Proper Home Maintenance Is the Best Defense Against Mold, Says

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Insurance Related Press Releases Last Updated: Nov 28th, 2005 -

20:43:03

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Proper Home Maintenance Is the Best Defense Against Mold, Says the

Insurance Information Institute

By Insurance Information Institute (III)

http://communitydispatch.com/artman/publish/article_2937.shtml

Nov 28, 2005, 20:14

Proper Home Maintenance Is the Best Defense Against Mold, Says the

Insurance Information Institute

Mold Is Not Covered under Standard Homeowners Insurance Policies

INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE

Contact: Press Offices

New York: 212-346-5500; media@...

Wash. D.C.: 202-833-1580

NEW YORK, November 28, 2005—When it comes to keeping your home mold-

free, a strong offense is definitely your best defense, says the

Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

To prevent mold, eliminate moisture from your home and be on the

lookout for signs of possible growth, such as musty smells or

watermarks on walls and ceilings, suggests the I.I.I.

Caught early, mold can usually be removed by a thorough cleaning

with bleach and water. To prevent mold from growing back, however,

it is essential that the source of the moisture be eliminated and

the affected area properly dried, cleaned and, if necessary,

replaced. Also, remember to bag and dispose of any material with

moldy residue such as rags, paper or debris.

Mold, like rot and insect infestation, is generally not covered by a

homeowners insurance policy, says the I.I.I. Standard homeowners

policies provide coverage for disasters that are sudden and

accidental. They are not designed to cover the cost of cleaning and

maintaining a home. If, however, mold is caused as a direct result

of a covered peril such as a burst pipe, there could be coverage for

the cost of eliminating the mold up to specific policy limits.

Mold damage from a flood is covered under flood insurance policies

available through the National Flood Insurance program. However,

flood damage typically is excluded from standard homeowners

insurance policies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

mold is everywhere. It grows throughout the year and can be found

both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, mold is commonly found in

shady, damp areas and in soil. Indoors, it can be found where

humidity and moisture levels are high, such as in basements,

kitchens and bathrooms as well as on ceilings and wall interiors

where water from leaky pipes, roofs or windows can accumulate. While

most molds pose no threat to humans, the CDC warns that some

varieties can produce hay fever-like allergic symptoms in people who

are sensitive or allergic to mold. If you or your children have

symptoms associated with mold, such as stuffy nose, irritated eyes,

wheezing or skin irritation, see a physician or health care

provider. Keep in mind, that many symptoms associated with mold

exposure are common to other illnesses.

To help prevent the growth of mold in your home, the I.I.I. suggests

the following:

Reduce humidity in your home

Keep the humidity level in your home between 30 percent and 60

percent by using air conditioners or dehumidifiers.

Put exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.

Don't install carpets in damp areas such as basements or bathrooms.

Don't let water accumulate under house plants.

Use mold-reducing products

Clean bathrooms with bleach or other mold-eliminating products.

Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.

Keep your home and belongings dry

Fix leaky pipes, faucets and hoses.

Keep gutters clean of leaves and other debris.

Maintain your roof to prevent water from seeping into your home.

Be careful after a flood or other water damage

Properly dry or remove soaked carpets, padding and upholstery within

24 to 48 hours after a flood to prevent mold growth. Anything that

can't be properly dried should be discarded.

Remove standing water as quickly as possible. Standing water is a

breeding ground for microorganisms, which can become airborne and

inhaled.

Wash and disinfect, with bleach or other mold-eliminating products,

all areas that have been flooded. This includes walls, floors,

closets and shelves, as well as heating and air-conditioning

systems.

In areas with high concentrations of mold, such as many homes

flooded by Hurricane Katrina, health officials recommend homeowners

wear protective gear such as a mask and gloves, during mold cleanup.

If you have any questions regarding mold and homeowners insurance,

contact your agent or company representative. They can provide

information on how to maintain your home and may also be able to

provide the name of an expert in mold remediation.

You can get more information on mold on the CDC Web site (

http://www.cdc.gov ). For additional information on insurance,

access the I.I.I.'s Web site ( http://www.iii.org ) or call the

helpline at 800-942-4242.

The I.I.I. is a nonprofit communications organization sponsored by

the property/casualty insurance industry