Water and Mold Continue to Present New Challenges in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, La. (Nov. 28, 2005) -- Many of the essential steps to properly repair flood-damaged homes and other structures in New Orleans are not being taken, according to some local contractors.

With the desire to return to normalcy, New Orleans-area residents, understandably, are in a hurry to repair their homes and businesses. Unfortunately, if water damage is not treated properly, more damage and subsequent health risks could arise in future months.

“Those of us in this area are seeing a lot of property owners rushing to rebuild,” says Mark Cuevas, a water restoration specialist certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and based in Slidell, L.A. - about 30 miles outside of New Orleans. “The problem is that they are not properly addressing the water and moisture problems which can create an environment that causes mold growth and will threaten the air quality of a home down the road. What insurance companies and some property owners think is o.k. now could be a major health concern in a few months.”

Part of the problem stems from property owners rushing to rebuild without knowing how to deal with the contaminated water in their homes. The majority of the water in areas hit by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is extremely polluted. Cleaning professionals refer to this level of contamination as Category 3, meaning the clean-up effort needs to be meticulous to reduce long term problems. Category 3, sometimes referred to as “black water,” results from rising flood water and may be comprised of water that comes from sewers, lakes, rivers and other ground water sources. It is extremely hazardous to a person’s health if not properly remediated.

Flood waters cannot effectively be treated with household cleaning products such as chlorine bleach. Contaminated water and materials must be physically removed from the house. In addition, the building must be dried completely using professional drying and dehumidification equipment. When flood waters recede, they leave behind silt and mud which can infiltrate a home in places that are not visible to the casual observer. The IICRC has authored guidelines in its standards for water damage restoration (IICRC S500) and for mold remediation (IICRC S520) to provide detailed advice on restoring flood- and water-damaged structures and materials to eliminate and prevent mold.

“Although a structure may look dry, too often the water has been absorbed into porous surfaces and is still a major threat to the property and the people inside,” says Cuevas. “Water can be trapped under bathtubs and showers, vinyl and tile floors and even in the wood studs. We are seeing a lot of people rushing – sometimes at the direction of insurance companies – to rebuild even on top of these problem areas.”

All surfaces must be tested for moisture content and possibly even removed if the moisture content is above a certain level. Unfortunately, some insurance companies refuse to cover the costs for proper remediation of contaminated areas. Although it is easier and less costly to simply clean the surface, there is a strong chance that insurance companies will be facing more claims in future months if not properly treated the first time around.

“There are people cutting corners to get the job done, but that only means more problems in the long run,” states IICRC Technical Advisor Jeff Bishop. “We are working diligently to educate consumers on what to look for and what steps they need to take to repair their homes. Education will help arm them with the resources necessary to deal with insurance companies and avoid unscrupulous contractors.”

Another important item of concern to the IICRC and local contractors is the pervasive but unclear recommendations consumers have received regarding removal of mold from materials such as walls. Chlorine bleach cannot kill mold. Unless the mold is eliminated and removed completely it may continue to grow unseen behind walls, under flooring or in structural cavities.

The IICRC, an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited non-profit standard writing organization, is committed to setting standards for the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry. Consumers can find information and tips on how to treat water damage as well as local experts in their area at www.certifiedcleaners.org (click on “Advice for Storm Victims”).

“As New Orleans rebuilds, it becomes increasingly important to get the right information to consumers,” states Bishop. “Without it, these people may be dealing with more problems in the future when they’ve already dealt with so much already. It’s best to fix it now and fix it right the first time.”

About the IICRC
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit standard setting and certifying body for the flooring inspection, floor covering and specialized fabric cleaning and disaster restoration industries. Organized in 1972, the IICRC currently represents more than 3800 Certified Firms and more than 38,000 Certified Technicians in 30 countries. The IICRC, with participation from the entire industry, sets standards for inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration. IICRC does not own schools, employ instructors, produce training materials, or promote specific product brands, cleaning methods or systems. It approves schools and instructors that meet the criteria established by the IICRC. IICRC also serves as a consumer referral source for Certified Firms and Inspectors.