Mold Facts and Homeowners Insurance

These are some interesting excerpts from: The Illinois department of Insurance
http://www.idfpr.com/DOI/HomeInsurance/mold.asp.

Can mold become a problem in my home?
Yes. Molds will grow where conditions allow. Molds require two things to grow -- a food source and moisture. Food sources can be anything from dry wall and insulation to carpeting or mattresses. Moisture can come from many sources, including high humidity levels, leaky pipes or appliance hoses, neglected or inadequately repaired roofs, improperly maintained air conditioners, landscape and drainage problems, etc.

Are molds a health concern?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, exposure to mold does not necessarily result in a health problem. Molds have existed for thousands of years and there are over 100,000 kinds of mold. Most people touch, eat, or breathe some mold every day without ill effects. There is even mold in fresh air.
If mold growth is active, extensive, and persistent, it has the potential to cause health problems, the most common of which are allergic reactions such as wheezing, sneezing, coughing, eye irritation, etc.
While many people seldom experience ill effects from mold exposure, some individuals are more sensitive to molds than others. The same amount of mold may cause health problems in one person, but not in another. The Illinois Department of Public Health identifies those who may be at greater risk for more severe symptoms or illness as individuals with existing respiratory conditions such as allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities; individuals with weakened immune systems; infants and young children; and the elderly.

Do homeowner's insurance policies cover mold damage?
It depends on what caused the mold and the policy coverage you have. Molds need water or moisture to grow, but not all causes of water damage are covered by homeowner's insurance policies.
For example, standard homeowner's policies do not cover water damage caused by "maintenance" problems, such as continuous or repeated water seepage or leakage, humidity or condensation problems, or landscaping or drainage problems. Homeowner's policies also exclude water damage caused by floods. Therefore, if one of these water or moisture problems results in mold, it would probably not be covered by your policy.
Standard homeowner's policies do cover some types of sudden and accidental water losses, including burst pipes, and sometimes sewer back up or sump pump failure if you have that coverage. However, even if your policy covers these types of water damage, some companies have begun to specifically exclude or limit coverage for mold that results.In Illinois, if mold results from water damage following a covered fire or lightning loss, the mold damage would be covered, and the total of all damages, including

Should I have my home tested for mold?
Testing for mold is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive. The Illinois Department of Public Health does not currently recommend mold testing since there are no standards about how much mold is acceptable, and testing cannot determine which, if any, health problems will occur.
In most cases, if you can see mold, don't waste the time or money testing it. Instead, fix the source of the moisture problem, and clean up the mold.

Where can I get more information about mold and its health effects or clean up?
Illinois Department of Public Health(217) 782- 5830

www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pdf/moldmildew.pdf
www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/moisture.htm
www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/stachybotrys.htm