Did you know that mold and mildew can be found inside of your New York City home throughout the entire year? Prolonged exposure to certain types of mold can cause allergic reactions, various health issues, and even trigger asthma attacks. The good news is that when you work with a certified mold expert, you can remove any health concern by knowing that the mold has been properly removed, the underlying cause has been resolved, and the licensed expert has remediated the mold conditions from your home.
Understanding The Mold Risk
Mold grows in a wide variety of colors, types, and sizes. From gray to yellow and orange, furry to powdery, most mold grows in wet or damp places. It can even grow on fabric, Sheetrock, woad, leather, and other common household surfaces. With this in mind, there are several ways that you can be exposed to mold. The most common types of exposure include:
- Breathing in mold when it is disturbed;
- Breathing in mold spores that have been released into the air;
- Touching mold without wearing the proper protective gear; and
- Ingesting mold.
Unfortunately, the wrong types of mold can cause a number of potential health problems. These health issues can range from hay fever and asthma symptoms to a near-constant cough, trouble breathing, and congestion. In some cases, mold may cause serious health conditions that result in hospital stays. If you suspect that you have mold in your home, then you should contact a mold remediation expert to better understand the mold risk, complete a mold inspection, and conduct any necessary mold testing before the issue can be properly resolved.
Mold Inspectionvs. Mold Testing
A mold inspectionis typically a visual examination of your home. This thorough inspection will be conducted throughout the entirety of your home, including HVAC ducts, basements, and attics. A camera, moisture meter, and other industry tools will be used to find, identify, and inspect the areas of your home that are most prone to mold. In some cases, sections of drywall or paneling might need to be removed, so that the mold inspector can find the root cause of the moisture. Mold testing is a helpful tool to determine what type of mold is growing in your home. It is also used to determine if the treated area has been adequately cleaned. Through an effective combination of mold inspectionand testing, you can rest easily knowing that your home has been properly treated for mold.
NYC Mold Laws: Know Your Rights
The new NYC mold lawsstate that mold violations are now considered a class C offense. In other words, landlords and property owners who fail to properly treat mold within their tenants’ dwellings can be charged with a hazardous violation. Local law 55 also requires apartments in multiple dwellings to have an annual mold investigation. Under the new law, a sign outlining the owner’s obligation to inspect for mold must be visibly displayed to prospective tenants and new lease holders.
If a complaint is filed, then in accordance with Local Law 55, the following mold remediation steps must be taken.
- An investigation by a licensed contractor must occur. The underlying defects (i.e. the cause of the mold) must be corrected.
- The dispersion of dust and debris from the work area must be minimized.
- A HEPA vacuum-shrouded tools, and / or a vacuum with a HEPA filter must be used.
- The mold must be properly removed.
With the above conditions in mind, we recommend that all property managers immediately address mold complaints with the help of the trusted experts at Prime Mold Removal Brooklyn. Through a mold inspection, mold remediation, and post clearing test, we can help property managers effectively resolve mold complaints. In this vein, it is important to note that if the tenant files a mold complaint under Local Law 61, then a much more extensive and costly process will be necessary. The additional steps include multiple forms and notarized certificates, as well as filing with the DEP and gaining DEP approval. If the tenant’s complaint includes respiratory ailments or asthma, then filings will also be required with the Department of Health and HPD. Additionally, the complaint must be resolved within 14 days, which means that property managers have a very short window of time to complete mold remediation best practices, as well as file the necessary paperwork and receive the appropriate approvals. Thankfully, our team of mold inspection, testing, and remediation experts are standing by to resolve your mold issues before a complaint is filed.
Schedule A Mold Consultation Today
At Prime Mold Removal Brooklyn we focus on addressing the root cause of your Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens Staten Island, or Long Island home’s mold issues. Through safe and effective mold remediation best practices, we help property managers abide by the local NYC mold laws, while simultaneously resolving mold issues for tenants. If you suspect that you have mold in your home, we encourage you to schedule a mold consultation today.
