In June 2003, we spotted some interesting pointers to mold-related issues on the Catastrophe Adjusters web site (catadjuster.org).

The following letter is posted with the permission of Dee Owens and Alice Simonton. Additional pointers may be found on our Neighborhood Solutions page.

Dear Northwood Hills Neighbors and Friends,

There has been a great deal of discussion in news reports and media this past year about mold in homes and it can be very confusing as to how it pertains to homeowners. We are writing to offer information we hope will help in understanding mold and the current concern it brings to us all.

According to "Tierra Grande", journal of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, excessive moisture, reduced lighting, insufficient air circulation and warm temperatures produce ideal conditions for mold. Leaky water pipes and roofs, cracked foundations, overflowing washing machines and plumbing backups encourage the spread of mold. Mold is reproduced by sending off spores, and the spores of certain molds contain poisons that affect health when inhaled or injested. The chief culprit is black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum). Homes and buildings make for ideal conditions for mold to grow. The cellulose in insulation and paper backing of drywall and wallpaper attract some molds. Molds can grow undetected behind walls. A visual inspection or a musty odor detected by homeowners may reveal its existence.

An environmental engineer and microbiologist can gather samples for testing in laboratories to determine the type of mold present. A very reputable microbiological testing laboratory, Microconsult, Inc. is located conveniently to Northwood Hills. The phone number is 972-250-2902 and the address is

We have found Microconsult to be very reliable and very reasonably priced for their services.

If mold is determined, a quick clean up and removal is essential. It can be as simple as bleach and water solution applied to the area or as complicated as hiring a remediation company. If mold infestation is attributed to a covered loss under insurance, the insurance company should be contacted to determine whether the policy would cover the cost of cleanup.

There is a tremendous amount of information pertaining to mold on the web. A few of the better sites are the folowing:

• www.texasrealestate.com/mold
• www.iiat.net
• www.tdi.state.tx.us/commish/mold.html

If you do not have access to the Internet, please let us know and we will be happy to provide you with copies of the above-mentioned articles.

We hope this information will be of help to you. If we can be of any further assistance to you with questions about your home or your particular real estate needs, please call or email us.

Sincerely,