Up to 15,000 asbestos related deaths occur in the United States each year. Despite the wealth of information documenting the negative health impact of asbestos, it is still not banned in the United States. In fact, 30 million pounds of asbestos are used each year. Asbestos is a silent killer because one does not get sick immediately from exposure, but usually within 20 years. In the case of Steve McQueen, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 1979, nearly 30 years after first being exposed to asbestos while serving in the navy.
Mold B Gone now offers asbestos testing and removal services. The purpose of this article is to answer the following questions:
What is Asbestos?
Why is Asbestos a health hazard?
Where is Asbestos found?
What is Asbestos abatement?
What is Asbestos?
The word “asbestos” comes from a Greek word that means “inextinguishable”.
According to Asbestos.com, asbestos is a naturally occurring substance that has been used extensively because of its heat strength, tensile strength, and insulating properties. It has been used in thousands of products, most notably:
Automotive Parts: brake pads, clutches, hood liners, gaskets and valves;
Tiles: Flooring, ceiling and roofing tiles were commonly made with asbestos. The adhesive used to lay down flooring tiles has also been a source of exposure
Cement: Asbestos-containing cement was used in building materials because the fibers provided strength without adding much weight. Its insulating and fire-resistant properties also made the mineral an ideal substance to add to cement;
Construction: adhesives, mastics and gunning mix, ductwork connectors, floor backing, drywall taping compounds, and insulation; and
Textiles: Asbestos was used in the production of cloths and garments for its resistance to heat and corrosive elements. Some of the most common textiles included blankets, fireman suits and rope.
There are six types of asbestos:
Chrysotile Asbestos,
Amosite Asbestos,
Crocidolite Asbestos,
Tremolite Asbestos,
Anthophyllite Asbestos and
Actinolite Asbestos
Chrysotile Asbestos
Chrysotile Asbestos
This is the most commonly used form of asbestos and can be found today in roofs, ceilings, walls and floors of homes and businesses. Chrysotile asbestos also was used in automobile brake linings, pipe insulation, gaskets and boiler seals. Although it is more prevalent, some studies show it takes more exposure to chrysotile than other types of asbestos to develop related diseases.
Amosite Asbestos
Amosite Asbestos
This is known as brown asbestos, and it originates mostly in Africa. It was used most frequently in cement sheet and pipe insulation. It can be found in insulating board (which contained up to 40 percent asbestos), ceiling tiles and in thermal insulation products. Like the other forms of amphibole asbestos, it has needle-like fibers.
Crocidolite Asbestos
Crocidolite Asbestos
This is blue asbestos and it’s known for having the best heat resistance. Mined mostly in South Africa, Bolivia and Australia, crocidolite was commonly used to insulate steam engines. It was also used in some spray-on coatings, pipe insulation and cement products.
Tremolite Asbestos
Tremolite Asbestos
This is not used commercially, but it can be found as a contaminant in chrysotile asbestos, vermiculite and talc powders. It was occasionally found as a contaminant in certain asbestos-containing insulation products, paints, sealants and roofing materials. Tremolite can be white, green, gray and even transparent.
Anthophyllite Asbestos
Anthophyllite Asbestos
This type was mined primarily in Finland and displays a gray-brown color. It was not commercially used and was rather found as a contaminant. Anthophyllite was most commonly found in composite flooring.
Actinolite Asbestos
Actinolite Asbestos
This form of asbestos has a harsh texture and is not as flexible as the others. It is most often found in metamorphic rock. Actinolite was never used commercially, but it can be found as a contaminant in some asbestos products.
Asbestos History Facts
Asbestos was mined as early as 5,000 BC in Finland, Sweden, Greece, and Cyprus.
Asbestos is first described in 300 BC by Greek philosopher, Theophrastus.
Health effects of asbestos were first noted in the 12th Century by Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder.
Roman Emperor Charlemagne is rumored to have tablecloth made of asbestos. In 814 he dies of pleurisy, an inflammation of the lung membranes.
In 1727 asbestos becomes a popular material used for building.
Italian scientist Giovanni Aldini crafts fireproof clothing from asbestos in 1820.
In 1878, the first commercial asbestos mine opens in North America: Jeffery Mine in Asbestos, Quebec.
In 1908, the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) is passed to protect railroad workers from injuries, including asbestos exposure.
The first recorded case of asbestosis is documented in 1924.
In 1939, at the New York World’s Fair, Johns Manville Corporation promotes asbestos’ service to humanity.
In 1943, asbestos use heightens during World War II for construction and shipbuilding exposing thousands of servicemen.
In 1949, the great asbestos strike occurs in Asbestos, Quebec as workers demand better working conditions.
1969 workers compensation is paid out by Johns Manville, one of the largest producers of asbestos materials to 285 employees who had severe asbestosis. The total settlement was $1 million.
1972, nearly 30 years after the start of WWII, high rates of mesothelioma reported amongst vets.
The first major asbestos lawsuit occurs in 1973, acting as a catalyst for 25,000 more lawsuits over the next decade.
Asbestos products banned by the EPA in 1989, but in 1991, the ban was overturned and only some products remain banned, including: flooring felt, rollboard, and corrugated, commercial, or specialty paper.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Mesothelioma in 1994.
The United Kingdom bans asbestos in 1999.
Twin tower attacks release large quantities of airborne asbestos in NY in 2001.
In 2004, the WHO reported that nearly 100,000 asbestos related deaths have been reported.
2011, asbestos mining in Canada finally stops, only to be revisited again in 2012 by a group of investors, but the guaranteed loan they were counting on did not come through so the mine did not open.
Today, asbestos is still not banned in North America and continues to be used, despite the health risks associated with it.
Why is Asbestos a health hazard?
It’s shocking to me that hundreds of thousands of people are dying of asbestos-related disease across this country but most people don’t know a thing about it,” says Chris Weis, an asbestos coordinator for the Environmental Protection Agency. Medical evidence dating back to 1899 has shown that asbestos is a slow but steady killer, even though world governments, including our own, and the popular media have long bought into the idea that a little asbestos won’t hurt you. In fact, a single microscopic spear-shaped asbestos fiber lodged in a victim’s lung can cause myriad fatal reactions. Physicians estimate that exposure to asbestos will eventually kill millions of Americans. They will die of asbestosis, mesothelioma, tremolite poisoning, or cancer of the esophagus, colon, or stomach. (Excerpt from Michael Bowker’s, Fatal Deception: The Terrifying True Story of How Asbestos is Killing America)
According to the World Heath Organization 107,000 people die each year from asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis resulting from occupational exposure. This means that approximately 294 people die daily from asbestos. Every hour 12 people die because of asbestos. One death every 5 minutes! Every day about 125 million people in the world are exposed to asbestos at the workplace, meaning death from asbestos will continue.
In the United States, 15,000 asbestos related deaths occur each year, nearly 2 Americans die each hour. Asbestos is scary because it is lethal and has been described as a silent killer that can lead to asbestosis, mesothelioma, tremolite poisoning, or cancer of the esophagus, colon, or stomach.
The video below provides an excellent explanation of what happens to the lungs when asbestos is inhaled:
Where is Asbestos found?
The prevalence of asbestos use in construction prior to 1980 means that most homes and commercial buildings will have some asbestos.
Homes and apartments built before 1980 often are filled with asbestos, needing only normal wear and tear with age to dislodge the fibers and send them airborne. Asbestos can be found in floor tiles, roofs, furnaces, plumbing, appliances, fireplaces and window caulking, leaving most everyone vulnerable.
The video below provides you with further insight into asbestos:
What is Asbestos abatement?
The key to ensuring long term health if asbestos is found in a home or building is to ensure that professionals are hired to remove the asbestos. The term used is “asbestos abatement“, which simply means the process of removing or containing the asbestos so that the asbestos fibers can not become airborne.
The first step is to identify if asbestos is present which can be done using an asbestos bulk sampler, which is the safest way to take bulk samples. The samples should then be sent to a lab for analysis.
The top priority of an asbestos abatement professional is to prevent asbestos fibers from traveling freely in the air. For this reason, the next step after asbestos is confirmed is to set up a proper containment so that the fibers that do become airborne are not allowed to travel outside of the contained area. Once the containment is set up with negative air pressure, the process of removing the asbestos can begin. All contaminated materials must be disposed according to industry and geological standards and regulations.
Once all asbestos materials are removed, the air quality should be tested by a Third Party environmental consultant before any reconstruction begins.
Got Asbestos Questions?
If you have questions about the asbestos abatement process, please contact us. We are here to help.
Asbestos Facts and Information Summary [Infographic]
The infographic below, courtesy of Sokolove Law, provides an excellent visual summary of asbestos facts and information:
Asbestos Facts and Information Summary [Infographic]
To offer our customers throughout Atlanta and other surrounding areas in Georgia and other states peace of mind with our service guarantee. We guarantee our work up to 25 years, depending on the mold prevention system: Mold Zap (1 years) or Mold Shield (25 years), that our customers choose. Both products are manufactured by American Mold Products.
Mold B Gone Specializes In Helping Mold Sensitized Customers!
One of the specialties of Mold B Gone is servicing mold sensitized individuals.
Our specialized training from Wonder Makers Environmental, enables us to effectively help our customers because we address the immediate mold concerns in a home, the spore deposition throughout the home and also the HVAC system.
We are experts in working with individuals that have been sickened from living in Water Damaged Buildings (WDB) and understand that this can cause Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
Since we understand the health consequences caused by WDB, we empathize with our customers and take special care and precautions to ensure that the indoor environment is safe for our mold sensitized customers.
Mold B Gone took on this project, removed the mold, addressed the spore deposition of all the home’s contents, and also advised her on the best method to clean up the HVAC system.
Today, Gail is back in her home, and this is what she had to say about our services:
Mold B Gone has been a blessing in big measure with their innovation and hard work in remediation.
Specifically Richard Baker, the Manager, has excellent leadership skills and has trained a very efficient and knowledgeable team of young men who did a superb job when they came to remediate my home in Alabama. He also is a very good communicator.
Mold B Gone did a large scale remediation in my house in spring of 2016 and traveled here to do it as well. Their “can do” attitude was very encouraging at EVERY interaction.
When problems arose, they were quick responders with a great attitude. In spite of being very busy and in great demand, their responsiveness and knowledge of the topic of mold remediation makes them stand out greatly. Service is an area that seems to lack greatly today.
In a field where the remediation industry does not seem to have caught up with new findings, discovery and research on mold, and its remediation, Johnny Wells, the owner of Mold B Gone has not only stayed on top of it but also has innovated in a manner that is consistent with a healthy understanding of the extent of care that needs to be exercised in remediation.
Mold B Gone has a patent and additional certification with higher standards of remediation for mold-ill and sensitized individuals that makes them stand out among their peers.
Mold B Gone not only has my respect but great commendation for their skill, their teamwork, their staying on top cutting edge technologies, and providing me with excellent and critical service in mold remediation.
Got Mold Questions?
If you have concerns about mold or the impact it is having on your health, please call 678-697-6267, or send us an e-mail. We look forward to serving you! 🙂
What Is The Link Between Mold and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
What Is The Link Between Mold and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
“Many people are aware that water damage in buildings leads to a variety of bad outcomes. Water-impacted building materials and contents provide an environment where a variety of organisms can flourish. Bacteria, fungus, and even viruses can not only survive but reproduce on damp or wet materials. Obviously, being exposed to such organisms can potentially contribute to health problems for the occupants. Numerous national and international agencies (including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, Britain’s National Health Service, and many others) have put out information warning of the possible ill health effects from occupying damp and moldy environments.” (Michael Pinto, The Mystery of Mycotoxins in Mold Contamination)
“I was a patient of Dr. Cheney’s before the “Yuppie Flu” went through and dropped a bunch of us in our tracks. Guess what my complaint was? “Chronic Fatigue.” I told Dr. Cheney, “I have an inexorably increasing reactivity to mold that gets progressively worse no matter where I live or how well I take care of myself.” This is what brought me to Dr. Cheney’s office in Carnelian Bay in early 1984. So I was reactive to mold prior to CFS. Afterwards my reactivity was absolutely life threatening. Prior to the weird flu, my problems would have been adequately described as inexplicable fatigue….eventually the sensation turned into life-destroying godawful drop-dead neurological living death illness that was nothing like fatigue. My susceptibility to mold was prior, not later as is automatically assumed. I thought that it was more than coincidental that this same mold that has such an effect on me showed up so often in clusters of CFS – especially the one that started it all, at my old high school. Interesting how Dr. Shoemakerʼs “24%” HLA genotype is suggestive of the “25% ME group.” (Erik Johnson, The Role of Toxic Mold in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
One of the core goals of Mold B Gone is to create awareness of mold and the potential health impact it can have.
To date, we have written several articles on the connection between mold and illness.
Listed below are some of our most popular articles:
The purpose of this article is to explore the topic of mold and health further by examining the link between mold and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome!
Top 10 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Facts and Stats
Top 10 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Facts and Stats
Chronic fatigue syndrome – now very often referred to as ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) – has been widely studied over the past 25 years
ME/CFS is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity.
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, although there are many theories, ranging from viral infections to psychological stress. Some experts believe chronic fatigue syndrome might be triggered by a combination of factors including infections (particularly by viruses), oxidative stress, immune aberrations and toxic exposures, among others.
No single cause has been confirmed to fully explain ME/CFS.
There is no single test to confirm a diagnosis of ME/CFS.
ME/CFS patients remain chronically ill despite varying attempts at treatment.
An estimated one to 2.5 million Americans are thought to suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), but the vast majority of them are undiagnosed.
ME/CFS occurs more often in women than men and is less common among children and adolescents.
The CDC website suggests that treatments for the disease may include drugs (antidepressants and sleeping pills), psychological counseling and graded exercise.
Nutritional supplements such as Ubiquinol (the reduced form of CoQ10; one of the strongest lipid-soluble antioxidants known that is produced within your own body); D-ribose (a core building block of ATP); and Glutathione (one of your body’s most important antioxidants and a natural detox agent) may also help ME/CFS patients recover their energy.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
According to the CDC website, there are 12 symptoms associated with ME/CFS.
Extreme fatigue and weakness, difficulty maintaining upright posture, dizziness, balance problems, and fainting.
Post-exertional malaise, lasting 24 hours or longer.
Muscle and joint aches and pains.
Sore throat, swollen glands, and periodic fevers and chills.
Chronic headaches.
Numbness and tingling of the extremities.
Brain fog, cognitive dysfunction, and/or lack of concentration.
Insomnia, and/or unrefreshing sleep, night sweats.
Visual disturbances (blurring, light sensitivity, and eye pain).
Gastrointestinal disturbances.
Allergies and sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, and medications.
Irritability, depression, and mood swings.
Could Mold Be The Cause of ME/CFS?
Could Mold Be The Cause of CFS?
To date, no cause has been identified for ME/CFS. In addition, many patients suggest that the treatments recommended for the disease are not helpful or even can make them worse. At best, research suggests that they are only mildly helpful and clearly not a long-term solution for those suffering from ME/CFS.
Upon review of the symptoms, it is apparent that there are many similarities with the symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
As discussed in a previous article, 25% of the population have a genetic susceptibility to CIRS which is characterized by 37 symptoms: fatigue and weakness; aches, pains, and muscle cramps; respiratory issues (cough, trouble breathing, and sinus problems); headaches; numbness and tingling; focus/concentration issues, confusion, and mood swings; sleeping troubles caused by night sweats; visual problems, including sensitivity to light and blurring vision; diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems; and allergic reactions.
Could this possibly mean that individuals diagnosed with ME/CFS are actually suffering from CIRS because they have a genetic predisposition to mold illness?
If this is the case, then one of the key causes of ME/CFS could be mold.
Research backs this hypothesis!
Detection of Mycotoxins in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Detection of Mycotoxins in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
“When sufficient moisture is available, hundreds of species of bacteria and fungi – particularly mould – pollute indoor air. The most important effects of exposure to these pollutants are the increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms, allergies, and asthma, as well as disturbance of the immune system. Preventing (or minimizing) persistent dampness and microbial growth on interior surfaces and building structures is the most important means of avoiding harmful effects on health.”
In layman’s terms, in this 228 page document, the WHO clearly argues that WDB pose a health threat to occupants.
According to Kristine Allcroft, Ph.D, the 9 most common causes of mold growth in WDB’s are the following:
Leaking roof causing moisture in the attic.
Improper ventilation in the attic trapping moisture in the eves and insulation.
Poor ventilation in the bathroom trapping moisture allowing mold to grow on the walls.
Leaking seals around windows allowing storm water to be trapped inside the walls.
Leaking plumbing in bathrooms. Sometimes the leaks are so slow that the only indication of a problem is when mold shows up!
Leaking water supply lines to washing machines.
Leaking dishwasher supply lines or drain lines in the kitchen. Leaking ice maker supply lines.
Poor grading from landscaping allowing water to drain toward and into the home instead of away from the home.
One of the most common causes of mold growth happens when a burst pipe causes water damage in the home and it’s not dried quickly enough.
One of the key problems for individuals working or living in a WDB is that they will be exposed to mycotoxins. Mycotoxins, also known as secondary metabolites are chemical compounds that are produced by fungi during their growth cycle. The suffix toxin is used because a great number of these mold-produced chemicals have been proven to be poisonous to both insects and animals—including people.
In 2013, researchers, Joseph H. Brewer, Jack D. Thrasher, David C. Straus, Roberta A. Madison, and Dennis Hooper explored the connection between mycotoxins and CFS, to determine if mold could possibly be the cause. Their study concluded:
Over the past 20 years, exposure to mycotoxin producing mold has been recognized as a significant health risk. Scientific literature has demonstrated mycotoxins as possible causes of human disease in water-damaged buildings (WDB). This study was conducted to determine if selected mycotoxins could be identified in human urine from patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Patients with a prior diagnosis of CFS were evaluated for mold exposure and the presence of mycotoxins in their urine. Urine was tested for aflatoxins (AT), ochratoxin A (OTA) and macrocyclic trichothecenes (MT) using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA). Urine specimens from 104 of 112 patients (93%) were positive for at least one mycotoxin (one in the equivocal range). Almost 30% of the cases had more than one mycotoxin present. OTA was the most prevalent mycotoxin detected (83%) with MT as the next most common (44%). Exposure histories indicated current and/or past exposure to WDB in over 90% of cases.
Key conclusions from the study:
93% of the ME/CFS patients tested had mycotoxins in their bodies. If you have been diagnosed with ME/CFS, you may want to have your urine checked for the presence of mycotoxins
90% of the ME/CFS patients tested, were exposed to or are currently living in a Water Damaged Building. If you have been diagnosed with ME/CFS and your test proves positive for mycotoxins, then you likely have lived or are living in a WDB.
Concluding Thoughts On The Link Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Mold
Concluding Thoughts On The Link Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Mold
Since the modes of activity of trichothecenes differ from aflatoxins and other mycotoxins, the combinations of mycotoxins could be additive or even synergistic, which could significantly reduce the amount of either mycotoxin required to induce an immunosuppressive or toxic effect. Immunosuppressive and combinational effects of multiple mycotoxins may constitute major components in the adverse health effects reported by many of the victims of mold exposure. (A risk assessment model for mycotoxin-producing molds on human health in indoor environments)
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.
If you have been diagnosed with ME/CFS, one of the first proactive actions you can take is to find out if you have mycotoxins in your body. If you do, then your current exposure to mold in a WDB or previous history of living in a WDB could be the cause.
If you are unsure of whether or not your home is water damaged and has mold, contact Mold B Gone and we can determine if you have mold and the cause of your mold growth.
If you do have mold and you test positive for mycotoxins in your body, there are two key actions you must take.
First, you should consult with an environmental physician that knows how to treat individuals sick from mold and mycotoxin exposure. If you live in the Atlanta metropolitan area, call us, 678-697-6267, because we can refer you to a physician that treats mold sensitized patients.
Second, if you are currently living in a WDB property, the source of the mycotoxin exposure has to be removed. This is very important because professional mold remediation is essential to preventing the symptoms of mold sickness and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from coming back when your medical treatment has been completed.
Got Mold Questions?
If you have recently been diagnosed with ME/CFS and suspect that mold may be the cause, please call us, 678-697-6267 or send us an e-mail. We have mold sensitized training and empathize with your situation. Mold B Gone has removed mold from 1000s of homes and we specialize in serving the needs of mold sensitized individuals.
Article Sources
In addition to the resources listed below, I would like to thank Lisa Petrison, Ph.D, for her suggestions and comments!
Top 5 Reasons Your Crawl Space Needs A Vapor Barrier!
Top 5 Reasons Your Crawl Space Needs A Vapor Barrier
Mold B Gone are crawl space mold removal and crawl space encapsulation professionals. We have been serving the Atlanta metropolitan area since 2009, performing 1000s of jobs.
One of the most common problems we encounter ismold in crawl spaces. The purpose of this article is two fold.
First, we will answer the most common questions asked about crawl spaces.
Second, we will explain why crawl space encapsulation is so important by listing and explaining the top 5 reasons your crawl space needs a vapor barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crawl Spaces!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crawl Spaces!
If you look into your crawl space, you may notice standing water, moldy insulation, or a bad smell. Listed below are the top questions we encounter about crawl spaces.
1. Why Does My Crawl Space Get Wet?
Your crawl space could be wet for several reasons:
Cracks in the foundation or walls allow water and moisture to enter your crawl space.
Improper ventilation can allow moisture in.
Poor drainage systems also allow moisture and water in.
Poor maintenance and not sealing the dirt floor is another common reason your crawl space is wet or damp.
2. Why Should I Be Concerned About A Wet Crawl Space?
There are two key problems caused by wet or damp crawl spaces.
First, if your crawl space has standing water or is damp, this will encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
Second, the excess moisture and mold will also cause wood rot and structural deterioration.
3. Will Vents Keep My Crawl Space Dry?
No!
Unfortunately, vents will not keep your crawl space dry.
Moisture and humidity can still accumulate in your crawl space, which in turn will lead to mold and wood rot.
In addition, often times the air flow is impeded when the vents get blocked by plants or other object outside the vent. When this occurs, water that collects around the home or drips down the exterior walls can enter your crawl space creating moisture problems.
4. Can The Air In My Crawl Space Enter My Home?
Yes!
A large percentage of your home’s air, 40% or more, comes from your crawl space.
Air in your crawl space seeps up into your home through the floors, and around heating and air ducts.
The air quality of your crawl space can have a negative impact on your home if there is excess moisture and mold.
Common health issues caused by poor crawl space air include headaches, fevers, and respiratory problems.
5. What Should I Do To Keep My Crawl Space Dry?
If your crawl space is wet, the following steps must be taken.
All moisture and water must be eliminated.
Wet insulation and standing water needs to be removed.
The ventilation system must be inspected to ensure it is working efficiently. If not, it needs to be fixed.
The next step is to figure out why you have a moisture problem in the crawl space by finding and fixing any cracks, holes, leaks, or damage to the walls, ceiling, and floors.
The final step is to seal up the damaged areas and install fresh insulation, and most importantly install vapor barrier, which is explained in greater detail below.
Now that you have answers to the most common questions we encounter about crawl spaces, the remainder of this article will explain why the installation of vapor barrier is so important.
Five Reasons Your Crawl Space Needs A Vapor Barrier!
Five Reasons Your Crawl Space Needs A Vapor Barrier!
#1: Keep Moisture in the Soil!
According to the EPA, a vapor barrier will keep your home drier and is especially recommended for older homes to control dampness. In Atlanta, where humidity is a big issue, your crawl space likely has moisture and damp issues and a vapor barrier will help keep the moisture down because it will prevent moisture from escaping from the soil.
Installed correctly and spread uniformly across the soil and the the walls of your crawl space, the vapor barrier creates a barrier between moisture and your home.
#2: Prevent Ductwork from Rusting and Corroding
Most homes with crawl spaces have ductwork running underneath their home, and many have their HVAC system installed under the house as well.
It is important to keep moisture at a minimum to prevent metal from rusting and corroding.
#3: Prevent Wiring Hazards
Many crawl spaces also have wiring. Water and electricity do not mix well. Accumulation of excess moisture is a potential fire hazard and could create an unsafe environment for anyone that enters the crawl space.
#4: Keep Your Home Dry
Since excess moisture in your crawl space can enter your home through the floor boards, keeping the moisture to a minimum will also help maintain moisture levels in your home.
In addition to a damp free home, a vapor barrier will also reduce your utility bills because your air conditioner will operate more efficiently.
The risk of excess dampness and moisture in your home is mold. If your crawl space is wet and that moisture enters your home, you will not only have mold problems in the crawl space but your home.
As mentioned earlier, mold can cause health problems; moisture control is imperative in both your home and crawl space.
#5: Keep Your Crawl Space Clean
Your crawl space is an area of your home that you can potentially use for storage. In order to ensure that your crawl space is a safe and clean environment, a vapor barrier will reduce moisture and also keep the area clean and less inhabitable for rodents and insects.
If you plan to use your crawl space for other uses, such as storage, we recommend that you use a stronger and thicker barrier.
The most important role that a vapor barrier plays is keeping the moisture in the soil. At the same time, it will help maintain a cleaner and safer environment for you, should you choose to use it for storage or other uses.
Got Crawl Space Questions?
If you have questions about your crawl space, please give us a call or send us an e-mail. We look forward to serving you! 🙂
Top 5 Ways Your Crawl Space Affects Your Home Infographic
Top 5 Ways Your Crawl Space Affects Your Home Infographic
One of the core causes of mold is high humidity levels. For this reason, your air conditioner is effective at reducing humidity levels and maintaining healthy levels of 30% to 50%. Unfortunately, your air conditioner can also be a source of mold if it is not properly maintained. The purpose of this article is to explain how your air conditioner could be a source of mold contamination and what you can do to address this problem.
The HVAC System Is Your Home’s Lungs
HVAC is an abbreviation for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The purpose of the HVAC system is to provide healthy indoor air quality by removing moisture, odors, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, and carbon dioxide, and replace it with clean air.
Ventilation is the most important component of your HVAC system because it’s main purpose is to circulate the air within the home and ideally is constantly introducing outside air into the system. The duct work in the HVAC system enables it to circulate the air throughout the whole home. Proper maintenance of your HVAC system is essential to ensuring that your indoor air quality is optimal.
Failure to replace filters is the number one error that home owners make. Filters need to be replaced consistently because they prevent pollen, pesticides, and other pollutants from entering the home. Once pollutants, dust, and other debris get into the duct work, mold can begin to grow because it now has a food source. Mold will only begin to grow if there is moisture. Once mold spores enter the air conditioning system, alternating high and low humidity conditions will help grow, spread, and distribute the spores throughout the house.
The HVAC System Is Your Home’s Lungs
Illnesses Caused By Air Conditioning Mold
Health signs that you could have mold in your AC unit include the following:
Many of these symptoms are also associated with over-exposure to air conditioning which causes mucus membranes to dry out, causing colds, upper respiratory infections, dry skin, nose bleeds, and flu-like symptoms including fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and breathing difficulties.
Another potential problem caused by over-exposure to air conditioning is heat intolerance which causes discomfort when you go outside. Symptoms of heat intolerance include exhaustion, dizziness, headaches, and heat stroke. Prevent over-exposure by using a thermostat that regulates the indoor temperature, meaning the AC unit turns off when the ideal temperature is reached and turns on when the temperature goes above the ideal setting.
How Do I Verify That I Have Air Conditioning Mold?
If you are experiencing the health symptoms above and suspect that your AC unit or duct work is contaminated with mold, here are some clues to determine if you do have mold.
1. Check your vents and look for any visible mold or a musty smell in the room.
2. Take a short vacation and record your health symptoms. If you feel better when you are out of your home, then likely you have air quality concerns in your home which could be caused by mold.
3. Hire a professional mold inspector to do a complete survey of the home to find the source of contamination and determine if the home requires remediation. Also, be sure to check your crawlspace for suspect mold.
If no suspect mold is found or major moisture concerns that could be causing the mold, then a comparative air quality test can measure the relative spore count inside and outside. If the spore count is much higher inside than outside, then this could indicate that you have mold spores circulating throughout your home and you should get your AC unit and ducts checked for mold.
Removing Air Conditioning Mold
If you have mold in your AC unit, then it should be professionally cleaned. When you hire the service company, ensure that they take the following actions:
Clean the blower unit.
Use a certified and non-toxic chemical cleaner.
Use a chemical that has anti-fungi and anti-bacterial properties.
Ensure that the technician does not just clean the unit with a vacuum and brush because this simply agitates the bacteria and viruses breeding there.
We also recommend that the ducts are professionally cleaned in accordance with NADCA standards to ensure that your whole HVAC system is functioning efficiently and to prevent further spread of mold spores.
Professionals should be hired because it can be difficult to access all the parts of the air conditioning ductwork and they have the experience and training to do this properly. Further, professionals have air whips or air skippers that drive dust, dirt, mold, and other debris toward collection devices fitted with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters.
Preventing Air Conditioning Mold
Mold can be prevented in your air conditioner and HVAC system. Once you have the system professionally serviced and cleaned, these guidelines will help prevent future problems
1. Always maintain indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% by getting a humidistat installed and set at the ideal level.
2. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations and clean or replace your unit’s air filter because these are designed to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Failure to properly clean and replace filters will allow pollutants to build up and get caught in the filter and disperse into your indoor air.
3. Service your HVAC system every year.
4. Turn off your system and open the windows during cooler periods to bring in more fresh air. Adequate ventilation is essential to reducing indoor contaminants.
5. Install an air cleaner on your central heating and air conditioner unit to ensure a constant stream of clean air.
Consistent use of your AC is important because it reduces humidity levels which is moisture that mold needs to thrive. However, like any household appliance, you need to properly service and maintain your AC unit to ensure that it is operating efficiently and does not become a source of indoor contamination. Preventative maintenance is the key.
These symptoms could be caused by the air you are breathing.
Our Indoor Air Quality Testing
We use OSHA, NIOSHA, and EPA testing procedures to investigate indoor air quality complaints or give you a profile of your air.
Hundreds of compounds can be tested for including gases, chemicals, dust, and biological samples.
We take special care in instruments calibration and sample handling to produce accurate and reliable results.
Our results are compared with controlled samples to ensure accurate data.
We offer services for both residential and business customers.
Mold Testing
Mold testing is done by taking air samples and comparing inside and outside spore numbers and can determine if a building has a high amount of mold present.
Mold and moisture testing will help assess problems by determining if high mold levels exist and if remediation work is necessary.
Mold inspections look for any areas affected by mold and moisture.
During our inspections, we take moisture reading of interior walls in the sample area to see if there is a suitable environment for mold to grow.
Our experts are trained scientists and have a background in the building construction industry.
We can relate mold data to a building and provide you with practical solutions if a problem is found.
We can identify and asses any mold problem you may have.
Environmental Consulting
Consulting services meet your special and specific environmental needs.
Risk management services are offered to help asses environmental conditions present and to help determine if action should be taken to minimize risks and exposure.
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