STUDIES INDICATE BLACK MOLD CAN IMPACT YOUR HEALTH: HEALTH EFFECTS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO LESSEN THEM

Mold is a fungus growth, which begins with a minute spore. Toxic black molds can be found anywhere a dark and damp environment allows them to grow. Spores can be breathed in, absorbed through the skin or ingested on our food. Young children, senior citizens and anyone with immune deficiencies caused by disease, chemotherapy, etc are particularly vulnerable to grave illness following exposure to microbial contamination.

Laboratory studies in animals and at the cellular level offer supporting data for the direct toxicity of fungal spores and mycotoxins in mammalian lungs (University of Connecticut Health Center Report in 2004). A health study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health links adult-onset asthma to workplace mold exposure. And in 1997, the Centers for Disease Control announced an apparent link between mold contamination in homes and cases of infant pulmonary hemorrhage.

Other common effects from molds are pneumonitis, upper respiratory problems, sinusitis, dry cough, skin rashes, stomach upset, headaches, disorientation and bloody noses. Severe exposure can lead to internal bleeding, kidney and liver failure and pulmonary emphysema. There are numerous reasons for the rising occurrence of mold and mildew in our homes, one of which is the federal regulations pertaining to energy conservation call for new construction methods and materials, meaning that homes don't "breathe" as freely as before, trapping moisture vapors inside the building. As a result, mold remediation and prevention have become hot topics in both the health and building industries.

What are we supposed to believe and what should our next move be to defend our families, and ourselves with all the media exposure to toxic mold in the last year or so? First, we must take this threat seriously. If you see mold in your home, get it tested as soon as you can. Get your home tested if you have a family member with an unexplained illness, respiratory irritation, rash, etc that seems to get better when they are away from home.

Controlling Mold Growth and Exposure § The way to control indoor mold growth is to limit dampness, there is no realistic way to get rid of absolutely all mold and spores from the indoor environment § There are air purifiers and cleaners on the market that claim to help lessen quantities of mold spores in the air, do your homework, these might also be of help § Reduce indoor humidity to prevent mold growth by: using air-conditioners and de-humidifiers, and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, cleaning and dishwashing § Clean and dry any wet or damp building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth § Use water and detergent to clean mold off hard surfaces, and dry completely § Do not install carpeting where there is a continuous moisture problem § Remedy as soon as possible, any moisture or leakage problems in your home

Article By Adam O'Connor, Keep Your Home Free of Mold

Adam O'Connor is the owner of http://www.handheldguru.com which provides free information on handheld electronics. He is an expert in this industry and his website helps people find helps people find answers to questions like how can you compare PDA's or what is the best pocket PC for you.

Is Mold Hazardous To Your Health? Common Mold Related Health Problems

Mold is everywhere. Check under the carpet, behind the walls, on the shower tiles, in the coffeepot, and there it is. It's an unavoidable part of life that can be controlled, but never totally eliminated.

Since we have to live with mold, it is important to be aware of mold related health problems. How can the presence of mold in your home adversely affect you?

While some types of mold contain toxins, most mold is non-toxic and not life-threatening. However, our natural reactions to mold cause many minor irritating problems, and there is some risk for potential long-term trouble.

If you suffer from asthma or any other breathing disorder, mold may be a very serious health risk for you. You should try to keep your home free of mold as well as possible, and talk to your physician about ways to limit the danger.

Here are some common mold related health problems:

Nasal Congestion. Most people are mildly allergic to mold. The most common symptom is a stuffy nose. Even though you do not have a cold, you may get a stuffy nose when you enter certain rooms or houses. If you suddenly get congested in certain parts of your home, this may be an indication that you have some mold growing somewhere that you can't see.

Headaches. Along with the stuffy nose, many people get headaches. Have you ever gotten a headache when you are in a dusty place? Mold works in the same way. If you have constant headaches for no apparent reason when you are at home, you may have a mold problem.

Itchy or Watery Eyes. Mold produces airborne spores which can irritate different parts of our bodies. Most commonly, these spores get into our nasal cavities or lungs, but they can also irritate your eyes. The symptoms include itchy, red or excessively watery eyes.

Difficulties Breathing. In very severe cases, you may experience a shortness of breath. This would only be the case if you have a serious mold problem. If you are working in an old building or in an exceptionally humid environment, you may experience shortness of breath due mold. In this case, the room needs to be aired out and it may be hazardous for you to spend time there until the mold is under control.

Skin Irritation. In some cases, mold spores may irritate the skin and cause a rash. This is not common, but it does occur.

Asthma. If you have asthma, constant exposure to mold can be a serious health problem. Mold spores will bring on asthma attacks and cause you breathing trouble. If you are asthmatic or especially sensitive to mold, you must keep your environment as mold-free as possible.

It has not been scientifically proven, but many medical professionals believe that continual exposure to mold in childhood may be a factor in developing asthma. For this reason, be extra careful about mold in your home if you have young children.

Mold grows all over the place, but especially in warm, humid environments. Your house may have a mold problem that you can't see, so it's important to pay attention to these symptoms and get rid of the mold!

For more resources on Toxic Black mold and for mold inspection and testing advice, please visit our website, where you will also learn about the symptoms of black mold

Mold and Colds - Can Mold Spores Promote your Every Day Cold

Most of the time these terms are put together because of the simalar sysmptoms that arise from them. It can be be true that mold and colds are put together because black mold can create problem in the immune system. The bodies lack of antibodies from the mold symptoms will a breakdown and system failure.

The common black mold symptoms and every day colds are created by having to many harmful toxins in the body. Since fungisitis has been found to be caused by mold toxins, which is known as black mold in the nose. Colds become a frequent illness. By having a good amount of mucas in the system containing spores, the effects can cause the system to breakdown, this happen quite a bit if the individual is immuno compromised. Many popular molds such as aspergillus and stachybotrys are know to be related to molds and colds. Stachybotrys and aspergillus are very common house hold molds that can grow indoors, if not correctly managed they can pose a health problem.

If looking for stop black mold, one should take action immediately and go through the correct mold removal techniques. If any water damaged drwall or indoor had been not remediated correctly and immediately, you will most likely have black mold on your walls with in the near future. After the mildew begins to grow and attach on the surfaces they will soon to liberate toxins into the air which your family can inhale. By inhaling these spores mold and colds are commonly referred together.

When dealing with a cold the bodies immunuty is overwhelmed from stress, and over working the system. Having mold in your system adds on to the bodies fighting to keep itself healthy. The toxic mold spores decreae the bodies immune system and more times than not one would find the symptoms of a cold to be coming. You will notice a stuffy nose and extra mucas. The best thing to do is talk to a doctor who understands mold and you may want to look into an alternative solution such as an all natural mold removal productor hiring a certified mold inspector to look at the area, they will then write protocols for a qualified mold remediation and decontamination company.

Markus Skupeika
How to get rid of Black Mold

STUDIES INDICATE BLACK MOLD CAN IMPACT YOUR HEALTH:EFFECTS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO LESSEN THEM

Mold is a fungus growth, which begins with a minute spore. Toxic black molds can be found anywhere a dark and damp environment allows them to grow. Spores can be breathed in, absorbed through the skin or ingested on our food. Young children, senior citizens and anyone with immune deficiencies caused by disease, chemotherapy, etc are particularly vulnerable to grave illness following exposure to microbial contamination.

Laboratory studies in animals and at the cellular level offer supporting data for the direct toxicity of fungal spores and mycotoxins in mammalian lungs (University of Connecticut Health Center Report in 2004). A health study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health links adult-onset asthma to workplace mold exposure. And in 1997, the Centers for Disease Control announced an apparent link between mold contamination in homes and cases of infant pulmonary hemorrhage.

Other common effects from molds are pneumonitis, upper respiratory problems, sinusitis, dry cough, skin rashes, stomach upset, headaches, disorientation and bloody noses. Severe exposure can lead to internal bleeding, kidney and liver failure and pulmonary emphysema. There are numerous reasons for the rising occurrence of mold and mildew in our homes, one of which is the federal regulations pertaining to energy conservation call for new construction methods and materials, meaning that homes don't "breathe" as freely as before, trapping moisture vapors inside the building. As a result, mold remediation and prevention have become hot topics in both the health and building industries.

What are we supposed to believe and what should our next move be to defend our families, and ourselves with all the media exposure to toxic mold in the last year or so? First, we must take this threat seriously. If you see mold in your home, get it tested as soon as you can. Get your home tested if you have a family member with an unexplained illness, respiratory irritation, rash, etc that seems to get better when they are away from home.

Controlling Mold Growth and Exposure

• The way to control indoor mold growth is to limit dampness, there is no realistic way to get rid of absolutely all mold and spores from the indoor environment
• There are air purifiers and cleaners on the market that claim to help lessen quantities of mold spores in the air, do your homework, these might also be of help
• Reduce indoor humidity to prevent mold growth by: using air-conditioners and de-humidifiers, and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, cleaning and dishwashing
• Clean and dry any wet or damp building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth
• Use water and detergent to clean mold off hard surfaces, and dry completely
• Do not install carpeting where there is a continuous moisture problem
• Remedy as soon as possible, any moisture or leakage problems in your home

Article By Adam O'Connor, Keep Your Home Free of Mold

Invasion of the Mold Spores

Mold spores. They almost sound like alien invaders from a 1950's sci-fi movie --"Attack of the Killer Mold Spores!" But that description may not be too far off the mark. Mold is dangerous. It can be more prevalent and can cause more health problems than termites, carbon monoxide, asbestos, or radon. In fact, mold is everywhere and impossible to get rid of in nature. According to the EPA website, "There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture." From one third to one half of all buildings in the United States have the damp conditions necessary to facilitate the growth of mold, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Mold and mold spores can cause serious health problems and, in the case of someone with mold sensitivities, even death. Many people are vaguely aware of the health concerns when it comes to mold but most do not know that mold can also cause serious damage to a house or building (similar to a termite infestation.) When it comes to protecting your family and your home, fighting and preventing mold should be at the top of every homeowner's list.

WHAT IS MOLD?

The simple answer: molds are part of the fungi kingdom, similar to yeasts or mushrooms (the antibiotic Penicillin is actually a mold.)Mold is a living organism, a part of nature, and even has a beneficial function - it breaks down all of our dead organic matter. Mold reproduces by releasing tiny spores, invisible to the naked eye, into the air. These spores land in moist areas and begin to grow and spread. While there are hundreds of thousands of varieties of mold, none would exist without the presence of moisture, air, and something to feed on. Since mold will always exist outdoors, it is important to control the one ingredient a homeowner doesn't need inside the house - moisture.

Mold can grow on rotting wood, grass, weeds, and compost piles. The problem is that it can also grow where you don't want it to - indoors. It can be found on food or clothing, in bathrooms and attics and damp basements, on carpeting, and even inside the walls of a house. Mold can feed on the wood in the wall, breaking down the materials as it spreads unseen throughout a house. As the mold digests organic material, it continues to spread to find new food sources.

Spotting mold can be easy, if the mold colony is visible. Mold comes in a variety of colors (including white, black, green, gray, brown, and more), bunching as spots or discolorations. If the mold is not visible, someone may not recognize mold is present until it is late in the process. People discover mold when there is physical damage to a structure or an increase in musty smells. Sometimes mold won't be found until the occupants experience health problems. By then, it may be too late. Whenever a house or building has an overexposure to moisture, it is important to inspect for mold. Moisture overexposure can come from many sources, including: o Floods o Roofs or basements that leak o Irrigation or fire sprinklers o Shower or bath water o Sink or sewer overflow o Humidifiers o Plumbing leaks

WHY SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT MOLD?

There are two main reasons to worry about the spread of mold in a building. The most important consideration - mold can cause health problems. The second consideration - property damage. Frank Foreman, President & CEO of NO ODOR, Inc, a mold remediation company, believes mold is coming to the forefront because everyone is learning that mold damage can affect property value. Let's start with the health issues. Molds produce allergens that can cause reactions such as sneezing, runny noses, even asthma attacks in those allergic to it. It can even cause irritation to the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes to those who are not allergic. Certain molds can also release toxins (mycotoxins) that cause more serious problems. According to the Mold Help Organization, exposure to these mycotoxins could cause people "to suffer from a myriad of serious symptoms and illnesses such as chronic bronchitis, learning disabilities, mental deficiencies, heart problems, cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple chemical sensitivity, bleeding lungs and much more" (http://www.mold-help.org/content/view/478/).

Because many people are not as aware or concerned about the health threats of mold, it is also important to consider the damage it can cause to property. Everyone tends to pay more attention to a problem when it affects the wallet. A home or business is the largest investment most people have. A colony or colonies of mold can cause severe devastation. According to the EPA website, "If you already have a mold problem - act quickly. Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it can cause" (http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcleanup.html).

Mold can cause structural damage to a building, because it feeds on and breaks down the organic matter (wood, mostly) within the structure. When mold grows in the walls, on insulation, or under carpeting, these items must be removed from the building. In addition to the damage caused to the building, mold may destroy personal items in the home. It can attach to personal property which may be very difficult or impossible to clean. Often the item will have to be destroyed because the mold cannot be completely removed. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE MOLD?

For the most part, since mold is everywhere, it is impossible to completely avoid all indoor molds. The key to preventing mold is to control the moisture levels indoors. The EPA website states, "If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back" (http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldbasics.html).

For small areas, usually a moldy section of 9 to 10 square feet, the home or business owner can usually clean up the mold themselves. For larger areas, it is important to hire a professional mold removal contractor to make sure the problem is taken care of safely.

If you have a small patch of black, green or gray colored spots, Frank Foreman, of NO ODOR, Inc., has a smart tip to determine whether or not it is mold: put some hydrogen peroxide on the growth and watch the reaction. Almost everyone has one of those brown bottles of the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution in their medicine cabinet, so he suggests putting it in a clean spray bottle and spraying the colored spots. If the solution runs down the wall and there is no reaction, then the spots are not growths of mold (it could possibly just be dirt.) Since mold is a living organism, when sprayed with the hydrogen peroxide, there will be an oxidation process. If you hit it and the growth starts to foam up with white foam, then you know you are dealing with mold.

For small amounts of mold, many sources recommend using a combination of water and detergent to clean the moldy surfaces. However, Frank Foreman recommends using only products that are approved by the EPA to kill mold. He further states that care and precaution need to be taken when doing the cleanup by an individual. "Mold is a living organism and it can travel easily when disturbed. Someone may wash away half of the mold and the other half might release mold spores that can escape to another source of moisture in the home. Or worse, into the A/C or heating system which can spread mold spores to every room in the house," claims Foreman.

Foreman also suggests that someone with a mold problem should really educate themselves before hiring a professional to remove toxic mold. "The mold removal industry is completely unregulated. There are no federal, state, or local regulations that govern mold removal professionals." This means, according to Foreman, with no standards, there is no way to prove the job was done or that it is done right. "Only seventy to eighty percent of all mold removal jobs are done right, which means the property owner is going to have residual problems."

He says that it is important to shop around, to get references, and to scan the Internet to learn as much as possible about toxic mold and mold removal. "Education is the key. Learn the basics so you can talk to the remediation expert and you'll have a good idea if he or she really knows what they're doing."

Mold removal methods vary from company to company. But the process can be complicated and expensive. For example, if a 10' x 10' bedroom has two walls infested with mold, it may be necessary to seal off that portion of the house, remove all wall boards until there are no more visible signs of mold growth. Next, the remediation pro will have to hand sand away the mold. Then, a mold killing detergent will be washed over the surface. The exposed area will then be HEPA vacuumed to remove remnant spores. After the area is tested to make sure there is no more mold, new walls will have to be built back up and painted. As you can see, the process can be time consuming and very expensive. However, to save on excessive destruction, some professionals have been employing fiber optic technology to view within the walls or ceilings, looking for mold growth, before tearing down all the drywall.

If you have had a flooding problem or a major water leak, it is also important to contact your insurance company. Many do not know that insurance may cover the mold removal as well. However, most insurance companies are starting to put limits on mold removal coverage (sometimes keeping caps at $5000 to $10,000.) While it may sound like a lot of money, the insurance company will be giving you money to fix the damage and remove the mold. The mold removal process may cost more than repairing the damage caused by the water. For example, if the roof of a house comes off during a storm and causes water damage to the house, the insurance company may give a lump sum to cover the repairs to the roof, the damage inside, and the mold problem. By accepting their lump sum, you have to pay to replace the roof and damage from water but the money also has to cover the costs to remove the mold that may come days, weeks, or months later.

HOW CAN I PREVENT MOLD FROM COMING BACK?

Once you have removed the entire mold infestation from your property, it is still important to control moisture levels in the structure:

- If there is any kind of flooding, it is imperative you remove the water within 24 to 48 hours.

- Whenever possible, move wet items to a dry, well-ventilated place or outside to speed up the drying process. Remove drywall up to the height of the water level. Remove carpeting as soon as possible.

- Keep the indoor humidity low. If possible, keep below 60 percent relative humidity.

- If condensation or moisture collects on windows, walls or water pipes, dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

- Keep gutters clean and make sure water drains away from the building to prevent it from collecting around the foundation.

- Run or install venting fans in high moisture areas, like the bathroom.

- Run a dehumidifier in moist areas, such as a basement or bathroom.

- Ventilating areas can help reduce moisture, as well as keeping the temperature up or the air conditioner on. However, aim the air conditioning vents away from the condensing surfaces to prevent cold spots where moisture condensation can occur.

- Adding thermal insulation to walls, ceilings, and pipes can help, too (in fact, rust spots on any water pipes could be an indication there is too much moisture in a room. Adding insulation to the pipes is a good idea.)

Mold can be a very serious problem in homes and businesses and it is important to take care of the problem as soon as possible. The consequences to health and property can be severe. While remediation of mold can be expensive, the damage mold can cause could be even worse. Frank Foreman has seen many cases where it is actually cheaper for the homeowner to knock down and rebuild an entire house rather than remove the existing mold infestation. Keep in mind some of the potential signs that mold may be growing within a property:

* Unexplained discoloration on a surface

* Musty or earthy odor

* Dark spots on or around vents

* Water stains anywhere

* Peeling or curling of floors or wallpaper

Do your homework and hire a professional to handle even moderate mold problems as soon as possible. If one is not sure where to look for a mold removal and remediation specialist, there are services that can help everyone find a local professional. One example would be the service provided by ConstructionDeal.com - they have a network of pre-screened mold removal companies and one can register any mold problem for free. Simply visit http://www.constructiondeal.com and they can help anyone find a local mold removal specialist today. Whenever a home or business owner believes there are signs of mold growth within their property, he or she should contact a professional as soon as possible to avoid future problems or costs. Attack those "Killer Mold Spores" before your own personal home invasion gets any worse. Timothy K. Clark is the Director of Marketing for the valuable website ConstructionDeal.com (http://www.constructiondeal.com) which specializes in fulfilling all the construction needs of homeowners and general contractors. We match project owners with contractors for residential and commercial improvement, repair, or remodeling work.