Mold B Gone has been serving residents in the Atlanta area for more than a decade. We are experts at mold testing and mold removal, using our proven system to ensure that the indoor ecology of our clients’ properties are healthy.
We are particularly proud to offer specialized mold removal services to individuals that are mold sensitized.
The main purpose of this article is to explain why some people are more susceptible to mold illness and require specialized mold removal services to recover!
What Does Mold Sensitized Mean?
In March of 2015, Wonder Makers Environmental, based in Michigan, launched www.moldsensitized.com with the goal of educating consumers, contractors, and health professionals on the health concerns caused by mold. The website’s goal is to be the ultimate resource of mold information and contains many articles written by the CEO, Michael Pinto.
There is a lack of appreciation in the medical community of the impact mold can have on certain individuals.
Symptoms from mold sickness are broad, leading to multiple mis-diagnosis of patients by many doctors.
Mold sensitized individuals seek help from multiple medical practitioners because their illnesses continue.
The mold sensitized individual eventually learns that mold has been the cause of their sickness.
Because traditional remediation approaches do not adequately address their sensitivities, mold sensitized individuals often are forced to seek alternative shelters.
According to experts featured on the MOLDY documentary, 28 percent of the population have genes that make them highly susceptible to mold-related illness. Putting this into perspective, and based on the population of the metro Atlanta area, there are approximately 1.5 residents susceptible to mold sickness.
According to Dr. Richie Shoemaker, a physician and expert in the field of biotoxin-related illness and author of the book Surviving Mold, the most common condition associated with mold illness is Chronic Inflammatory Syndrome.
What Is Chronic Inflammatory Syndrome?
What Is Chronic Inflammatory Syndrome?
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), also known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), is a combination of illnesses or aliments that are in direct relation with an individual’s place of work or home environment:
An acute 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.
The term Sick Building Syndrome was first coined by the World Health Organization in the 1980s and it is believed that it is caused by poor air quality caused by water damage.
According to Shoemaker:
This illness happens after exposure to the interior environment of a Water-Damaged Building (WDB). There are many ways buildings become home to a toxic mix of microbes, fragments of microbes, and harmful chemicals. Buildings can host fungi, bacteria, mycobacteria, and actinomycetes as a result of construction defects like inappropriate ventilation; faulty construction of crawl spaces or inadequate building design; flat roofs or fake stucco cladding without adequate caulking; incomplete basements exposed to saturated ground water conditions; or not correcting water leaks.
According to Shoemaker, 25% of the population has a genetic pre-disposition to CIRS; women tend to report more symptoms than men:
Genes made them prime targets for an assault by their own innate immune systems….exposure to the interior environment of a Water-Damaged Building (WDB), [causes] an innate immune response that is going haywire.
Individuals exposed to the toxins in a water damaged building suffer from chronic illness because their bodies are trying to eliminate the foreign substances that stay in the body resulting in chronic inflammation and multiple symptoms. In fact, one of the reasons that it is so difficult to diagnose CIRS is due to the fact that there are 37 symptoms: 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; and tremors.
Because of the large number of symptoms and different combinations that a patient can have, CIRS is difficult to diagnose.
Suspect Mold Is Making You Sick? Here Are Some Recommendations!
Suspect Mold Is Making You Sick? Here Are Some Recommendations!
If you have been suffering from ill-health for an extended period of time and the treatments that you are prescribed do not seem to help, then here are some recommended action steps.
Listen to your body. If you are feeling sick and despite under-going multiple treatments still continue to feel sick, then do not give up on trying to find out what the cause is.
Review the experiences of mold survivors to gain greater insight into mold sickness. One of the primary reasons you want to do this is so that you will have some further evidence that you can take to your preferred medical practitioner.
Continue to educate yourself. Because of the lack of knowledge in the mainstream medical community, you need to take a lead role in determining whether mold is making you sick.
Finally, if after all your research, you think that mold is the problem, then verify the existence of mold in your home by investing in a mold inspection and air quality test.
What Should I Do If I Am Diagnosed With Mold Sickness?
What Should I Do If I Am Diagnosed With Mold Sickness?
If you suspect that you are sick because of mold, then the next step is to find a Doctor that has knowledge about mold sickness. To find listings of environmental doctors throughout the world, click here.
Two Steps To Recovery!
Once you are diagnosed, there are two distinct steps to your recovery.
Seek Medical Treatment
Medical treatment is designed to detox your body and allow your immune system to recover and begin to regain its strength. The detox strategy will be prescribed by your physician who will likely recommend that you remove yourself from the property that has been making you sick until it is safe to occupy again.
Remediate Your Home
The process of removing mold from your home and ensuring that you can move back in without experiencing further sickness is the long term solution to health recovery.
In the past, mold sensitized individuals were forced to abandon their primary residences even after remediation because contractors did not understand the Big Picture of how the remediation and cleaning activities have to be coordinated with the medical and building maintenance aspects of the project.
If you want to invest into mold remediation, we recommend that you hire Mold B Gone because we have invested in the remediation for sensitized individuals training. Our team graduated from this course. In addition, Mold B Gone specializes in whole house and room sanitizing to reduce the amount of bacteria and pathogens in your home allowing you to breath easier and healthier.
Five Key Benefits Offered To Mold Sensitized Individuals By Mold B Gone!
Mold B Gone offers mold sensitized individuals these five key benefits:
Commitment to completing the job correctly the first time, with the understanding that our goal is provide you with a safe place to live or work because our team knows that our work practices can impact your health.
Clear understanding that the environmental portion of projects with sensitized individuals has many facets (i.e., source removal, content cleaning, HVAC decontamination, whole structure cleaning, building performance improvements, etc.) and will provide services only in those areas where they are qualified.
Clear understanding that your project requires procedures that are more protective than the current standard of care for the mold remediation industry.
Commitment to specific project endpoints that have been designed for sensitized individuals (endpoints that incorporate the latest health/science data).
Long term cost savings, peace of mind, and less anxiety because we will be familiar with situations like yours and the most effective techniques for this stringent remediation.
Got Mold Questions?
Mold B Gone is here to help and committed to serving mold sensitized individuals. If you suspect that mold is making you sick, call us, 470-545-4467 or contact us via e-mail for further assistance. Our goal is to help you live a healthier and happy life. Most importantly, we truly empathize with your situation and are committed to helping you and guarantee our services.
How Do I Know If I’m Allergic To #Mold? | Atlanta GA | Mold-B-Gone https://t.co/F7BfbV4O2m This article provides information on how to determine if you are mold sensitized explaining why some people are more susceptible to mold illness. PLEASE RETWEET pic.twitter.com/Pha4wjNHgu
One of the challenges facing consumers that have mold is determining how to get it removed properly. Often Mold B Gone is called by consumers who hired a mold removal company that did not do the job properly the first time and actually made the problem worse. Be aware of any mold removal company that is unwilling to provide references, evidence of training, a detailed scope of work, recommends spraying bleach, and does not build containment to prevent cross contamination.
As a consumer, you need to understand that mold removal is a profession. Experienced mold removal contractors, like Mold B Gone, have training and understand that the first step to preventing mold is to first identify the cause of the mold growth, which is inevitably caused by excess moisture. The first step is to fix the moisture issue, then tackle the mold problem. There are 8 specific steps that mold removal professionals follow to ensure that the indoor air quality of your home or business becomes healthy. Mold removal is often called mold remediation because well trained contractors understand and implement the 8 steps necessary to restore the indoor air to healthy levels.
The purpose of this article is to outline why you need to hire a professional when you do find mold that needs to be removed.
Only Hire Professional Contractors To Remove Mold!
Only Hire Professional Contractors To Remove Mold!
One of the biggest concerns that most home owners have pertains to the cost of mold removal.
Because of the expense that mold removal poses, the human tendency is to try to find the best deal. However, be wary of contractors or friends that offer to remove your mold, particularly if they have no training or experience.
Do not fall for the sales pitch or claims that mold can be remediated with ozone or other types of machines that kill mold.
Contractors that offer these types of solutions are not professionals because they are just trying to kill the mold, which as we explained in a previous article, is not a proper method for long term mold removal.
Get Educated About Mold!
One of the reasons we post articles about mold is to educate our readers; an informed consumer is able to make better choices.
Mold Needs Moisture!
Before addressing any mold problem, the most important concern is to first find the moisture problem that is causing the mold to grow in the first place.
Mold needs three ingredients.
First, a food source. Most homes present an ample food source for mold because they are made of dead material that mold loves to eat: high cellulose materials such as paper and wood, drywall, wallpaper, carpet, ceiling tiles, dust, and dirt.
Second, the right climate: mold flourishes when the temperature ranges from 41 degrees fahrenheit up to 100 degrees fahrenheit.
Third, and most importantly, a moisture source. Without moisture, mold can not thrive and grow. If you smell or see mold, then you have a problem because there is a moisture source in your home. Moisture is usually caused by leaks in pipes and/or the roof, sewer backups, flooding, condensation, etc.
Mold Removal Is Not Easy!
Any contractor that says there is an easy fix for mold removal, does not understand the biology of mold and does not realize that mold is designed to consume dead organic material and is an active part of our eco-system.
Unfortunately, the good that mold does by recycling dead material in our environment can cause significant harm when it grows indoors. First, mold can make you sick, causing asthma, sinusitis, and other health conditions. Second, as the mold eats away at your property, it will cause the wood to rot and eventually lead to structural integrity issues, ultimately reducing the value of the home.
Mold is everywhere because it is a living fungi. The survival mechanism of mold is to disperse spores and find more areas to grow on and populate itself. When you have mold inside of your home, understand that the number one concern of mold remediation professionals is to prevent the mold from spreading, ie. to contain it and prevent cross-contamination. Then, once the containment is set up, the process of addressing the mold problem can begin.
Get YES Answers To These 10 Questions Before Hiring A Contractor!
Get YES Answers To These 10 Questions Before Hiring A Contractor!
Before you hire any contractor to remediate the mold in your property, be sure to consider the following questions:
Is the contractor prepared to give you a written contract/change order?
Is the contractor prepared to provide you with a remediation plan?
Is the contractor prepared to provide you with a post-remediation report?
Is the contractor prepared to recommend independent indoor environmental professionals that can provide you with a post-remediation verification report? This is very important because this report determines whether or not the remediation has been successful.
Does the contractor set up containment to prevent cross contamination?
Does the contractor use negative air machines and air scrubbers to clean the air?
Is the contractor willing to provide you with referrals and their contact details?
Does the contractor use DOP (Dispersed Oil Particulate) tested equipment which is a process that tests the integrity of the HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters used?
If you get NO answers to any of the above questions, then re-consider hiring this contractor.
Mold Remediation Professionals Are Building Doctors!
When you are sick, you go to a Doctor because you want the best treatment possible to get healthy.
Similarly, if you have mold, hire a mold remediation professional because they are Building Doctors, whose objective is to cure the property of toxic mold so you can live a better, healthier life.
Like health care professionals, mold remediation specialists take specialized courses and training to ensure that they can properly eliminate the mold problems of their customers.
To ensure a long term fix hire a mold remediation professional that uses the following 8 Step Mold Remediation Process.
8 Step Mold Remediation Process!
8 Step Mold Remediation Process!
Step 1: Assess The Cause of The Contamination
During the mold inspection, the professional consultant will identify the source of the water infiltration that is causing the mold contamination.
During this step, the consultant will also identify the extent of the mold growth to ensure that all areas of growth can be addressed.
The next step is to create a work plan, also known as a scope of work.
It is important that if the mold inspector you hire to do the initial investigation also does the remediation work, then a Third Party should be hired to do post-remediation verification, which is step 8 in the process.
Step 2: Identify the Species of the Mold
During the mold inspection, samples of the mold will be taken using swab or tape samples. Air quality tests may also be done. The samples are then sent to an accredited laboratory which will provide a report outlining what species of mold are present.
This report is important for three key reasons:
This report is important because it helps the mold remediation professional determine the hazard level. Some mold species, like stachybotrys, pose greater hazards and may require additional safety procedures to protect the occupants of the property.
Identifying the species also helps determine the most cost effective method to resolve the mold problem.
Identifying the species can also help health care professionals determine if health concerns may be related to the mold contamination.
Step 3: Scope of Work
Once the investigation is complete, the remediation plan / scope of work can be completed.
This step is important because it addresses what caused the mold and all of the safety protocols required for the remediation to be successful.
Step 4: Containment, Decontamination Chambers & Negative Air
The area is contained and negative air pressures are set and regularly monitored to prevent cross contamination of mold spores and mycotoxins to other areas of the home.
During the mold removal and remediation process mold spores become disrupted meaning spore counts can increase 10 to 100 times.
Proper procedures, containment and HEPA filtration equipment are required to prevent cross contamination.
Once the containment and decontamination chamber is set up, and required negative air pressure levels are achieved the mold is removed.
Mold damaged materials such as drywall, carpet, underlay, and other porous materials are removed and disposed.
Non-porous and some semi-porous materials can be cleaned and decontaminated.
Damaged or moldy materials that are removed are then bagged or sealed with plastic sheathing before removal from the containment to prevent cross contamination.
Step 6: Odor Removal
Mold contamination can create offensive odors such as a musty basement smell.
Carbon filters are utilized to assist in the elimination of odors from the area during the remediation process.
Specialized treatments and air cleaners may be required to ensure odors do not return in the future.
Step 7: Cleaning, HEPA Vacuuming & Air Scrubbing
Once the mold contaminated materials are removed, the area must be thoroughly cleaned using antimicrobial treatments on hard surfaces and HEPA vacuuming on the porous surfaces to remove the residual mold spores.
The air must also be scrubbed and purified to remove mold spores and mycotoxins using approved DOP tested HEPA air scrubbing equipment.
Step 8: Post Remediation Verification
Post remediation verification must be conducted by an approved third party to ensure that the environment has been brought back to a normal fungal ecology suitable for occupancy.
The final clearance investigation must include a visual inspection using specialized instrumentation and a full range of air quality and surface sampling.
Got Mold? Hire A Professional! https://t.co/GFyxvXu1Vu We explain why you should hire a professional to remove mold. We list 10 questions you need to ask any contractor you consider hiring. Get YES answers to these 10 questions, particularly, questions 4 and 7. PLEASE RETWEET pic.twitter.com/BeJOHX63f7
During this period we have encountered many questions about mold and the impact it can have on health.
Listed below are the top 15 questions we have encountered with links to articles that provide detailed answers.
#1 Why is Stachybotrys Mold A Health Concern?
Why is Stachybotrys Mold A Health Concern?
You often hear about black mold in the media. Why is it such a big deal? Can black mold actually make you sick? This article explains why!
#2 Why Do Some People Get Sick From Mold And Others Do Not?
Why Do Some People Get Sick From Mold And Others Do Not?
The challenge mold poses is that it impacts everyone differently. This article explains why!
#3 What Is The Link Between Mold and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
What Is The Link Between Mold and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Considering the similarity of symptoms between those suffering from ME/CFS and those suffering from CIRS, it is likely that many individuals diagnosed with ME/CFS may have been exposed to mycotoxins produced by mold growth. Learn more!
#4 Is Mold Sickness A Hidden Epidemic?
Is Mold Sickness A Hidden Epidemic?
Since so many health professionals are not aware of the health problems mold causes, many mold advocates believe that it is a hidden epidemic. In short, you could be sick from mold and not even know it. Learn more!
#5 Does Mold Cause Sinus Infections?
Does Mold Cause Sinus Infections?
Chronic sinusitis costs the health care system more than 8 billion dollars each year. The cause is most likely mold, meaning most of the treatments prescribed are not effective. Learn more!
#6 Could Some People Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis Actually Be Suffering From Mold Sickness?
Could Some People Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis Actually Be Suffering From Mold Sickness?
Dr. Rick Sponaugle of the Florida Detox & Wellness Institute strongly believes that environmental factors, such as mold, could be a cause of MS because mold toxins destroy the myelin sheath on brain neurons, causing the classic white spots seen in MS. Learn more!
#7 How Do I Know If Mold Is Making Me Sick?
How Do I Know If Mold Is Making Me Sick?
Most people do not even know they are sick because of mold and or suffering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). Learn more!
#8 Are Dead Mold Spores Harmful?
Are Dead Mold Spores Harmful?
There is a lot of bad information on the internet. One of the most prevalent myths is that you can kill mold. This article explains why this is not a good idea and why it can impact your health. Learn more!
#9 Why Does Mold Cause Depression?
Why Does Mold Cause Depression?
Doctor Ackerley believes there is a strong correlation between mold and brain health, particularly depression and suicide. Learn more!
#10 Does Mold Cause Parkinson’s Disease?
Does Mold Cause Parkinson’s Disease?
Recent research suggests that that biologic compounds such as mold have the potential to damage dopamine and cause Parkinson’s symptoms. Learn more!
#11 Why Is Mold A Health Concern?
Why Is Mold A Health Concern?
Mold is nature’s recycler meaning it is designed to break down dead, organic material. Now, imagine, what happens when you have mold growing in your home. It is breaking down the material it is feeding on. Since we spend up to 90 percent of our time indoors this creates a situation ripe for health issues. Learn more!
Four studies demonstrate a strong link between mold and asthma. Learn more!
#14 Does Mold Affect Pregnant Women and Infants?
Does Mold Affect Pregnant Women and Infants?
This is a difficult topic to research, but there is some evidence that mold could have an impact. Learn more!
#15 Can Mold Poison Me?
Can Mold Poison Me?
There is evidence that toxins and poisons released by growing mold can harm one’s immune system and cause severe sickness. Learn more!
Got Mold and Health Questions?
If you are concerned about mold and think that it may be impacting your health, please do not hesitate to contact us because we specialize in helping mold sensitized individuals. Our team of professionals looks forward to serving you. Peace of mind is just a phone call away, 678-697-6267!
The core problem with this industry is the fact that there is not much regulation, which means that any contractor can offer mold inspection or mold removal services.
Some states require licensing, which is great, but if you live in an area without licensing requirements, this can create an atmosphere where unskilled, inexperienced, and untrained contractors can offer mold removal services.
This creates a situation where a simple mold problem could be made worse because the contractor did not know what they were doing.
So, how do you know if the contractor you call is qualified to remove mold from your home or business?
The purpose of this article is to list and explain the top 10 clues that the mold removal contractor you called may not have the training or experience to properly remediate your mold problem.
#1: The Contractor Concludes You Have Mold Without Providing A Valid Explanation Or Investigation Further!
Really? How does the contractor know? You know there is a problem if the contractor claims you have mold without doing any testing of the area.
#2: The Contractor Fails To Explain How They Will Test For Evidence Of Mold!
Since there are many different kinds of tests, you need someone who uses the right kind of test to assess whether you have a problem.
Tape testing, swab testing, air quality, and ERMI testing are some tests that are used to determine if you have a mold problem. Make sure that you work with a qualified mold inspection specialist who understands how to test whether or not you have a mold problem so that a proper protocol can be put in place.
This is important! Without the right kind of test, at the end of the job, you won’t know if the mold problem was properly rectified.
#3: The Contractor Does Not Want Their Work To Be Verified By A Third Party!
#3: The Contractor Does Not Want Their Work To Be Verified By A Third Party!
If you begin working with a contractor and they do testing and find mold, make sure you ask them how the quality of their work will be verified.
We recommend that you get a Pre-Test and a Post-Test. The purpose of the Pre-Test is to measure the spore count inside of the property and compare it to outdoor levels. This is done using specialized equipment that takes samples of both the indoor and outdoor air. The samples are then sent to an accredited laboratory to be analyzed. The lab will then issue a report documenting the spore count and the mold species that is found in both the indoor and outdoor samples. Once this data is determined, the contractor should explain to you what mold spores were found in your home or business and how it compares to the outside. If there is a huge difference and the spore count indoors is higher than outdoors, then you will have some pertinent information to compare to the Post-Test once the work is complete.
The purpose of the Post-Test is to do the same as the Pre-Test. In this case, however, the spore count indoors should be close to or equal to the outdoor spore count. If the data shows this, then the indoor fungal ecology of the home is healthy. The Post-Test, in short, verifies that the mold remediation was successful.
When you decide to work with a contractor make sure you understand what they will do to restore the fungal ecology of your home to healthy levels. Reputable contractors will provide you with the lab results of the Pre and Post tests and will offer you the option of using a Third Party to do the Post Test should you choose to do this.
Pre and Post testing is like a check and balance system, meaning someone else is checking the efficacy of the work. Without this test, you will never know if the mold removal was successful.
To summarize, here are the three key reasons you should invest in Pre and Post testing:
So you know if you have a problem that actually needs remediation. Testing will verify this!
So that you know at the end of the job a clearance test tells you if you got what you paid for. A lot of times mold damage is clearly evident, so it’s okay to waive the first test. However, the final clearance test provides protection from mold scams and peace of mind that your home or business is safe.
Finally, because it’s part of the IICRC recommended standard for mold removal!
#4: The Contractor Gives You A Price Quote Without Doing A Formal Site Inspection!
Believe it or not, some contractors will give you a quote over the phone without even visiting your home or business.
If you get a price over the phone, definitely stay away from this contractor for two key reasons:
One of the goals of reputable mold removal contractors is to identify the moisture source that is causing the problem. How can a contractor provide a quote without knowing this?
Most importantly, how can a quote be provided unless an actual site visit and inspection is done to know the full extent of the mold damage.
#5: The Contractor Refuses To Provide Evidence Of Training!
#6: The Contractor Does Not Provide You With A Detailed Estimate!
#6: The Contractor Does Not Provide You With A Detailed Estimate!
You should never work with a contractor that gives you a one line estimate that simply states “mold removal” and then the “price”. Demand a detailed written estimate so you know exactly what you are paying for.
If you don’t demand a detailed estimate you may face other charges when the contractor shows up to do the job. Some contractors provide minimal detail in the estimate because they want to up-sell or up-charge you for other work.
There are some cases when unforeseen issues on a property present themselves after a job starts. But a detailed written estimate before you sign the contract outlines what will be done on the basis of a professional assessment. The estimate and contract protects both the contractor and the property owner because it clearly states the limitations (i.e., what will and won’t be done) before the work starts.
#7: The Contractor Wants 100% Of Payment Before The Job Starts!
If you are comfortable with the contractor and have properly pre-screened and done your due diligence and have a signed contract, you may be asked for a deposit to cover some of the costs for doing your mold removal job.
However, if the contractor asks for 100% of the payment up front, you may want to re-consider hiring this contractor because you will have very little recourse if the job is not done right.
We recommend that the final payment be made once all the work, according to the signed contract, is complete and you have a successful Post-Clearance test that assures you that the job was done properly and the indoor air of your home or business is healthy.
#8: The Contractor Gives You An Unbelievable Low Price!
If you get three estimates and one estimate is a lot lower than the others, keep in mind that “you get what you pay for”. In short, the cheapest price is not the best indicator of competent service. Rather, it usually indicates the reverse.
#9: The Contractor Attempts To Pressure You Into Making A Decision Using Scare Tactics!
#9: The Contractor Attempts To Pressure You Into Making A Decision Using Scare Tactics!
Finding mold in your home or business can be scary. Because of this, some contractors behave like predators, using scare tactics to close the sale on their next potential victim.
The key point to remember if you find mold is not to panic or get to stressed out. Stay focussed on finding the best trained contractor to deal with your mold concerns.
It is important to understand that we are surrounded by mold all the time because it is in our environment and part of the eco-system to break down dead organic material. Mold is nature’s recycler and will always be a problem when it is growing indoors because the spore counts will increase to unhealthy levels.
If you suspect you have mold and contact a contractor, be sure to ensure that you get all the information in order to make a sound decision! This is very important; if you do have mold, you want to ensure that it is removed the right way the first time by a mold removal professional who knows what they are doing.
If you are pressured into making a quick decision and not encouraged to seek other estimates or given time to do your due diligence, then be careful, particularly, if in order to close the sale, the contractor resorts to pressure tactics or scare tactics.
Any contractor that uses pressure or scare tactics without providing you with evidence from testing and/or does not try to determine the cause of your mold problem may just be trying to pressure you into a quick sale.
#10: The Contractor Recommends Bleach!
Avoid mold removal contractors that recommend the use of bleach for your mold removal job. Bleach does not work and is not recommended by experienced industry professionals.
We do not recommend bleach for three key reasons:
Bleach does not address the cause of the mold problem!
Now that you understand some of the tactics used by unqualified or unscrupulous contractors to try to get business, let’s look at the five key steps you can take to protect yourself…
How To Choose A Professional Mold Removal Contractor?
How To Choose A Professional Mold Removal Contractor?
The best way to ensure that you choose an experienced professional is to ask questions and educate yourself!
Find out what training the contractor has received and from what organization.
Ask if the contractor recommends Pre and Post testing.
Get a detailed mold removal action plan, often referred to as the Scope of Work. The report will guide the remediation activities of the mold damage restoration.
Once you have that indoor air quality test result, get a written, detailed estimate describing the mold damage restoration project.
Finally, it’s a good idea to get 3 different bids from 3 different contractors. This way you’ll know the price range for the project. If you get an extremely low bid, make sure you compare apples to apples. If a price seems too good to be true, it usually is. The risk of a low bid is that proper attention to detail won’t be followed. Proper attention to detail includes things like creating containment and following proper procedures for removing contaminated materials from the property. These two steps prevent contamination to the rest of the property.
One final point. Mold will only grow if there is moisture, ie. a water source. The key to long lasting mold prevention is to first identify the source of moisture. With this in mind, make sure you hire a contractor who will do this before any mold remediation activities begin. If the source of the moisture isn’t identified and corrected any mold removal activities will be wasted effort.
Got Mold Removal Questions?
Got Mold Removal Questions?
Mold B Gone, is dedicated to helping homeowners and business owners in the Atlanta, Georgia area. One of the reasons we are so passionate about education is we know that an informed consumer will be able to make better and informed decisions. We have built a reputation of trust in our service area because of our focus on education and our guarantee.
When you have questions about mold removal, don’t hesitate to send us an e-mail or call our experts at 678-697-6267. Peace of mind is just a phone call away!
September 2017 marks the 9th annual Mold Awareness Month started by the National Indoor Mold Society:
“The purpose of National Indoor Toxic Mold Awareness Month is to inform, educate, and raise awareness about the adverse health effects due to exposure of indoor molds and mycotoxins.” (Executive Director, Letitia Peters)
“The reason that mycotoxins are suspected of poisoning people is based on both science and observational connections. “Mycotoxin” is the term that scientists use for a variety of chemical compounds that are produced by fungi during their growth cycle (the official term for mycotoxins is “secondary metabolites”). The suffix toxin is found at the end of the word mycotoxin because a great number of these mold-produced chemicals have been proven to be poisonous to both insects and animals—including people.”
One of the goals of Mold B Gone is to educate consumers in the Atlanta, Georgia area about mold. We believe that every month should be mold awareness month. Since launching this site, we have had nearly 68,000 views from individuals interested in learning more about mold.
There are three key lessons you need to know about mold:
There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Considering that some molds, like Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus, produce myctoxins that cause sickness, the purpose of this article is to list and explain the top 10 reasons you need to be aware of mold.
#1 Mold Needs Less Than 2 Days To Begin Growing!
#1 Mold Needs Less Than 2 Days To Begin Growing!
Mold requires three key ingredients to grow:
Food: wood & wood products; paper and other paper products like cardboard and wallpaper; leather; fabric and upholstery; grout; painted walls; cement; plaster (drywall); ceiling tiles; insulation materials; and carpet.
The ideal temperature of 41 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit; and
Moisture, the key ingredient.
In the presence of moisture, the ideal temperature, and ample food, mold will begin growing within 24 to 48 hours. This is the reason that water damage restoration is so important during a flood event!
“Medications haven’t worked for chronic sinusitis because we didn’t know what the cause of the problem was. Fungus allergy was thought to be involved in less than ten percent of cases. Our studies indicate that, in fact, fungus is likely the cause of nearly all of these problems. And it is not an allergic reaction, but an immune reaction. This is a potential breakthrough that offers great hope for the millions of people who suffer from this problem. We can now begin to treat the cause of the problem instead of the symptoms. Finally we are on the trail of a treatment that may actually work.”
This conclusion was based on a research study of 210 patients with chronic sinusitis. The Doctors collected mucus samples from the patients’ noses and discovered fungus in 96 percent of the patients. In addition, they identified 40 different kinds of fungi, averaging out to 2.7 types per patient.
Further research was done on 101 of these patients by removing nasal polyps. What they found were eosiniphils, which are which blood cells activated by the immune system in the nasal tissue of the patients. The Doctors believe that this discovery shows that the body’s immune system is sending the eosinophils to attack the fungi which is what is causing the irritation and inflammation of the membranes of the nose. For this reason, they do not believe that traditional treatments work because they do not address the root cause of the problem, fungi, which will continue to irritate the nose membranes.
#3 Your Home Is A Buffet For Mold!
#3 Your Home Is A Buffet For Mold!
Mold is nature’s recycler, it’s main purpose in our eco-system is to break down dead organic material.
In the outdoors, the relative number of spores is small enough not to cause significant harmful health effects for most people.
However, indoors, once mold begins to grow, it will cause health concerns because the spore counts will increase. Indoor air quality is a critical concern, particularly in hot and humid climates like Georgia because residents tend to stay indoors more and use their air conditioners for heat relief.
The problem with mold is the fact that most homes are made out of the material that it loves to eat. A home is an “all you can eat buffet” for mold because homes are constructed using dead organic materials: wood & wood products; paper and other paper products like cardboard and wallpaper; leather; fabric and upholstery; grout; painted walls; cement; plaster (drywall); ceiling tiles; insulation materials; and carpet.
According to Medical News Today, asthma affects 300 million people in the world and more than 22 million Americans. Although people of all ages suffer from the disease, it most often starts in childhood, currently affecting 6 million children in the US. Asthma kills about 255,000 people worldwide every year.
Asthma is a respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. According to WebMD, no one really knows what causes asthma, but what is known is that it is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Trigger and causes of asthma include allergies, tobacco smoke, environmental factors, obesity, genetics, and other factors.
To learn more about the link between mold and asthma, including legal evidence and research studies, click here.
#5 The Core Problem With Mold Is That It Can Grow Undetected!
#5 The Core Problem With Mold Is That It Can Grow Undetected!
Most people do not realize they have a mold problem because it is hidden.
Mold can be detected through smell, visual clues, and knowledge of the building history, ie. was there a flood or indoor leak.
One of the first signs that you have a mold problem will be a “musty” or “mildewy” odor.
The next step is to determine where the smell is coming from.
The seven areas of the home that you will likely find mold includes the following: bathrooms and kitchen that have leaks under the sink; leaks behind appliances (refrigerator, dishwater, and washing machine); ceilings and walls where there are water leaks; window sills and around the windows where condensation accumulates; your basement; closets; and crawl spaces.
#6 Modern Day Building Practices Promote Mold Growth!
#6 Modern Day Building Practices Promote Mold Growth!
The rush to make quick money and high profits by real estate developers has created a disaster waiting to happen because new homes built today are more susceptible to mold growth.
The quest to reduce energy bills means that many new homes are air tight and lack proper ventilation, conducive to mold growth.
The season that the home was built is also a factor. For instance, if the home was built during a period when there was lots of rain and the foundation was not allowed to completely dry before installing the insulation and vapor barrier, then moisture could be trapped behind the walls.
Building practices have changed. In the past, most homes were built with non-porous materials like plywood and timber which made it difficult for mold to penetrate the surface. Today, cost conscious builders use Orient Strand Board (OSB) and particle board which are porous and susceptible to mold growth.
According to the MOLDY documentary, at least 50 percent of homes in the United States have water damage issues caused by water line leaks, tears in moisture vapor barriers, leaky showers, condensation under eaves, and water pooling in crawl spaces. It is this water damage which causes mold to grow.
Improving building practices to prevent moisture issues is the single most effective way to prevent mold.
#7 25% of the Population Is Susceptible To Mold Illness!
#7 25% of the Population Is Susceptible To Mold Illness!
According to Dr. Richie Shoemaker, physician and expert in the field of biotoxin-related illness and author of the book Surviving Mold, 1 in 4 people have a genetic pre-disposition to the mold illness, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS):
“Genes made them prime targets for an assault by their own innate immune systems….exposure to the interior environment of a Water-Damaged Building (WDB), [causes] an innate immune response that is going haywire.”
Individuals exposed to the toxins in a water damaged building suffer from chronic illness because their bodies are trying to eliminate the foreign substances that stay in the body resulting in chronic inflammation and multiple symptoms.
It is difficult to diagnose CIRS because there are 37 symptoms patients could suffer from: 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; and tremors.
#8 Mold Will Reduce Your Property Value!
#8 Mold Will Reduce Your Property Value!
“Mold is a serious issue. If you leave it untreated, it continues to grow. It leads to respiratory illness and it rots the wood, leaving the property valueless.” (Ian Schlake of Respond and Rebuild)
Like a parasite or cancer, mold will continue to grow as long as there is a food source, moisture, and the right temperature.
Failing to fix the underlying causes of the mold and effectively removing the mold will lead to reduced property values caused by structural damage as the mold continues to feed on the home.
#9 Mold Remediation Can Be Costly!
#9 Mold Remediation Can Be Costly!
As mentioned in an earlier article, the cost of mold remediation will depend on three key factors:
How much of the area is infected with mold?
What kind of materials are infected?
How easy is it to access the mold?
On average, the typical household mold removal project will range from $2,000 to $6,000, but can be as high as $30,000 or more depending on the extent of contamination.
The core problem with the mold remediation industry is any contractor can offer mold removal services…so it is truly “Buyer Beware.” Because of the lack of regulation, many contractors believe they can offer mold removal services without the proper training or experience. To stay competitive, these contractors may offer “quick fix” solutions that focusing on killing the mold. However, as stated by Michael Pinto:
“Killing mold, but leaving the residue in place, is not acceptable. Since many health impacts can be triggered by exposure to both live and dead mold spores, the source and secondary contamination must be removed.” (MOLD INDOORS: Killing it is Not Enough)
Killing mold is not the answer because it is not a permanent solution to a mold problem. Professional mold removal contractors will follow an eight step process to ensure that your mold problem is fixed properly and will back up their work with a guarantee.
Don’t pinch pennies when you encounter a mold problem, the cheapest estimate may not necessarily be the best one. Do your due diligence, ask questions, get references, and most importantly avoid contractors that offer you magical solutions that involve just spraying a chemical to kill the mold dead.
#10 Mold Sickness Is A Hidden Epidemic!
#10 Mold Sickness Is A Hidden Epidemic!
According to the producers of the MOLDY documentary released earlier this year, most Physicians do not understand or have the knowledge to properly diagnose patients with mold sickness:
“Possibly every doctor in the United States is treating mold illness, and they just don’t realize it.” (Dr. Scott McMahon, MD)
Since most physicians are not trained to treat and identify mold illness, their patients continue to suffer in silence, mis-diagnosis, and a vicious cycle of numerous visits to different doctors and specialists that do not understand why they are sick.
Considering the statistics revealed in the MOLDY documentary it is not surprising that mold sickness is now considered a hidden epidemic.
At least 45 million buildings in the United Stats have unhealthy levels of mold.
You have a 33% chance of being exposed to toxic mold when you move into a new home, apartment or office. The documentary also emphasizes the fact that many foods are contaminated with mold, including corn, peanuts, and coffee.
Approximately 28 percent of the population have genes that make them highly susceptible to mold-related health issues.
Despite the fact that mold is a significant health concern, like lead and asbestos, there are no federal environmental protections laws.
Mold is a hidden epidemic because it makes people sick and they do not know that mold is the cause!
Stachybotrys molds decay organic matter. The most common species, Stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes referred to as Stachybotrys atra often grows indoors.
Ideal conditions for Stachybotrys growth include moisture, a nutrient/food source, temperature, and time. Ideal humidity for this black mold is a relative humidity of 90% or higher for it to begin the germination growth process. Stachybotrys feeds on materials with a high cellulose content such as hay, straw, wood chips, and building materials such as ceiling tile, drywall, paper vapor barriers, wallpaper, insulation backing, cardboard boxes, and paper files.
Stachybotrys Is The King Of Molds!
Stachybotrys Is The King Of Molds!
Stachybotrys is considered the King of Molds because it will develop into the dominant mold group if the conditions are favorable and will crowd out the other molds that began feeding on the material first.
This happens because unlike other molds like Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium which begin growing within one to two days, Stachybotrys takes one to two weeks to begin growing.
How Does Black Stachybotrys Mold Spread?
How Does Black Stachybotrys Mold Spread?
When Stachybotrys mold is growing on wet material, the spores do not disperse as easily because the spores are held together by a sticky/slimy coating. However, when the material dries out or is disturbed, the spores will spread through the air.
The main concern of a mold remediation contractor is to prevent the spread of toxic black mold. The most effective method of doing this is through containment, which is the process of creating a poly barrier around the area where the Stachybotrys mold is growing.
This procedure is so important because Stachybotrys spreads by releasing spores. Mold contaminated materials must be removed and disposed of because this mold does not just grow on the surface of the material; it has root-like tendrils called mycelia, meaning it is able to penetrate the surface.
Typically Stachybotry mold grows in clusters at the end of stem-like structures known as hyphae.
Top 15 Health Problems Caused By Stachybotrys Black Mold!
Top 15 Health Problems Caused By Stachybotrys Black Mold!
Stachybotrys black mold is a health concern because animal studies have shown that one of the major effects of trichothecenes is immuno-suppression.
In fact, even low level exposure can suppress the immune system resulting in bacterial and viral infections, coughing, skin irritation, and other allergic reactions, and there is some speculation that it may even cause cancer.
Listed below are the top 15 health conditions caused when toxic Stachybotrys black mold is inhaled or ingested:
Sore/hoarse throat
Cold and flu symptoms (headaches, slight fever, and muscle aches)
Nosebleeds
Tingling or burning of nose, mouth, and perspiration areas (under the arms or between the legs)
