Law firm to provide mold services.

Daniel Sitomer and Michael Hogan, senior partners of the construction and environmental law firm of Sitomer & Hogan, LLP, have established Sitomer Environmental Corp. to provide consulting services to address mold-related risks in residential and commercial property.

Sitomer Environmental works with property owners, developers, investors, managers, contractors, and cooperative and condominium boards to resolve the financial, legal, health and insurance challenges created by the presence of mold. The company provides in-house mold training seminars to industry professionals and develops customized mold management plans to reduce cost and risk.

Sitomer and Hogan have more than 50 years of experience in proactively guiding environmental and construction decisions for real estate owners, developers and the nation's leading construction companies. Whether addressing lead, asbestos or mold, they have developed a unified team approach to avoid litigation. "Lawsuits must be viewed as a last resort," said Sitomer.

Combining Hogan's expertise as a chemical engineer and Sitomer's background in managing environmental crises such as the Gramercy Park Consolidated Edison steam pipe explosion, Sitomer Environmental offers a broad base of successful experience in addressing complicated issues.

"Real estate owners, developers, condominium associations, cooperative boards, lenders and contractors face lawsuits, claims and costs as a result of mold mania," said Sitomer. "Thoughtful and informed decisions must be made to avoid health, financial and career risks."

Although there is no clear link uniformly established between mold exposure and resulting illness, the health threat created by mold continues to be debated by scientists and industry professionals. The lack of real evidence of a direct link has created an atmosphere of confusion and fear that can lead to an overreaction.

It is clear that the presence of mold has an immediate impact on asset value and legal responsibility. The regulations, standards and professional requirements that are available when addressing asbestos and many other environmental hazards are not available when dealing with mold, resulting in a much more complicated process.

Sitomer Environmental has established a team of mold professionals that combine expertise in law and engineering to manage mold-related decisions that must be made today to prevent problems tomorrow. The company has even developed moisture control programs for construction managers and general contractors to ensure mold-free projects for new developments and properties under renovation. The firm advises condominium associations, cooperative boards, real estate developers and owners on limiting mold risk and responsibility. If remediation becomes necessary, a Sitomer Environmental team will respond immediately. "We understand how to identify the true risks and have developed real programs to limit them," said Hogan.

Sitomer Environmental Corp. provides mold management consulting services to reduce risk exposure for property owners, developers, investors, managers, contractors and cooperative and condominium boards. The company has offices in New York City and White Plains, N.Y. The law firm of Sitomer & Hogan, LLP specializes in real estate, construction, environmental and public contract law.