Mold

Toxic mold is often referred to as "the next asbestos," but while the public is well aware of the dangers of asbestos and the means to remove it, there is much misinformation regarding toxic mold contamination. Here are 10 of the most common mold myths remediators face in dealing with consumers. Use this information to educate your customers and teach them the facts surrounding mold, its health effects and proper remediation.

- Myth 1: All molds are toxic

Mycotoxins, which can damage the brain, lungs, nervous system, kidneys, liver and reproductive organs, are primarily produced by toxic molds such as Stachybotrys Chartarum ("black mold") and Penicillium.

Some molds, however, are completely harmless. Inform your customers only trained professionals can perform tests, identify the mold, and determine the appropriate remediation tactics to ensure their safety.

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- Myth 2: Only people who live in a humid, wet climate have to worry about mold

While the air outside might not feel warm and humid, consider the atmosphere between walls, in basements, under sinks, around pipes and in crawl spaces.

What's the temperature in these places? What if there's a leak, leaving tiny drops of condensation? Mold can survive almost anywhere with water and humidity. The environment inside a house, under a house, or within the walls of a house probably differs drastically from the external environment and could probably create a perfect home for toxic mold.

Mold thrives in environments with greater than 40 percent humidity

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- Myth 3: People with carpeting are safe from mold

Contrary to popular belief, mold can and will grow on poorly maintained carpeting. Mold can grow on any surface that has water and humidity present.

If a carpet sustains water damage, it is very likely mold will grow.

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- Myth 4: If you don't see mold, you don't have mold

Not being able to see mold doesn't mean there isn't mold within a home, office and school.

Some obvious places to look for mold include: around pipes, in crawl spaces, behind cabinets and under sinks, but every building is different. Tell your customers toxic mold is a silent enemy that may only be visible to skilled, trained professionals.

If your customers suspect mold contamination, tell them it is imperative they call a remediation firm that has the experience and credentials to locate and remediate toxic mold properly.

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- Myth 5: People are safe because there are strict standards for mold remediation

Unfortunately, while agencies in California, New York and Texas are some of the regions that have defined best practices for mold remediation, there are currently no nationwide industry standards in place.

It is for this reason that large environmental remediation firms have developed their own standards to ensure that its workers across the country are properly trained and able to successfully respond to mold or any other similar environmental emergencies at moment's notice.

Again, it is important to seek out these large firms for proper, effective remediation practices.

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- Myth 6: If a house is contaminated by mold, insurance will cover it

It is essential to check your policy or call your insurance representative to determine whether toxic mold and problems associated with mold are covered by your policy.

Since toxic mold is a relatively new problem, most basic insurance will not cover it.

In addition, since not everyone has flood insurance, which tends to be separate from a general policy, and mold often results from floods, it is quite possible that your insurance does NOT cover toxic mold related problems.

Even if your insurance will cover mold contamination, it's important that your insurance covers a remediation company with the experience and credentials in mold remediation.

Remember, mold remediation needs to be done properly to be effective, but many general contractors and local companies are not familiar with the latest, most effective remediation basics and techniques.

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- Myth 7: Merely cleaning off the area where mold was growing means the mold must be gone Mold can become latent and reactivate.

Just because you can't see the mold doesn't mean it's not there. Merely, wiping or scraping away mold will not solve the problem. For one thing, the mold was growing due to a source of water. The source must be located and repaired.

Then, in order to remove mold, the area in which the mold was growing must be removed and replaced. Simply wiping the surface might look clean, but tiny mold spores replicate every 24 hours and they may be back.

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- Myth 8: The worst mold can do is cause cold-like symptoms

While researchers and health experts often debate the exact symptoms associated with toxic mold, it has been established that mold can cause a plethora of ailments in different people.

It may be hard to know if you are a victim of toxic mold since many of the ailments associated with mold exposure are also symptomatic of other common illnesses.

Mold can provoke allergic reactions, watery eyes, sore throats, headaches, fatigue and, in more severe cases, toxic mold may even cause memory loss and death.

In some cases, people suffer for months and go from doctor to doctor seeking cures for their mysterious ailments. However, doctors are also just becoming aware of the dangers associated with toxic mold exposure.

So, if you suspect that you are suffering from exposure to toxic mold spores, it is imperative that you consult a physician and educate yourself, your friends, family and co-workers on the possibility of risk, the warnings and the solutions that can only be achieved from companies that are experienced and equipped to clean up mold.

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- Myth 9: Mold can only grow around pipes, leaks, or because of floods

Mold is NOT limited to areas directly affected by

water damage. In fact, mold spores often invade the HVAC (heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation) systems of buildings and homes.

Since spores are carried through the air, having toxic mold in an HVAC system poses a real problem. Sometimes complicated decontamination processes may include dehumidification, negative pressure containment and HEPA-vacuuming, so it is essential that trained professionals lead the remediation efforts.

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- Myth 10: If a plumber checked a house and didn't mention mold, that house must be safe Unfortunately, many plumbers and specialty contractors are not specifically trained in how to recognize and remediate mold.

Though they might repair the immediate problem, such as a leak or pipe burst, plumbers and other contractors often do not know how to repair the problems completely so that mold will not grow. Anyone who has had multiple leaks or suspects in any way that mold is growing in their building should seek out a professional mold remediation company.

Burton T. Fried is president and CEO of LVI Services, Inc., which has 15 years experience solving health and safety problems associated with mold, lead, asbestos and other building pollutants.

LVI has responded to numerous emergency situations involving environmental contamination, as well as fire-water damage disasters, requiring significant resources in the restoration of facilities including the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, floods in Houston and earthquakes in California.

For more information, visit www.moldstoppers.com.