Avoid Steep Penalties for Mold
Building owners in New York City maybe be assessed with penalties up to $10,000 from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for not hiring a licensed mold assessor to inspect and remedy mold conditions. This is outlined in the city’s administrative code §24-154.
Mold is a health hazard to many people for allergies, irritating and toxic effects and infection. It is neither plant nor animal and belongs in the Fungi Kingdom. The good news is that mold can be easily controlled with sensible measures, good HVAC systems and routine inspections. Left unchecked, however, mold can creep through support beams and weaken an entire structure. Thus, DEP’s interest for both structure safety and human health.
Moisture and humidity are key reasons for mold. Without water, mold cannot start, much less multiply and spread. Controlling dampness is paramount. Mold can take hold in standing water in less than 24 hours. Venting showers and cooking spaces, correcting water leaks immediately and is imperative to assist in warding off mold growth.
Mold abatement may involve tearing up floors, ceilings or walls, in addition to violation fees, so it’s an expensive undertaking. Frequent inspection and keeping humidity levels below 60% are advisable. Once mold issues are resolved by specialists in removal, contact Paintworks for resurfacing walls or ceilings or basements with primers and paints, including a line of paint products with mold killing and mold resistant properties.
An ACT SMART blog from Paintworks & Decorating
