Molds are tiny organisms that exist most everywhere in at least microscopic levels. There are over 200,000 different strains of Mold that have been identified, and virtually everyone is exposed to some type of mold every day. Whether we like it or not, Mold is in our homes, our workplaces, and outdoors.
As with humans, Mold requires food sources (such as drywall, paper, wood or any other cellulose material), along with a source of moisture to grow. Mold can grow almost anywhere in a house including, behind walls, in carpeting, and also in air-conditioning ducts. By simply living in our homes, we spread Mold from place to place. For example, sitting in our favorite easy chair, vacuuming a carpet, walking on a carpet, or air blowing through an air conditioning system can be responsible for spreading Mold throughout a house.
Although not all forms of Mold are bad for you, some forms of Mold can be very hazardous to your health and destructive to your property. Mold often exacerbates sinus and asthma conditions, can create rashes, and can cause pulmonary and kidney problems. Toxic mold, such as stachybotrys (also known as "black mold") can threaten the very life of humans and pets.
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According to the Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention, some people are sensitive to molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation when exposed to molds. Some people may have more severe reactions to molds. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Immunocompromised persons and persons with chronic lung diseases like COPD are at increased risk for opportunistic infections and may develop fungal infections in their lungs.
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In a word, absolutely! Certain types of molds will produce poisonous toxins known in mold terminology as mycotoxins. Specific tolerance to mycotoxins varies from person to person. Not all molds produce mycotoxins all the time, and attempting to remove mold by spraying a mildewcide or fungicide will not remove or inactivate the mycotoxins that have already been produced. An adverse reaction can still occur from dead mold or mold spores. In fact, mold spores do not have to be alive to be dangerous to humans and animals. Dead and dormant mold can be just as toxic.
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Bleach has many uses in a home, but it is not really effective at getting rid of mold. Although it does a decent job cleaning mold off of a surface, it does NOT remove the mold that hides in porous materials. The best way to remove mold is by hiring a certified mold remediator.
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Once Mold has been detected it must be safely removed by a Mold Remediator. Mold Remediation is the process of isolating, removing and cleaning any materials found to have fungal contamination. It is also critical for a remediation contractor to identify and remedy the source of the moisture intrusion that caused the Mold in the first place.
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The old adage, "The best defense is a good offense" certainly rings true in the case of indoor air quality. You can minimize mold levels and inhibit future mold growth by correcting the deficiencies that make your property vulnerable. Controlling humidity and temperature levels and proactive maintenance are crucial steps to maintaining a higher level of indoor air quality and protecting your investment.
Florida Mold Consultants offers Storm-Readiness Consultations -- we will perform an inspection and provide a written report detailing the corrective measures we recommend in order to properly defend your home or building against wet and humid Florida weather. You'll save yourself the time, money and hardship endured when you are forced to handle a water-intrusion and/or established mold growth due to lack of preparation.
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A mold inspection is a detailed process that consists of two phases. First, we will visually inspect both the interior and exterior of your property to look for signs of mold and water intrusion, and we will also use the latest in electronic moisture detection tools to find potential mold conditions. Second, we will collect samples from the air (inside and outside the structure) and from surfaces such as floors and walls where mold can grow. The fee for a residential inspection is $350 on properties up to 2000 square feet and 10 cents per each additional square foot. The fee for a commercial inspection is $450 on properties up to 2000 sqaure feet and 10 cents per each additional square foot. The fee for each sample collected is $200 and the number of samples required depends upon the size of the property and the results of the visual inspection.
After the inspection is completed, you will receive a detailed report that shows the results of the visual inspection and the lab analysis of the collected samples. This report will clearly detail the types of mold detected and an action plan for removing mold problems. Although the report includes scientific data about the types of mold detected, the report is easy to read and understand.
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Properly performed and analyzed air samples can identify levels of molds and other pollutants. An outdoor sample is taken for comparison purposes, and indoor samples are collected based upon the conditions and symptoms displayed on a case-by-case basis. Indoor levels of specific molds are compared to the outdoor levels to determine if conditions inside a home or building are causing abnormal mold growth and affecting indoor air quality.
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The direct relationship between the quality of indoor air and the health and well-being of a building's occupants has become a topic of great importance in recent years. Mold, tobacco smoke, dust, asbestos, pesticides, carbon monoxide, and radon are some examples of pollutants that can cause poor indoor air quality. Inadequate ventilation and climate control are also hurdles to healthy indoor air.
Individuals with compromised immune systems, asthma, or respiratory conditions and/or those who spend a great amount of time in a building or home with air quality issues are at particular risk. Symptoms can include ear, nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Long-term exposure has been linked to certain respiratory and heart diseases and specific pollutants have been linked to certain types of cancer.
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Radon is a naturally-occurring odorless and colorless radioactive gas formed by the decay of uranium found in rock and soil. Inhalation of high levels of radon can damage lung tissue, and it is thought to be the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States.
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