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Mold: Is your home at risk? |
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From Source Consumer Reports
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Page 1 of 3 Mold is everywhere, even in the courtroom. Since the late 1990s, mold claims have surged, with more than 10,000 mold-related lawsuits happening at one time, according to the Insurance Information Institute, an information and analysis organization.
In November, a California
family was awarded $22.6 million in the settlement of a toxic-mold case.
Of the roughly 1,000 strains of household mold, Stachybotrys chartarum-- also popularly called
black or toxic mold--has generated the most headlines. Some studies have linked it to a form of
pulmonary hemorrhage in infants; others have been inconclusive. But despite the flood of news
reports, most people needn't be overly concerned about the effects of mold on their health.
Small, isolated patches of mold growing on and around your shower curtain or bathtub usually
aren't a problem. But mold that covers a large area can aggravate asthma and other respiratory
conditions. Mold can grow out of control wherever buildings retain too much moisture for too
long without drying out, even in arid climates. Many types can cause stuffed or runny noses,
rashes, and itchy eyes if you're allergic to mold. They may also pose more-serious risks to people
with undeveloped or impaired immune systems, including infants, children, seniors, and those
with HIV or cancer.
The bottom line: Excessive mold typically means that water intrusion or high indoor humidity is
causing a potentially serious moisture problem. Mold can damage your home by weakening floors,
walls, and ceilings as it feasts on decaying wood and wallboard, ceiling tiles, caulk, cellulose
insulation, and other organic materials. Toxic or not, it isn't good for you or your home.
As Consumer Reports addressed in our September 2005 flood insurance report, insurers aren't making
the financial burden of mold any easier. Because of huge jury verdicts and millions of claims, insurance
companies have sharply reduced or eliminated coverage for mold remediation in some states. Even if your
home is covered for mold damage, you need to know how to spot mold contamination and the basics of
cleanup to help you get the most-effective remediation possible. For extensive jobs, you also need to
know how to find a qualified professional. Here are some tips to help you locate and eliminate mold,
and how to prevent it from coming back.
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