POA and IAQA Applaud TX AG’s Suit Against Mold Restoration Inc.

Austin-based Policyholders of America (POA) and the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) announced their support of the decision by Texas Attorney General John Cornyn’s to file suit against a mold remediation company operating in the state, Mold Restoration Inc. (MRI).

POA is an association of homeowners and the IAQA is a professional society whose members investigate and remediate indoor environmental problems. They said the AG’s decision underscores the need to implement mandates and accreditation for remediation companies, since a few unscrupulous remediation companies have acted in an abusive and fraudulent manner.

While the attorney general does acknowledge there are remediation companies that provide effective and professional services, MRI, according to court documents, is not one of them.

The lawsuit alleges MRI committed a number of violations, including the use of insurance proceeds for personal use rather than for mold cleanup. The POA said Richard Steffan, one of the owners of MRI, told POA president Melinda Ballard in a telephone interview that “disgruntled employees” instigated the suit.

One goal of the IAQA and POA is to ensure the work performed by contractors is done in a cost effective, professional manner and in accordance with the highest scientific standards available. If not, a home can become more infested, cross contamination can occur and repair costs soar.

The IAQA is working with several organizations to develop mold remediation standards, including the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The coalition of organizations is due to release its standards in the next year.

IAQA conducts a training and certification program for mold remediation. While none of the personnel from MRI have been awarded IAQA certification, the company is a member of the association.

IAQA membership criteria require that companies maintain good business ethics. As a result of the lawsuit, MRI’s membership will be suspended. If the allegations are affirmed, the company will have its membership revoked.

Topics Lawsuits Texas