Mold Cleaning Tips

Jun 21, 2018 by

Mold Cleaning Tips

The first step in solving an indoor mold problem is stopping the source of moisture. Next is to remove the mold growth. Here are the most common remedies for small occurrences of mold.

Sunlight
Ventilation
Use non-porous building materials
Household cleansers and/or bleach

Image: Protect yourself with gloves and mask when cleaning away mold.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. (This is for common mold or mildew, NOT toxic mold! In order to determine what type of mold you have, it is strongly advised to first have the proper sampling and laboratory testing performed by a qualified company before cleaning mold yourself.)

Warning: Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes can be produced, making the cure worse than the problem.

Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.

If you plan to be inside the building for a while or you plan to clean up mold, you should buy an N95 mask at your local home supply store and wear it while in the building. Make certain that you follow instructions on the package for fitting the mask tightly to your face. If you go back into the building for a short time and are not cleaning up mold, you do not need to wear an N95 mask.

If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it free by calling the EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse at (800) 438-4318, or by going to the EPA web site at https://www.epa.gov/mold.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product. Remember to protect your hands, eyes and lungs using rubber gloves, eye wear and a mask.

It is usually recommended that larger areas of 10 sq. ft. or more should be removed by a professional in mold cleanup. If possible, discard any building materials saturated by the water or already having visible mold growth.

Who should ask for microbial air testing?

Those who suspect a mold infestation – The Mold Patrol Testing Unit should be contacted if you suspect that you may have a problem with mold in your home or building.

All home owners and potential home buyers should be interested to know what kind of indoor air quality is in place.

Offices, schools, cottages, hospitals, clinics, gyms and other indoor area should be tested for mold problems.

Precautionary Measure – Whether or not you are aware of a mold problem in your home or building, air testing can be performed as a precautionary measure. Leave the Investigating to the professionals. Disturbance of a mold infested area can lead to a release of spores into the air that can cause serious illnesses.

“Now is the time to find out, before the occupants become sick.”

Resource: Printable Version of a Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home

Next: Mold Prevention Tips

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Symptoms of Toxic Mold Illness

Jun 18, 2018 by

Symptoms of Toxic Mold Illness

Human bodies can tolerate molds and mycotoxins in small quantities, but common molds are a very common allergen. Because exposure to mycotoxins is relatively rare, allergic effects are more common than toxic effects, but flooding such as is caused by hurricanes or other storms have led to some serious dangers from Mycotoxin, or what is commonly called Black Mold or Toxic Mold.

Image: Mold toxins can cause flu-like symptoms, especially in children and people with allergies.

Stachybotrys mold spores are toxic because they produce a poisonous substance called mycotoxin. When these spores are inhaled they can cause many unpleasant, and even very serious, symptoms and conditions.

The health effects of mycotoxin exposure are different from allergic reactions to mold spores. Toxic effects can include flu-like symptoms, respiratory problems, headaches, memory and cognitive problems, and skin irritation.

Another and more dangerous health threat from mold exposure is systemic fungal infection. Individuals with compromised immune systems, exposed to high levels of mold, or possibly individuals with chronic exposure paired with mycotoxic exposure may become infected. Sinuses and digestic tract infections are most common. Lung and skin infections are also possible.

Systemic fungal infection can be a serious health problem. Alcohol and mycotoxin production may result from the fungal growth, leading to a myriad of symptoms. Sudden food allergies and digestive problems can mislead diagnosis. Treatment can be long-term (many years).

Systemic infection may be of the environmental mold itself, or by other common food-related molds consumed under an weakend immune system. A weakened immune system may also result in other opportunistic infections, for example bacterial infection.

Environmental illnesses can be difficult for healthcare practitioners to diagnose. Because those who are living in houses comntaminated by the mold generally can’t smell the mildewy odor, they tend to be in denial that the problem exists.

MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF TOXIC MOLD EXPOSURE

Symptoms of black mold or toxic mold exposure may not seem life threatening at the onset. Over time more serious illnesses may develop.

People with chronic illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs. Mycotoxin poisoning by the Stachybotrys fungus is called stachybotryotoxicosis.

A few of the possible symptoms of mold allergy:
Nasal Congestion
Irritation of the eyes
Inflammation of the sinuses
Irritation of the skin
Breathlessness
Headache
Runny nose
Fatigue
Cough
Sore throat
Hoarseness

MORE SERIOUS SYMPTOMS
You may develop a skin rash.
Flu like symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, fever, headaches, abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur.
Can induce serious respiratory problems.
May cause wheezing or shortness or breath.
Inflammation of the ear
Bleeding Lungs
Nose Bleeds
Memory Loss
Arthralgia ( Pain in the joints without swelling )

Below Are A Few News Items About this Problem

Asthma from Mold Exposure in Infancy. “Recent studies have confirmed what scientists have suspected for years: that asthma is an immune system reaction to dust, pollution and other allergens [e.g., airborne mold spores] in the environment, which trigger spasms and tightening of the airways of some people who also have a genetic predisposition. Now they’re zeroing in on the genetic vulnerability. The new thinking is that asthma isn’t simply a matter of having the wrong genes. Instead, at some point in early childhood, or possibly in the womb, an event takes place that turns a person into a lifetime asthmatic. Scientists think the fetus or infant is somehow exposed to a critical dose of pollutants that cause the immune system to overreact, permanently narrowing the airways and making them more sensitive to irritants. It might be possible to inoculate children against the condition before this even occurs, preventing asthma entirely.”—from “Waiting to Inhale,” NEWSWEEK, March 14, 2005.

“Fungi are also being recognized more frequently as a factor in chronic sinusitis, and the importance of fungi in the pathogenesis of chronic sinusitis is a subject of increasing research interest.”—“A Practical Approach to the Patient with Sinusitis” on Medscape, November, 2005.

Deadly Tsunami and Hurricane Fungal Infections. Survivors of the Asian tsunami could be at risk of the deadly fungal infection Mucormycosis, Australian researchers said on Jan. 28, 2005. Doctors at Sydney’s St George Hospital treated the Mucormycosis infection in an Australian man who was injured in the disaster. Doctors fear it could be the first case of many. This fungal disease is caused by the Mucor mold species, which is a very common mold species that readily grows in water-damaged buildings worldwide, and which is commonly found in the soil and in decaying vegetation. Mucormycosis affects the sinuses, brain, lungs, skin and kidneys. People with immune disorders are more susceptible to the infection.

Coccidioides immitis mold [the cause of widespread “Valley Fever” in the southwestern USA desert cities] is on the U.S. Dept. of Human Service list of biological agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public health and safety, and that can potentially be utilized by terrorists to infect and kill Americans.

Next : Who Is Most Vulnerable to Illness from Molds

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How to Find Indoor Mold

Jun 18, 2018 by

How to Find Indoor Mold

Indoor Molds can be found just about anywhere, but most often they are found indoors on or around plumbing fixtures like sinks, tubs, toilets, showers, air-conditioning systems and water-heaters. It is also quite commonly found near points such as roof leaks, improperly sealed windows, foundation slab cracks, unsealed concrete foundations, cracks in siding and plumbing leaks. It can also be found, as in the picture at the left, behind wallboard or flooring, especially in humid climates or when insulation is lacking.

Image: A lot of mold was hidden behind these sheetrock panels, invisibly but negatively affecting the health of everyone living there.

Checking for Hidden Mold

Carpeting that has been water damage or is exposed to high levels of humidity is prone to mold growth. You can detect mold by lifting a small section of the carpeting away from the floor and looking for.

Get down to floor level – look under bathroom and kitchen cabinets in spaces that are not easily seen.

Open up wall cavities in the kitchen and bathroom to check for mold growth.

Air conditioners and furnaces need to be thoroughly inspected for stagnant water and serviced regularly. Furnace duct systems should also be thoroughly cleaned regularly.

Mold colors may be white, gray, black, brown, yellow or greenish, or a combination of these. Colonies of mold may appear cottony, velvety, granular, leathery and glassy.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR MOLD

Around and under plumbing fixtures:
sinks
tubs
toilets
showers
air-conditioners
heating systems
water-heaters

Places leaks from outside are likely:
uninsulated outside walls
improperly sealed windows
cracks in siding
roof eaves
concrete slab cracks
unsealed building foundations

Q. If you do have mold, do you need to call a professional?

A. Not necessarily, it depends on the type(s) of mold and how much has grown. If you have less than 10 square feet of molds that are strictly a Type I Allergen these may be usually be cleaned up and kept at bay using a soapy or 25% bleach and water solution. If, however, the mold is Toxic, the services of a professional remediation company should be acquired.

Next : How Mold Gets There

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How Mold Gets There

Jun 18, 2018 by

How Mold Gets There

Mold is an necessary part of our ecosystem. It aids the decomposition of many organic substances necessary to plant, animal and human life. Molds multiply by producing spores which then circulate in the air. When the spore finds a moist surface it sticks to it and begins to grow into mold. Indoors, those airborne mold spores can cause serious health problems for people.

Image: Mold can hide in your home.

Mold spores can enter a household through open doorways, windows, heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning units. They attach themselves to your clothing and can even be brought in by pets. When they find the right conditions they grow and contaminate the air in your home.

Mold requires just two things for life and growth: there must be a source of water and a surface to which it can cling. Mold can be found just about anywhere, but indoors it is most often found on or around plumbing fixtures like sinks, tubs, toilets, showers, air-conditioning systems and water-heaters.

Many common building materials such as drywall, wood, carpets, and carpet padding are suitable surfaces for mold growth, and mold is often found near points where water can collect, such as roof leaks, improperly sealed windows, foundation slab cracks, unsealed concrete foundations, cracks in siding and plumbing leaks. Beyond leaks and floods, with normal life moisture collects in our homes from showering and cooking, damp basement floors, even just from breathing.

Many experts agree that mold at least in some form is pretty much everywhere, but it is never healthy to live with mold. Current thinking is that mold-related health problems are related not only to the amount and types of mold but also the length of mold exposure.

If you have a moist basement, then you know you have mold. If you smell a moldy odor, then you know you have mold! The odor of mold indicates there are thousands of live mold spores floating in the air. These spores may be breathed in and cause illness, or aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions.

No matter what type of mold you have, it is unhealthy and you need to get rid of it. The next page will help you find it.

Mold is an necessary part of our ecosystem. It aids the decomposition of many organic substances necessary to plant, animal and human life. Molds multiply by producing spores which then circulate in the air. When the spore finds a moist surface it sticks to it and begins to grow into mold. Indoors, those airborne mold spores can cause serious health problems for people.

Mold spores can enter a household through open doorways, windows, heating systems, ventilation and air conditioning units. They attach themselves to your clothing and can even be brought in by pets. When they find the right conditions they grow and contaminate the air in your home.

Mold requires just two things for life and growth: there must be a source of water and a surface to which it can cling. Mold can be found just about anywhere, but indoors it is most often found on or around plumbing fixtures like sinks, tubs, toilets, showers, air-conditioning systems and water-heaters.

Many common building materials such as drywall, wood, carpets, and carpet padding are suitable surfaces for mold growth, and mold is often found near points where water can collect, such as roof leaks, improperly sealed windows, foundation slab cracks, unsealed concrete foundations, cracks in siding and plumbing leaks. Beyond leaks and floods, with normal life moisture collects in our homes from showering and cooking, damp basement floors, even just from breathing.

Many experts agree that mold at least in some form is pretty much everywhere, but it is never healthy to live with mold. Current thinking is that mold-related health problems are related not only to the amount and types of mold but also the length of mold exposure.

If you have a moist basement, then you know you have mold. If you smell a moldy odor, then you know you have mold! The odor of mold indicates there are thousands of live mold spores floating in the air. These spores may be breathed in and cause illness, or aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions.

No matter what type of mold you have, it is unhealthy and you need to get rid of it. The next page will help you find it.

Next : Types of Mold and the Harm They Cause

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What Is Mold?

Jun 7, 2018 by

What Is Mold?

The term mold is the common name that refers to any growing fungus. This includes fungi such as mushrooms and yeasts. When found on clothing or other household goods, it is often referred to as mildew.

Image: Mold in house walls.

Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Molds are everywhere in nature, but mold spores in your home, a common component of household dust, can make you, your family members, and/or your pets very sick. And because mold is so common, and the spores are too small to be seen with the naked eye, they are often missed when you and your doctor search for the cause of illness.

Molds typically grow in buildings affected by water damage and have been found in homes, hospitals, schools, and office buildings. It is estimated that about 50 to l00 common indoor mold types have the potential for creating health problems. Exposure to mold has been identified as a potential cause of many health problems including asthma, sinusitis, and infections. It is also believed that molds play a major role in cases of sick building syndrome and related illnesses.

Mold colors may be white, gray, black, brown, yellow or greenish, or a combination of these. Colonies of mold may appear cottony, velvety, granular, leathery and glassy.

“Toxic Mold” is often used to refer to these indoor air quality problems caused by mold spores. Mold-related illness can strike anyone, but at particular high risk are:

Infants
Pregnant women
Elderly people
Asthma suffers
Diabetics
Those who already have respiratory disorders
People with disorders which compromise the immune system
Some Common Mold-Related Symptoms:
Allergic reactions
Asthma attacks
Increased susceptibility to colds and flu
Sinus infections
Under the right conditions, some species of molds generate molecular compounds called mycotoxins. In large quantities or with chronic exposure, mycotoxins can be toxic to humans or animals, causing allergies or even death. We will discuss this in detain on later pages…

Next : History of Mold and Man

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