CHICAGO, IL- August 18, 2011
- Following the recent storms and flooding that plagued northern Illinois this spring and early summer;
homeowners are looking for remedies for their mold and mildew problems. The
Better Business Bureau serving Chicago & Northern Illinois has seen
inquiries for mold and mildew eradication jump 16 percent for the most recent
12 month period.
Mold can grow on any kind of
wood, paper, carpet, and food. According to the Environmental Protection
Agency’s (EPA) Mold Guide,
many types of mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on wet
surfaces. As homeowners may choose to either tackle the problem on their own or
consult the expertise of a contractor, the BBB advises to thoroughly research
mold removal and eradicators.
“In the past 12 months, the BBB
received over 29,000 inquiries on mold and mildew eradicators, compared to just
under 25,000 in the 12 months proceeding”,” said Steve J. Bernas, president
& CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and northern Illinois.
“As mold can ultimately destroy anything it lands on, it’s important to act
smart and fast.”
While homeowners should always
avoid handling and touching mold without wearing proper gloves, there are also
many other things to keep in mind. The BBB advises homeowners to consider the
following:
·
Know your risks and side effects. There are many health risks associated with mold and
mold growth. Some persons may experience an allergic reaction and other
respiratory complaints when mold is present in the home.
·
Be proactive.
One
way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. If you notice a leak
in your shower faucet or sink, repair it immediately to avoid the ideal habitat
for mold. Clean and dry any wet or damp surfaces within 24-48 hours, vent all
bathrooms, kitchens and other moisture-generating sources to reduce indoor
humidity and prevent growth.
·
Choose
wisely when picking a contractor. It’s important to check a business’
BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org
before selecting a contractor. Ask for referrals from friends and family
members and check with at least three contractors before deciding on one. Check
references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA’s Mold
Remediation in Schools and Commercial
Buildings, or other
guidelines from professional or government organizations.
For
more information on home maintenance, visit www.bbb.org
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As a private,
non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to
promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by
means of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising
claims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop
and issue reviews on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage
people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.
