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!
If you have a roof leak, you may see water on your floors and water stains on the ceiling. The good news, you know that you have a problem.
However, if you have a roof leak and it goes unnoticed leading to moisture accumulation in your attic, this will eventually lead to mold growth that you may not even know exists.
This is the reason it is important to inspect your attic several times each year, just to make sure that there is no moisture buildup.
Check for discoloration of insulation and wood (e.g. rafters, sheathing, joists, attic side of fascia boards, etc.).
Check roof valleys (i.e. where two roofs join at an angle), which are highly susceptible to roof leaks.
Observe skylights, chimneys, attic windows and any portion of the attic/roof where dissimilar materials join each other (including flashings). These places are hotbeds for potential moisture intrusion.
If you have a vapor barrier installed, check for condensation. Although this is not really a roof leak, it is nevertheless a sign of a moisture problem. And moisture problems lead to attic mold problems!
Make sure there are no leaks coming from and around attic plumbing stacks.
The first step to addressing the moisture cause is to get your roof repaired, then call us to remove the mold.
#2 Missing Insulation or Improperly Installed Insulation
The quest to save money on heating and cooling bills motivates many Do-It-Yourselfer’s to install more insulation in their attics.
Unfortunately, if the wrong kind of insulation is chosen or if it is installed improperly, this can cause moisture from the lower levels of your home to rise and get trapped in the attic.
As we have written before, the primary cause of mold growth is moisture. Your attic is made of the food mold loves to feed on.
With respect to the type of insulation, if you are layering insulation on top of other insulation, make sure you do not use the kind that has paper or foil backing because it acts as a vapor barrier and can trap moisture in the insulation.
Before you decide to add more insulation to your attic, determine if you need more first. If you are unsure, contact a professional.
#3 Inadequate Attic Ventilation
One of the problems we have encountered in our projects is the fact that insulation is blocking the ventilation ducts that distribute air in the attic.
The lack of ventilation is another major cause of mold growth in your attic.
Air travels up to the attic meaning activities such as cooking, bathing, showering, etc will produce moisture that will makes it way up to the attic. If there is poor ventilation, the moisture gets trapped in the attic and can lead to mold problems.
Check your soffit vents and make sure they are free of insulation, bird nests, and other debris that could be blocking them and preventing proper air flow.
If you are unsure if the ventilation is ideal in your attic, contact a home inspector or give us a call so that we can take a look.
#4 Fans Vented Into The Attic
Mold will grow if there is moisture, food, and warmth.
Poor building practices occur when the dryer vents, plumbing vents, kitchen or bathroom fans are vented into the attic.
Dryer exhaust vents, kitchen exhaust fans and bathroom exhaust fans are designed to pump moisture out of your home. Make sure that they are vented to the outside of your home and not in the attic.
Plumbing stacks in the attic can also be a source of condensation, which can lead to attic mold growth. Plumbing stacks can also emit hazardous gases, so make sure that they too do not terminate inside the attic.
If any of your vents are routed into the attic, hire a reputable contractor to re-route the vents to the outside of your house.
Got Attic Mold Questions?
Once the cause of your attic moisture issues are identified, then the next step is to determine if you have a mold problem.
Mold is nature’s recycler and will grow and proliferate when moisture is present.
Condensation in an attic, heat and humidity from household activities (cooking, showering, etc.), and the fact that the attic provides an excellent food source for mold, provides the ideal conditions.
All mold needs to grow is 24 to 48 hours and as long as the proper conditions exist, it will continue to proliferate.
If you do find mold in your attic, DO NOT use bleach or try to kill the mold!
During the inspection, tape or swab samples of suspected mold may also be taken and sent to a micro-biology lab.
Once the type of mold and spore count is determined, we will provide with a scope of work on the best way to remediate the mold in your attic.
If you suspect that you may have mold in your attic or other areas of your home or business, call 678-697-6267 or send us an e-mail. We look forward to serving you! 🙂
Dog Dies Tragically After Licking Mold From Food Dish!
Dog Dies Tragically After Licking Mold From Food Dish!
Recently, there was a news article about a dog that died after licking mold.
Sarah Dent’s dog, Dexter, suffered from toxic shock after licking mold residue from a blown over food dish. When she took her dog to the vet, he was already unconscious. Dexter got sick because he had ingested mycotoxins, which comes from moldy food.
According to the Veterinarian that treated Dexter:
It’s not all moldy food that causes it, but a lot of moldy food can carry this mycotoxin. The onset of symptoms is normally quite quick, usually between half an hour to an hour. There are some things we can do to help stop it if it’s seen straight away. If the dog’s brought straight down to us then we can normally make them sick and that can help them bring a lot of it up. But unfortunately if they’ve started tremoring that can be risky, so in that case we’ll usually use things like anaesthetics and anti-seizuring drugs.
This article will further explain why your pets can get sick from mold, symptoms to look for, and how to get them treatment.
Toxigenic molds pose the most serious health risk to both humans and animals because they have aflatoxins.
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins produced by the mold Aspergillus.
Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are two of the most toxic and most carcinogenic molds leading to many health risks, including speculation that it can cause some types of cancer.
Aflatoxins are produced on peanuts, soybeans, corn and other cereals in the field or during storage when moisture content and temperatures are sufficiently high for mold growth. High doses of aflatoxins result in severe hepatocellular necrosis, and prolonged low dosages result in reduced growth rate and liver enlargement. Pets that have consumed the affected product and are exhibiting symptoms of illness including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, vomiting, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, or diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.
Another mold species, Stachybotrys chartarum, which is harmful to humans, can also have an impact on the health of household pets.
In 2007, the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, published a study that documented the case of toxic black mold poisoning in pets. The study was prompted after two cats died of pulmonary hemorrhage and subsequent blood tests showed the presence of a toxin produced by Stachybotrys chartarum, which can cause respiratory-related health problems, pulmonary hemorrhage and death.
Seven months prior to the cat’s death, the owners home sustained water damage due to flooding. At the request of the researchers, the home owner had it checked for mold. The mold inspection found a severe mold contamination of the walls leading the researchers to conclude that toxic mold was the cause of the death.
Symptoms Of Mold Exposure!
Symptoms Of Mold Exposure!
The symptoms of exposure to mold may vary somewhat depending on what type of pet you have. For instance, a dog or cat may show somewhat different symptoms than a guinea pig or rabbit.
Common symptoms of mold exposure include:
Excessive scratching in the absence of fleas
Pets may develop sores and/or bleed from excessive scratching
Excessive licking
Hair loss due to excessive scratching and/or licking
Coughing
Sneezing
Runny nose
Runny eyes
Labored breathing
Wheezing sound when breathing
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Lameness (because of bleeding in the joints)
Nosebleeds
diarrhea
Kidney problems
Liver problems
Getting Treatment For Your Pet!
Getting Treatment For Your Pet!
If you suspect that you pet is suffering from mold exposure, you should take them to the Veterinarian immediately.
The treatment may involve a blood transfusion (if the pet bleeds unduly) and antibiotics to fight secondary infections. Your vet will repeat blood tests to monitor liver function. The pet must rest to reduce the risk of knocks and bumps, which could cause bleeding.
In addition, once your pet is treated, do not bring them back in your home until you determine why you have mold and how you can remove the mold from your home. You do not want to bring your pet back into the home because continued exposure to mold could make your pet’s symptoms worse and permanent damage to the respiratory system or even death could result.
The final step, once you determine why you have mold is to hire a professional to remove the mold and ensure that the indoor ecology is healthy for your family and pets.
Got Mold Questions?
If you suspect that you, a family member, or your pet is suffering from mold exposure, contact Mold B Gone.
If you have not visited your crawl space, take a look. Typically, you will find the following:
Dirt. Most homeowners have a bare dirt or rock crawl space.
Ductwork. Many of your home appliances run out through the crawl space area. Washers, dryers, and plumbing pipes are often found running along the ceiling of the crawl space, to be vented or piped to the outdoors or external holding tanks. Ductwork for the home heating and cooling systems are also usually found here.
Plumbing Pipes. Home plumbing is usually found in your crawl space, funneled outside to your septic tank or the sewer system. These pipes are usually heavy duty so most homeowners are unconcerned about their safety. However, these pipes still require maintenance and care. Changes in temperature during the warmest and coldest months as water flows through them can cause condensation. Condensation and the increase of moisture in the air leads to mold growth.
Electrical Wiring. Along the ceiling and walls of the crawl space you will usually see electrical wiring. Keeping these safe from the gnawing teeth of crawl space vermin is important.
Vents. You will also notice various vents along the bottom walls of your house. These vents allow for air movement and ventilation for your crawl space.
Insulation. Insulation is important. If you see nothing but bare beams and dirt, this is a concern. Up to 40% of your air comes up from the crawl space. You can lose up to 45% of your home’s heating and cooling energy through non-insulated crawl spaces. In addition, non-insulated crawl spaces are will incur mold growth and attract insects, rodents, and other crawl space vermin.
Vapor Barrier. Vapor barriers help maintain the health of your crawl space and your family. Crawl spaces protected from excess moisture are less likely to develop mold or allow vermin and insects into your home. Vapor barriers protect not only your crawl space, but your entire home.
Beams. Beams, heavy wooden or metal support structures, keep your home structurally sound. These beams run vertically and horizontally through your crawl space structure.
Drains/Pumps. You may also notice a drain in the floor of your crawl space. Usually this is a sump pump, a water pump designed to carry any excess water away from the house in the case of a flood. Drains allow excess water to drain away a safe distance from the house, usually 6 feet or more.
Critters and Other Creepy Crawlers. It’s all too common that a homeowner pokes his head into his crawl space to discover a happy population of insects, mice, rats, squirrels, or even snakes! Getting these invaders out of your home can be challenging. To be safe, call a pest control company.
Four Clues That You Have Issues With Your Crawl Space!
While you are taking a look at your crawl space, give Mold B Gone a call if you find any of these problems:
Standing Water or Water Damage: Water damage can weaken the foundations and walls of your home, and needs to be dealt with quickly.
Mold. Mold can be hazardous. If you have large areas of mold spreading across your beams, in your insulation, or along the ground it needs to be removed. Left unchecked, mold can severely damage your home and your air quality.
Ruined Insulation: No insulation lasts forever, though some types of insulation are more long lasting than others. When insulation is falling to pieces or has rodents nesting in it, it’s time to remove the old insulation and replace it.
High Humidity: Knowing your crawl space humidity is essential to keeping it clean and safe. Vapor barriers are an important part of a crawl space because it prevents moisture and high humidity, something that creates a breeding ground for mold and pests. If you have a bare dirt floor, crawl space encapsulation is important.
Now that you understand what is in your crawl space and the top four signs that you may have issues with your crawl space, the remainder of this article will list the top 5 ways your crawl space affects your home.
#1 Poor Air Quality
Moisture accumulates in your crawl space because of high humidity, changing temperatures that leads to condensation, rainy weather, and the lack of preemptive solutions, like a vapor barrier. For this reason, it is important that the moisture content of your crawl space is monitored properly.
If the moisture content of your crawl space is not monitored, mold and rot will grow in the insulation or on the wooden beams. When the mold grows, it releases mycotoxins that can seep through the floorboards of your home, which in turn can cause sickness.
Even though the mold is growing under your home, you need to take action because 40% of the air in your home seeps up through the crawl space.
Simply put, if your crawl space has mold problems, then the indoor air quality of your home will be negatively affected.
#2 High Energy Bills
Properly insulating your crawl space will save on utility costs because the insulation prevents temperature transfers. This will ensure that your home stays cool when the air conditioner is running and warm if you need to heat your home during the colder months.
#3 Rodents and Insects
Despite the fact that your crawl space may be surrounded by a thick layer of concrete serving as the foundation, your crawl space may not be as predator-proof.
There are two key reasons that rodents and insects can affect your home.
First, droppings and feces left behind will affect the air quality inside your home.
Second, certain rodents, like squirrels will get curious and start chewing on any exposed electrical wires, ruin insulation, or rip holes in a vapor barrier.
#4 Damaged Subfloor
Moisture accumulation in your crawl space will not only affect the air quality of your home, it can also seep through the ceiling of the crawl space and damage your sub-floor. When this occurs, it will begin to warp and eventually need to repaired or replaced.
#5 Compromised Foundation
More than just the subfloor, however, moisture problems can also cause issues for the foundational level of your home. The wooden beams that hold up your home’s structure can be damaged by consistent exposure to high levels of moisture, condensation, or humidity. In some not-so-uncommon cases, crawl spaces have actually flooded, causing significant structural damage that resulted in thousands of dollars of repair work.
The Ultimate Mold Education Resource (50 Articles)
The Ultimate Mold Education Resource (50 Articles)
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 50 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.
This article explains what you should and should not do if you find mold in your home, church, school, day care center, store, office building, restaurant, or hotel!
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!
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.
The purpose of this article is to answer the most common questions asked about crawl spaces and explain why your crawl space needs a vapor barrier. Learn more!
Recently a news article featured a woman who believes that she was poisoned by toxic black stachybotrys mold. This article explores this topic further!
The purpose of this article is to help you determine if mold and the indoor air quality of your child’s school is making them sick and what you can do. Learn more!
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!
Potential Health Complications Mold Exposure Has On Pregnant Women and Infants! Questions answered about SIDS, asthma, miscarriage, and pulmonary hemorrhage.
25% of people are genetically pre-disposed to mold illness. This article explains why, citing scientific research and 37 symptoms associated with CIRS.
This article explains why many suffering from CIRS are diagnosed with depression caused by mold. Both scientific and anectodal data are cited. Learn more!
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!
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!
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!
Basements are susceptible to mold growth. The first clue of mold is a musty smell. This article provides you with 10 tips to prevent basement mold. 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!
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!
