The subject of black mold gathered a lot of attention in the late 1990’s. Up to that time, little attention had been given to this topic and there were few government regulations regarding black mold.
According to the US EPA from their on-line course (http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcourse/index.html), molds are organisms that may be found indoors and outdoors. They are part of the natural environment and play an important role in the environment by breaking down and digesting organic material, such as dead leaves. Also called fungi or mildew, molds are neither plants nor animals; they are part of the kingdom Fungi.
Evidence of mold in the home can be either visual or by odor, and evidence of an indoor mold problem typically starts with
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These factors include the degree or size of the mold colonies growing within a residence, where they are located, and factors such as whether a person is allergic to any particular type of mold. The more extensive the mold colony is, the higher the dose to which you or a member of your family is exposed. Where one person may have a severe reaction to a particular type of mold, another person may have little or no reaction. Black mold has received the greater concern as some studies have revealed more severe health effects when exposed to black mold.
The most effective response to mold is to first remove the source of moisture. Any water leaks, such as roof or plumbing, should be repaired as soon as possible. In some cases, fans are needed to help dry the affected areas. Once these areas are dry, mold spores can be cleaned using a bleach mixture or other cleaning compounds containing biocides specific to addressing mold contamination. It is important to remember that personal protection should be used when cleaning mold contamination to prevent breathing in or ingesting mold spores. It is also important to note that any recurrence of water intrusion into a home or building will likely result in return of the mold.
If there is a repeated or even a single exposure to mold, this may cause even non-sensitive people to become sensitive to mold. Allergic
The aforementioned case studies demonstrate the hidden and potential deadly effects of mold exposure. In Dripping Springs, Texas, a vibrant man (Ron) became essentially handicapped from exposure and inhalation of the deadly mycotoxins in the mold spores. In Cleveland, Ohio, toxic mold is responsible for the hospitalization of thirty infants and claimed the lives of four children. Mold is a serious public health concern that must be addressed through public education. Personnel must recognize and identify the potential signs and symptoms of toxic mold. For example, Stachybotrys (black mold) is a dark green almost black slimy mold that causes severe health problems, such as; respiratory issues, pulmonary hemosiderosis, asthma attacks, and memory
As an experienced mold remediation company our team understands that mold outbreaks can cause some serious health issues and costly property damage. That's why our IICRC backed mold experts work hard to identify and eliminate mold throughout your home and
First of all, you have to determine where the mold occurred, so that you can deduce where the blame lies. You have to consider your regular routine, and the conditions in said places that may have facilitated exposure to harmful breeds of mold. Here are a few examples of places where mold may have occurred, along with some of the probable guilty parties:
It is crucial that you form a plan to get rid of the black mold problem that you have in your home as soon as you can. Because black mold is toxic it is vital that you go about doing this correct way, as this essentially means that you need to take the proper safety precautions as well as take the time to be especially thorough with your cleaning methodology. Before you do anything it is first a smart move to get a hold of the necessary safety equipment. A pair of gloves, safety goggles, a respiratory mask, and some kind of outer protection for your body are the necessary pieces of gear that you are going to need if you don't want to be adversely affected by both the mold spores, and the cleaning agents you will be using.
When many microorganisms reproduce, it can lead to organic compounds that irritate the respiratory tract and the eyes. Mold spores come with a certain allergenic nature that can normally be lumped into a term called hyphae. However, most researchers believe the allergic reactions mold spores can cause are short-term. Where the truly controversial health concern presents itself is at mycotoxins that mold can produce. This poisons people in mold infested
Young children, the elderly, and people with existing immune or respiratory system problems are particularly vulnerable. You and your family may also experience allergy-like symptoms such as itchy eyes or frequent coughing and sneezing. Calling BioSweep of the Gulf Coast for mold remediation as soon as you notice any of these symptoms is an important step to making your home safe and comfortable once
When a tenant does notify you that there is mold in the property you should act immediately to protect yourself from liability. You should arrange to visit the property to review the mold and then call a mold remediation company who can advise you on how best to tackle the issue. Not only will they provide you with advice on how best to deal with the mold that has already developed but they will advise you on how best to prevent it from coming back. This is an invaluable service to a property owner who is looking to keep their property in good condition.
Because black mold usually grows in dark, isolated places, it may develop into a serious problem before we discover it. Roof leaks and water stains on ceilings can cause mold to develop and grow. Warped walls or peeling paint can signal a mildew presence inside walls.
As stated above mold can be highly dangerous. Though not all mold can make you ill, it is very common to have some symptoms. These range from just sneezing to closed off air pipes. When you hire a professional for your mold removal you take your self out of harms way. The mold experts have all the proper materials needs so they dont come in contact with the mold. They also have the knowledge to know which mold is the worst and how to handle it.
The main concern behind most types of mold is respiratory health and can be especially dangerous to individuals with pre existing respiratory illnesses and also childs, kids and teenagers still in the developmental phases. Troubles breathing, coughing and sore throats are all basic effects mold can have on the body including other allergy type symptoms such as nasal irritation causing sneezing, runny or stuffy noses. Mold also opens people up to becoming more susceptible to fungal infections with can be deadly. Long term exposure to black mold can cause more severe reactions such as nausea, vomiting and bleeding and chances are at the point it has already damaged the house too. Water is often the main catalyst in the growth of mold as it is often all a mold spore needs to reproduce. Water covers the majority of the earth, makes up the majority organic compounds and is essential to life. It is in the air we breathe, the houses we live in and can be hard to control. It can form on windows, pipes and many other materials when the conditions are right and this often goes unchecked. Pipes can drip water from spots we generally don't even see to begin with into even harder spots to reach. Water can also travel in the form of steam and condensation into the smallest nooks and crannies of a house. It can soak into carpets, drywall and other porous materials that will
Prolonged exposure to mold may require extensive medical treatment, and some deaths have been reported due to exposure to mold. Infants are especially susceptible to health effects due to their developing immune systems; excessive exposure increases the probability of developing respiratory problems during their first year. Individuals who are sensitive or who have allergies, asthma or compromised immune systems are much more likely to experience heath issues such as inflammatory and toxic reactions to mold spores. If you or someone you know has been exposed to mold and are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call our office
I began my mold evaluation by assessing the size of mold zone areas. In my walkthrough inspection I identified mold growing from several visible locations throughout the library where the roof leaks when it rains heavily; in the children’s section, the back office, and in the adult fiction room. The visible mold I saw in these locations was mostly confined to a 4 feet zone around the celling openings. The carpeted areas were protected from water after the fact as buckets were placed underneath to collect water and prevent it from soaking the floor. As I removed some of the surrounding ceiling tiles near the leak I discovered dark black mold cultures growing on the celling in six inch discolored patches hidden behind the acoustical ceiling tiles. The mold cultures there harbored an unpleasant musky odor.
Molds can be found roughly everywhere on the planet as long as the two most basic life requirements are available, moisture and oxygen. When too much moisture is available mold growth will take place, especially if the moisture is not controlled. Eliminating all molds and mold spores is nearly impossible, but it can be controlled and is supported by the Clean Air Act.
Yes, mold is essential to the well being of our environment and without it, we would not have life saving antibiotics like penicillin that would exist and scrumptious soft cheeses like brie would not be here for us to spread on pieces of toasted french bread that compliment our favorite glass of wine. Mold is necessary for the break down and decomposition for all of natures organic matter, which helps recycle nutrients as well as gets rid of the build up of decaying matter and allows new vegetation to grow. Mold does a lot of good for our planet but unfortunately, it can also cause a lot of harm, especially if it begins to grow and spread undetected in your home.
The information gathered in this experiment may be relevant to those individuals who contend with food borne molds at home, or professionally. Because the rate of mold growth can vary depending