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On 12/29/2004 8:55 AM US(ET), took fingers to
keys, and typed the following:
The first thing I would do is get the mold tested by a reputable lab to
verify what type it is. Before giving you a estimate for $23K the
contractor should have given you a lab report showing it to be a toxic
and dangerous variety, eg stachybotrys. If he didn't, I would get rid
of him immeadiately. I think there may be test kits available on the
internet where you can take a sample yourself and send it in. No one
can identify a harmless black mold from a toxic one without a lab test.
Home Depot has a number of test kits for various home environmental
problems; Mold, Radon, etc. They have to be mailed in to some lab. I
happened to see them in HD last week because they were displayed right
at the end of an aisle. I don't know if Lowes has them, but I suppose
they do. If so, I didn't see them when I was in there a couple of weeks
ago, but I wasn't looking for them.
If it's not a toxic mold, then a lot of what is being proposed is, IMO,
unwarranted. If it is toxic, then I agree with Joseph that it could be
a real problem and should be handled by a professional. I'd also do
some research on the web. I think the CDC has some good info too,
explaining that in most cases, unless you happen to be allergic to it,
mold is not a disaster.
--
Bill
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