Stamp Out Mold: Protect Your Business and Employees

One of the worst effects of water damage comes in the form of a fungus called mold. Whenever water enters a building, mold can form on a wide range of materials, including drywall, wood, and carpeting. Because mold survives by decomposing and absorbing organic material, it can cause serious damage within a short period of time.

Besides causing structural damage to buildings, mold can be a source of health problems for occupants, too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold can produce allergens, irritants, and potentially toxic substances. People who touch or inhale certain types of mold may experience symptoms such as headaches, sneezing, congestion, shortness of breath, and irritation of the skin and eyes. People with respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems may be most susceptible to mold-related health risks.

Prevention Tips

Given the risks associated with mold to your building and to your employees, it is important to fix any water or moisture problems as soon as possible. Preventing mold and its growth in the first place is the best way to avoid costly damage and expensive liability litigation. Here are some tips for minimizing or preventing mold:

• Reduce Humidity. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can help keep the humidity level of your building between 30% and 50%, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Keep drip pans and drain lines clean. Avoid or remove carpeting from damp areas and install exhaust fans in kitchen and bathroom areas. To increase ventilation, open windows when possible.
• Use Mold Inhibitors. Regularly clean moisture-prone areas, such as basements and bathrooms. Also, consider using paint that has a mold inhibitor when painting damp areas.
• Maintain Your Building. Replace or repair a leaky roof, keep gutters clear, and make sure the ground slopes away from your building to avoid puddles around the foundation. In addition, regularly inspect your plumbing and appliances, and consider replacing water hoses every five years.

Cleaning Up Mold

If you have water damage or excessive moisture in your building, it is important to act quickly. If you dry affected areas within 24-48 hours, you may be able to prevent mold growth.

Once mold starts to grow, you may be able to minimize damage by thoroughly cleaning moldy items and drying water-damaged areas. Porous items, such as ceiling tiles, rugs, and papers, may have to be discarded. For harder surfaces, scour the area with detergent and water. When treating mold or using strong cleansers, limit your exposure by wearing a disposable mask or respirator, as well as gloves and goggles. Also, keep the area well ventilated with open windows and fans.

For extensive problems, consider hiring an experienced contractor, especially if there is risk of contamination from sewage or another toxin. If your heating or air conditioning system is harboring mold, keep the system off and seek professional guidance.

Insurance Considerations

Your property insurance policy may provide limited protection for mold damage; it may only cover contamination resulting from a covered peril. Mold damage may be subject to low policy limits, such as $10,000, unless the loss is the result of fire or lightning, when full coverage applies. For example, if a pipe bursts in your building causing water damage, your insurance would cover the cost of eliminating mold, subject to policy limits. Unless damage results from a sudden or accidental disaster covered under your policy, the cost of treating mold is considered part of the owner's obligation to maintain a building. The expense of treating mold caused by leaks or excessive humidity, for example, would not be covered.

With proper maintenance and regular cleaning, you may be able to prevent mold damage in your building. Be aware of the places mold can hide: underneath wallpaper, in ceiling tiles, under rugs, or behind furniture, where condensation may be trapped. If a room smells musty or you see a watermark, investigate to ensure that a water problem is not lurking nearby.

Three Key Steps for Mold Control1.Control moisture using dehumidifiers and air conditioners.2.Clean up mold promptly and dry out affected areas.3.Fix water problems.

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