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)
In 2015, we launched our blog to help our customers in Atlanta, Georgia find answers to questions they have about mold, indoor air quality, and water damage. Over the years, we have encountered many questions about water damage. The purpose of this article is to answer some of the most common questions we encounter.
Let us know if you have further questions. Peace of mind is just a phone call away, 678-697-6267!
1. Can Water Damage Be Prevented?
There’s not a lot you can do to prevent water damage from an act of nature. Water damage from severe storms that cause over-the-ground flooding happen. But not as often as you might think.
Although flooding is a common cause, most water damage to properties is caused when indoor plumbing fails. With this in mind, the key to prevention is regular maintenance, meaning you should inspect your home or business for the following:
Make sure all your appliances (e.g., dishwasher, clothes washer, and water heater) are in good working order. Check all water connections and hoses. Remember to do this even if you have the metal braided supply hoses.
Check under your kitchen and bathroom sink for signs of corrosion and make sure connections are tight.
Check the toilets in each bathroom for any signs of leaking.
Monitor your water bills. A sudden, unexplained increase in water use can be caused by a leak.
Finally, make sure everyone knows how and where to shut off the water to the home.
2. What Happens When Water Floods My Property?
What Happens When Water Floods My Property?
When water contacts drywall, it sags and disintegrates. Then you’ll see paint bubbles and peeling as the water wicks up the drywall. After that, water saturates the insulation behind the drywall.
If water dwells in your property for any length of time, wood structures begins to swell. The glue holding your particle board kitchen and bathroom cabinets dissolves, causing them to crumble. The longer the water dwells in your property, the more likely it is that the hardwood floors will buckle and warp. Wood exposed to long-term water damage rots.
Water-soaked carpets “delaminate.” Delamination is the term for carpet that pulls away from its backing. Once this happens, the carpet is permanently ruined.
Water damage can short-out electrical systems. This can cause fire and shock hazards and damage to electronic equipment.
3. Why Should I Call Mold B Gone?
Why Should I Call Mold B Gone?
Quickly wiping or mopping up a small spill in the middle of the floor is okay.
However, if water flooded a large portion of your home or office, it’s the water you can’t see, the water that wicks up behind the wall or under the floors, that causes problems.
These dark cavities are the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow.
Moisture meters enable us to find water you can’t see hiding in the structure.
Excess water promotes mold growth, and will also compromises the structural integrity of the materials. In addition, mold exposure presents a serious health threat to everyone in the home or business.
Finally, if the water damage comes from a contaminated source like a sewage backup, it presents an imminent health threat. If this happens, then you want to avoid contact and call us immediately.
No matter what caused the water damage, to prevent future health or structural problems, water damage restoration should always be handled by a licensed, insured, certified professional water damage restoration contractor like Mold B Gone.
4. Should I Wait Until The Insurance Adjustor Comes To My Property Before I Call You?
Please check your insurance policy. In most cases, the answer is NO. Call us as soon as you need help because most homeowner and business policies require you to do whatever you can to prevent further damage.
The first step is to stop the source of water.
The second step is to call your insurance company. Ask them if you have coverage. They will probably issue you a claim number and may give you 2 or 3 names of restoration companies to call.
Finally, after you call us, take pictures of the damage. Even though we will take pictures when we arrive, we tell our customers to take as many pictures as they can for their own peace of mind!
Once you know that we are coming, you can try to remove or separate any personal items and do what you can to remove standing water, but don’t throw anything away. Most importantly, be safe!
5. What If Your Company Is Not On The List Of Restoration Companies To Call?
What If Your Company Is Not On The List Of Restoration Companies To Call?
No problem. You don’t have to use the company the insurance company recommends. You are free to hire whoever you want.
However, you will want to take steps to properly vet the contractor you choose. As with every profession, there are good water damage restoration professionals and not so good ones.
Most reputable water damage companies have worked with the major insurance companies and are experts at dealing with adjusters and claims.
When you hire Mold B Gone and we have all the information abour your claim, we’ll communicate directly with your insurance adjuster to make the process smooth and easy for you.
6. What Is So Special About What A Certified Water Damage Contractor Does?
What Is So Special About What A Certified Water Damage Contractor Does?
After we extract the water, we will also contain the affected area.
We remove any non-salvageable damaged materials.
We photo catalog every part of the damage and all damaged items.
We spray anti-microbial solution on the affected area.
Shop vacs and common household fans are not designed to remove enough moisture or generate enough air movement to dry your home or office completely after a flood. We use specialized, high-speed, industrial air movers and dehumidifiers. We set up the equipment in a specific pattern, creating the most efficient drying system for your property.
While the equipment removes and controls the humidity and moisture levels in the air, we monitor the progress on a daily basis with specialized meters to measure the moisture.
We communicate with your insurance company using the latest technology to facilitate efficient processing of your insurance claim. We’re experts at this, and we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Atlanta, Georgia recover quickly from water damage loss.
7. Should I Leave My Home or Business During Water Damage Restoration?
If the property damage doesn’t require a lot of reconstruction, you can stay in your home or office.
However, the equipment we use during the drying process can be noisy. It also creates a lot of air movement which may be considered as unlivable or unworkable conditions.
If the bathrooms in your office, or the kitchen in your home are a part of the damaged area, check with your insurance company for reimbursement of alternate living expenses or business continuity expenses until the restoration job is complete.
8. Why Does Mold B Gone Need Access To My Property?
Once the water is extracted and we begin the drying process, we need to monitor and control the moisture and humidity levels in the home. By doing this, we can prevent the growth of toxic mold. In addition, insurance companies require daily monitoring reports to justify your claim for damages.
We place our industrial sized equipment so it will operate as efficiently as possible according to the moisture mapping. We monitor and check the progress of every job regularly so we can make any adjustments as needed. Remember our job is to get you clean, dry and sanitized as quickly as we can. So monitoring helps us do that.
9. How Much Time Does It Take To Dry My Home or Business?
It all depends on the size and scope of the loss.
Completely drying a structure depends on the type of water damage, how bad it was, how long the water dwelled, and the type of building materials involved.
For example, concrete takes much longer to dry than wood.
In most cases, water damage to your home or business takes 2 to 3 days to dry.
However, properties exposed to water damage for a long time will take longer to dry!
10. Do I Need To Replace The Carpet?
It all depends on the situation.
In some situations where carpet has been wet for an extended period, water damage will cause what is called delamination (the backing separates from the fibers) and will usually require replacement.
Or if the water was from a non-clean source like sewage, the carpet will most likely need to be replaced.
But in most cases, if carpets were saturated by clean water, and if we get to them right away, they can be dried, sanitized and cleaned without damage.
11. Should I Ever Turn Off The Equipment?
No!
The drying process requires the equipment to run 24 hours a day for several days. Our specialized equipment is made to run continuously without overheating or causing safety problems. Remember, we position the equipment in a particular way to promote the drying process. Please don’t move it.
Our equipment is designed for efficiency. That means, depending on the size of the loss, on average, the estimated cost to run this equipment will be less than $5 per day.
Since we know the noise might be problematic, we often suggest you call your insurance agent to see if your policy covers alternate living expenses or business continuity expenses.
12. Will The Air Feel Dry As Well?
Yes! We set up the equipment we use during the drying process so it will remove as much moisture from the affected space as possible. Our equipment creates an atmosphere that’s as dry as possible. This is just temporary. Once the drying process is complete, and we remove the equipment, the air condition will return to normal.
In addition, you may be tempted to open windows or doors. Please don’t!
Our technicians have set up the best conditions on your property for drying it efficiently. If you open windows during the drying process it causes problems. Depending on weather conditions, opening windows slows down the drying progress. The best rule of thumb is to keep doors and windows closed, and don’t turn off air conditioning or heat without talking to us first.
13. What If Materials Need To Be Replaced?
The goal of Mold B Gone is to return your property to you in its pre-damaged condition.
Your insurance company will pay to replace “like-with-like.”
However, after large water damage to your property, when many items have been removed, you may want to renovate and update. Just keep in mind that for any upgrades, you’ll need to pay the difference out of pocket from what your insurance company allocated.
14. Do I Need To Find A ReConstruction Contractor To Complete Repairs After The Water Damage Restoration Is Complete?
If you hired us to handle your loss from start to finish, you don’t need to worry about finding a general contractor. We can finish the project working with reconstruction professionals we know.
15. Do You Use Harmful Chemicals?
We use several different anti-microbials or biocides during every water damage mitigation job. These prevent mold, mildew, and bacterial growth.
All of our chemicals are safe and effective and invented by the owner of Mold B Gone, Johnny Wells. If you have concerns about toxicity or chemical exposure, ask the technician on call which anti-microbial solution he will be using. You can also ask him to provide you with the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS sheets) for that product.
To be safe, it’s wise to keep yourself, children, and pets away during the drying process.
Got Water Damage Questions?
Got Water Damage Questions?
If you have more questions about water damage restoration, or you experience water damage to your Atlanta, Georgia area home and you need expert, emergency help we’re here for you! Peace of mind is just a phone call away, 678-697-6267. 🙂
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.
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!
September 2016 marks the 8th 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 37,000 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 MOLDYdocumentary, 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 MOLDYdocumentary 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 MOLDYdocumentary 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!
