, Penicillin, Penicillium, respiratory conditions, Stachybotrys, suppressed immune systems, Water Damage, Water Restoration Posted in: Health Risks No Comments

Avoid a Mold Allergy with these tips!

Summer is here, which unfortunately means, so is mold! These next 3 months are considered the hottest months of the year in Maryland and surrounding seasonal areas. They are going to not only equal pool time, cookouts, vacations and great fun, but they may also include the growth of excess mold.

With summer heat and humidity, comes an increase in dampness which inspires our great little moldy friend to grow. “Mold can grow anywhere from bath and swim towels, to showers and baths, to trash cans. It can sprout under carpeting or anywhere there is moisture without an opportunity to dry out. It can be in a damp room, like a basement,” according to BeyondAllergy.com.

Mold lives everywhere and a mold source can disperse mold spores into the air, which makes anyone susceptible to a Mold Allergy. “Mold and mildew are fungi. They differ from plants or animals in how they reproduce and grow. The “seeds,” called spores, are spread by the wind outdoors and by air indoors. Some spores are released in dry, windy weather. Others are released with the fog or dew when humidity is high. Inhaling the spores causes allergic reactions in some people. Allergic symptoms from fungus spores are most common from July to late summer. But with fungi growing in so many places, allergic reactions can occur year round,” according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Mold Allergy is very common this time of year and can be rather difficult to deal with, so you’ll want to avoid it at all costs.

This means that even if you’re being careful not to leave wet towels around the house or let water sit for too long, the spores can become airborne easily by simple functions such as cutting your grass. Some simple recommendations from the AAFA to avoid the Mold Allergy are as follows:

-Stay indoors during times where the mold count is reportedly high, being that this will lessen the amount of mold spores you inhale.

-Use a central air conditioning system with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter attachment. This filter will assist in trapping spores before they can even reach your body and is reported to work better than electrostatic air-cleaning devices or freestanding air cleaners. Devices that treat air with heat, ions or ozone are not recommended.

-Make sure your indoor humidity does not exceed 50 percent, being that any humidity above 50 percent steeply increases risks of fungus growth. Humidity below 45 percent should be your household goal.

-Place an exhaust fan or open window in the bathroom.

-Quickly repair any plumbing leaks.

-Clean garbage pails frequently.

-Clean refrigerator door gaskets and drip pans frequently.

-Raise the temperature in the basement to help lower humidity levels.

-Promote ground water drainage away from the house by removing leaves and/or dead vegetation near the foundation and the rain gutters.

For more information on mold remediation, please visit our website at www.advancemoldenv.com!

June 8, 2010 Tags: AAFA, Advance Mold Remediation, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, beyondallergy.com, hot mold, HVAC, Mold Allergy, mold remediation, mold testing, mold tips, summer mold, Water Restoration Posted in: Uncategorized No Comments

Why is a Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification important?

Advanced Mold Remediation is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration and we think you should know exactly what this is and what it means in terms of the quality, experience and guaranteed satisfaction from accredited professionals.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has served as the Industry Guardian for the cleaning, inspection and restoration service industries for more than 30 years. As a non-profit certification organization, the IICRC helps ensure that you have access to trusted and trained cleaning professionals by establishing and monitoring certification programs and standards for these industries.

To qualify for a certification, the business must demonstrate proof of insurance, maintain a written customer complaint policy with documented follow-up and provide ongoing education and training leading to certification for all technicians. All of these requirements are undoubtedly vital to the success of a certified professional and all of which Advanced Mold Remediation can be proud to stand by.

The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) recommends that any business you or your family would consider hiring for inspection, cleaning or restoration be certified professional, in that you are guaranteed IICRC standards. These standards were created for the benefit of your home projects and personal satisfaction, so use them!