Powerful Mid-Atlantic Storms Cause Mold Problems for Many

PRLog (Press Release) - Jul. 16, 2012 - Last week, the Insurance Journal published a report entitled, “Be on Lookout for Mold Damage after Storms, Maryland Regulator Advises.”  The article was published after recent heavy storms pounded parts of the Mid-Atlantic region.

According to the article, “Maryland Insurance Commissioner Therese Goldsmith cautions that in addition to the health risks associated with mold, its presence can create damage that may not be covered under many insurance policies.”  For property owners in the region who faced storm damages and water incursions it’s important that any interior parts of a building be dried as quickly as possible as mold can begin to grow in as short as 24 hours.  

Asked about the recent storm damage, Susan White, Ph.D., CMC, from Sussex Environmental Health Consultants (SEHC) reported, “It’s not healthy for anyone to be exposed to elevated levels of mold in their homes, schools or offices.  When water damage occurs it should be dealt with quickly by having the area properly dried and fixing the root cause of the problem so it can’t happen again.  Once a mold infestation occurs it can be quite expensive to have remediated and indeed many insurance policies exclude mold damages.  Prevention is usually much more cost effective then ignoring a problem when it comes to water damage and mold.”

In addition to the costs associated with mold contamination, exposure to mold can lead to a host of adverse health effects.  Mold is a known allergen and asthma trigger.  People with a weakened immune system may also be susceptible to fungal infections and many types of mold that grow in water damaged properties are known to produce microbial toxins known as mycotoxins.

SEHC recently sponsored an educational video about the health effects of mold exposure that can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbKoonHwvHM



 
SEHC has extensive experience in identifying IAQ issues in all types of buildings.  To learn more about Sussex Environmental Health Consultants, mold or other environmental issues, please visit http://www.sussexenvironmental.com, email susan.white@mchsi.com or call (302) 947-1810.
 
About Sussex Environmental Health Consultants, LLC
SEHC is a certified woman owned business that provides environmental and health and safety consulting services.  The company is located in the Mid-Atlantic and services clients nationwide.  SEHC provides solutions to clients ranging from homeowners to international Fortune 500 Corporations.

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