by Mold-B-Gone | May 23, 2023 | Killing Mold, Mold Removal
Mold is a common problem in several areas of the country. Yet, Atlanta’s humidity and heat mean that you may be more likely to suffer from this infestation. Let’s explore whether humidifiers are a viable solution to this pressing problem.
What Is A Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier can help combat mold growth. Ultimately, dehumidifiers, as the name suggests, pull moisture from the air. This leads to a drier environment within the home.
So to answer the question, “Can a dehumidifier kill mold growth?” is yes and no. Indirectly, it prevents the habitat that mold loves to grow in. That being said, it won’t be enough to get rid of mold if it’s already taken hold. So you should always have professionals come out for mold removal in Atlanta.
How Does Mold Grow?
Aside from understanding “Will a dehumidifier kill mold”, and mites and fleas for that matter, let’s talk about the mechanism that allows mold to grow.
Mold loves moist, dark, damp environments. That’s why sinks, faucets, and other places in your home where there is water make an excellent mold habitat. Additionally, mold grows on paper, fabrics, cardboard, drywall, and paint.
And once it gets hold in your home, it can range from annoying to downright deadly.
How To Get Rid Of Mold
While you could try to install a dehumidifier and use some homemade methods, it’s best to have mold remediation done. Professional mold removal services kill the mold at its source so that it stops spreading.
After all, it’s very contagious, and once spores take hold, they tend to spread to other areas of your house — causing damage and health hazards.
Choosing A Mold Removal Company
When looking for the right removal services, ask them if they have insurance in place. Proper mold removal companies have insurance to guarantee their work for your protection.
Additionally, they should come out for inspection to properly assess the right method to use. And finally, look for a good online rating from other satisfied customers. This lets you know that you’re dealing with high integrity professionals with proven results.
Will Running A Dehumidifier Kill Mold? Summary
Contact Mold-B-Gone and get a free inspection. We’ll assess your property to see where mold is currently and potentially might be growing in the future. Then, we use state-of-the-art techniques and tools to remove the mold once and for all.
You deserve a clean, safe home. So reach out today and protect your property with expert guidance. After all, your house should be your refuge. And you shouldn’t have to ask questions like “Will a dehumidifier kill mold spores” ever again.
by Mold-B-Gone | May 2, 2022 | Mold Removal
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow almost anywhere there is moisture and organic material. It can cause health problems in people who are allergic to it, and it can also damage property. If you have mold growing in your home, you may be wondering if bleach is an effective way to treat it. In this blog post, we will explore the effectiveness of bleach at treating mold and provide some tips for preventing mold growth.
Does Bleach Kill Mold?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Bleach can kill mold on hard surfaces, such as tile and glass. However, bleach does not kill mold spores on porous surfaces, such as wood and drywall. The reason for this is that bleach only kills the mold spores on the surface of the material. It does not penetrate into porous materials to kill the roots of the mold. As a result, mold can quickly regrow on treated surfaces if they are not properly cleaned and dried afterward.
So, while bleach can be effective at killing mold on some surfaces, it is not a complete solution for mold removal. If you have mold growing in your home, you should contact a professional Mold Remediation company to have it removed.
Preventing Mold Growth
The best way to deal with mold is to prevent it from growing in the first place. There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of mold growth in your home:
- Keep indoor humidity levels low, ideally between 30 and 50 percent. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner if necessary.
- Fix any leaks in your plumbing or roof as soon as possible.
- Ventilate damp areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Use an exhaust fan or open a window when cooking, showering, or doing laundry.
- Use mold-resistant products when remodeling or building new construction. Materials such as drywall, paint, and carpet that are labeled “mold-resistant” can help to prevent mold growth.
Need basement-specific ideas? Read 10 Tips to Prevent Basement Mold.
Following these tips, you can help to prevent mold from growing in your home. However, if you already have mold growing in your home, it is best to contact a professional Mold Remediation company to have it removed. Bleach can be effective at treating mold on some surfaces, but it is not a complete solution for mold removal. Taking steps to prevent mold growth is the best way to keep your home healthy and free of this damaging fungus.
Contact us today if you need mold cleaning service in Atlanta. We are here to help! Visit our website or give us a call.
by Mold-B-Gone | Dec 15, 2021 | Mold Information, Mold Removal
Mold and mildew are two words that people often interchange with one another. They are used to describe the growth of fungi on organic material, but they have some key differences. Both can be harmful to your health if you come into contact with them or breathe in spores they release into the air, but they require different approaches. Here’s what you need to know about mold vs. mildew.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moist, damp places. It thrives on organic material with weakened cell walls to break down and absorb nutrients from its surroundings. Mold can grow practically anywhere indoors where there’s plenty of moisture, including concrete, wood floors, drywall or sheetrock, countertops, or tiles made of stone or cement, fabrics like carpeting, and upholstery materials.
What Is Mildew?
What’s the difference between mold and mildew? Like mold spores floating through the air see an opportunity to attach themselves to surfaces, they come into contact with when it gets wet enough for them to flourish in your home. They smell musty but usually don’t release harmful toxins unless you breathe in their spores, which cause infections similar to other fungal diseases such as Valley Fever and Ringworm.
How to Get Rid of Mold and Mildew?
Both types of fungi can be removed with a gentle scrubbing action using soap, water, and elbow grease to strip away the spores attached to surfaces so they don’t spread or grow back. You may need special tools like brushes or mops if mold has grown into porous areas such as drywall which you cannot clean by hand.
For fabrics like drapes and carpeting that hold on to mildew smells even after cleaning, try adding some baking soda for more thorough deodorizing power before laundering them again in hot water since cold washing won’t remove stubborn odors caused by mildew residue left behind on fibers.
Is DIY Mold and Mildew Cleaning Safe?
If you are worried about the safety of cleaning mold and mildew yourself, don’t! Instead, turn to the professionals at Mold-B-Gone for mold cleaning services in Atlanta. We have the experience and know-how to safely remove these harmful fungi from your home without exposing you or your family members to dangerous spores. Contact us today for a consultation or to learn more about the processes and cleaning solutions we use!
Ready to learn more? Read: Top 10 Reasons You Need to Be Aware of Mold!
by Mold-B-Gone | Nov 6, 2021 | Mold Removal
Did you know that mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, including wood, drywall, concrete, and even plastic? Mold is typically found in areas with high moisture levels, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Due to its unpleasant nature and potential health risks, you’ll want to clean mold off your walls when you find it. Here is a step-by-step guide to going DIY with getting mold off a wall.
If you have been struggling to remove mold from your walls yourself or if the problem has grown out of control, then it might be time to turn to our mold cleaning service in Atlanta.
How to Remove Mold From Your Walls
The first step is to clear the area around the wall. Mold spores will latch on to anything they can, so if you get them on your furniture or rugs, they will take root. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, cover it. Everything you can move, push to the other side of the room.
Next, try cleaning the wall with an antimicrobial solution. With certain types of mold, this will get the job done. Then, you clean up the area, put things back in place, and wait to see if this address your mold problem.
If the mold returns, you need to dig deeper. Use coarse-grit sandpaper to strip off all of the paint around the moldy area. Then wipe down the drywall using soapy water and an antimicrobial solution. Finally, spray it with disinfectant before letting everything air out. Once it dries, you can repaint.
Need a little more guidance? Read: What Can I Do If I Have Mold In My Apartment?
What if the Mold Keeps Coming Back?
Mold doesn’t like light and air. If you can get these two things into the affected area, mold will have a hard time growing there again after it is removed completely. You also might need to cut a hole into your wall to clean behind the drywall.
If this sounds too complicated, let us help! We come equipped with everything we need so you don’t have to worry about how to remove mold from wood, drywall, concrete, and more. We are your experts in mold removal as well as Commercial Mold Removal in Atlanta.
by Eric Brown | May 22, 2019 | 37 Symptoms Associated With Mold Illness, Can Black Mold Poison You?, Can Mold Kill?, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), Commercial Mold Remediation, Commercial Mold Removal, Health, Homeowner Tips, How Toxic Is Mold?, Indoor Air Quality, Killing Mold, Mold and Asthma, Mold and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Mold and Depression, Mold and Genes, Mold and Infants, Mold and Multiple Sclerosis, Mold and Parkinson's Disease, Mold and Pregnant Women, Mold and Sids, Mold and Sinusitis, Mold Facts, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Removal, Mold Removal Alpharetta GA, Mold Removal Atlanta GA, Property Damage Restoration, Questions and Answers, Stachybotrys Black Mold
The Link Between Genes and Mold Illness!
The Link Between Genes and Mold Illness!
Mold B Gone specializes in helping mold sensitized individuals.
One of the questions we are often asked is why do some people get sick from mold and other’s do not?
One of the biggest challenges faced by people sick from mold is the fact that doctors, friends, and other family members dismiss their symptoms simply because they do not get sick when exposed to mold.
Many victims of mold sickness are labelled as hypochondriacs and are accused of not being sick at all.
This is tragic because many people that get sick have no control over their sickness because their bodies have a genetic predisposition to mold illness.
The other major problem with mold illness is the fact that there are so many symptoms, 37, associated with it, meaning it is difficult for physicians to pinpoint the cause.
This article explains how your genes impact mold illness and what you can do if you suspect that you suffer from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
Legal Challenges Faced By Mold Sensitized Individuals
Legal Challenges Faced By Mold Sensitized Individuals
Sickness from mold has been around for decades.
Victims of mold have tried to plea their cases in the courts seeking compensation for the health damages caused by poorly maintained homes and buildings that had water damage and mold.
Unfortunately, many of the plaintiffs lost their battle because the courts did not believe that mold actually makes people sick.
Despite this, data from thousands of contractors working with occupants of water-damaged buildings documented the health challenges that many mold sensitized individuals faced.
According to Erik Johnson, a mold expert and survivor, it was not until the 1990s, that the World Health Organization, acknowledged that “Sick Building Syndrome” could be caused by toxic mold.
Moving forward, finally, it seems that there is greater recognition that mold is in fact the cause of sickness for many. In 2015, the MOLDY documentary featured health professionals and people who have suffered mental and physical health issues after living in moldy homes. This was a ground breaking documentary because it brought the issue of mold and sickness to a much broader audience, thereby creating significant awareness of this issue.
In a presentation at the PLR Expo in Toronto, Canada, in 2015, CEO of Wonder Makers Environmental, Michael Pinto presented “12 Future Trends In The Restoration Industry“.
One of the most notable trends he cites is a “A Tighter Connection Between Medicine and Environment“.
Pinto cites new diagnosing techniques to identify the illness, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) (detailed below), which legitimizes the tie between Water Damaged Buildings (WDB) and sickness. Research has identified a genetic component to this condition (explained below), a screening test (VCS), and most importantly, a treatment regimen.
Other trends Pinto believes demonstrate the important ties between medicine and the environment include the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) which is a scientific test that analyzes dust samples for 36 mold species. This test provides base information to identify CIRS because 26 of the mold species are considered to be water damage indicators.
This test is important because one sample can be analyzed to identify the extent of water damage in the building that could make someone susceptible to CIRS sick. Importantly, this test will provide an ERMI score, ie. a HERTSMI-2 score that can be given to physicians and will help them assess whether a building will make their patient sick.
Because of the growing medical awareness and the fact that there are now medical tests and drugs to diagnose and treat mold illness, Pinto believes that one of the other consequences of this acknowledgement will be a “More Active Justice System” where plaintiffs will now be able to get compensation because they now have science to back up their claims.
25% Of People Have A Genetic Predisposition to Mold Illness
25% Of People Have A Genetic Predisposition to Mold Illness
The most interesting aspect of the research on the effect that Sick Building Syndrome has on patients pertains to genetics. One of the biggest problems with mold sickness is that it impacts everyone differently. Some may experience minor allergies, and other health conditions like asthma and chronic sinusitis, while other mold sensitized patients may suffer severe illnesses.
One physician documented the health symptoms of 227 patients that lived in water damaged buildings during a three year period. What this doctor found was that 98% of his patients had one of the gene types where their immune systems were not able to effectively deal with contaminants from water damaged buildings.
As stated by Pinto:
“In layman’s terms, two different genes have been isolated, which keep some people’s immune systems from functioning properly when they have been exposed to contaminants from water-damaged buildings. Instead of properly identifying and eliminating the foreign invader, those body defense mechanisms increase the problem. When viewed with a basic understanding of genetic distributions, this research made it clear that up to a quarter of the population (25%) is at increased risk from exposure to water-damaged buildings.“
This research is very significant because it demonstrates that up to 25% of the population has a genetic pre-disposition that makes them more susceptible to mold illness and the condition known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
Because of this research, the scientific community and legal system is now taking much greater notice because diagnostic tests, lab tests and treatment tools are being developed to help these patients.
37 Health Conditions Associated With CIRS!
37 Health Conditions Associated With CIRS!
Listed below are the 37 symptoms associated with CIRS.
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Aches
- Muscle Cramps
- Unusual Pain
- Ice Pick Pain
- Headache
- Light Sensitivity
- Red Eyes
- Blurred Vision
- Tearing
- Sinus Problems
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Abdominal Pain
- Diarrhea
- Joint Pain
- Morning Stiffness
- Memory Issues
- Focus/Concentration Issues
- Word Recollection Issues
- Decreased Learning of New Knowledge
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Skin Sensitivity
- Mood Swings
- Appetite Swings
- Sweats (especially night sweats)
- Temperature Regulation or Dysregulation Problems
- Excessive Thirst
- Increased Urination
- Static Shocks
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Vertigo
- Metallic Taste
- Tremors
According to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, CIRS is:
“an accute and chronic, systemic inflammatory response syndrome acquired following exposure to the interior environment of a water-damaged building with resident toxigenic organisms, including, but not limited to fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes and mycobacteria as well as inflammagens such as endotoxins, beta glucans, hemolysins, proteinases, mannans, c-type lectins and possibly spirocyclic drimanes, plus volatile ogranic compounds.“
For 75% of the population, when exposed to biotoxins caused by mold, the individuals immune system responds by binding with the invading poison that allows its cells to filter the biotoxins through the liver, kidneys, and other organs. In contrast, 25% of the population that have the genetic susceptibility to mold illness get sick because their bodies immune system does not bind to the biotoxin, meaning it is not eliminated and therefore continues to circulate, causing the many symptoms, documented below.
The “C” in CIRS refers to the term “Chronic” because individuals that are exposed to poisons from mold are unable to eliminate the toxins from their body, resulting in on-going and escalating sickness, particularly if the person is continually exposed to mold. This is the primary reason that the first priority of medical practitioners treating mold sensitized patients is to begin the detox process which also must coincide with movement away from the building that is constantly exposing the person to the toxins.
The “I” in CIRS refers to the term “Inflammatory” because the constant exposure to the toxins creates a cycle of sickness, meaning the individual’s immune system is constantly trying to fight the toxins, leading to inflammation.
The “R” in CIRS refers to “Response” because the human body is designed to respond to invading toxins. In the case of patients suffering from mold sickness, the immune system is constantly trying to fight the toxins causing a stress on the complete immune system of the individual, which in turn leads to other health conditions.
As stated by Pinto, the “S” in CIRS refers to “Syndrome” because:
“The symptoms are a result of many factors, including external exposures and internal responses. The contaminants from water-damaged buildings should trigger the activation of an immune response, but some people’s genetic structure does not allow the proper recognition of the biotoxin. Since this combination of circumstances inhibits the clearance of the poison from the body, these harmful substances continue to circulate and create continual damage. With such individuals there is no linear dose/response relationship, meaning that even trivial exposures can create severe problems.“
Is CIRS Life Threatening?
Is CIRS Life Threatening?
The major problem that individuals with CIRS face is their bodies immune systems become severely compromised and weakened from the vicious cycle of invading poison, immune response, and inflammation.
The end result is many of their bodies systems are damaged leading to a wide range of health conditions, some life threatening.
For this reason, many mold survivors have reported that they have abandoned the primary residence that initially made them sick; instead, seeking shelter in trailer parks, and very dry areas, with desert like conditions where moisture is limited. These drastic measures were taken by these individuals because their bodies have become so sensitized to mold that even minor exposure triggers severe reactions.
Fortunately, the continued research on mold sickness is creating hope because treatments have developed that help individuals detox and eliminate the poisons, followed by rebuilding the immune system so that it regains strength.
Do You Suspect You Have A Mold Illness?
Do You Suspect You Have A Mold Illness?
The core problem with CIRS is the fact that there are so many symptoms associated with the condition.
Are you constantly seeking medical attention?
Have you been feeling sick for an extended period of time?
If you think you may be sick because of mold, review the mold sensitized interviews to gather more information.
The next step is to verify that you actually have a bio-toxin illness caused by mold, meaning you should get your home tested for mold.
Then seek out an environmental physician who can properly diagnose, determine if you have a genetic pre-disposition to mold illness, and most importantly begin treatment so your body can properly detox.
If you are diagnosed with mold illness, your physician may request that you leave your home for awhile during the detox process.
During this period, we advise that you get all the mold removed from your home, your contents cleaned, and a thorough cleaning of your HVAC system to prevent the spread of mold spores after the remediation is complete.
Got Mold Questions?
Questions? Need help? We are mold removal experts. We understand the needs of mold sensitized individuals and will make sure that your mold concerns are dealt with effectively, backing our work with our guarantee! Call 470-545-4467 or send us an e-mail. Mold B Gone looks forward to serving you!
by Eric Brown | Apr 11, 2019 | black mold removal Atlanta, black mold removal Georgia, Crawl Space Vapor Barrier, Crawlspace Mold, Health, Homeowner Tips, Indoor Air Quality, Mold Information, Mold Inspection, Mold Remediation, Mold Removal, Mold Removal Alpharetta GA, Mold Removal Atlanta GA
Got Mold In Your Crawlspace?
Here Are The Top 3 Reasons Mold Grows!
Crawlspaces are the ideal environment for mold to thrive.
Most crawlspaces are dark, dirty, and humid. Bugs like to live in there. They’re vented to the outside air in the summer (and in the winter if you neglect to close your vents) which can be very humid and this defeats the purpose of venting.
Mold is a fungus that requires moisture and high humidity to grow and thrive.
Like plants, mold has cells. However, unlike a plant that has chlorophyll and able to makes it’s food through photosynthesis, mold can not feed without moisture.
Mold reproduces by releasing it’s spores, this is mold’s survival mechanism.
In addition to moisture, mold also requires the right temperature of 41 degrees fahrenheit up to 100 degrees fahrenheit, common in Atlanta, Georgia and the South.
The final ingredient mold needs to thrive is food: high cellulose materials such as paper and wood, drywall, wallpaper, carpet, ceiling tiles, dust, and dirt.
If you want to know more about mold, then read: 10 Facts About Mold.
Now that you understand why mold grows in your crawlspace, the remainder of this article will list and explain the top three reasons why you have moisture in your crawlspace and what you can do to fix the humidity issues.
How To Measure The Relative Humidity Of Your Crawlspace!
The easiest way to determine the relative humidity of your crawlspace is to use a hygrometer or you could install a digital thermo-hygrometer with a remote sensor to track it.
If the relative humidity is greater than 50% this could cause moisture issues that leads to mold.
Mold will begin to grow at 50%, and will thrive when the humidity is greater than 70%.
The key to ensuring that your crawlspace does not become a source of mold is to figure out how to control the humidity.
Listed below are the top three reasons your crawlspace has high humidity.
#1 Water Accumulation!
If your crawlspace has standing water, you probably have a drainage problem or a plumbing leak. This needs to be fixed immediately.
You do not want water to accumulate in your crawlspace because this will compound your potential mold problems, not to mention as mold grows it will impact the indoor air quality of your home and health.
#2 Moisture Evaporating From The Ground!
When homes are built with crawl spaces, most builders neglect to cover the ground, meaning that the crawlspace is covered with dirt.
Dirt has moisture and as the moisture evaporates, it will increase the humidity in your crawlspace.
Unfortunately, this is a common problem in Atlanta, Georgia, and other southern states. To prevent moisture from evaporating from the ground, the easiest solution is to cover it up with a vapor barrier during crawlspace encapsulation.
#3 Outdoor Air Coming In Through The Crawlspace Vents!
The third reason your crawlspace could have moisture issues is through the vents.
When you bring outdoor air into the crawlspace, the relative humidity can increase.
Cool air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air, so the air that enters is now closer to its saturation point, referred to as the dew point.
It might be 60% relative humidity outside, relative to a temperature of 90 degrees fahrenheit, but when that air enters the crawlspace and cools down to 75 degrees fahrenheit, the relative humidity jumps up to 95%.
In the past, we were told that crawlspaces needed to be ventilated. Now, however, we are learning that crawlspaces need to be treated almost as if they were living spaces.
Fixing Your Crawlspace Humidity and Mold Problems
If your crawlspace is vented and the relative humidity is high, you need to fix the problems. It is not as simple as installing a dehumidifier either.
If you have water accumulation, the source of the water must be addressed. If it is a plumbing issue, fix the leak. If the problem is caused by drainage, this must be fixed as well.
If the problem relates to moisture evaporating from the ground or outdoor air coming into your vents, this can be fixed with crawlspace encapsulation in Atlanta, GA.
Mold-B-Gone Remediation, LLC specializes in drying out damp crawlspaces and turning them into dry, healthy foundations for your home.
Our dry-space crawlspace system includes the following:
- Thorough cleaning of the crawlspace, including mold removal and prevention.
- Installation of a wall-to-wall guide, durable, 14 mil vapor barrier.
- Attachment of the vapor barrier over ground and up sidewalls to 6 inches below floor joists.
“The end result is an energy-efficient, healthy home.
To know more about crawlspace, read our blogs: Is Your Crawl Space Contaminating Your Indoor Air?, Why Do Crawl Spaces Need A Vapor Barrier?
Got Crawlspace Mold Questions?
Got Crawlspace Mold Questions?
If you are concerned about humidity in your crawlspace and/or mold issues, call 470-545-4467 or send us an e-mail. We look forward to serving you! 🙂
