Additional Information for Total Mold Solutions

In September 2020, BBB contacted this firm concerning advertising claims on its website and LinkedIn page.

Many of these claims relate to environmental benefits and include the following statements:

“We use only organic and ultra-green products to ensure safety and satisfaction,"  "..environmentally friendly..,"  "Non-Toxic / No Harsh Chemicals,"  "Safe for All Humans and Pets," "EPA Approved," "We are a certified indoor air quality mold removal company with our customer’s health and safety as our number one priority,"  “Tests are analyzed by certified independent laboratory,” and "100% Biodegradable."

According to the BBB Code of Advertising, advertisers should not make broad, unqualified general environmental benefit claims like “green,” “eco-friendly,” "100% Biodegradable," or “non-toxic.”  Advertisers must qualify general claims with specific environmental benefits and must possess competent and reliable evidence (often scientific evidence) to support all environmental benefit claims. Qualifications for any claim must be clear, conspicuous, and understandable and any specific benefits must be significant. The company declined to provide the requested substantiation to BBB or to add this evidence to its advertising as requested.

The company’s website includes the following claims:

 "Household mold is the leading cause of health problems in America. A recent study by the CDC states that up to 80% of health problems and deaths can be directly blamed on the air we breathe.”  "Mold in your home may increase symptoms of asthma, COPD, bronchitis, sinus inflammation, allergies and other lung ailments, even if you can’t see it! Itching or irritation of the eyes, nose throat and skin, Skin rash, Sinus infections, or congestion/runny nose, Sneezing/Coughing, Upper or lower respiratory infections, Fatigue, Frequent headaches, Trouble concentrating, memory lapses, confusion, Mood swings, anxiety, depression, Chronic aches & pains, Digestive problems, Long term memory loss." 

The primary responsibility for truthful and non-deceptive advertising rests with the advertiser. Advertisers should be prepared to substantiate any objective claims made before publication or broadcast. Upon request, they should present such substantiation promptly to the advertising medium or BBB. The company declined to provide the requested substantiation for these claims to BBB.

Claims on the company’s website state "Why risk your family's health by treating mold with harsh chemicals?  We don't!," and "No Collateral Damage (As Can Happen With Other Products)." The website includes a comparison chart that indicates the company has an "EPA Approved Treatment" and "The Competition" does not.  

The BBB Code of Advertising states that advertisers must not deceptively or falsely disparage a competitor or competing products or services in their advertising. All comparisons that claim or imply, unqualifiedly, superiority to competitive products or services should not be based on a selected or limited list of characteristics in which the advertiser excels while ignoring those in which the competitor excels. The advertisement must clearly and conspicuously disclose any material or significant limitations of the comparison and the advertiser must be able to  substantiate all claims made. The company declined to provide the requested substantiation for these claims to BBB.

The company offers a "Lowest Price Guarantee."  This claim implies that its prices are the least expensive compared to others. According to the BBB Code of Advertising, this is a claim that can be tested and proven true or false. However, because it is impossible to keep a constant and up-to-date tally of all prices from all competitors, BBB suggested a change of wording to “Will meet or beat a lower price” with any material conditions which apply, including what evidence a consumer must present to take advantage of the offer. The company declined to modify the claim.

Statements on its website indicate that the company’s services are "Guaranteed" and have a "Lifetime Transferable Guarantee." When using the term guarantee, an advertiser should clearly and conspicuously include a statement that the complete details can be seen prior to sale or service. These details should disclose any material limitations on the guarantee, including the intended meaning of the term lifetime. BBB suggested that the company add a link to its terms. To date, this information has not been made available to consumers on the company’s website.

According to the Code of Advertising, claims relating to performance, energy savings, safety, efficacy or results for a product or service should be based on recent and competent testing or other objective data.  BBB requested that the company provide substantiation for the claims "Elimination of ANY Organic Odors (i.e. smoke, pets, food or any natural odor)," "We treat mold with our organic plant-based enzyme that naturally feeds on mold," and "Nature’s secret for eliminating mold has now been discovered!" The company declined to provide the requested substantiation.