by Eric Brown | May 19, 2016 | Can Mold Kill?, Crawlspace Mold, Dead Mold Spores, Health, How Toxic Is Mold?, Indoor Air Quality, Killing Mold, Mold and Asthma, Mold Facts, Mold Information, Mold Inspection, Mold Remediation, Mold Removal, Questions and Answers, Stachybotrys Black Mold, Toxic Mold
Atlanta Crawlspace Mold Removal, Mold Prevention, and Encapsulation Experts!
Atlanta Crawlspace Mold Removal, Mold Prevention, and Encapsulation Experts!
Top 3 Questions About Crawl Space Humidity
What’s the threshold humidity level for mold growth?
When the relative humidity of your crawl space is 70% or higher, mold can thrive.
“Relative” humidity is the humidity level expressed in a percentage of the amount of moisture in the air needed for “saturation” (i.e. the highest level of humidity – 100%).
The amount of water the air can hold (humidity level) is dependent upon the temperature of the air itself.
When the humidity level begins to creep up past 70% relative humidity, this provides the perfect environment for mold growth!
I’m seeing condensation. What does that mean?
Condensation is an indication that the air within your crawl space has reached 100%.
The air can no longer hold the moisture and it’s condensing onto the surfaces, causing the organic materials that make up your crawl space to become damp, which will result in mold growth.
How do I know when the humidity in my crawl space is at a dangerous level?
A hygrometer is a device used to measure the humidity of indoor air.
Using this tool to measure the humidity of your crawl space is a great way to monitor the amount of moisture present.
A thermo-hygrometer measures both temperature and humidity level.
These devices are even more ideal for crawl space atmosphere monitoring because the relative humidity level is contingent upon the moisture in the air in relation to the air’s temperature.
Being able to track the changes in both of these conditions in your crawl space will allow you to see trends and anticipate necessary changes.
For instance, if the weather is hot during the day but the temperature plummets at night, this can cause problems for your crawl space’s humidity levels.
The daytime temperature is higher, which allows the air to hold more moisture.
As night approaches and the air cools, the amount of moisture the air can hold also decreases – causing the relative humidity level to rise.
A crawl space that was at a permissible humidity level during the day can run into problems when night falls.
Being able to see these changes on your thermo-hygrometer can help you identify these types of trends so that you can respond appropriately.
Keep in mind that properly insulating your crawl space and installing vapor barriers will help regulate the temperature and keep moisture levels down, resulting in less fluctuations in the air’s relative humidity.
Humidity Levels In Your Crawlspace Affect The Rest Of Your Home
Having unconditioned air below your living spaces makes the whole house harder to heat and cool as well as provide the perfect damp setting for mold spores to breed.
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. In other words, areas that are in contact with your living space affect your living space. So if you have a crawlspace, what solution is available?
Mold-B-Gone Remediation, LLC can help you dry out the dampest crawlspaces and turn them into drier, healthier foundations for your home that aren’t breeding grounds for mold spores.
Crawlspace Solutions
Turning crawlspaces into dry spaces!
Our Dry-space technique combines the following:
- A thorough cleaning of the space, including mold remediation.
- 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.
Crawlspace Encapsulation (Before and After Photos)
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The result is an energy efficient, healthy home. Mold-B-Gone Remediation, LLC’s dry space methods described above not only helps mold-proof your home, but the combination of these methods will make it more energy efficient and comfortable. For more information on our crawlspace solutions, contact us today.
by Eric Brown | Apr 15, 2016 | Air Conditioning, Attic Mold, Basement Mold, Beware Of Mold When Buying A Home, Bleach and Mold, Can Black Mold Poison You?, Can Mold Kill?, Christmas Tree Mold, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), Crawlspace Mold, Dead Mold Spores, Flood Clean Up, Health, How Toxic Is Mold?, Indoor Air Quality, Killing Mold, Mold and Asthma, Mold and Depression, 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 In Apartment, Mold In The Bible, Mold Information, Mold Inspection, Mold Remediation, Mold Removal, Mold Removal Cost, Mold Risk During Renovation, Mold Sensitized Success Story, Questions and Answers, Sewer Backup, Sippy Cup Mold, Stachybotrys Black Mold, Top 15 Mold Prevention Tips, Toxic Mold, Water Damage Restoration
The Ultimate Mold Education Resource
The Ultimate Mold Education Resource
The goal of Mold B Gone is to educate our customers about mold. We strongly believe that an educated and informed consumer can make better decisions when they have concerns about mold.
Included in this article are 36 links to articles that will help you learn about mold.
Please bookmark this page because we will update it with new articles as they are researched and published.
If you have questions about mold removal, crawl space mold removal and encapsulation, other services we offer, and/or our 1 year up to 25 year guarantee, call us, 678-697-6267, or send us an e-mail. We look forward to serving you. 🙂
Mold Facts and Information (7 Articles)
Mold Facts and Information (7 Articles)
Priests were the equivalent of today’s mold inspectors. This article lists the three passages cited in Leviticus. Learn more!
Mold Fact 1: The Key Ingredient Mold Needs To Thrive Is Moisture. There are 9 more mold facts explained in this article. What do you think they are?
Top 4 Reasons Mold Grows In Your Attic! The purpose of this article is to explain why mold grows in your attic and prevention tips.
Top 3 Reasons Your Crawlspace Has High Humidity. This article explains why your crawlspace is humid, why this leads to mold and how you can fix the problem!
Steps Residents Can Take If They Have Mold In Their Apartment! This article explains what you can do if you find mold in your apartment. Learn more!
Top 10 Reasons Mold Is Scary!
Here are the top 10 reasons we believe that mold is scary. Enjoy!
This article provides you with information to help you determine if you have a mold problem and explains what you should and should not do if you do find mold.
Black Mold (2 Articles)
Black Mold (2 Articles)
Recently a news article featured a woman who believes that she was poisoned by toxic black stachybotrys mold. This article explores this topic further!
Stachybotrys is considered the king of molds because exposure to this toxic black mold causes 15 serious health conditions. Learn more!
Mold and Health (13 Articles)
Mold and Health (13 Articles)
Wondering if you are sensitive to mold? This article explains how to determine if you are mold sensitized, seeking treatment, and the next two steps to health!
This article explains why mold can be toxic, listing 10 specific health conditions. Learn more!
Potential Health Complications Mold Exposure Has On Pregnant Women and Infants! Questions answered about SIDS, asthma, miscarriage, and pulmonary hemorrhage.
This article article explains why mold grows on sippy cups, why it could make your child sick, and how you should properly clean the sippy cup!
Mold Remediation Improves Health! This article explains why, citing an interview with Jack and Helen Graham, a Mold Sensitized Success Story!
Could Some People Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis Actually Be Suffering From Mold Sickness? This article explains how and why. Learn more!
One in Three people get sick from their Christmas tree. This article explains why and what you can do to feel better. Learn more.
Why Do Some People Get Sick From Mold And Others Do Not? This article explains why 1 in 4 people have a genetic predisposition to mold illness.
This article explains why many suffering from CIRS are diagnosed with depression caused by mold. Both scientific and anectodal data are cited. Learn more!
Does Mold Cause Parkinson’s Disease? The purpose of this article is to explain why and how mold could be a possible cause of Parkinson’s Disease.
Top 3 Reasons Mold Sickness Is A Hidden Epidemic! You could be sick from mold and not even know it. This article explains why mold is a hidden epidemic!
37 million Americans suffer from sinusitis. Cause? This article lists the top 10 stats and facts citing MAYO clinic research that believes mold is the cause!
According to the CDC, rates of asthma among children in Georgia is 3% above the national average. Is mold a factor? This article cites stats and research!
Water Damage and Mold (4 Articles)
Water Damage and Mold (4 Articles)
Concerned about sewer backups? This article explains what causes sewers to backup and how you can prevent this from happening. Learn more!
Flood and water damage not only disrupts your life but can also be hazardous to your health! This article explains the top 3 hazards and prevention measures!
A flooded home or business is always a stressful situation. This blog provides you with the 3 steps required to reduce flood damage and most importantly, mold!
Water damage restoration restores a property to pre-loss condition after a flood. Check out the top 3 facts. Hint: Mold is not the only concern.
Mold Inspection and Prevention (7 Articles)
Mold Inspection and Prevention (7 Articles)
Mold growth can be prevented. This article list the top 15 mold prevention tips, to help you live in a mold free home.
Top 3 Reasons A Mold Inspection Is Essential! This article explains why you should submit an offer to purchase, subject to a home AND mold inspection!
Home improvement is an American tradition. But, did you know that 6 out of 10 homes could have mold? Renovating can cause serious problems. Learn more!
If you are concerned about mold in your basement or your basement was recently flooded, implement these 10 tips to prevent mold growth. Learn more!
If you or someone in your family suffers more frequently from colds or flus and you are not sure why, the cause could be poor indoor air quality. Learn more!
The purpose of this article is to explain how you air conditioner could be a source of mold contamination making you sick and what you can do to fix it.
Wonder what happens during a mold inspection? This article answers all your questions, listing the top 4 actions taken by reputable inspectors.
Mold Removal (3 Articles)
Mold Removal (3 Articles)
Have a mold concern, wondering what it will cost to remove? This article provides you with a detailed explanation of how mold removal cost is determined!
Mold sprays, bleach, biocides, and fungicides are an ineffective “short cut” to mold removal. Killing mold is not the answer! This article explains why.
Mold Removal Is Referred To As Mold Remediation Because Professionals Follow These 8 Steps. This article explains the steps and why you need to hire a pro!
by Eric Brown | Mar 11, 2016 | Health, Indoor Air Quality, Mold and Asthma, Mold and Infants, Mold and Pregnant Women, Mold and Sids, Mold Facts, Mold Information, Questions and Answers, Sippy Cup Mold, Stachybotrys Black Mold, Toxic Mold
Potential Health Complications Mold Exposure Has On Pregnant Women and Infants!
Potential Health Complications Mold Exposure Has On Pregnant Women and Infants!
There has been much talk in the news about mold being found in sippy cups, which can have an impact on your child’s health.
The purpose of this article is to explore the issue of mold further by examining it’s health impact on infants and pregnancy, specifically looking at the potential issues that black mold can have.
Is There A Link Between Pulmonary Hemorrhage and Black Mold With Infants?
According to the Centers for Disease Control pulmonary hemorrhage, bleeding in the lungs, is quite common amongst premature infants.
Researchers speculate that toxic effects from the black mold, stachybotrys chartarum, also known as stachybotrys atra, can also contribute to this condition, often accompanied by pulmonary edema, which is the swelling of the lungs.
Researchers believe that the bleeding in the lungs is caused by mold because it produces airborne toxins that weaken tiny blood vessels in infants just as their lungs begin growing at a rapid pace.
Other health problems linked to mold include croup, pneumonia and bronchitis in infants.
Can Asthma Begin In The Womb?
In an earlier article, we explained the link between mold and asthma and it was stated that mold is particularly harmful to children who are exposed to asthma at an early age. Asthma, in short, is linked to the environment and may not be dominated by genetic factors.
Some researchers are now concluding that asthma and other allergies actually begin during pregnancy, in the womb. They believe that asthma may be caused by triggers in the environment, such as black mold because it attacks the respiratory system.
What Is The Link Between Mold and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?
There is some speculation that SIDS may be caused by the mold, scopulariopsis brevicaulis. The effects of this mold were documented in a New Zealand study that speculated that environmental poisoning may be the cause of SIDS.
The theory and research is based on the fact that mattresses made for infants contain three chemicals. Phosphorous is used in the mattress cover; arsenic and antimony are added as preservatives and fire retardants. The problem occurs when the mattresses get wet.
Researchers theorize that when the mattress gets wet from moisture caused by sweat, spitting on, etc. then the common household fungus, scopulariopsis brevicaulis, begins to grow in the mattress. When this occurs, the mold begins to consume these three chemicals, resulting in the production of three nerve gasses: phosphine, arsine, and stibine, which can be very deadly, especially to infants.
To prevent this from happening, the researchers recommend the following:
- Cover the top, all sides and most of the underside of the mattress with a polyethylene sheeting that is at least 5 mil thick and free of phosphorus, arsenic and antimony. Leave several venting holes on the underside of the mattress cover so that the gas can escape.
- Use fleecy pure cotton mattress cover over the polyethylene sheeting and tuck it in securely.
- Make the bed using pure cotton sheets and blankets.
- Do not use any of the following as baby bedding: sheepskin, moisture-resistant mattress protector, acrylic under blanket, sleeping bag or duvet.
- Clean mattress covers by wiping with pure soap and water. Do not use chemical bleaches or sterilizers.
What Is The Link Between Mold and Miscarriage?
To date, the evidence linking mold with miscarriage or birth defects is primarily anecdotal, ie. there are stories of women being exposed to mold during pregnancy and suffering. According to MBL Laboratories, there is no conclusive evidence that exposure to molds such as Stachybotrys or Aspergillus can cause pregnancy loss. The number one reason that there is no conclusive evidence is that it is very difficult to do clinical trials on a pregnant woman. In short, it would be highly unethical to purposely expose a pregnant woman to high levels of mold spores.
Of the three types of mold–allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic–it is believed that toxic mold, like stachybotrys, could harm the pregnant woman and possibly the baby growing inside. This conclusion is reasonable considering the growing evidence that black mold causes significant health problems.
Despite the lack of research studies on pregnant women, there have been some studies on animals. Animal studies using mice indicate that mold toxins can disrupt fetal development. For instance, oral ingestion of contaminated feed or partially purified toxin of stachybotrys chartarum was shown to cause a decrease in the number of pregnant mice; an increased frequency in dead, resorbed or stunted fetuses; and decreased average litter size. This evidence is not conclusive, but it does show that mold could be harmful.
Mold Exposure Is Not Safe For Pregnant Women and Infants!
Despite the fact that much of the evidence related to the harm that mold can have on pregnant women, the unborn child, and newly born infants is anecdotal, it does not mean that exposure to mold is safe.
Inhaled in large quantities, toxic molds like stachybotrys will cause health problems. The people at greatest risk of health effects associated with mold exposure are those with respiratory conditions, allergies, asthma, and sinusitis, as well as infants and children, elderly people, individuals with a weakened immune system and pregnant women.
If you have just found out that you are pregnant, or begin worrying about mold, you should get your home or workplace tested for mold. Do not as a pregnant woman, attempt to remove the mold yourself, the less exposure you have, the better. Start off your pregnancy in a mold-free environment, it’s better to be safe than sorry. For your baby’s health, it is also important to keep your house mold-free after birth.
If you are unsure if you have mold, hire Mold B Gone to do a mold inspection and air quality tests to measure the spore count inside of the home. If you do have mold, then first fix the source of moisture which is causing the mold, then have it removed.
Questions? Call us, 678-697-6267, or send us an e-mail. We look forward to serving you! 🙂
Is Mold Dangerous To Pregnant Women and Infants Infographic
Is Mold Dangerous To Pregnant Women and Infants Infographic
Does Mold Affect Pregnant Women and Infants? Potential Health Complications Mold Exposure Has On Pregnant Women and Infants! Questions answered about SIDS, asthma, miscarriage, and pulmonary hemorrhage.
Posted by Mold-B-Gone Remediation, LLC on Friday, March 11, 2016
by Eric Brown | Feb 12, 2016 | Air Conditioning, Beware Of Mold When Buying A Home, Can Black Mold Poison You?, Can Mold Kill?, Crawlspace Mold, Health, Indoor Air Quality, Mold Facts, Mold Information, Mold Inspection, Mold Remediation, Mold Removal, Mold Removal Cost, Mold Sensitized Success Story, Questions and Answers, Stachybotrys Black Mold, Toxic Mold
Interview With Jack and Helen Graham: Mold Sensitized Success Story
Interview With Jack and Helen Graham: Mold Sensitized Success Story
For the past four years, I suffered from upper and lower digestive issues, extreme fatigue, and weakness. I was diagnosed with the lethal condition, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (unknown cause, hence no treatment). Later it was determined that the fibrosis was caused by acid reflux, which is treatable. I began to have difficulty breathing, which made me question the quality of our indoor air. The link between my health problems, poor indoor air quality and mold seems to be confirmed by the fact that when the house was retrofitted with new equipment and extensively cleaned my symptoms have largely been alleviated. Medical tests have shown improvement in my breathing and improved lung health. (Helen Graham)
The whole purpose of the Remediation for Sensitized Individuals course is to help sensitized individuals live healthier and better lives.
Johnny Wells, owner of Mold-B-Gone, invested in the training from Wonder Makers Environmental so that he can offer a higher level of service and expertise to individuals suffering from mold related illnesses. Johnny also works with Stephen Andrews of HealthyAirUSA, another graduate of the course. Together, they are serving the needs of mold sensitized individuals in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.
Below is an interview with Jack and Helen Graham, who hired Mold-B-Gone and HealthyAirUSA, to investigate the indoor air quality of their home and most importantly remediate the mold and make sure that the indoor air quality contributed to their health and well-being.
1. When was mold identified as the cause of your sickness?
17 years ago we moved into our 2800 square foot three story dream home, which was approximately 30 years old. We are very fastidious with the cleaning and maintenance of the home.
Within two years of moving in, we began to find leaking issues with sewer pipes and other pipes in the home. In addition to fixing these issues, over the years we also installed a new roof, flooring, chimney, outside exterior, windows, and doors. We even hired a restoration company to remediate some mold and dry out other areas in the home.
Despite our efforts to fix moisture issues and remediate mold, Helen’s health continued to deteriorate.
In Helen’s words:
“For the past four years, I suffered from upper and lower digestive issues, extreme fatigue, and weakness. I was diagnosed with the lethal condition, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (unknown cause, hence no treatment). Later it was determined that the fibrosis was caused by acid reflux. I began to have difficulty breathing, which made me question the quality of our indoor air.”
2. What caused the mold in your house?
The mold was not obvious. We had noticed there was more dust on our furniture, though we were keeping our furniture and interior surfaces very clean.
When the Mold-B-Gone specialists inspected our home they used high intensity lights shown at an angle and on nearly every surface there were tiny specks of white mold spores.
What we learned is that in any home here in the South where the humidity is almost always above 70% and where homes are air-conditioned, mold invariably exists, no matter how much one cleans. This is even more prevalent in older homes.
3. What remediation contractor did you use?
“After 71 years of health and physically energetic living, I experienced fatigue, shortness of breath, and bodily pains. A colleague I worked with 7 years ago was so sick and weak she had to crawl up her home stairs. After seeing her early this year, she was energetic, enjoying her career and family, and looked wonderful. We had switched places: she was healed, and I was quite sick. Her thriving health seemed miraculous, so I asked her how she became well.”
Initially we had another mold removal specialist do an inspection of our home. He took pictures inside the ducts and above the drop-down ceiling and wanted to remove all the ducts and air flow systems. The estimated cost was $59,000 and the time for completion was two months.
The price, time, and other factors seemed high. We felt scare tactics were employed hearing twice the unacceptable statement, “I am sure you want your wife to live, don’t you?” Both of us decided not to hire that company.
Helen’s condition continued to worsen. Luckily, one of Helen’s colleagues, who had chronic debilitating effects from mold, recommended HealthyAirUSA and Mold-B-Gone.
After their work was complete, her health improved dramatically.
Specifically, we hired them for three key reasons.
First, their assessment of the problems was thorough and very professional. They used specialized equipment to measure humidity and moisture levels in each area of the home.
Second, they educated us on the different types of mold and fungi and explained how they would resolve the problem. There is no shame in having home mold. We always thought homes get mold if they are not cleaned properly, so we have been conscientious about maintaining the cleanliness of our home.
Finally, the cost was reasonable. The total cost for remediation, including new equipment not proposed by the first remediator, was $22,000, and it would only take 6 to 8 days!
4. How long did it take for the work to be completed?
We were impressed by the persons in the crew, and enjoyed their professionalism, competence and respect for our home. We enjoyed being with them in the mornings before we left for work.
The work was finished in 8 days, as they predicted. They worked Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to overhaul all the air flow systems and returned the next Monday for 5 days to clean every object in the home. We had the weekend to ourselves, which seemed miraculous to us!
They explained in advance exactly what was going to happen and did not miss a beat in holding to their schedule.
They completed the job exactly as they said they would. We were introduced to every person who came into our home, and given a full appraisal of their experience.
At the end of the job they checked the air quality in every room to ensure that the fungal ecology was at healthy levels.
5. What difference do you think it made working with a mold sensitized trained contractor?
Both of us noticed the effects of clean air immediately.
It made all the difference in the world to have a mold-sensitized trained contractor!
They knew what needed to be done. Both mold remediation, as well as the machinery and air circulation that were needed to cleanse the air and keep humidity at 40%, so mold could not be present.
They said that the air quality in the Master Bedroom was “surgical room quality.”
The air just seems “pure,” “fresh,” “hygienic,” “blue—if that is an image of cleanliness.”
We still have our house cleaned every two weeks, but the accumulation of dust is a tenth of what it was.
Perhaps the sense of the air quality is physiological, perhaps it is psychological, but Helen feels her breathing and energy are much better. I (Jack) have always grown up in old musty-smelling houses, but now that we have become educated about the harmful effects of mold, we are most grateful for the quality of this home improvement, and for the trust that we have experienced in the people who did this work.
6. What were the main steps/processes involved in the remediation?
After we made the decision to get the work done, we met with Johnny of Mold-B-Gone and Stephen of HealthyAirUSA as soon as possible. They told us that it would take 6-8 days and were very clear about what would happen on each day. We had assumed we would have to move out while the work was being done, yet they said that would not be necessary…what superb news!
With respect to specific steps, this is what they did.
They brought in a top tier duct cleaning service using 10,000 lbs of suction pressure. Then the edges of every duct opening where it meets the ceiling, were sealed. A large HEPA Air Cleaning system was added above the Master Bedroom. Then a large dehumidifier was added to dry out the entire house and keep the humidity of the house at a constant 47 percent, a level where no mold can grow and yet the wood does not dry and crack. The ceiling tiles in the lower level were all removed and cleaned on both sides and re-installed, the wood joists and all surfaces were coated with a mold preventative.
Once this step was completed, Mold-B-Gone brought in their team of five technicians who did a basement to roof cleaning of every surface and object, wiping every surface with a mold prevention cleaner developed by Johnny Wells. They were meticulous, cleaning every lamp, every object, every picture, every piece of furniture turned upside down, every drawer removed, emptied, cleaned, the contents cleaned, every one of about 3000 books individually cleaned. They took particular interest and care in cleaning about 60 antiquity objects dating from 5000 BCE to about 850 CE. This process took five days and they cleaned 12 rooms, including the garage.
For added “peace of mind”, there was a site supervisor that ensured that each step documented for us was followed through upon.
7. Further thoughts?
We highly recommend HealthyAirUSA and Mold-B-Gone because of the care and respect they demonstrated for the contents of home. Most importantly, they were easy to work with, friendly, and did an exceptional job.
Months after they were finished, Mold-B-Gone returned to investigate the mold on the caulking of the master shower. When Johnny and his staff supervisor, Rick, arrived it was liking seeing cherished friends. They are excellent professionals, fun and down-to-earth. They removed the contaminated caulking and re-caulked the shower and even brought ladders in to replace light bulbs in the hall entry at no extra cost.
Working with them was a marvelous experience because of their attitude, work ethic, and outstanding work. We have already referred friends and family to Mold-B-Gone and HealthyAirUSA because of their exceptional service.
We highly recommend Mold-B-Gone because of the care and respect they demonstrated for the contents of our home. Most importantly, they were easy to work with, friendly, and did an exceptional job!
Have A Mold Concern?
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by Eric Brown | Jan 12, 2016 | Air Conditioning, Basement Mold, Beware Of Mold When Buying A Home, Bleach and Mold, Can Black Mold Poison You?, Can Mold Kill?, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), Flood Clean Up, Health, Indoor Air Quality, Killing Mold, Mold and Asthma, Mold and Depression, Mold and Multiple Sclerosis, Mold and Parkinson's Disease, Mold and Sinusitis, Mold Facts, Mold Information, Mold Inspection, Mold Remediation, Mold Removal, Mold Removal Cost, Mold Risk During Renovation, Questions and Answers, Stachybotrys Black Mold, Toxic Mold, Water Damage Restoration
Top 20 Most Shared Mold Health and Prevention Articles In Georgia
Top 20 Most Shared Mold Health and Prevention Articles In Georgia
August, 2015, marked a historic month for Mold B Gone.
We launched this website, www.moldbgonega.com, dedicated to creating mold awareness for residents of Georgia.
Listed below are the top 20 articles, listed in the order of most viewed.
If you have questions or need help, the Mold B Gone Team looks forward to serving you. Call 678-697-6267 or send us an e-mail!
We have been serving Georgia since 2009 and have built a solid reputation in the state because of our expertise and knowledge, 1 year up to 25 year guarantee, and peace of mind we offer our customers.
Twenty Most Shared Mold Health and Prevention Articles In Georgia
- Are You Sick From Mold Because Of Your Genes?
- Top 10 Facts About Mold
- 7 Places Mold Hides In Your Home!
- Is Mold Sickness A Hidden Epidemic?
- Why Is Black Mold A Health Concern?
- Are Sinus Infections Caused By Mold?
- Can Toxic Black Mold Poison You?
- How Do I Know If Mold Is Making Me Sick?
- Are Dead Mold Spores Harmful?
- How Does Mold Cause Depression?
- Does Mold Cause Multiple Sclerosis?
- What Is The Link Between Mold and Parkinson’s Disease?
- Is Your Air Conditioner Making You Sick?
- 10 Tips To Prevent Basement Mold!
- Top 10 Reasons Mold Is Scary!
- The #1 Mistake Home Buyers Make!
- How Is Mold Removal Cost Determined?
- 8 Steps To Mold Remediation Success!
- What Is The Link Between Mold and Asthma?
- Top 3 Facts About Water Damage Restoration
by Eric Brown | Dec 7, 2015 | Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), Health, Indoor Air Quality, Mold and Asthma, Mold and Depression, Mold Facts, Mold Information, Mold Remediation, Mold Removal, Questions and Answers, Stachybotrys Black Mold, Toxic Mold
Why Do Some People Get Sick From Mold And Others Do Not?
Why Do Some People Get Sick From Mold And Others 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, personally, 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 pre-disposition to mold illness.
The purpose of this article is to explain why.
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. Earlier this year, 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 November of this year, 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.
1 in 4 People Has A Genetic Predisposition to Mold Illnes
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.
What Is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (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?
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?
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.
Questions? Need help? Mold B Gone looks forward to serving you, with the added benefit that we understand the needs of mold sensitized individuals. Call, (470) 545-4467, or send us an e-mail.
