M O L D Info

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M O L D ....

It's a four letter word in Austin!

Like some sort of biblical plague, MOLD is a rapidly emerging environmental issue affecting residents, the housing industry, insurance companies and home inspectors. As awareness grows, more people are becoming concerned about the presence of mold in their homes and the health risks that it poses. The concern over mold is so great, that insurance companies have become fearful of costly claims and have successfully lobbied for laws limiting future claims. Even though new claim limits have been imposed by all major insurance companies, mold testing and the proper removal of mold should be considered to free your house of harmful pollutants. When having your home or a home your considering buying inspected, consult a Professional Home Inspector who offers mold testing. Not all inspectors conduct mold testing, so be sure to ask.

10 things to know about mold

1. There are more than 100,000 species of mold. Most types that are routinely found are not hazardous to healthy individuals. But too much exposure or certain types of mold could cause allergic reactions, asthma, rashes and other respiratory complaints.

2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores indoors. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

3. If mold is a problem at home or in school, clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.

4. Fix the water leak to prevent mold growth.

5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30%-60% ) to decrease mold growth.

6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials like ceiling tiles, plasterboard or wood, may need to be replaced.

8. Prevent condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, pipes, exterior walls, roof or floors) by adding insulation.

9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting.

10. Molds can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet and foods.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New York City Health Department

Sept. 5, 2002, 12:29PM
Rule to protect Texas homeowners with past claims

Associated Press

AUSTIN - Insurance Commissioner Jose Montemayor will issue a rule this week to prohibit insurers from denying coverage to homeowners based on prior mold or water claims.

Montemayor, who told a Senate committee about the rule Wednesday, said the regulation is aimed at protecting the increasing number of homeowners who are having problems obtaining insurance because they filed mold or water claims.

The Texas Department of Insurance spokesman said the rule will say an insurer cannot refuse to renew or sell a policy to a homeowner because the homeowner has made a water claim, as long as the damage has been repaired.

Insurance companies will have 30 days to request a hearing to discuss or contest the rule, which would carry a $10,000 fine. If there's no opposition, the rule would become law 10 days later.

Several insurance companies have been rejecting such customers as they try to control their record losses from mold and water damage. Besides restricting who they sell to, most insurers also have raised rates dramatically in the last several months.

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