HOUSTON, TX (November 2002) - STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT MOLD

What is mold and where does it come from?
Molds are microscopic fungi that are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions.

How does it get in my home?
Mold can be found anywhere indoors, but especially where humidity levels are high, such as kitchens or bathrooms. Mold can be brought in with outside air, or by pets, plants and children. Mold can also grow in an area affected by water leaks, spills or flood waters.

What does David Weekley Homes do about mold?
If a mold problem is caused by a construction defect that is covered under our warranty, we will remediate the affected living area in accordance with recognized guidelines. Currently, the most widely followed guidelines are the "New York City Department of Health Guidelines."

What can a homeowner do to prevent mold?
For some Homeowner maintenance tips that you can use to prevent or clean up mold, see National Association of Home Builders, Household Mold Resource Center, at http://www.moldtips.com

What about "toxic mold?"
For specific advice from Dr. Gailen D. Marshall Jr., director of the Division of Allergy & Clinical Immunology at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, see http://www.siisinfo.org/txcrisis/071402.htm

Where can I learn more?

New York City Department of Health. Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments, 2000.
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.html

Environmental Protection Agency. A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home, 2002.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html

U.S. Center for Disease Control, Molds in the Environment.
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold/moldfacts.htm

Texas Dept. of Insurance, Effectively Handling Water Damage and Mold Claims: A Consumer Guide
http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer/moldpub.html

Houston-based David Weekley Homes, Texas' largest, privately owned, single-family homebuilder, as well as the second largest, privately owned homebuilder in the U.S., is engaged in the design, construction, marketing and sales of single-family detached homes. David Weekley Homes currently builds in 14 markets across the nation, including Atlanta, Austin, Charleston, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Ft. Myers, Houston, Jacksonville, Nashville, Orlando, Raleigh, San Antonio and Tampa. For more information about David Weekley Homes, visit the company's Web site at www.davidweekleyhomes.com.

SICK HOME SYNDROME INFORMATION

A syndrome is a collection of symptoms pointing to and contributing to some end result. In this case, the symptoms all point toward the trends which are causing sickness in humans from indoor pollutants. Here are the symptoms:

Burning and watering eyes and nose, Hoarseness; cough, sore throat; Headaches; Dry, itchy skin; Itchy granulomous pimples
Dizziness Nausea Heart palpitations Nosebleeds Pregnancy problems Shortness of breath upon mild exertion Muscle cramps and joint pain Chronic fatigue Inability to concentrate Burning in trachea Swelling of legs, trunk and ankles Sensitivity to odors
Tremors Cancer Exhaustion after normal activity Miscarriages Wellness when away

Although you may not be able to see, smell or feel the molecules of dirty air infiltrating your lungs and body, sick homes and buildings harbor dangerous pathogens that you are inhaling with every breath and cling to the largest organ on your body - your skin. One of the most deadly pathogens is the highly toxic mold described above. Another is formaldehyde from new furniture, carpets, wall partitions that are outgassing the fumes. If you have MCS or "multiple chemical sensitivities", you may be able to smell toxins and also manifest allergic reactions to toxins, viral particles, and fungal mold spores that spew forth from the air ducts (heating and air conditioning) of a sick home or building. In a building with poor ventilation, or in an airtight building, chances are that you are at risk of any illness that one may have in the building. Many buildings that were constructed airtight with windows that remain closed at all times are vacuum sealed containers of these invisible "thingies" which are entering your being all of the time you spend in that environment. This is what causes the symptoms detailed above. At the risk of sounding overly dramatic, these "sick homes and sick buildings" can actually be hazardous to your health. You can develop life threatening diseases by continuing to expose yourself in these environments (with their pollutants). The answer is to treat your home or building with "supercharged oxygen" - otherwise known as ozone. The cost is relatively small. The time required is minimal. It is safe. Most importantly, it works to rid your sick home or building of the problems which are hazardous to your health. Source: medallioncleanair.com/mold.html