Water Damage In Your Home/Office: Seven Scenarios

Water damage is one of the most common reasons people make claims on their insurance policy. Frozen pipes, broken pipes, leaky appliances, roof leaks, drain backups and rain water often lead people to discover the details of their insurance policies.

Water damage and homeowners policies can be a tricky issue. You really have to sit down and talk to your insurance agent and make sure you have coverage for basic issues. In my experience, insurance companies will not cover the cause of the problem but they will pay for any resulting damages. For example, if you had a malfunction of your water heater which flooded your home/office, they usually will not pay to for the actual repair of the damaged water heater. But they will cover any cost from the damage to the structure that the water caused.

This does not cover a freeze-up situation. If you the water damage was a result of the frozen pipe, if it was caused by unforeseen problem insurance covers repairs to both the frozen pipe and the resulting damages.

Again, please speak with your insurance agent if you have an issue. They are your friend. By talking to him it does not mean you are putting in a claim. Whereas if you call your insurance company and ask questions, they automatically log the call as a filed claim.

Here are common water-damage scenarios and possible coverages.

1: Its the middle of winter. You go away on vacation. The temperature drops to 5 below zero, causing your water pipes to freeze and burst. Your neighbor calls you why you are away to tell you that your house is a block of ice .

Are you covered?
Yes, you're covered for water damage from burst pipes, but most policies won't cover you if you've left the house unoccupied and without heat. If that's the case, your claim could be denied because you've failed to perform your "Due Diligence" that would have prevented that accident.

2: Your pool cracks and floods your lawn and into your basement.

Are you covered?
The damage to your basement and your personal property are covered, but not the damage to your lawn. But again, ask your insurance agent and check your policy. According to a sample policy, "We do not cover land, including land on which the dwelling is located." However, your lawn is covered if it's damaged by certain "named perils." These include fire, explosion, riot, aircraft, vehicles not owned by you and vandalism. The amount of coverage for lawns and plants is small — usually only up to $500. Swimming-pool leaks are not a named peril. But if your leak was caused by a tree falling on the pool, it would be covered.

3: Your washing machine overflows, flooding the basement.

Are you covered?
Yes. But it depends on your home insurer's view of the problem: Did you fail to maintain the washer properly or did sudden, accidental damage cause the flood?

"Most of the time, if an appliance breaks and water goes all over, insurance covers it. In the case of a washing machine, you might need to purchase replacement parts out of your own pocket because they were not maintained correctly, but the damage to your basement is covered," says Griffin.

4: A sewer backs up, flooding your basement.

Are you covered?
No. Standard home insurance policies don't cover sewer backups, and many specifically exclude damage from sewer back-ups. Special endorsements are available, at added cost, for sewers and drains. Call your insurance agent to find out if you have the endorsement. It is not a fun job to cleanup. Trust me.

5: Water seeps from the ground into your basement, damaging your foundation and interior.

Are you covered?
No. Seepage is considered a maintenance problem, not "sudden and accidental" damage, and is excluded from home insurance coverage. Rainwater falls into this category.

6: During a heavy rainstorm, water leaks through your roof. The roof is damaged, as is furniture.

Are you covered?
Somewhat. You're unlikely to be reimbursed for roof repairs because that's a house-maintenance issue. If if it turns out that wind has damaged the roof you might be covered. Call your insurance agent to find out if have an issue. But the water damage to your home is covered. Damage to your furniture is also likely covered if you have a standard H0-3 homeowners policy, but not if you have a generic HO-1 policy (which many insurers don't even sell anymore).

If your neighbor's tree falls on your roof, the damage to your roof, home and belongings is covered. Your policy also reimburses you up to a certain amount, usually around $500, for the cost of removing the tree.

7: A nearby lake or river overflows its banks, causing a flash flood in your living room.

Are you covered?
No. Flood damage is not covered by home insurance. You must purchase flood insurance for that. You can purchase flood insurance as long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. But flood insurance does not kick in for any property below the front door. Which mean if you get flooded and you walk into the damages area and have to step down to get to it, they do not cover anything below grade.


Tips
I touched on this earlier in this post. But I can't stress this enough. Don't shoot yourself in the foot by reporting damage to your home insurance company that's not covered by your policy. Your damage report may still go on your insurance record and look like a claim when you shop for new insurance in the future. Call your insurance agent. They are your friends. It will not cost you anything to ask them questions. And they will answer it honestly and openly because your are their client. their job is to serve you. Whereas the insurance company will be looking out for the insurance company.

Be careful how you report damage to your insurance company. While you should be truthful, make sure you explain the situation using the most accurate language — or you could find your claim denied.

"What you say initially can affect the outcome of your claim. Many people believe their house is flooded because it's full of water — but it's not a 'flood' by the insurance definition," says Allan Sabel of Sabel & Associates, a Bridgeport, Conn.-based adjusting firm.

This may seem like a minor distinction, but your insurer has a very narrow definition of a "flood," which is not covered by home insurance. To an insurance company, flooding means that the water came from an overflow of a lake, stream, river or other body of water. If it didn't, don't even say the word "flood," says Sabel. If your basement is filled with water due to a burst pipe, it's not a flood — even if its depth is knee-high.

"You just have to be careful," Sabel says. "Know exactly what is in your policy, what's covered, what's not covered, and report your claim accurately."

Read how one five-minute call to your insurance company can dog you for seven years.

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Avoid the Seven Deadly Sins of Networking and How To Avoid Them

At a time when nearly all of us are scrambling for opportunities and helping others to do the same, people are in networking overdrive. Not a day goes by that I don't get a few emails from friends seeking introductions to other friends. All that connecting carries a huge risk of mistakes and missteps. Here's just a sampling of the many ways that well-intentioned attempts at networking can go wrong, and some simple ways to do better.

1. Asking for an introduction when you are too busy to properly follow up. We've all been there. You learn that someone you know knows someone you want to know and you are champing at the bit. You shoot off an email without much deliberation, the person replies promptly (since you have a mutual contact), and because you're completely swamped, you find it impossible to make time to meet.

Solution: Next time you learn that one of your contacts knows someone you want to know, file that information away and tell your friend you might ask for an intro when you're less busy.

2. Sending a too-long email that asks no question. As an networking novice, this is a species I know all too well. These emails usually contain some variation of "can you help?" as the header. The body of the email rambles on, hinting at some need, but never quite articulating a question. My first instinct is to delete these emails, and if they come from a stranger, that is often what I do (encouraging dialogue with ramblers can only lead to no good.) If I can see the bones of a question beneath the layers of fat (or if the sender is a friend of someone I know), I try to figure out what the person is looking for and answer the question I think is being asked.

Solution: When asking someone for advice, for an informational interview or for any other help by email, write a succinct note and be clear about what you are asking for.

3. Making introductions on behalf of people you can't vouch for. We all want to help people find new opportunities, but it can be damaging to your relationships and reputation to recommend people when you can't vouch for them. LinkedIn, which has automated the process of making introductions through mutual contacts, has made this problem more prevalent.

Solution: Next time a friend asks you to make an introduction on behalf of someone you don't know, instead of blindly recommending the person, ask your friend if he or she can provide a rave review. If the answer is yes, then you can tell your contact that while you don't have firsthand knowledge, someone you respect has given the person a strong review. If the answer is no, then your friend will certainly understand if you decline to make the introduction.

4. Making incorrect assumptions. This rule gets violated in many ways, but the most common is when you assume that you know what someone else wants -- in a job search, in building a business, in adding people to a network -- so you take some action designed to help without checking first to see if your efforts would be appreciated. Meddling relatives are experts at this.

Solution: Next time you have a brilliant idea for someone else's business, job search, or networking, ask first before you take any steps to help.

5. Using a social network without knowing how it works. Lots of attention has been paid to young people behaving badly on social networks. But what about middle-aged folks who join Facebook and don't realize that a wall posting is not a private message or that it is common courtesy on Twitter to acknowledge someone when you "retweet" one of their messages.

Solution: When you join a new social network, read up or watch an online tutorial on how it works and be an observer for a little while before diving in. If you make a misstep even when you know the rules, find an appropriate way to acknowledge your error.

6. Failing to properly follow up. If someone takes the time to help you in any way -- giving an informational interview, making an introduction, reviewing your resume, sending you a new client -- remember to follow up and give proper thanks. In most cases, a quick email, hand-written note or call will suffice. But what if you feel greater thanks are in order?

Solution: Send an Amazon gift card -- it's something practically anyone would appreciate and you can order it and have it delivered by email with a few clicks of the mouse. If you're strapped for cash, consider recommending the person on LinkedIn (assuming you're both on LinkedIn, and who isn't these days?)

7. Sending unwieldy attachments or too many samples of your work. If you're asking someone for advice and including samples of your work, make it as easy as possible for the person to review those samples. Rather than including attachments, which can be burdensome to open, try to include links to URLs. Free services like LinkedIn or VisualCV allow you to create an online version of your resume that includes a URL that you can selectively share. (I believe these new age resumes will soon completely replace the old-fashioned paper variety.) If you have a portfolio, set up a simple website to showcase your work.

Do you have any pet networking peeves -- and suggestions for how to avoid them? If so, please share in the comments.

Home Owners and Renters Insurance

Types Of Coverages Available

Additional property coverage

Some insurance policies also provide additional property damage coverage when a loss occurs as the result of a covered peril.

Covered items include:

1. reasonable temporary repairs

2. necessary to protect the property against further damage

3. reasonable cost of removing damaged property and debris

4. expenses of removing property and storing it for up to thirty days

5.reimbursement for fire department service charges

6. reimbursement of up to $500 for loss of credit cards, check forgeries or acceptance in good faith of counterfeit money.

Most renters’ insurance policies do not have a property damage component. Some renter's insurance policies, however, do provide for loss or damage to the premises caused by the renter.

Home Owners and Renters Insurance

What Does Property Damage Cover?

The property damage portion of a homeowner's policy covers loss or damage to the home and other structures on the property. In the event of a total loss, the amount paid depends upon the dwelling policy limit of the insurance contract as well as the type of coverage provided under the contract.

On some policies, other structures (such as detached garages, tool sheds, fences, guesthouses, and gazebos) are typically covered at the rate of 10% of the limit set for the dwelling itself. For example, an insurance contract that provides $100,000 coverage for a dwelling typically will provide up to $10,000 coverage for other structures. Trees, shrubbery and other landscape are typically covered for 5% of the dwelling limit.

Know your policy, talk to your insurance agent, they are your friend.

How to Live by the Numbers: Health

The Frequent Walker Program

—Brendan I. Koerner

WIRED MAGAZINE: 17.07

Unless popcorn shrimp is on offer, many Americans are loath to walk any more than necessary. That chronic sloth is a drag for employers, whose health care costs can swell in tandem with their workers' waistlines. Now Virgin impresario Richard Branson thinks he can save businesses a bundle with a program that turns personal fitness into a game, complete with reams of stats to obsess over. When companies sign up with Virgin HealthMiles, their employees rack up rewards for staying active: The more you walk, the closer you get to earning HealthCash, which can be redeemed for real cash or gift cards from Amazon.com, Target, and (curiously) Omaha Steaks.

Participants are issued pedometers and challenged to take 7,000 steps a day. That's about 3.5 miles—40 percent more than the average deskbound adult's daily distance. Hitting that goal in a day garners 20 HealthMiles, the program's equivalent of frequent flier points. Bonuses are available for simply logging in to the HealthMiles Web site (10 miles), taking a no-smoking pledge (500 miles), or updating your blood pressure, weight, and body fat at a HealthMiles kiosk (200 miles).

I gave it a go and found that once my routine perambulation was assigned a numerical value—and valuable gifts were on the line—I began dedicating inordinate effort to meet that 7,000-step target. At first, I was aghast to learn that despite my 25-minute trudge to the office, I averaged only 6,600 steps per day. The problem? I'm tall, and my legs are longer than average. So I shortened my stride.

Alas, I'm still nowhere near reaching HealthMiles' vaunted Level Five, which pays $500 in HealthCash. Employers that offer the program pick up that tab, but it could be a worthwhile investment: Virgin CEO Christopher Boyce claims that corporate clients can cut $2,500 off the annual cost of health care provided to each participant. Imagine how much more they'll save if Virgin ever develops a pedometer capable of stopping people from walking into a Dunkin' Donuts.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there from Advanced Restoration Corp.

Face Gets Shutout, Then Shuts Game Off

This is a personal post. It has nothing to do with my job at all. Nothing to do with Advanced Restoration, water damage, mold remediation, the insurance industry, insurance agents, fire damage, disasters, disaster planning, or any kind of property damage.

I like to play video games in my spare time. I feel comfortable saying that knowing I am not in the minority. I am 33 years of age and I am the average age of a video game player. Video games are not for just kids anymore. The video game industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. And it continues to grow every month. It was even put into the Patriot Act that the government can listen into the conversations on XBox Live without a warrant for fear of terrorists using the platform to organize and plan attacks against us. It is a cheap way to communicate all over the world. For the price of an XBox360, a broadband connection, and a recurring $50 yearly charge, you can talk to people all over the world as long as you and the person you are trying to connect to are signed in to XBox Live. And you can have up to 8 people in your "party." When I was in Rhode Island, this was my saving grace. Because I could still sign in and hangout with my brother and friends on Long Island when I wanted.



I usually play video games with a core group of guys that all went to High School with me. I know this might sound funny to the non-gamers but the competition can get, whats the nicest way I can put this.......heated. A lot of yelling and screaming at each other. Some cursing I wont lie. Arguments between friends can carry over for a few days. It can even carry over to the golf course. And the bragging rights are really what it is for. So you can talk trash to each other.



And this is the ultimate trash talk. For everyone to see. So on that note, me and my buddy Face, we don't call him Face because of the A-Team just a nickname given to him high school, have been playing this hockey game. We are the only two out of our friends that play it because we beat everyone else. Very old school Nintendo style with the fat, medium, and skinny guys. Great game. But we have Mastered this game so much that the competition gets very, very heated. I'll give him credit, we played a best of seven of seven tournament. Which is we play a best 4 out 7 tournament and count that as one game in a best 4 tournaments out of 7 tournaments. And he won. Beat me 4 tournaments to 2.

But then things have changed. I have beaten him 14 straight at one point. The only thing we had to play for against each other is that neither one of us had shut the other person out. And that is the main reason why I posted this. We played a few weeks ago and we were having connection problems. The service kept booting us in the middle of the games. The last game we played that night, I was winning 8-0. Never got that close to shutting him out. I scored my 9th goal, and the game crashed. Thankfully I live alone so nobody could hear me scream. He swore he didn't do it and it was the game. I knew he did. And I was pissed. It took us about a week before we really talked. He kept saying he didn't shut the game off and it was XBox Live. So I let it pass.

I got home from work last night about 7pm. Wasn't planing on going out as I had to be in my office early this morning. Face and I were going to play a game of hockey and then play Tiger Woods Golf on Bethpage Black. I called it before the hockey game that I had figured him out and he was going to get shutout this game. Again, I had him 8-0. And just as I scored my 9th goal, he shut the game off. I wasn't pissed this time. I laughed. Now I know, I shut him out............

Twice!!!!

So I took a picture of the final games stats for all to see. Face quit. Face got Shutout. Twice. Look at the Hits. 50-16. Ouch.

Green Tip Of the Day

Green Tip of the Day - Improve Indoor Air Quality

Advanced Restoration Corp.

Concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ) increased when energy conservation measures instituted in office buildings during the 1970s, minimized the introduction of outside air and contributed to the buildup of indoor air contaminants. IAQ generally refers to the quality of the air in an office environment. Other terms related to IAQ include indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and "sick building syndrome" (SBS).Complaints about IAQ range from simple complaints, such as the air smelling mold, to more complex, where the air quality causes illness and lost work time. It may not be easy to identify a single reason for IAQ complaints because of the number and variety of possible sources, causes, and varying individual sensitivities.

Improving the indoor air quality in your home can be simple.

Put green plants in your home. Studies suggest that for a 2000 square foot home, you will need as many as 15 plants to receive the optimal benefits. Aside from cheering up a room, house plants improve the indoor air quality in your home by absorbing toxic gases from your computer and electronic equipment. They also help maintain humidity.

Many houseplants are easy to maintain. Be sure to choose plants that will grow well in your home by considering how much direct sunlight and attention they will need. Get one for your office too!

* If you have a toddler in your home who enjoys unplanting your house plants, try hanging the plants out of reach.

A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace

This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist building managers, custodians, and others who are responsible for building maintenance. Contractors and other professionals (e.g., environmental consultants and health or safety professionals) who respond to mold and moisture situations in buildings, as well as members of the general public, also may want to refer to these guidelines. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards as issued and enforced by either the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or an OSHA-approved State Plan. In addition, Section 5(a)(1), the General Duty Clause, requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Employers can be cited for violating the General Duty Clause if there is such a recognized hazard and they do not take reasonable steps to prevent or abate the hazard. However, failure to implement these guidelines is not, in itself, a violation of the General Duty Clause. Citations can only be based on standards, regulations, and the General Duty Clause.

Introduction
Concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased along with public awareness that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions. This safety and health information bulletin provides recommendations for the prevention of mold growth and describes measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and workers involved in mold cleanup and prevention. This bulletin is directed primarily at building managers, custodians, and others responsible for building maintenance, but may also be used as a basic reference for those involved in mold remediation. By reading this safety and health information bulletin, individuals with little or no experience with mold remediation may be able to reasonably judge whether mold contamination can be managed in-house or whether outside assistance is required. The advice of a medical professional should always be sought if there are any emerging health issues. This document will help those responsible for building maintenance in the evaluation of remediation plans. Contractors and other professionals (e.g. industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safety professionals) who respond to mold and moisture situations in buildings, as well as members of the general public, also may find these guidelines helpful. The information in these guidelines is intended only as a summary of basic procedures and is not intended, nor should it be used, as a detailed guide to mold remediation.

These guidelines are subject to change as more information regarding mold contamination and remediation becomes available.

Mold Basics
Molds are part of the natural environment. Molds are fungi that can be found anywhere - inside or outside - throughout the year. About 1,000 species of mold can be found in the United States, with more than 100,000 known species worldwide. Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature by breaking down organic matter such as toppled trees, fallen leaves, and dead animals. We would not have food and medicines, like cheese and penicillin, without mold.

Indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Problems may arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly, with the respect to wood-framed buildings, affecting the structural integrity of the buildings. Molds can grow on virtually any substance, as long as moisture or water, oxygen, and an organic source are present. Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores continually float through the indoor and outdoor air. Molds are usually not a problem unless mold spores land on a damp spot and begin growing. They digest whatever they land on in order to survive. There are molds that grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods and insulation, while other molds feast on the everyday dust and dirt that gather in the moist regions of a building. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth often will occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains uncorrected.

While it is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores, controlling moisture can control indoor mold growth. All molds share the characteristic of being able to grow without sunlight; mold needs only a viable seed (spore), a nutrient source, moisture, and the right temperature to proliferate. This explains why mold infestation is often found in damp, dark, hidden spaces; light and air circulation dry areas out, making them less hospitable for mold. Molds gradually damage building materials and furnishings. If left unchecked, mold can eventually cause structural damage to a wood framed building, weakening floors and walls as it feeds on moist wooden structural members. If you suspect that mold has damaged building integrity, consult a structural engineer or other professional with the appropriate expertise. Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent excessive moisture in buildings.

Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices since the 1970s, which resulted in tightly sealed buildings with diminished ventilation, contributing to moisture vapor buildup. Other moisture problems may result from roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under a building, or unvented combustion appliance. Delayed or insufficient maintenance may contribute to moisture problems in buildings. Improper maintenance and design of building heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as insufficient cooling capacity for an air conditioning system, can result in elevated humidity levels in a building.

Health Effects
Currently, there are no federal standards or recommendations, (e.g., OSHA, NIOSH, EPA) for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores. Scientific research on the relationship between mold exposures and health effects is ongoing. This section provides a brief overview, but does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information, consult a health professional or your state or local health department.

There are many types of mold. Most typical indoor air exposures to mold do not present a risk of adverse health effects. Molds can cause adverse effects by producing allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions). Potential health concerns are important reasons to prevent mold growth and to remediate existing problem areas. The onset of allergic reactions to mold can be either immediate or delayed. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms such as runny nose and red eyes. Molds may cause localized skin or mucosal infections but, in general, do not cause systemic infections in humans, except for persons with impaired immunity, AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, or those taking immune suppressive drugs. An important reference with guidelines for immuno-compromised individuals can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Molds can also cause asthma attacks in some individuals who are allergic to mold. In addition, exposure to mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose and throat in certain individuals. Symptoms other than allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold in the indoor environment. Some specific species of mold produce mycotoxins under certain environmental conditions. Potential health effects from mycotoxins are the subject of ongoing scientific research and are beyond the scope of this document. Eating, drinking, and using tobacco products and cosmetics where mold remediation is taking place should be avoided. This will prevent unnecessary contamination of food, beverage, cosmetics, and tobacco products by mold and other harmful substances within the work area.

Prevention
Moisture control is the key to mold control. When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act promptly. Any initial water infiltration should be stopped and cleaned promptly.

A prompt response (within 24-48 hours) and thorough clean- up, drying, and/or removal of water-damaged materials will prevent or limit mold growth. Mold prevention tips include:
Repairing plumbing leaks and leaks in the building structure as soon as possible.
Looking for condensation and wet spots. Fix source(s) of moisture incursion problem(s) as soon as possible.

Preventing moisture from condensing by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).

Keeping HVAC drip pans clean, flowing properly, and unobstructed.

Performing regularly scheduled building/ HVAC inspections and maintenance, including filter changes.

Maintaining indoor relative humidity below 70% (25 - 60%, if possible).

Venting moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.

Venting kitchens (cooking areas) and bathrooms according to local code requirements.

Cleaning and drying wet or damp spots as soon as possible, but no more than 48 hours after discovery.

Providing adequate drainage around buildings and sloping the ground away from building foundations. Follow all local building codes.

Pinpointing areas where leaks have occurred, identifying the causes, and taking preventive action to ensure that they do not reoccur.

Questions That May Assist in Determining Whether a Mold Problem Currently Exists
Are building materials or furnishings visibly moisture damaged?

Have building materials been wet more than 48 hours?

Are there existing moisture problems in the building?

Are building occupants reporting musty or moldy odors?

Are building occupants reporting health problems that they think are related to mold in the indoor environment?

Has the building been recently remodeled or has the building use changed?

Has routine maintenance been delayed or the maintenance plan been altered?

Always consider consulting a health professional to address any employee health concerns.

Remediation Plan
Remediation includes both the identification and correction of the conditions that permit mold growth, as well as the steps to safely and effectively remove mold damaged materials. Before planning the remediation assess the extent of the mold or moisture problem and the type of damaged materials. If you choose to hire outside assistance to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience with mold remediation. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA’s publication, “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings,” or other guidelines developed by professional or governmental organizations. The remediation plan should include steps to permanently correct the water or moisture problem. The plan should cover the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). It also should include steps to carefully contain and remove moldy building materials in a manner that will prevent further contamination. Remediation plans may vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the job, and may require revision if circumstances change or new facts are discovered. If you suspect that the HVAC system is contaminated with mold, or if mold is present near the intake to the system, contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), or consult EPA’s guide, “Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?” before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold, as it could spread contamination throughout the building.

If the water or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, consult a professional who has experience cleaning and repairing buildings damaged by contaminated water. The remediation manager’s highest priority must be to protect the health and safety of the building occupants and remediators. Remediators should avoid exposing themselves and others to mold-laden dusts as they conduct their cleanup activities. Caution should be used to prevent mold and mold spores from being dispersed throughout the air where they can be inhaled by building occupants.

In some cases, especially those involving large areas of contamination, the remediation plan may include temporary relocation of some or all of the building occupants. When deciding if relocating occupants is necessary, consideration should be given to the size and type of mold growth, the type and extent of health effects reported by the occupants, the potential health risks that could be associated with the remediation activity, and the amount of disruption this activity is likely to cause. In addition, before deciding to relocate occupants, one should also evaluate the remediator’s ability to contain/minimize possible aerosolization of mold spores given their expertise and the physical parameters of the workspace.

When possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. Remediators, particularly those with health related concerns, may wish to check with their physicians or other health-care professionals before working on mold remediation or investigating potentially moldy areas. If any individual has health concerns, doubts, or questions before beginning a remediation/cleanup project, he or she should consult a health professional.

Mold Remediation/Cleanup Methods
The purpose of mold remediation is to correct the moisture problem and to remove moldy and contaminated materials to prevent human exposure and further damage to building materials and furnishings. Porous materials that are wet and have mold growing on them may have to be discarded because molds can infiltrate porous substances and grow on or fill in empty spaces or crevices. This mold can be difficult or impossible to remove completely. As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide is not enough. The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold. A variety of cleanup methods are available for remediating damage to building materials and furnishings caused by moisture control problems and mold growth. The specific method or group of methods used will depend on the type of material affected. Some methods that may be used include the following:

Wet Vacuum
Wet vacuums are vacuum cleaners designed to collect water. They can be used to remove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces where water has accumulated. They should not be used to vacuum porous materials, such as gypsum board. Wet vacuums should be used only on wet materials, as spores may be exhausted into the indoor environment if insufficient liquid is present. The tanks, hoses, and attachments of these vacuums should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after use since mold and mold spores may adhere to equipment surfaces.

Damp Wipe
Mold can generally be removed from nonporous surfaces by wiping or scrubbing with water and detergent. It is important to dry these surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. Instructions for cleaning surfaces, as listed on product labels, should always be read and followed.

HEPA Vacuum
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums are recommended for final cleanup of remediation areas after materials have been thoroughly dried and contaminated materials removed. HEPA vacuums also are recommended for cleanup of dust that may have settled on surfaces outside the remediation area. Care must be taken to assure that the filter is properly seated in the vacuum so that all the air passes through the filter. When changing the vacuum filter, remediators should wear respirators, appropriate personal protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection to prevent exposure to any captured mold and other contaminants. The filter and contents of the HEPA vacuum must be disposed of in impermeable bags or containers in such a way as to prevent release of the debris.

Disposal of Damaged Materials
Building materials and furnishings contaminated with mold growth that are not salvageable should be placed in sealed impermeable bags or closed containers while in the remediation area. These materials can usually be discarded as ordinary construction waste. It is important to package mold-contaminated materials in this fashion to minimize the dispersion of mold spores. Large items with heavy mold growth should be covered with polyethylene sheeting and sealed with duct tape before being removed from the remediation area. Some jobs may require the use of dust-tight chutes to move large quantities of debris to a dumpster strategically placed outside a window in the remediation area.

Use of Biocides
The use of a biocide, such as chlorine bleach, is not recommended as a routine practice during mold remediation, although there may be instances where professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immuno-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area, as a background level of mold spores comparable to the level in outside air will persist. However, the spores in the ambient air will not cause further problems if the moisture level in the building has been corrected. Biocides are toxic to animals and humans, as well as to mold.

If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area, using outside air if possible, and exhaust the air to the outdoors. When using fans, take care not to extend the zone of contamination by distributing mold spores to a previously unaffected area. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because this may produce highly toxic vapors and create a hazard to workers. Some biocides are considered pesticides, and some states require that only registered pesticide applicators apply these products in schools, commercial buildings, and homes. Make sure anyone applying a biocide is properly licensed where required. Fungicides are commonly applied to outdoor plants, soil, and grains as a powder or spray. Examples of fungicides include hexachlorobenzene, organomercurials, pentachlorophenol, phthalimides, and dithiocarbamates.

Do not use fungicides developed for outdoor use in any indoor application, as they can be extremely toxic to animals and humans in an enclosed environment. When you use biocides as a disinfectant or a pesticide, or as a fungicide, you should use appropriate PPE, including respirators. Always, read and follow product label precautions. It is a violation of Federal (EPA) law to use a biocide in any manner inconsistent with its label direction.

Mold Remediation Guidelines
This section presents remediation guidelines for building materials that have or are likely to have mold growth. The guidelines are designed to protect the health of cleanup personnel and other workers during remediation. These guidelines are based on the size of the area impacted by mold contamination. Please note that these are guidelines; some professionals may prefer other remediation methods, and certain circumstances may require different approaches or variations on the approaches described below. If possible, remediation activities should be scheduled during off-hours when building occupants are less likely to be affected. Although the level of personal protection suggested in these guidelines is based on the total surface area contaminated and the potential for remediator or occupant exposure, professional judgment always should play a part in remediation decisions.

These remediation guidelines are based on the size of the affected area to make it easier for remediators to select appropriate techniques, not on the basis of research showing there is a specific method appropriate at a certain number of square feet.

The guidelines have been designed to help construct a remediation plan. The remediation manager should rely on professional judgment and experience to adapt the guidelines to particular situations. When in doubt, caution is advised. Consult an experienced mold remediator for more information.

Level I: Small Isolated Areas (10 sq. ft or less) - e.g., ceiling tiles, small areas on walls.
Remediation can be conducted by the regular building maintenance staff as long as they are trained on proper clean-up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards. This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

Respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator) is recommended. Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134). Gloves and eye protection should be worn.

The work area should be unoccupied. Removing people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary, but is recommended for infants (less than 12 months old), persons recovering from recent surgery, immune-suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies).

Containment of the work area is not necessary. Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended.

Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in a sealed impermeable plastic bag. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste.

The work area and areas used by remediation workers for egress should be cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution.

All areas should be left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris.

Level II: Mid-Sized Isolated Areas (10-30 sq. ft.) – e.g., individual wallboard panels.
Remediation can be conducted by the regular building maintenance staff. Such persons should receive training on proper clean-up methods, personal protection, and potential health hazards. This training can be performed as part of a program to comply with the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

Respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator) is recommended. Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134). Gloves and eye protection should be worn.

The work area should be unoccupied. Removing people from spaces adjacent to the work area is not necessary, but is recommended for infants (less than 12 months old), persons recovering from recent surgery, immune-suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies).

Surfaces in the work area that could become contaminated should be covered with a secured plastic sheet(s) before remediation to contain dust/debris and prevent further contamination.

Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to remediation, are recommended.

Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in a sealed impermeable plastic bag. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste.

The work area and areas used by remediation workers for egress should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution.

All areas should be left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris.

Level III: Large Isolated Areas (30 –100 square feet) – e.g., several wallboard panels. Industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safety professionals with experience performing microbial investigations and/or mold remediation should be consulted prior to remediation activities to provide oversight for the project.

The following procedures may be implemented depending upon the severity of the contamination:

It is recommended that personnel be trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with respiratory protection (e.g., N-95 disposable respirator). Respirators must be used in accordance with the OSHA respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134). Gloves and eye protection should be worn.

Surfaces in the work area and areas directly adjacent that could become decontaminated should be covered with a secured plastic sheet(s) before remediation to contain dust/ debris and prevent further contamination.

Seal ventilation ducts/grills in the work area and areas directly adjacent with plastic sheeting.

The work area and areas directly adjacent should be unoccupied. Removing people from spaces near the work area is recommended for infants, persons having undergone recent surgery, immunesuppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies).

Dust suppression methods, such as misting (not soaking) surfaces prior to mediation, are recommended.

Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in sealed impermeable plastic bags. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste.
The work area and surrounding areas should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a detergent solution.

All areas should be left dry and visibly free from contamination and debris.

Note: If abatement procedures are expected to generate a lot of dust (e.g., abrasive cleaning of contaminated surfaces, demolition of plaster walls) or the visible concentration of the mold is heavy (blanket coverage as opposed to patchy), it is recommended that the remediation procedures for Level IV be followed.

Level IV: Extensive Contamination (greater than 100 contiguous square feet in an area).
Industrial hygienists or other environmental health and safety professionals with experience performing microbial investigations and/or mold remediation should be consulted prior to remediation activities to provide oversight for the project.

The following procedures may be implemented depending upon the severity of the contamination:

Personnel trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with:
Full face piece respirators with HEPA cartridges;

Disposable protective clothing covering entire body including both head and shoes; and
Gloves.

Containment of the affected area:
Complete isolation of work area from occupied spaces using plastic sheeting sealed with duct tape (including ventilation ducts/grills, fixtures, and other openings);

The use of an exhaust fan with a HEPA filter to generate negative pressurization; and
Airlocks and decontamination room.

If contaminant practices effectively prevent mold from migrating from affected areas, it may not be necessary to remove people from surrounding work areas. However, removal is still recommended for infants, persons having undergone recent surgery, immune- suppressed people, or people with chronic inflammatory lung diseases. (e.g., asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and severe allergies).

Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from the building in sealed impermeable plastic bags. The outside of the bags should be cleaned with a damp cloth and a detergent solution or HEPA vacuumed in the decontamination chamber prior to their transport to uncontaminated areas of the building. These materials may be disposed of as ordinary waste.

The contained area and decontamination room should be HEPA vacuumed and cleaned with a damp cloth or mopped with a detergent solution and be visibly clean prior to the removal of isolation barriers.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Any remediation work that disturbs mold and causes mold spores to become airborne increases the degree of respiratory exposure. Actions that tend to disperse mold include: breaking apart moldy porous materials such as wallboard; destructive invasive procedures to examine or remediate mold growth in a wall cavity; removal of contaminated wallpaper by stripping or peeling; using fans to dry items or ventilate areas. The primary function of personal protective equipment is to prevent the inhalation and ingestion of mold and mold spores and to avoid mold contact with the skin or eyes. The following sections discuss the various types of PPE that may be used during remediation activities. Skin and Eye Protection Gloves protect the skin from contact with mold, as well as from potentially irritating cleaning solutions. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended. The glove material should be selected based on the type of substance/ chemical being handled.

If you are using a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC. If you are using a mild detergent or plain water, ordinary household rubber gloves may be used. To protect your eyes, use properly fitted goggles or a full face piece respirator. Goggles must be designed to prevent the entry of dust and small particles. Safety glasses or goggles with open vent holes are not appropriate in mold remediation. Respiratory Protection Respirators protect cleanup workers from inhaling airborne mold, contaminated dust, and other particulates that are released during the remediation process. Either a half mask or full face piece air-purifying respirator can be used. A full face piece respirator provides both respiratory and eye protection.

Please refer to the discussion of the different levels of remediation to ascertain the type of respiratory protection recommended. Respirators used to provide protection from mold and mold spores must be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). More protective respirators may have to be selected and used if toxic contaminants such as asbestos or lead are encountered during remediation.

As specified by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134 individuals who use respirators must be properly trained, have medical clearance, and be properly fit tested before they begin using a respirator. In addition, use of respirators requires the employer to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program, with worksite-specific procedures and elements. Protective Clothing While conducting building inspections and remediation work, individuals may encounter hazardous biological agents as well as chemical and physical hazards. Consequently, appropriate personal protective clothing (i.e., reusable or disposable) is recommended to minimize cross-contamination between work areas and clean areas, to prevent the transfer and spread of mold and other contaminants to street clothing, and to eliminate skin contact with mold and potential chemical exposures. Disposable PPE should be discarded after it is used. They should be placed into impermeable bags, and usually can be discarded as ordinary construction waste.

Appropriate precautions and protective equipment for biocide applicators should be selected based on the product manufacturer’s warnings and recommendations (e.g., goggles or face shield, aprons or other protective clothing, gloves, and respiratory protection).

Sampling for Mold
Is it necessary to sample for mold? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Air sampling for mold may not be part of a routine assessment because decisions about appropriate remediation strategies often can be made on the basis of a visual inspection. Your first step should be to inspect for any evidence of water damage and visible mold growth. Testing for mold is expensive, and there should be a clear reason for doing so. In many cases, it is not economically practical or useful to test for mold growth on surfaces or for airborne spores in the building. In addition, there are no standards for “acceptable” levels of mold in buildings, and the lack of a definitive correlation between exposure levels and health effects makes interpreting the data difficult, if not impossible.

Testing is usually done to compare the levels and types of mold spores found inside the building with those found outside of the building or for comparison with another location in the building. In addition, air sampling may provide tangible evidence supporting a hypothesis that investigators have formulated. For example, air sampling may show a higher concentration of the same species of mold when the HVAC is operating than when it has been turned off. This finding may convince the investigators that the mold is growing within, and being disseminated by, the HVAC system. Conversely, negative results may persuade investigators to abandon this hypothesis and to consider other sources of mold growth or dissemination.

If you know you have a mold problem, it is more important to spend time and resources removing the mold and solving the moisture problem that causes the moldy conditions than to undertake extensive testing for the type and quantity of mold. If you are in doubt about sampling, consult an industrial hygienist or other environmental health or safety professional with experience in microbial investigations to help you decide if sampling for mold is necessary or useful, and to identify persons who can conduct any necessary sampling.

Due to the wide difference in individual susceptibility to mold contamination, sampling results sampling may have limited application. However, sampling results can be used as a guide to determine the extent of an infestation and the effectiveness of the cleanup. Their interpretation is best left to the industrial hygienist or other environmental health or safety professional. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals with specific experience in designing mold-sampling protocols, sampling methods for microbial contaminants, and interpretation of results.

For additional information on air sampling, refer to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists’ document, “Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control.” In addition, sampling and analysis should follow any other methods recommended by either OSHA, NIOSH, EPA, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, or other recognized professional guidelines. Types of samples can include: air samples, surface samples, bulk samples, and water samples from condensate drain pans or cooling towers. Microscopic identification of the spores/ colonies requires considerable expertise.

These services are not routinely available from commercial laboratories. Documented quality control in the laboratories used for analysis of the bulk, surface, and other air samples is necessary. The American Industrial Hygiene Association offers accreditation to microbial laboratories (Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP)). Accredited laboratories must participate in quarterly proficiency testing (Environmental Microbiology Proficiency Analytical Testing Program (EMPAT)).

Remediation Equipment
There are various types of equipment useful in mold assessment and remediation. Some of the more common items include:

Moisture Meters
Moisture meters measure/monitor moisture levels in building materials, and may be helpful for measuring the moisture content in a variety of building materials following water damage. They also can be used to monitor the progress of drying damaged materials. These direct reading devices have a thin probe that is inserted into the material to be tested or pressed directly against the surface of the material. Moisture meters can be used on materials such as carpet, wallboard, wood, brick, and concrete.

Humidity Gauges or Meters
Humidity meters can be used to monitor indoor humidity. Inexpensive (less than $50) models that monitor both temperature and humidity are available.

Humidistat
A humidistat is a control device that can be connected to an HVAC system and adjusted so that if the humidity level rises above a set point, the HVAC system will automatically turn on and reduce the humidity below the established point.

Boroscope
A boroscope is a hand-held tool that allows users to see potential mold problems inside walls, ceiling plenums, crawl spaces, and other tight areas. It consists of a video camera on the end of a flexible “snake.” No major drilling or cutting of dry wall is required.

HVAC System Filter
High-quality filters must be used in a HVAC system during remediation because conventional HVAC filters are typically not effective in filtering particles the size of mold spores. Consult an engineer for the appropriate filter efficiency for your specific HVAC system, and consider upgrading your filters if necessary. A filter with a minimum efficiency of 50 to 60% or a rating of MERV 8, as determined by Test Standard 52.2 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, may be appropriate. Remember to change filters as appropriate, especially following any remediation activities. Remove filters in a manner that minimizes the reentry of mold and other toxic substances into the workplace. Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to wear appropriate PPE while performing this task.

How Do You Know When You Have Finished Remediation/Cleanup?
You must have identified and completely corrected the source of the water or moisture problem.

Mold removal should be complete. Visible mold, mold-damaged materials, and moldy odors should no longer be present.

Sampling, if conducted, should show that the level and types of mold and mold spores inside the building are similar to those found outside.

You should revisit the site(s) after remediation, and it should show no signs of moldy or musty odors, water damage, or mold growth.

Conclusion
After correcting water or moisture infiltration, the prompt removal of contaminated material and structural repair is the primary response to mold contamination in buildings. In all situations, the underlying cause of water accumulation must be rectified or the mold growth will reoccur. Emphasis should be placed on preventing contamination through proper building and HVAC system maintenance and prompt repair of water damaged areas.

Effective communication with building occupants is an essential component of all large-scale remediation efforts. The building owner, management, and/or employer should notify occupants in the affected area(s) of the presence of mold. Notification should include a description of the remedial measures to be taken and a timetable for completion. Group meetings held before and after remediation with full disclosure of plans and results can be an effective communication mechanism. Individuals with persistent health problems that appear to be related to mold exposure should see their physicians for a referral to practitioners who are trained in occupational/environmental medicine or related specialties and are knowledgeable about these types of exposures.

Catgory 3: Black Water and Concrete Surfaces

According to U.S. News and World Reports, an estimated 400,000 sewer backups and 40,000 SSO (Sanitary Sewer Backup) in the U.S every year. Of all the water mitigation claims, sewage backups pose one of the most serious health concerns, especially where concrete is concerned. Without the proper protocol on “cleaning concrete” it is hard to get the concrete surfaces to a pre-loss condition.

The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration) definition of a Category 3 or a “Black Water Loss” is any water that contains pathogenic agents and is grossly unsanitary.

Black water includes sewage and other contaminated water sources entering or affecting the indoor environment. Category 1 and Category 2 water that is not removed promptly from the structure may be reclassified as Category 3 water. Toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water contamination, regardless of visible color. Category 3 water includes all forms of flooding from seawater, ground surface water and rising water from rivers and streams. Such water carries silt and organic matter into structures and creates black water conditions. The water is considered Category 3 water in situations where structural materials and/or contents have been contaminated with such contaminants as pesticides, heavy metals, or toxic organic substances.

The key to any disater water damage mitigation, especially sewage, is the removal of all excess water and contaminant from the structure and building materials. It is 500 times easier to physically remove standing water than to get rid of it with evaporation and dehumidification. All water should be extracted from carpet and pad before removal from the structure. Containment should be built to prohibit cross contamination to other non-affected areas of the structure as if it was a mold remediation. Porous building materials and affected personal property, without question, needs to be removed. This should be handled with greater care than a regular Category 1 Clean water loss where we try to save as much building materials as possible. This would include but is not limited to any wet carpeting, padding and sheetrock. This is determined with a Tramex non-penetrating moisture meter, Protimeter SurveryMaster penetrating meter, and FLIR Thermo-imaging cameras. This can also include any sub flooring, planking, or any framed wood members.

Once removal of all the Category 3 water damaged contents and building materials, the concrete floor should be fully exposed for restoration practices. A steam cleaning of all affected concrete surfaces should be performed. The proper cleaning method, according to the IICRC, is (1) rinse, (2) clean, (3) rinse, (4) sanitize. The steam cleaning performs the rinse, clean, rinse portion of the job. It also uses water in temperatures excess of 130 degrees Fahrenheit that is pressurized into the capillaries of the concrete to dislodge any spores that normal cleaning methods might not reach. A disinfection of the remaining semi-porous and hard materials should be performed using EPA approved biocides/disinfectant before structural drying commences.

Due to the fact this type of property damage loss is considered a Category 3, Class 4 Water Loss, drying would consist of low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers (# determined by scientific calculation based on Class of loss, dehumidifier AHAM rating and cubic feet) and accompanying axial fans spaced every 16LF (required in Vortex Drying) placed in a way that is conducive to Vortex Drying. Vortex is essentially placing air movers in manner that produces a vortex in a room maximizing the static pressure on all surfaces and greatly improving the efficiency of drying as a whole.

Having a 3-stage HEPA filtered air scrubber(s) provide air scrubbing for the necessary cubic footage is always a plus. Once dry, we recommend the application of a vapor permeable coating to bind residual particulate debris and lessen inhalation risks. Test the performance of the cleaning method by obtaining 3rd party swab samples for E. coli, total coli form, and fecal coli form from test locations that are hard to clean.

Any further questions please contact us at Advanced Restoration Corp.

Also contact your insurance agent immediately to report your claim.

State Lawmakers Consider New IAQ Requirements

by Tom Scarlett @ www.ieconnections.com

Several state legislatures are considering bills that could have a substantial impact on how indoor air quality issues are handled around the country, particularly in the area of mold remediation.


Virginia has enacted a tough new law on mold remediation that increases the incentives for landlords to deal with mold contamination before it becomes a problem for their tenants.


In Arkansas, the legislature in Little Rock is considering a bill that would change the rules on licensing of mold investigators, establish new standards for mold investigations, and set new qualifications for mold investigators.


Illinois is considering a bill that provides that the state’s Department of Public Health must adopt rules to implement a program for mold remediators to register with the state.


And New York is attempting to develop a comprehensive approach to the problem of “toxic mold.”


Virginia Law
The new Virginia law, which was signed by Gov. Tim Kaine on March 11, requires landlords to certify that the premises they are renting are mold-free, and to pay for the expenses of their tenants if that certification turns out to be erroneous.

The old housing code merely required landlords to “comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety.” The new law adds a specific requirement that landlords “maintain the premises in such a condition as to prevent the accumulation of moisture and the growth of mold, and to promptly respond to any notices” of mold contamination.

Landlords must provide a written report of as part of the move-in inspection, and “shall
disclose whether there is any visible evidence of mold in areas readily accessible within the
interior of the dwelling unit.”

If the landlord’s written disclosure states that there is visible evidence of mold in the dwelling
unit, the tenant shall have the option to terminate the tenancy and not take possession or
remain in possession of the dwelling unit.

If the tenant requests to take possession, or remain in possession, of the dwelling unit,
notwithstanding the presence of visible evidence of mold, the landlord “shall promptly
remediate the mold condition but in no event later than five business days thereafter and reinspect the dwelling unit to confirm there is no visible evidence of mold in the dwelling.”

Another new requirement in the Virginia law is that if a mold condition in the dwelling
unit “materially affects the health or safety of any tenant or authorized occupant, the
landlord may require the tenant to temporarily vacate the dwelling unit in order for the
landlord to perform mold remediation in accordance with professional standards.”

If this happens, the landlord is now required to provide the tenant with “either (a) comparable dwelling unit, as selected by the landlord, at no expense or cost to the tenant, or (b) a hotel room, at no expense or cost to the tenant.” The landlord is responsible for
all costs of the mold remediation.

The law defines “mold remediation in accordance with professional standards” as mold remediation of that portion of the premises or any personal property of the tenant affected by mold, performed consistent with guidance documents published by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (the Bioaerosols Manual), Standard Reference Guides of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration for Water Damage Restoration and Professional Mold Remediation, or any protocol for mold remediation prepared by an industrial hygienist consistent with these guidance documents.

The law also defines “visible evidence of mold” as the existence of mold in the dwelling unit “that is visible to the naked eye of the landlord or tenant at the time of the move-in inspection.”

Along with the new standards for inspections and duties of care, the law also provides specific immunity for landlords who comply with the rules.


Additionally, the statute says, “Neither the landlord nor the managing agent shall be liable
for civil damages in any personal injury or wrongful death action brought by a tenant,
authorized occupant, or guest or invitee for exposure to mold arising from the condition
within the interior of a dwelling unit, or for any property damage claims arising out of the landlord-tenant relationship, if the mold condition is caused by the negligence of the tenant.”



Arkansas
Under the bill being considered in Little Rock, after January 1, 2010, no one will be allowed to work as a mold investigator without being licensed to perform a mold investigation by the State Plant Board.

To get such a license, an investigator will have to show:

(A) Certification as a Certified Industrial Hygienist by the American Board of Industrial
Hygiene;

(B) Certification as a Certified Microbial Consultant by the American Indoor Air Quality
Council; or

(C) Successful completion of at least 20 hours of college-level microbiology.

The bill adds that licensees may not confirm or refute the presence of mold in a residential
or commercial building without having first “performed an onsite investigation of the premises conducted under the best practices set forth in the guidelines” established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists and the American Industrial Hygiene Association, as they existed on January 1, 2009.

Additionally, the legislation says that “a licensed mold investigator shall not perform services to remediate mold.”

Other States
Illinois, meanwhile, is considering a bill (HB 4231) that provides that the state’s Department
of Public Health must adopt rules to implement a program for parties that provide mold remediation services to register with the state. The bill further provides that the Department
must submit emergency rules to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to implement the registration of mold remediation professionals, adding that money collected pursuant to the registration of mold remediation professionals shall be deposited into a new Mold Remediation Registration Fund.

New York
Democratic legislators are pushing for a measure that they call “the toxic mold safety and protection act of 2009.” The bill defines “toxic mold” as “any indoor mold growth capable of creating toxins that can cause pulmonary, respiratory, neurological or other major illnesses after minimal exposure, as such exposure is defined by the Environmental Protection agency, Centers
for Disease Control” or other federal or state agency that protects human health.

The proposal mandates that, “after appropriate research and study, but not later than one year after the effective date of this article, the Department of Environmental Conservation, in conjunction with appropriate agencies, shall promulgate rules and regulations that include among other things:

• standards for mold inspection, mold remediation, testing the toxicity of mold, and the problem of mold remediation;

• standards for certification of mold inspectors, mold remediators, mold testing labs, mold risk assessors and industrial hygienists involved with mold remediation planning;

• standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of air ventilation and/or airconditioning
systems to prevent mold growth or creation of conditions that foster mold growth.

Also, “after appropriate research and study, but not later than one year after the effective date of this article, the Division of housing and Community Renewal shall promulgate guidelines identifying conditions created prior to and during construction that facilitate the growth of indoor mold and recommending appropriate means of eliminating those conditions.”

The legislation would also require the state government to “sponsor public education programs to promote and increase public awareness of the dangers of indoor mold growth or toxic mold.”

These programs would consist of • information regarding the conditions that facilitate indoor mold growth;

• guidelines for remediating indoor mold growth and the dangers of exposure to indoor mold growth in public buildings;

• risk assessment and inspection methods for toxic mold.

These programs should be designed to be accessible to both those in the real estate business and to average homeowners and renters, the bill states.

Finally, if the proposal becomes law, the New York state government would have to “publish, and periodically revise, a pamphlet regarding indoor mold hazards that would contain information regarding the health risks associated with exposure to indoor mold growth.”

'The Real Housewives of New Jersey'?

Reaching the 'New Jersey' exit, not a moment too soon with these 'Housewives'

By David Hinckley

New York Daily News

You have no idea how low-rent an expensive life can be until you've watched "The Real Housewives of New Jersey."

But you'd better hurry. Tonight is the finale to the six-week series, which means that if there is a God, we will be saying goodbye forever to Dina, Caroline, Teresa, Jacqueline and Danielle.

Which means we can all take a shower and move forward as if this were just a cheap dream.

On the other hand, anyone hoping the show would eventually devolve into Trailer Trash Theater - and really, there's no other reason to have kept watching - won't be disappointed.

The producers aren't stupid. They know if they put the women in expensive clothes, send 'em to a fancy restaurant and give 'em a few drinks, there's a very good chance we will soon see a cat fight that makes "Jerry Springer" look like "Pride and Prejudice."

It's not the highest aspiration for a television show, but the producers had little choice.
To be blunt, we don't really like any of the women here. We don't hate them or wish them harm. They just aren't very sympathetic or interesting. Once we've seen a few minutes of their self-indulgent lives and heard them gush about each others' implants, there's not much to keep us watching.

That's why the producers made it clear in episode one that the particularly self-obsessed Danielle didn't get along with some of the others, notably Dina.

Whether this "feud" developed by luck or design, it became the show's ace in the hole. Between tedious segments about bringing up kids, spending money, bantering about sex and spending more money, "Real Housewives" continually hinted it would eventually give us a showdown.
Twenty-five years ago, it turns out, Danielle's first ex-husband wrote a book that said she was, among other things, a hooker. Dina and Caroline found the book and apparently talked it up a bit, infuriating Danielle.

At dinner tonight, Danielle puts the book on the table, and the ensuing conversation is about as tasteful and civil as we would expect.

But what really says it all about "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" is that while they have the conversation, most of their kids - some not yet teenagers - sit at the table, soaking it all in.
Not that we should be surprised. The kids were also sitting at the table when Teresa started describing how her husband - he's the one with the open shirt - liked her new implants so much that he tried to jump her in the car on the way home from the doctor's office.
Teresa describes herself as "very classy."

By the standards of her circle, that's probably true.

dhinckley@nydailynews.com

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/06/16/2009-06-

Bravo David Hinckley

Couldn't have said it better myself. The 1st line is my favorite.

If BRAVO really wanted to "Do Some Good," couldn't the money that went into the production of this crap have been better spent elsewhere? Who are the smart guys that thought they HAD TO get this on the air? This trainwreck truly shows you can take the girl out of the Trailer Park but you can't take the Trailer Park out of the girl.