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Prevention & FAQs
Indoor mold growth can be prevented by controlling moisture and humidity levels indoors. The following may prevent or reduce indoor allergens and mold growth:
1. Repair water intrusion and leaks ASAP.
2. Provide good air circulation
3. All HVAC systems should have a good electrostatic filter on the return.
4. Use bathroom, kitchen and laundry room exhaust fans.
5. Proper insulation and ventilation of attics and crawl space areas.
6. Maintain a indoor humidity level of 30-60 %.
7. Clean, dry, and remove items that have been damaged by water immediately.
What is Mold
Mold is a sub group of the fungi kingdom .The exact amount of mold types to exist is unknown. Estimates range from 10,000 to 100,000 different species. References to mold have always been present in the human environments, it is mentioned as far back as the Bible in Leviticus chapter 14: 39-47 “ On the seventh day the priest shall return to inspect the house if the mildew has spread on the walls, he is to order that the contaminated stones be torn out and thrown into an unclean place on the outside of the town. If the mold reappears the house must be torn down.”
Mold is a part of natures recycling system and plays a important role in the breaking down of materials such as plants, leaves, wood and other organic matter. Without mold we would be buried in plant decay. Mold can be found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors and in the warmest and coldest climates.
Mold needs four key ingredients to grow, oxygen, food source [organic materials high in cellulous content such as sheetrock, ceiling tiles and wood], temperature, and moisture. Mold can live in cool and warm climates but most thrive in the 50 F to 80 F making your home a perfect place to live. The most important ingediant that is not always present in our indoor environment is moisture. Moisture is the key to mold growth. Moisture can enter our homes in a number of different ways, roof leaks, plumbing leaks, damp basements or crawl spaces and high humidity are some of the ways water enters our home.
Mold and Health
Mold has the potential to cause numerous health related problems and even make a home uninhabitable. Due to mold spores small size 5 – 30microns, it makes them impossible to see with the human eye, but very easy to inhale or ingested. Every one is affected differently when in contact with mold. It may affect some and note others. Three are three categories of mold when dealing with health they are Toxic, Pathogenic and Allergenic.
Toxic – Produces a mycotoxin which is a potentially toxic chemical to human and animal. Some are mycotoxins have the same properties found in biological warfare agents.
Pathogenic – Effects those who are already immune compromised. This includes but is not limited to : cancer patients, pregnant women, small children with undeveloped immune systems, people with heart disease and others who suffer from illness.
Allergenic - One that may affect some people and not others with exposure even in small amounts. Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. People diagnosed with allergies and asthma may be very sensitive to all three types of mold.
With exposure mold may cause the following:
1. Itching or irritation of the nose, eyes, throat or skin.
2. Mysterious skin rashes.
3. Sinus infections or congestion/ sinusitis{ runny nose]
4. Respiratory problems [ sneezing and coughing]
5. Upper or lower respiratory infections
6. Fatigue
7. Frequent headaches
8. Trouble concentrating, memory, lapses, confusion.
9. Mood swings, anxiety, depression.
10. Digestive problems.
How can someone be exposed to mold?
1. Breathing in the spores from the air
2. Skin contact from handling an item with mold on it.
3. Eating with out properly washing hands after handling a moldy object.
Protect your home and family contact Eason Mold Services Today.
Where can mold be found in my home?
Mold can be found in many areas of the home. Most of the time it appears in moist areas as little dark circles or thread like white objects. It is usually accompanied with a musty odor. Mold begins to grow indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet and damp. Mold will not grow without moisture. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hrs to prevent mold growth.
Listed below are some common places mold can be found inside the home:
1. Attics- usually due to improper ventilation.
2. Basements- water follows the path of least resistance.
3. Bathrooms- Leaky showers and tubs, behind toilets and around bath vanities.
4. Exhaust fan- improperly vented or lack of.
5. Crawl space- poor ventilation.
6. Kitchen – under sinks, leaky dishwasher/refrigerator.
7. Living area- wallboard/carpet
8. HVAC system and ductwork.
If you notice any musty odors or see visual mold growth contact EMS today and have peace of mind that your indoor environment is safe for you and your family.[ link contact us]
FAQ
Why is mold such a concern now?
A better understanding with the medical community of which symptoms can actually be attributed to exposure to certain types of mold. Expanded land usage and development into areas which are conductive to mold growth. A better understanding of construction methods and what processes faster mold growth.
What is Mold?
Mold is a generic name for over 100,000 different species of fungus. Molds exhibit hundreds of different colors and textures. Molds reproduce by releasing spores- regenerative cells surrounded by very tough coating that can survive detergents, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
What is “Toxic Mold”, “Black Mold” ?
Many types of molds produce chemicals during their normal growth that are considered to be toxins or poisons. These molds, especially certain kinds that appear to strongly affect human health, have been given the name “toxic mold”. However, doctors and scientists generally do not accept this term because it has not been clearly defined.
Does the presence of mold indoors always result in sickness?
NO, those who have mold allergies or asthma may be affected. People with severely compromised immune systems area at risk of developing internal fungal infections, if they are exposed to air born mold spores. But many without asthma or allergy aliments will fell no ill effects from mold. However, there are a growing number of case studies that suggest mold may contribute to non specific symptoms such as long-term respiratory damage, chronic headaches and nausea, and possibly neurological damage in certain individuals.
Currently, none of these claims have been linked to mold by acceptable scientific research. But in the majority of these cases, mold has been suspected because doctors have not been able to offer a suitable alternative explanation.
Can I buy a test kit and test my home myself?
Test kits are available from hardware stores and are inexpensive. The problem with during so is that mold is everywhere, inside homes, cars, clothes, etc. I can open one of these test kits and grow mold anywhere. This may give you false-positive/false-negative results which can be detrimental to your health and well being. The standards and protocols that are followed and the experience of a certified mold inspector will help you ensure that the information that is received from testing can be used to correct your problem. The bottom line is, if you have a situation regarding mold that is of concern enough to consider testing it should be of concern enough to use a professional.
Can I clean up mold myself?
Many considerations must be examined before attempting to self-clean mold. Improper removal of large mold infestations can disturb the mold and cause the release of large amounts of excess spores and toxic chemicals into the air. The amount of visible mold, the health of all the occupants and future occupants, and the source of the mold must be examined. These are only a few factors t be considered. If you have concerns about mold in your home it is best to seek a professional.
Can I use chemicals to kill mold?
Certain chemicals called biocides, which kill living molds are available. However biocides are poisons and if used incorrectly they can be more harmful than the mold itself. Also, dead mold spores can still contain spores and irritating chemicals and can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma attacks. Mold must be removed, not just killed.
Can’t I use bleach to clean it up?
NO! DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEACH TO KILL MOLD! IT IS DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH AND IS INEFFECTIVE AGAINST KILLING MOLD! Bleach does not kill mold it merely bleaches it- meaning that it takes away the color. Bleach does kill bacteria and viruses, but has not been proven effective in killing molds. Bleach itself is 99% water. 50 % loss in killing power in the first 90 days inside a never opened container. The ionic structure of bleach prevents chlorine from penetrating into porous materials. Chlorine Bleach is not registered with the EPA as a disinfectant to kill mold. Chlorine is a key component of DIOXIN which is found to be the most toxic synthetic chemical know to man. Chlorine bleach off gases for a period of time making it extremely harmful to humans and animals.
In the event that fungal contamination is determined within a dwelling, a professional investigation is essential to thoroughly evaluate the occupant space and determine appropriate clean up measures.
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