Restoration Industry Association -- Educational Programs and Events

Search

NewsBreak Archives

Information, Inc. News Templates

Sponsored By:

Visit us at www.cdims.com

Executive Report

Promoting Consumer Safety

By Don Manger

Associations do a tremendous amount of good — not just for their members, but for society in general. Since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast of the U.S. last summer, RIA has taken an active role in educating the media and public on the restoration industry and its role in these disasters.

RIA's latest effort involves publishing guidelines specifically for volunteers who will be heading South to help with the rebuilding efforts this summer. RIA members who worked along the Gulf provided information on the maladies afflicting many of the workers and visitors returning from that devastated region, especially those in the New Orleans area. The warnings were disconcerting: bacterial infections, illness from exposure to unknown contaminants, depression. For unprepared volunteers, the risk of coming home with more than just a sense of accomplishment was pretty high.

Last week RIA issued a press release to the media with nearly 10 pages of guidelines for volunteers. We have also sent the advisory to many of the major volunteer organizations that will be sending volunteer teams this summer. You can get a copy of the guidelines from the RIA website under RIA's Hurricane Guidelines for Volunteers. Please feel free to download the guidelines and distribute them in your local area to the media and volunteer organizations. It’s an excellent way to educate them on the hazards involved, demonstrate your expertise in these areas and help prepare them for some of the challenges they’ll be facing.

This is one instance where education is vitally important, and RIA members are particularly well equipped to help out.

Don Manger

RIA NEWS

Breaking News
RIA Briefs
Toolbox Tips
Marketing Savvy
Product Spotlight
On Press Now

INDUSTRY NEWS

"Leave Your Mark on a Well-Done Job, But Not on the Carpeting"
"Deadly Mold Found in Hospital's Ducts"
"Cleaning and Restoring Escalators: The Most Exciting Time You Can Have By Yourself"
"Texas Hail Results in Large Losses"
"USA: Carpet Cleaning Units Boom Under Inclement Weather"
"Chavez Mold Suit Settled for $650,000"
"'Doomsday' Cat Loss Could Hit $200 Billion"
"Hilton Mold Lawsuit Settlement Approved"
"Taking a 'Pure' Approach to Clean Rooms"
"Headquarters Showcases Best Clean-Air Technology"
"First Quarter Cat Losses Total $1.38B"
"Green Carpet Care"
"Arsenic and Old Waste: The Environmental Legacy of Hurricane Katrina"
"Managing Mold on the Monet"

RIA NEWS

Breaking News

Colorado HB 1006 Update

RIA members in Colorado have been instrumental in getting the state legislature to pass a bill that would curtail the steering of work by insurance companies to preferred restoration contractors. RIA joined its Colorado members in advocating for this bill, House Bill 1006, because of the association’s commitment to the consumers of restoration services. In his testimony in the Colorado Senate hearings on HB 1006, RIA President Brian Spiegel, CR, told the Senate of the unique nature of the restorer-client relationship and the problems that can be caused when insurers attempt to assume the controlling authority of a prime contractor without assuming any of the liability.

HB 1006 passed both houses of the Colorado General Assembly by wide margins and at this writing is awaiting Governor Davis’ signature. RIA plans for this to be a pattern for future efforts in other states. To aid in this effort, RIA has established The 1006 Fund to support pro-restoration legislation in other states. For more information on The 1006 Fund, contact RIA’s executive director at donaldm@RIA.org.

Avian Influenza Update

From daily news shows and papers to Oprah and primetime TV, the avian influenza has received widespread press. Flu viruses occur naturally among birds, usually without birds getting sick from them. The avian influenza A (H5N1) is more deadly in that it is extremely contagious, resulting in severe illness and possibly death for some birds. Bird flu viruses affecting humans were first identified in 1997, with the contamination primarily occurring between humans who had direct contact with infected poultry or surfaces contaminated with excretions from infected birds. On rare occasions, infections have been reported between an ill person and another individual, but transmission beyond one person has not yet been observed.

There have been more than 200 reported cases coming out of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Near East. Currently, about half of the people infected with H5N1 have died as a result of it, but the full range of the illness is still uncertain.

The human symptoms of the avian influenza can vary from typical flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, body aches) to more severe indicators such as eye infections, respiratory diseases, pneumonia, and other life-threatening complications. Studies indicate that prescription medicines used for human influenza may work in treating humans infected with avian influenza; however, since viruses can become resistant to drugs, medication is not always effective. In April of 2005, research began to develop a vaccine to combat H5N1 and clinical studies are underway.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not issued any travel restrictions to affected areas, but they do recommend that travelers avoid poultry farms, markets with livestock, and be on the lookout for surfaces contaminated by animal feces. Presently, there is a ban on importing birds and related bird products (i.e., eggs, feathers) into the U.S. from countries that have reported cases of H5N1.

For more information about the avian influenza and potential human infections, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/.

IICRC S500 Standard Receives ANSI Approval

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration received acceptance by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on April 17 following a peer review and a public review process promoted through the ANSI Standard Review Newsletter.

“The third edition of the S500 Water Damage Restoration and Reference Guide is a much deeper, expanded document than its predecessor,” said reviewer, editor and chapter author/chairperson Brandon Burton of Dri-Eaz Products, Inc. “Both the standard and the reference guide contain much more information than the previous versions. This means that the document is much more valuable as a resource. This also means that restorers must spend more time becoming familiar with the document, and it will lead to some changes in the way we dry structures.”

IIABA President Advocates More Authority for Agents

At the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) National Legislative Conference in early May, President William G. Stiglitz, III, and other members of the President’s Panel discussed the future of the industry, the effects of the recent hurricane season and the issues concerning young agents.

The failure of many insurance companies to quickly settle claims and communicate claims activity with agents were two major problems he identified. He believes that agents must be given more authority to issue drafts for living arrangements and emergency repairs in these circumstances. Stiglitz also said the situation demonstrated the carriers’ lack of preparation for a disaster of this magnitude, and will be appointing a taskforce to work with carriers and trade groups on addressing agents’ concerns and improving the response in the future.

NADCA Unveils New Standard

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) has unveiled the 2006 edition of Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration of HVAC Systems, which includes an extensive protocol for cleaning coils and detailed requirements for the installation of service openings in HVAC systems. The Association sees this standard as a complement to the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Water Damage Restoration and the S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation.

The revised version can be downloaded from the NADCA website at www.nadca.com.

Compiled from staff and wire reports.

RIA Briefs

RIA Publishes Guidelines for Hurricane Volunteers

As more volunteer groups head to the Gulf Coast region to help with the rebuilding efforts, RIA has compiled and issued guidelines describing the major physical dangers that may be encountered. They also address the emotional aspects of what volunteers may be seeing or feeling (post traumatic stress disorder); provide practical information for personal hygiene, personal protective equipment, and tools; and outline basic cleanup procedures for structures impacted by rain damage, storm surges or floodwaters. The guidelines are available on the RIA website at www.RIA.org under the Katrina Resources link or http://www.RIA.org/referrals/clearinghouse.cfm.

Among the hazards are risks of insect stings, reptile bites, significant levels of pesticide residues, mold (visible and hidden), unseen airborne particulates, lack of fresh water and unstable structures. The psychological shock of working in this environment can lead to post traumatic stress disorder, so it’s imperative that volunteers be properly debriefed upon their return home.

“RIA members have been working throughout the Gulf Coast region since Hurricane Katrina hit last August,” said RIA President Brian Spiegel, CR. “What they’ve seen and experienced tells us that the thousands of volunteers headed to that area to work need as much information as possible to be properly prepared for what they’ll encounter. Our members are used to working under these conditions and seeing this type of destruction, and even they are affected by the physical and emotional conditions.”

RIA Hires New Education Coordinator

There’s a new face in the education and meetings department at RIA. Sandy McAllister, has joined the staff as the Meetings & Education Coordinator, replacing Tiffany Palen who left in January.

Sandy will be responsible for handling the RIA convention and exhibition, the fall Restoration Conference, and all RIA education courses and programs. She can be reached at sandymca@RIA.org.

Sandy has been planning meetings, executing programs and selling exhibit space for associations for almost 20 years. She began her association career with ABC (Associated Builders & Contractors) and has worked for BOMA (Building Owners & Managers Association), RBA (Retail Bakers of America) and AMDA (American Medical Directors Association).

Return to Headlines

Toolbox Tips

Best practices for cleaning and restoration professionals

Draining Soaked Ceilings

By Martin King, CR, ASA

That sagging drywall ceiling looks like it is about to let go, releasing gallons of water. It may be possible to drain it before collapse, but doing it the wrong way can be disastrous. The intuitive action is to punch a hole at the low point…precisely wrong! That will cause the water to drain towards the weakest area. A better procedure is to make a penetration near the perimeter, then move gradually towards the low point as each hole is depleted. The sagging mid-point should be the last to drain. That way, if it fails, most of the water will already have drained.

Martin King, CR, ASA, is an RIA technical advisor.

Marketing Savvy

Project a Better Phone Image

Don’t allow your speaking habits to become lazy when you talk on the phone. Even though you’re not face-to-face with the other person, you should try to project a professional image. Here’s how:

· Keep your voice and throat relaxed by keeping your head straight. Don’t squeeze the phone between you shoulder and your ear. That tenses your throat and forces you to speak from one side of your mouth.

· Speak in a lower vocal range. Reason: Telephones transmit lower pitches more accurately than high ones.

From the editors of Communication Briefings, Vol. 22, No. 9.

What Not to Say to Prospects

If you say any of the following to sales prospects, you will increase the chance that they will reject you:

· “I’ll be in your area Thursday. Would morning or evening be best?” Statements like that invade a prospect’s territory and may anger the person.

· “We’re now working in your industry…” That’s nothing more than a smoke screen to make prospects feel that you know something about their business.

· “I want to stop by and learn more about your business.” No one can afford to spend time “educating” you. Salespeople who show they understand prospects’ businesses will more likely acquire an appointment.

· “You want to save money, right?” Everyone wants to save money, but customers are smart enough to know that you want them to spend money.

· “When do you think you will decide?” That’s old hat. Instead, say: “I want you to know I’ll stay in touch and help you through the decision-making process.”

· “How does our proposal sound?” Don’t expect the customer to have memorized your proposal or even remember it.

Instead, say: “I want to go through the proposal with you and hear your reactions.”

From the editors of Communication Briefings, Vol. 21, No. 12.

Return to Headlines

Product Spotlight

RIA offers a host of products to help you make the right impression on your customers and let them see you for the professional you are. The Association also publishes a number of reference guides and resource materials to keep restoration professionals up-to-date on current information.

Consumer Flyers
Use these handy flyers to educate your customers on a variety of cleaning and restoration related topics. Each flyer provides the customer with an explanation of various problems relating to cleaning and restoration.

Titles available (Please specify titles):

Abrash
Animal Stains
Backing Separation
Benzoyl Peroxide
Carpet Installation
Cellulosic Browning
Chewing Gum Removal
Code of Ethics
Color Changes
Corn Rowing
Custom Made Rugs
Drapery Damage
Dry Rot in Rugs and Furnishings
Dye Bleeding
Flatwoven Rugs
Forgotten Spills

Haitian Cotton
Latex Decay
Leather Upholstery
Mildew Myths About Oriental Rug Cleaning
New Furnishings
Odors
Odors and Color Problems in Area Rugs
Painted Rugs/Bleeding Rugs
Protein Fires
Reappearing Stains
Ripples
Rug Fringes
Rug Shrinkage
Sewer Backups
Shading

Shedding & Pilling
Silk Textiles
Smoke Damage
Soil Filtration Lines
Soils
Spot Removal
Static
Stubborn Stains
Sunlight Damage
Textile Insects
Texture Change
Thank You*
Vacuuming
Water Stains
Yellowing

*Designed for distribution for residential and commercial customers, this flyer addresses health and safety issues related to carpet cleaning. Now available in Spanish.

Available to RIA members only
Same Title: 100/$30
Full Set (100 of each title): Set/$550
Thank You Flyers
Special Pricing 1000/$200

RIA Polo Shirts
These comfortable and attractive polo shirts featuring the RIA logo come in two different styles for women and three different styles for men:

WOMEN	MEN
White Scoop Neck — W111	White Polo — M211
Navy Polo — W112	White with tan & navy collar — M212
White Polo — W113	Navy Polo — M213
SIZES
Women: M, L, XL, 1XL	Men: M, L, XL, 2XXL

Women's Scoop Neck: $20
All Other Shirts: $35

Visit the RIA website at www.RIA.org for these and other products.

Return to Headlines

On Press Now

Here’s a preview of what’s coming up in the June issue of Cleaning & Restoration:

Saks Fifth Avenue Store Helps Revitalize New Orleans

By Michael J. Ebel

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Saks Fifth Avenue made its recovery from Katrina’s unwelcome visit. While others in New Orleans dealt with severe water damage, Saks Fifth Avenue faced a devastating fire presumably caused by looters who broke into the store.

High Temperature Restoration: Wood and Adhesives – Part 2

By Ralph E. Moon, Ph.D., CHMM, CIAQP

Wood is a fundamental building block in the restoration industry; yet with rising costs, composite wood products have replaced solid wood applications. But what affect could this have on construction and how do these products respond to higher temperatures? Learn what the research says about wood, composites and adhesives when exposed to high temperatures.

A Look at Environmental Laws & Regulations – Part 2

By David M. Governo, J.D.

Restoration contractors face the impossible task of staying abreast of every environmental law and regulation. Take a few moments to learn about some of the more significant rulings affecting these businesses so you can wisely navigate the legal waters and better protect yourself.

The Secret to Our Mold Remediation Success – Part 1

By Steve Bos, CR, CMR, MRS

In an industry that often lacks clearly defined standards, contractors have struggled to protect themselves while increasing their volume in a volatile market. One company has dramatically altered their approach to, and performance of, mold remediation work—and with great success. What is their secret?

Return to Headlines

INDUSTRY NEWS

"Leave Your Mark on a Well-Done Job, But Not on the Carpeting"
CMM Online (05/06) Brewer, James

Employing damp bonnets to carpet shampooing can decrease the occurrence of unsightly lines sometimes caused by carpet cleaning tools. Other steps that can diminish the occurrence of dark marks while using a bonnet include carefully controlling the device's movement to avoid swinging motions. Operators should use steady, alternate movements when controlling the bonnet. In addition, carpet cleaners should be careful not to leave dirt marks on the carpet that can be caused by excessively soaking the bonnet with water. Finally, carpet cleaning tools with bonnets should be cleaned and rinsed out regularly to remove the dirt taken up from the carpet.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"Deadly Mold Found in Hospital's Ducts"
San Diego Union-Tribune (05/06/06) Clark, Cheryl

In March, aspergillus fungus was found in the ventilation system of Scripps Memorial Hospital-La Jolla in California, detected by the system's early-warning devices. The mold infestation has not affected any patients, but Scripps Memorial Hospital epidemiologist Jeanne Shirley says patients could have died if the mold spores became airborne. The cleaning schedule for the duct system was not followed, according to Scripps Memorial Hospital CEO Gary Fybel, who did not comment on the date of the last cleaning. The release of aspergillus spores during a construction project in 2000--which state officials believe may have caused the deaths of six patients and infections in 10 others--spurred the implementation of the early-warning system.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"Cleaning and Restoring Escalators: The Most Exciting Time You Can Have By Yourself"
Cleanzine (04/27/06) de Cobos, Mary

Cleaning escalators properly entails some basic precautions, starting with the use of as little water as possible so as to avoid a short in the power supply and buildup in the pit that holds the motors and winding gear. As the metals used in escalators can vary within close proximity to each other from aluminum to steel, a noncaustic detergent is necessary. Cleaning the windows with a squeegee and T-bar is the simplest method, and rubber handrails should be wiped down and scrubbed with a citrus oil-based detergent. When restoring or cleaning plates, steps, and risers, which are generally made of aluminum, technicians will have to remove them in order to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned of gum, grit, and salt damage. The least amount of water applied to the steps, plates, and risers the better, note experts, particularly when hand-cleaning the escalator elements, and cleaners should be careful to rinse off all detergent in order to prevent additional soil attraction. Applying brushes to loosen dirt buildup before applying detergent is the best method of cleaning these elements, and the plates, steps, and risers should never be soaked because it can ruin the coating on the outside of the aluminum, which will attract further dirt and eventually lead to an unpleasant looking escalator. Technicians can also use wet-dry vacuums, but not steamers, which can leave too much water buildup.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"Texas Hail Results in Large Losses"
Claims (04/06)

An April 21 hail storm that hit Texas may have caused over $100 million in insured losses, reports the Insurance Council of Texas. About 10,000 auto claims and 7,000 homeowners' and commercial property claims will likely be filed. One Honda dealership manager noted that over 100 new cars were damaged by the baseball-sized hail.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"USA: Carpet Cleaning Units Boom Under Inclement Weather"
Fibre2fashion.com (India) (04/26/06)

Unseasonably wet weather has boosted business for carpet-cleaning firms. There are numerous jobs available in the sector, from customer service and sales to microbial sanitization and renovation work. Though some newcomers to the industry believe a machine is all they need to run a cleaning business, Jeff Bishop of Clean Care Seminars Inc. insists that cleaners need a lot of technical knowledge to succeed. Among other things, they must have a knowledge of chemistry, fiber detection, and drying techniques, as well as the ability to use equipment with moisture sensors, ultraviolet lights, and infrared cameras. Many companies provide on-the-job training for new employees and opportunities to advance to managerial positions.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"Chavez Mold Suit Settled for $650,000"
Wisconsin State Journal (04/22/06) P. C1; Adams, Barry

A 2002 lawsuit filed by school employees, students, and parents of Chavez Elementary School in Madison, Wis., against Westra Construction was recently settled for $650,000. The Waupun-based company allegedly neglected to safeguard against excessive moisture. The resulting mold was reportedly responsible for short- and long-term respiratory problems and the closure of the school just three months after it opened its doors. The exact amount given to each plaintiff will be based on medical and prescription costs, lost work, and pain and suffering. "These teachers and students will face substantial costs and difficulties the rest of their lives, and this settlement is an attempt to help address those," says plaintiffs' attorney Jim Olson. The $1.5 million remediation costs were split between the contractor, the school district, and the school district's insurer.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"'Doomsday' Cat Loss Could Hit $200 Billion"
Business Insurance (04/24/06) Hofmann, Mark A.

AIR Worldwide Corp. recently announced that an intense hurricane hitting Miami, which would regroup in the Gulf of Mexico before hitting New Orleans, could cause over $200 billion in insured property damages. Other catastrophes causing over $100 billion in insured property damages included a Category 5 hurricane hitting Miami or a Category 4 hurricane hitting New York or somewhere along the Northeast. AIR Worldwide Corp. President and CEO Karen M. Clark noted that the worst area for storm surge besides New Orleans would be New York City.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"Hilton Mold Lawsuit Settlement Approved"
Pacific Business News (04/25/06)

First Circuit Court Judge Eden Elizabeth Hifo approved a $1.83 million settlement between the Hilton Hawaiian Village and over 3,000 guests of the Kalia Tower between June 14, 2002, and July 23, 2002. The guests stayed in a mold contaminated tower for their vacations, and it was discovered that a faulty air conditioning system had allowed mold to grow in rooms at the tower. Hilton filed suit against the architects and contractors who had built the tower, which was shut down for renovation, costing the chain millions in repair costs and lost room revenue. Under the settlement each will receive either $150 in travel coupons or $50 in cash for each night of their stay. If the claims against the settlement do not total over $900,000, the remaining funds will be given to the American Red Cross.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"Taking a 'Pure' Approach to Clean Rooms"
Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) (04/09/06) P. J5; Haynes, Monica

An upstate New York firm called Pure Solutions reduces traces of allergens found in hotel rooms. To date, the firm has designated 75 hotel rooms nationwide as "Pure Rooms," which involves a six-phase decontamination process that focuses on removing mold, fungi, and bacteria. The sanitized rooms also feature air filters, charcoal showerheads, and purifiers. An estimated 40 million individuals in the United States have allergies while another 10 million people suffer from asthma. Vanessa Campbell of Holiday Inn Select Pittsburgh South says the cost of renting Pure Rooms in her establishment per night is about $10 more than the standard corporate rate of $119. Dr. Richard L. Green says that allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems result from exposure to chemicals, living in increasingly airtight buildings, and staying in extra-clean surroundings continuously. Many people have problems with hotel rooms because of their dampness and mustiness as well as exposure to feathers or dust, he explains. A 2004 survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association found that 17 percent of the 6,000 properties polled had air purifiers. Some hotels like the Hilton O'Hare in Chicago have chosen to replace curtains with blinds and remove carpets. Hilton O'Hare has also installed air purifiers in some rooms that monitor carbon dioxide, humidity, and temperature.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"Headquarters Showcases Best Clean-Air Technology"
Tulsa World (OK) (04/09/06) P. A20; Graham, Ginnie

The American Lung Association of Oklahoma (ALAO) has relocated to its new headquarters in the historic Fire Alarm Building in Tulsa. The ALAO spent $3.2 million to reconstruct the building in a manner that will allow it to highlight new air purification technologies and construction methods. These include a ventilation system that draws in outdoor air, carpeting with backing that prevents grime and dust from reaching the floor, and plastic-lined cabinets and crawl areas. Richard Shaughnessy of the Center for Environmental Research and Technology at the University of Tulsa notes that the facility was built to repel moisture. "If any moisture does come in, this is not going to be a mold factory." The new headquarters was also designed to fend off pollutants. Construction approaches used in revamping the building will be covered in educational courses offered by ALAO, and university researchers have also explored the building. The ALAO estimates that people in the United States spend 95 percent of their lives indoors and that indoor air pollution is the fourth leading cause of cancer.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"First Quarter Cat Losses Total $1.38B"
Business Insurance (04/20/06) Hofmann, Mark A.

The Insurance Services Office Inc.'s (ISO) Property Claim Services unit reported that seven catastrophes cause an estimated $1.38 billion in insured property damage in the first quarter of 2006. The number of claims logged by the property-casualty insurance sector totaled merely 400,000 in 19 states, and 53 percent of those claims were related to personal lines, with only 12 percent in commercial claims. The ISO stated that Missouri reported the largest insured loss at $475 million, followed by Kansas with $113 million in losses and Arkansas with $108 million in losses. Overall, first quarter property claims were down from $2.14 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2005.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"Green Carpet Care"
CMM Online (04/06) Van Vuren, Jaime

Carpet cleaning can cause minor skin and eye inflammations and adversely affect a person's respiratory system as well as the environment. Carpet cleaning experts are recommending use of products that have a more benign environmental impact. The Carpet and Rug Institute has launched a Seal of Approval program focused on the effectiveness of carpet cleaning chemicals and extractors while examining the amount of residue they leave in the carpet. Using hot-water is also recommended by industry experts as the best approach to protecting carpet fibers. However, carpet cleaners should be careful not to overwet carpets.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"Arsenic and Old Waste: The Environmental Legacy of Hurricane Katrina"
E Magazine (04/06) Motavalli, Jim

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued advisories stating that samples of air and soil from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina show acceptable levels of hazardous chemicals. However, private tests show that many such chemicals are still present in the city and other areas affected by Katrina at dangerously high levels, leaving residents unsure about the safety of their homes. The tests, conducted by chemist Wilma Subra, show very high levels of arsenic in sediment that ran off from river bottoms during the flood; such sediment is now present as a persistent dust, which residents breathe in regularly. Short-term effects may include respiratory problems and skin rashes, and residents are at risk for long-term effects of cancer and birth defects. Children are especially susceptible to problems from breathing in the toxic sediment. Although the EPA has recommended protective measures for New Orleans residents, many cannot find appropriate clothing and equipment to ward off hazardous materials. In addition, the flooding has disturbed a number of Superfund sites in New Orleans, creating the risk that efforts to contain toxic materials at the sites will have been upset by the floodwaters and result in the release of the hazardous materials into the air or water supply. Mold is also an increasing problem throughout the city; people with allergies, asthma, and lung diseases are especially at risk for mold-related illness.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

"Managing Mold on the Monet"
Claims (04/06) Vol. 54, No. 4, P. 40; Swope, James

The insurance industry, which has been battling mold for many years, now has new concerns about the growth--its effects on fine art. Those residents in hurricane-torn regions of the United States had to scramble to protect their masterpieces from storm damage and mold, which can stain canvas, break down paint films, destroy photographic emulsions, rot textiles, and grow just about anywhere in the right conditions. Naturally, mold has the right conditions for growth after hurricanes strike, note experts, because of high humidity and temperatures; furthermore, without air conditioning to keep things cool, mold growth is even more likely, especially when storms knock out the power to the cooling system. Mold grows in as few as two days in the right conditions, and those living in hurricane susceptible regions will often plan ahead with backup generators to keep conditions mild and prevent mold growth on their fine art, but the devastation on the Gulf Coast rendered even back-up systems useless. Those works of art that have been exposed should be treated as soon as possible by a restoration or conservation firm, which should be referenced and highly regarded by other art owners, and owners of art should ask for rough estimates from several firms before choosing one. These firms will remove mold from the painting and have to replace the frame, matting, and backing in most cases, and clients will likely seek out thorough mold evaluations from their insurance claims adjusters, which will often include consultation from a conservationist. The use of humidifiers, window air conditioners, portable fans, and repairing roof and wall leaks in a timely manner can all help fine art owners initially prevent mold damage and reduce insurers' costs.
(Web Link)
Return to Headlines

May 2006