BALTIMORE—Damage from Friday’s strong storms could lead to even more damage down the road, with moisture and heat contributing to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings. In addition to the health risks associated with mold, its presence can create damage that may not be covered under many insurance policies, warns Maryland Insurance Commissioner Therese M. Goldsmith. Cleaning mold early can prevent problems. Tips on how to clean mold and mildew are available online from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene,
dhmh.maryland.gov, and from other resources listed below.
Some insurance policies specifically exclude coverage for any type of mold damage. Some cover damage if the mold arises from a covered loss, while some policies exclude coverage for any liability claims arising out of mold. Because coverage for these types of claims varies, Commissioner Goldsmith reminds consumers to read your policy and ask your producer (agent) or insurer if you have coverage for mold claims. If you do, find out the circumstances and amount for which you have coverage.
Other resources:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website contains information on mold cleanup and remediation in homes, schools and other large commercial buildings at
www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website includes general background information about mold health hazards and mold safety recommendations at
www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers comprehensive information about mold remediation at
www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/9580_100.shtm.
Source: Maryland Insurance Administration