What Benefits Do You Get From Mold Removal Services

Molds, although they are microscopic in size, can be felt everywhere – inside and outside your home or office. Mushrooms, yeasts and other fungi are molds and they are responsible for the breaking down dead materials.  Their food sources include wood, leaves, paper, walls, floorings, cabinets, and clothing.  All these are factors that contribute to the mold’s growth and reproduction.

While mold is a natural part of the environment, consuming debris matters and dead plants, no homeowner would want toxic mold inside his home.  Not only that it can cause structural damage to your property, but can also result in symptoms of mold allergy.  When mold is found in your home, it is very likely that there is increased moisture.  Maybe there was natural disaster like typhoon and floods, or you’re not aware of a leak in pipe or roof and gutter.  Or, there was a crack on the foundation.

Some Molds Can Cause a health Concern

There are many types of mold.  Some molds can cause health concerns and should be removed immediately.  If you keep breathing in mold, you can experience health problems that include respiratory ailments, bleeding of the lungs, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and other serious health issues.  All types of molds, once found in your home, should be removed.

Mold Inspection Procedures

At the first sign of mold infestation in your home or workplace, it is important to get help from a mold removal service company.  First, an assessment will be made to confirm your suspicion.  Your premises will be examined, too.  And once it is found that mold is present, the mold remediation team will decide on the right approach to solve your mold problem.   The investigation and assessments done by mold removal Services Company will focus primarily in planning to treat your problem and having the molds removed safely and effectively.

Why Use Professionals

It can really benefit you if you use a mold removal services professional.  You should be provided with information about mold, their types, how to prevent the spread of Mold, how to have mold removed properly , and how to prevent mold from coming back to your home.  You may be advised on matters like improved insulation, air conditioning, ventilation, heating, etc.

You have to Act Fast

So, at the first sign of mold presence, you should act immediately.  Your quick action can protect the people that you love.  Don’t wait too long, because doing this can cause your property to be damaged easily and can cause serious problems on your health and those of others.  You can find these mold experts on the internet, most of them have their own websites offering to you their services with the promise of expertise and excellence.  You need to choose well and intelligently, as all of them will offer you the same thing.
Be sure that the company you are calling specializes in Mold Removal ONLY. You dont want to use a company that does testing and removal. You also want to make sure they are experienced.
ASk questions! Never be afraid to ask to many questions. You need to understand for your own protection

How Much Condensation is on your windows?

Can you draw smiley faces on your windows as outside temperatures drop?


 Condensation is a natural occurrence on all surfaces in the home and is caused by excess humidity in the air. Moisture from hot showers, cooking - even respiration can build up, causing not only condensation but potentially mold and mildew growth or even rot. Be sure to regularly use exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to remove moisture.

 

Asthma Triggers

Asthma Triggers: Gain Control

 

Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors. Indoor allergens and irritants play a significant role in triggering asthma attacks. Triggers are things that can cause asthma symptoms, an episode or attack or make asthma worse. If you have asthma, you may react to just one trigger or you may find that several things act as triggers. Be sure to work with a doctor to identify triggers and develop a treatment plan that includes ways to reduce exposures to your asthma triggers.

Asthma Triggers

MOLD

About mold and asthma

Molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant and animal matter. Molds can be found almost anywhere when moisture is present.

Molds create tiny spores to reproduce, just as plants produce seeds. Mold spores float through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on damp places indoors, they may begin growing.

For people sensitive to molds, inhaling mold spores can trigger an asthma attack.
Actions you can take

• If you think mold could be a problem in your home, you should contact a professional to have the Mold Properly Removed and locate & eliminate sources of moisture.

• Use exhaust fans or open a window in the bathroom and kitchen when showering, cooking or washing dishes.
• Fix water leaks as soon as possible to keep mold from growing.
• Dry damp or wet things completely within one to two days to keep mold from growing.
• Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50% relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers, which are available at local hardware stores.

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DUST MITES

Dust mites are tiny bugs that are too small to see. Every home has dust mites. They feed on human skin flakes and are found in mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, stuffed toys and fabric and fabric-covered items.

Body parts and droppings from dust mites can trigger asthma in individuals with allergies to dust mites. Exposure to dust mites can cause asthma in children who have not previously exhibited asthma symptoms.

Actions you can take

• Wash bedding in hot water once a week. Dry completely.
• Use dust proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
• Vacuum carpets and furniture every week.
• Choose stuffed toys that you can wash. Wash stuffed toys in hot water. Dry completely before your child plays with the toy.

Common house dust may also contain asthma triggers. These simple steps can help:

• Dust often with a damp cloth.
• Vacuum carpet and fabric-covered furniture to reduce dust build-up using a high efficiency (HEPA) filter. People with asthma or allergies should leave the area being vacuumed.

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COCKROACHES and OTHER PESTS

Droppings or body parts of cockroaches and other pests can trigger asthma. Certain proteins are found in cockroach feces and saliva and can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals.

Cockroaches are commonly found in crowded cities and the southern regions of the United States. Cockroach allergens likely play a significant role in asthma in many urban areas.

Actions you can take

• Keep counters, sinks, tables and floors clean and free of clutter.
• Clean dishes, crumbs and spills right away.
• Store food in airtight containers.
• Seal cracks or openings around or inside cabinets.

Insecticides and pesticides are not only toxic to pests — they can harm people too. Try to use pest management methods that pose less of a risk.

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PETS & PET DANDER

Proteins in your pet's skin flakes, urine, feces, saliva and hair can trigger asthma. Dogs, cats, rodents (including hamsters and guinea pigs) and other warm-blooded mammals can trigger asthma in individuals with an allergy to animal dander.

The most effective method to control animal allergens in the home is to not allow animals in the home. If you remove an animal from the home, it is important to thoroughly clean the floors, walls, carpets and upholstered furniture.

Some individuals may find isolation measures to be sufficiently effective. Isolation measures that have been suggested include keeping pets out of the sleeping areas, keeping pets away from upholstered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys, keeping the pet outdoors as much as possible and isolating sensitive individuals from the pet as much as possible.

Actions you can take

• Find another home for your cat or dog.
• Keep pets outside if possible.
• If you have to have a pet inside, keep it out of the bedroom of the person with asthma.
• Keep pets off of your furniture.
• Vacuum carpets and furniture when the person with asthma is not around.

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NITROGEN DIOXIDE


Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is an odorless gas that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat and cause shortness of breath. NO₂ can come from appliances inside your home that burn fuels such as gas, kerosene and wood. NO₂ forms quickly from emissions from cars, trucks and buses, power plants and off-road equipment. Smoke from your stove or fireplace can trigger asthma.

In people with asthma, exposure to low levels of NO₂ may cause increased bronchial reactivity and make young children more susceptible to respiratory infections. Long-term exposure to high levels of NO₂ can lead to chronic bronchitis. Studies show a connection between breathing elevated short-term NO₂ concentrations, and increased visits to emergency departments and hospital admissions for respiratory issues, especially asthma.

Actions you can take

If possible, use fuel-burning appliances that are vented to the outside. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use these appliances.

• Gas cooking stoves: If you have an exhaust fan in the kitchen, use it when you cook. Never use the stove to keep you warm or heat your house.
• Unvented kerosene or gas space heaters: Use the proper fuel and keep the heater adjusted the right way. Open a window slightly or use an exhaust fan when you are using the heater.

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CHEMICAL IRRITANTS


Chemical irritants are found in some products in your house and may trigger asthma. Your asthma or your child's asthma may be worse around products such as cleaners, paints, adhesives, pesticides, cosmetics or air fresheners. Chemical irritants are also present in schools and can be found in commonly used cleaning supplies and educational kits.

Chemical irritants may exacerbate asthma. At sufficient concentrations in the air, many products can trigger a reaction.

Actions you can take

If you find that your asthma or your child's asthma gets worse when you use a certain product, consider trying different products.
If you must use a product, then you should:

• Make sure your child is not around.
• Open windows or doors, or use an exhaust fan.
• Always follow the instructions on the product label.

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OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION


Outdoor air pollution is caused by small particles and ground level ozone that comes from car exhaust, smoke, road dust and factory emissions. Outdoor air quality is also affected by pollen from plants, crops and weeds. Particle pollution can be high any time of year and are higher near busy roads and where people burn wood.

When inhaled, outdoor pollutants and pollen can aggravate the lungs, and can lead to chest pain, coughing, digestive problems, dizziness, fever, lethargy, sneezing, shortness of breath, throat irritation and watery eyes. Outdoor air pollution and pollen may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

Actions you can take

• Monitor the Air Quality Index on your local weather report.
• Know when and where air pollution may be bad.
• Regular exercise is healthy. Check your local air quality to know when to play and when to take it a little easier.
• Schedule outdoor activities at times when the air quality is better. In the summer, this may be in the morning.
• Stay inside with the windows closed on high pollen days and when pollutants are high.
• Use your air conditioner to help filter the air coming into the home. Central air systems are the best.
• Remove indoor plants if they irritate or produce symptoms for you or your family.
• Pay attention to asthma warning signs. If you start to see signs, limit outdoor activity. Be sure to talk about this with your child's

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WOOD SMOKE

Smoke from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces contain a mixture of harmful gases and small particles. Breathing these small particles can cause asthma attacks and severe bronchitis, aggravate heart and lung disease and may increase the likelihood of respiratory illnesses. If you're using a wood stove or fireplace and smell smoke in your home, it probably isn't working as it should.

Actions you can take

• To help reduce smoke, make sure to burn dry wood that has been split, stacked, covered and stored for at least 6 months.
• Have your stove and chimney inspected every year by a certified professional to make sure there are no gaps, cracks, unwanted drafts or to remove dangerous creosote
  build-up.
• If possible, replace your old wood stove with a new, cleaner heating appliance. Newer wood stoves are at least 50% more efficient and pollute 70% less than older models.
  This can help make your home healthier and safer and help cut fuel costs.

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SECOND HAND SMOKE

Secondhand smoke is the smoke from a cigarette, cigar or pipe, and the smoke exhaled by a smoker. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 substances, including several compounds that cause cancer.


Secondhand smoke can trigger asthma episodes and increase the severity of attacks. Secondhand smoke is also a risk factor for new cases of asthma in preschool-aged children. Children's developing bodies make them more susceptible to the effects of secondhand smoke and, due to their small size, they breathe more rapidly than adults, thereby taking in more secondhand smoke. Children receiving high doses of secondhand smoke, such as those with smoking parents, run the greatest relative risk of experiencing damaging health effects.

Actions you can take

• Don't let anyone smoke near your child.
• If you smoke — until you can quit, don't smoke in your home or car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This time of year in the early can remind us of the storms, hurricanes, flooding, etc when mold fungi and/or bacteria can begin to grow. The temperature combined with high relative humidity are ripe for growth in this atmosphere. It is imperative to always stop the source of water intrusion such as leaks, flooding, and controlling moisture to help combat microbiological growth. The longer water stands in a basement or in affected areas of ceilings, wallboard, etc. , it is an opening for mold contamination. The EPA states, "It is best to get to the water and leaks within a 24 to 48 hour time frame to help to prevent growth. If growth has occurred it is best to call in a professional who can conduct water and mold damage, such as providing mold and moisture assessments and detection. A few tips to remember this time of year is to keep gutters clean and free of leaves and debris. Keep downspout drains with extensions away from the foundation. Consider adding window plastic bubbles to keep snow and ice out of the window wells during the winter months.
If you do have a mold issue make sure the company you are calling specializes in Mold. To often I come across inspections that were done by contractors or handymen with out enough knowledge of mold contamination and they create a bigger problem.

Reasons To Test for Mold

 

There are many valid and valuable reasons to perform mold testing. Here are just a few reasons:

• 1. To establish a baseline for future testing. This allows a mold professional to track and evaluate the progress of mold abatement activities. If the current levels are unknown, it is difficult to establish that progress has been made.
• 2. To establish the presence of mold and the justification for remediation. Many remediators and insurance companies will not authorize or undertake mold remediation if the presence of mold growth is not scientifically demonstrated.
• 3. To set the parameters for the remediation. Many remediation companies will not initiate an abatement project without the input of a testing company to define the boundaries of the affected area needing remediation.
• 4. To identify the types of mold present, i.e. "natural" or "toxic". In many cases, residents are interested in the types of mold present and the possible relation to medical symptoms they may be experiencing. Certain mold species may cause serious illness in the elderly, or in infants; people who have weak immune systems due to chemotherapy or AIDS. Testing can assure the indoor environment is free of mold species that may cause infection in susceptible persons.
• 5. To find out the levels present. Although mold is mold, and its presence calls for remediation, it is useful to know if the ambient airborne levels are in a range of thousands, or hundreds of thousands. For example, this may affect decisions regarding the timeliness of remediation, and the continued occupancy of the premises.
• 6. To find "hidden mold". Mold growth may often not be visible in a house, but known water intrusion or a moldy odor provides cause for concern. Testing will identify if there is a mold problem, even when there is no visible mold growth.
• 7. To "clear" a remediation, that is, to show that all mold is gone after remediation. Often, mold remediation will miss a mold-contaminated area. Testing of the air in the contained work area will assure that the levels inside the work area are reduced to ambient levels. This also provides documentation for future real estate transfers that the mold was properly and effectively removed.
• 8. To "establish" the lack of mold, as in a home purchase. Sometimes a homebuyer will have concerns about mold when purchasing a new home. This may be as a result of a bad experience with mold in their previous residence. Mold testing can provide the peace of mind that there are no problems with elevated airborne mold in the new house.
• 9. To show that a flood has not yet created mold growth. Floods in homes and offices can occur due to breaks in plumbing lines, or failure of plumbing fixtures. After the cleanup and drying, it is useful to test for mold to assure occupants that mold has not grown as a result of the flooding.
• 10. To support a legal case. A lawyer or plaintiff usually needs to have objective evidence of the presence or absence of mold and mold exposure to support a legal action. Testing can show scientifically that mold was, or was not, present.

Myths and Facts About Black Mold

 

Myth #1: There is only one type of black mold, and it’s very bad.

Fact: In actuality, there are a lot of moulds that look black. The type of black mold that made the news years ago, associated with a lot of ill health effects, was called Stachybotrys (pronounced ‘stack-ee-bot-riss’). However, there are a ton of other molds that look black, and are fairly common and generally not of concern. The take-home message here is that not all black molds are ‘bad’.

Leaking roofs can cause major problems

 

Leaking roofs can cause major problems

 

                                                 

    

If your home has a leaky roof, it can open the door to a number of problems inside a home.One of the most hazardous side effects of this moisture accumulation is the growth of mold. When mold takes root inside a home, it can cause a number of serious health problems.

Roof leaks can be very noticeable as dark streaks on the boards that form the underside of the roof frame. They can be attributed to multiple causes. Leaks can start when shingles wear out with age and tear or curl up at the corners. Cracks in the sealing around chimneys or damaged flashing covering seams in the roof can also be culprits.

Replacing old roofing material with new material and fixing any cracks or holes can go a long way to stopping existing leaks and preventing new ones from springing up. An experienced licensed professional roofer can help homeowners to get the job done right.

Mold can forms if moisture accumulates in a spot over a period of time. It can turn up virtually anywhere inside your house where moisture is present including wood, paper and carpet.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to mold can cause or aggravate serious health problems such as allergies, asthma and other respiratory ailments. The EPA recommends that homeowners enact several moisture control measures to curtail the presence of mold in their homes.

These moisture control measures include:

• Fix the source of leaks and seepage inside and outside the home.
• Cover all dirt in crawlspaces with a plastic covering.
• Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to vent moisture outside.
• Run dehumidifiers and air conditioners to reduce moisture in the air.

Excess moisture can not only form mold, but it can cause structural damage to the walls, floors and roof of a home if nothing is done to stop it from collecting.
If the accumulation of mold is severe, it is a good idea for a homeowner to hire a professional Certified Mold Inspection or Remediation company to Remediate the mold. Make sure the company you contact specializes in Mold to prevent cross contamination. After the remediation is complete you will want to have a clearance test done by a 3rd party testing company to make sure that there are no longer any mold spores in the air.