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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: William Salesky
949-251-0641
bill@sherlockhealthyhomes.com

FACTS ABOUT MOLD, TESTING & CLEAN UP

1) T/F Inadequate ventilation can lead to high humidity within a home.
Poor ventilation can foster mold growth.

2) T/F All mold is detrimental to your health.

3) T/F Mold growth is caused from a water source.

4) T/F Once mold is present in a house or condominium, the
problem will likely reoccur even with remediation.

5) T/F Homeowners insurance policies will cover mold remediation costs.

6) T/F Mold is only present when a damp or musty smell is evident.

7) T/F Previous water damage is a sure sign that mold is present. Avoid
purchasing a home that has sustained water damage.

8) T/F The best prevention from toxic mold is to respond immediately to
leaks under sinks and water lines for the dishwasher and refrigerator.

9) T/F Investigate the attic for mold growth if water damage appears on
ceilings.

10) T/F It is better to hire a mold inspection firm that performs both site
tests and clean-up services.

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Answers

1) T Mold can form in dirty or dusty air conditioning and heating
filters. Dirty or dusty filters gather moisture which fosters mold growth.
2) T Some forms of mold are more harmful than others. Recent
studies show that mold can cause respiratory infections in otherwise healthy people.
3) T Mold needs moisture to grow. Mold and water are symbiotic. Condensation,
which collects on windows (which is generally caused by poor ventilation), and
humidity also can lead to mold growth.
4) F When the source of the water, condensation or humidity is eliminated and the
mold is removed, the homeowner should no longer have a mold problem. Carpeting, saturated by water and left for 24 hours or more should be dried to prevent mold growth.
5) F Some homeowners insurance policies cover mold clean up. However,
many don't. The trend is for underwriters to deny claims related to mold due to the cost for remediation. On average, mold related claims are 12 times more expensive than the average claim.
6) F Mold hides. In extreme cases you can detect a musty, damp smell, particularly in
a closed closet or under the sink where the odor is contained and doesn't dissipate. However, dangerous mold levels can grow in attics, inside walls or in cracks in the foundation of a home without producing an odor.
7) F Once the mold is removed and the source of the water, condensation and/or
humidity is removed, the home is safe. Although a water damage frequently signals a potential mold problem, not all water damage causes mold. If the water event was short, the source of water eliminated, and the area dried, mold is less likely to have a chance to grow. However, with an unattended, persistent water leakage mold has the opportunity and the environment to grow, and remediation can be significantly more difficult. If a home has sustained water damage and if the problem is corrected, the home may be a sound financial investment, but you should have a mold inspection by an independent certified organization.
8) T Mold tends to grow when water leakage problems go unattended.
9) T Water damage can signal a mold problem.
10) F It is best to have the home tested by an independent, licensed, non-biased
company like Sherlock Healthy Homes. By using a firm that only specializes in testing, the homeowner is assured to receive accurate findings.

Testing is relatively inexpensive as compared to remediation. That is why most companies in this niche prefer to offer testing AND remediation or clean-up services. Sherlock is one of the few in the industry that specializes in site testing and the development of the remediation plans. The company does not provide clean-up services. The company uses an independent laboratory for analysis of mold samples. If mold is found, the company will provide, at the homeowner's request, a remediation plan specific for their property. The plan, developed by an industrial hygienist, outlines the steps the homeowner or, more likely, remediation contractor should take to rid the home of mold and to prevent future mold problems. To remain independent, Sherlock is not able to endorse any remediation contractor, but by request, will provide the homeowner with a list of local firms that provide mold remediation services.

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