Notice Disclosure And Disclaimer (Page 2 of 3) in pdf

ADDENDUM NO. _____

SAMPLE NOTICE, DISCLOSURE and DISCLAIMER

What Homeowners Should Know about Mold

Mold. Mold is a type of fungus. It occurs naturally in the environment, and it is necessary for the natural

decomposition of plant and other organic material. It spreads by means of microscopic spores borne on the wind,

and is found everywhere life can be supported. Residential home construction is not, and cannot be, designed to

exclude mold spores. If the growing conditions are right, mold can grow in your home. Most homeowners are

familiar with mold growth in the form of bread mold, and mold that may grow on bathroom tile.

In order to grow, mold requires a food source. This might be supplied by items found in the home, such as

fabric, carpet or even wallpaper, or by building materials, such as drywall, wood and insulation, to name a few.

Also, mold growth requires a temperate climate. The best growth occurs at temperatures between 40* F and 100*

F. Finally, mold growth requires moisture. Moisture is the only mold growth factor that can be controlled in a

residential setting. By minimizing moisture, a homeowner can reduce or eliminate mold growth.

Moisture in the home can have many causes. Spills, leaks, overflows, condensation, and high humidity

are common sources of home moisture. Good housekeeping and home maintenance practices are essential in the

effort to prevent or eliminate mold growth. If moisture is allowed to remain on the growth medium, mold can

develop within 24 to 48 hours.

Consequences of mold. All mold is not necessarily harmful, but certain strains of mold have been shown to

have adverse health effects in susceptible persons. The most common effects are allergic reactions, including skin

irritation, watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, congestion, sore throat and headache. Individuals with

suppressed immune systems may risk infections. Some experts contend that mold causes serious symptoms and

diseases which may even be life threatening. However, experts disagree about the level of mold exposure that

may cause health problems, and about the exact nature and extent of the health problems that may be caused by

mold. The Center for Disease Control states that a causal link between the presence of toxic mold and serious

health conditions has not been proven.

What the Homeowner can do. The homeowner can take positive steps to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of

mold growth in the home, and thereby minimize any possible adverse effects that may be caused by mold. These

steps include the following:

1. Before bringing items into the home, check for signs of mold. Potted plants (roots and soil),

furnishings, or stored clothing and bedding material, as well as many other household goods, could

already contain mold growth.

2. Regular vacuuming and cleaning will help reduce mold levels. Mild bleach solutions and most tile

cleaners are effective in eliminating or preventing mold growth.

3. Keep the humidity in the home low. Vent clothes dryers to the outdoors. Ventilate kitchens and

bathrooms by opening the windows, by using exhaust fans, or by running the air conditioning to

remove excess moisture in the air, and to facilitate evaporation of water from wet surfaces.

4. Promptly clean up spills, condensation and other sources of moisture. Thoroughly dry any wet

surfaces or material. Do not let water pool or stand in your home. Promptly replace any materials that

cannot be thoroughly dried, such as drywall or insulation.

Notice Disclosure And Disclaimer Page 2