Mold Remediation

Mold Remediation...FAQ

Should you consider disposing of porous and non-porous materials (e.g. furniture, beds, linens, carpets, etc) if they had been exposed to mold in your home?

According to experts in environmental management, millions of homes, experience excessive mold levels that are associated with some type of infestation problem. Therefore, it is important to identify the source of the infestation and re-mediate it in an speedy and effective manner. Depending on the actual circumstances that may exist, these may vary from relatively simple and inexpensive to drastic and expensive measures.

When porous material is obviously infested, showing signs of staining and reeking of strong mold odor, it is best removed and discarded. For example, an infested mattress and box springs are not salvageable. Many paper products if they have no real or sentimental value, can be thrown out. Materials, such as family photos and books may in many cases be salvaged by disinfected by wiping with isopropyl alcohol.

Carpeting presents an interesting case. Most new carpeting (manufactured in the last ten years ) is entirely synthetic, including the backing. Such carpeting should not theoretically become infested with mold. Because they are a haven for organic dust, carpets do actually become infested with mold. In such cases, carpeting can be salvaged by repeated vacuuming with a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner followed by an application of a biocide.

If bedding, linens, clothing are slightly to moderately infested, they can be disinfected by washing in an ordinary washing machine (using hot water of course), or better yet by dry cleaning. Dry cleaning solvents will kill all living mold quite effectively.

Since mold spores settle on horizontal surfaces they can "contaminate" clothing, furniture, etc. Such "contamination" is no reason to discard such materials. Because of the potential for re-suspension and exposure, these materials should be "cleaned" by vacuuming (soft materials) and wet wiping (hard materials) when appropriate.

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What is toxic mold?...What is "BLACK" Mold?

To start off, "toxic mold" is a  misnomer.  Mold itself is not "toxic", but, it has been established that some toxigenic molds ("toxic molds") produce poisons called mycotoxins, which can cause fatigue, nausea, headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory problems.  Stachybotrys mold, also known as "black" mold, has been known to cause fatal lung bleeding in infants when combined with environmental cigarette smoke.

Toxigenic molds cause all the  same health problems as other types of molds, including allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals.  Also, in many cases, extremely toxigenic molds like Stachybotrys and Chaetomium have been blamed for fatigue, nausea, headaches, pulmonary hemorrhage, chronic bronchitis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, cancer, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, learning disabilities, memory loss, and even death.

Because they can cause neurological damage, mycotoxins are also neurotoxins, and they have allegedly been used as biological weapons.  Some people believe that biological warfare involving mycotoxins contributed to the Gulf War Syndrome, the unexplained illness that affected many soldiers who fought in the Gulf War.  Extreme mycotoxicosis (mycotoxin poisoning) results in total exhaustion, weakness, loss of muscular coordination, shock, and death.

Like all other molds, toxigenic molds breed in warm, humid conditions.  A house that has been flooded represents the perfect environment for toxic mold growth.

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Is there Mold Lurking in Your Home?


Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce, just as some plants produce seeds.   These mold spores can be found in both indoor and outdoor air, and settled on  indoor and outdoor surfaces. When mold spores land on a damp spot, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive.  Since molds gradually destroy the things they grow on, you can prevent damage to building materials and furnishings and save money by eliminating mold growth.

Moisture control is the key to mold control.  Molds need both food and water to survive; since molds can digest most things, water is the factor that limits mold growth. Molds will often grow in damp or wet areas indoors. Common sites for indoor mold growth include bathroom tile, basement walls, areas around windows where moisture condenses, and near leaky water fountains or sinks. Common sources or causes of water or moisture problems include roof leaks, deferred maintenance, condensation associated with high humidity or cold spots in the building, localized flooding due to plumbing failures or heavy rains, slow leaks in plumbing fixtures, and malfunction or poor design of humidification systems. Uncontrolled humidity can also be a source of moisture leading to mold growth, particularly in hot, humid climates.

Source:   EPA

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10 Things You Should Know About Mold

Mold occur naturally, and most common types of fungi are not hazardous to you, if you're healthy.  However, people with allergies, asthma or weakened immune systems are more likely to react to mold.  Listed below are 10 things you should know about mold, according to the EPA.

   1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
   2. 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.
   3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
   4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
   5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
   6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
   7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
   8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
   9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
  10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Source: EPA

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What Are Some of the Health Effects of Molds?

Allergic reactions are the most common health problems associated with biological pollutants. Symptoms often include watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness and fatigue. Dust mites have been identified as the single most important trigger for asthma attacks.

Specific reactions to mold growth can include the following:  

• Allergic Reactions
  Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common - these reactions can be immediate or delayed. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Mold spores and fragments can produce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals regardless of whether the mold is dead or alive. Repeated or single exposure to mold or mold spores may cause previously non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive. Repeated exposure has the potential to increase sensitivity.  
• Asthma
  Molds can trigger asthma attacks in persons who are allergic (sensitized) to molds. The irritants produced by molds may also worsen asthma in non-allergic (non-sensitized) people.  
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
  Hypersensitivity pneumonitis may develop following either short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) exposure to molds. The disease resembles bacterial pneumonia and is uncommon.  
• Irritant Effects
  Mold exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, and sometimes can create a burning sensation in these areas.  
• Opportunistic Infections
  People with weakened immune systems (i.e., immune-compromised or immune-suppressed individuals) may be more vulnerable to infections by molds (as well as more vulnerable than healthy persons to mold toxins). Aspergillus fumigatus, for example, has been known to infect the lungs of immune-compromised individuals. These individuals inhale the mold spores which then start growing in their lungs. Trichoderma has also been known to infect immune-compromised children.
  
  Healthy individuals are usually not vulnerable to opportunistic infections from airborne mold exposure. However, molds can cause common skin diseases, such as athlete's foot, as well as other infections such as yeast infections.
• Source:  EPA 

How are Biological Contaminants Transported through the House?

Molds and dust mites thrive in areas of high humidity.  Mold grows on organic materials such as paper, textiles, grease, dirt and soap scum.  Mold spores float throughout the house, forming new colonies where they land.  Dust mites thrive on dead human skin cells and in textiles such as bedding, carpeting and upholstery.  When these textiles are disturbed during vacuuming, making beds or walking on carpet, the dust particles become airborne.  Pollen, plant material that enters through windows or on pets, and animal dander also become airborne when disturbed.  Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses are generally passed from person to person through physical contact, but some circulate through indoor ventilation systems.

What can You  do to Deal with the Problem?

There are no practical tests for biological contaminants for use by non-professionals.  However there are signs to watch for.  You can sometimes see and smell mold colonies growing on surfaces.  Mold growth should be suspected wherever there are water stains, standing water or moist surfaces.
* Prevent mold growth by keeping basements, bathrooms and other rooms clean and dry. Use a disinfectant to clean surfaces that have mold on them. If carpeting or furnishings become wet, they must be quickly and thoroughly dried or discarded.   
* Keep humidity at acceptable levels (less than 50 percent) and make sure there's plenty of ventilation, especially in areas where moisture tends to build up.
* Humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioning condensing units should be regularly cleaned with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach.  
* Vacuums with high efficiency filters or central vacuum systems can help reduce the airborne dust generated by vacuuming.
* People who are sensitive to dust mites may need to replace carpeting in their homes with hard surfaced flooring and use area rugs that can be removed and cleaned.

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10 Mold Prevention Tips

MOLD...Yuck!...It can seriously mess up your indoor air quality.   Mold can trigger allergies and asthma attacks, irritate, the eyes, the skin, the throat, nose and lungs of a human being living in contaminated house.  It can also damage and stain walls and appliances. This will cost you money and resources. You can prevent mold from destroying your indoor air and your home.


According to the EPA, here's what they recommend:
1. Keep Humidity Low....the less humidity in the air, the less moisture, the less mold.  The EPA recommends a humidity level of 30-50%.
2. Give Your Roof Some Love.....be sure to keep your roof in working order.   A leaky roof leads to a moldy house.  Make sure to keep your gutters in good shape as well.
3.Clean Up Spill Quickly....if you can clean the area within 24-48 hours, mold will probably not grow.
4. Air Conditioners....keep air conditioner pans clean and drain lines working correctly.
5. Showers.....open the window or run the exhaust fan when showering. Opening the windows is the electricity-free choice.
6. Vent Appliances....vent appliances that create moisture to the outside when possible.
7. Increase Ventilation.....open windows when possible.
8. Cold Pipes....cover those cold pipes with insulation.
9. Increase Air Temperature.....the EPA says increase air temperature, but we are all trying to reduce our home's air temperature to save energy.  What to do?  Increasing your insulation may be a better overall solution.  A dehumidifier is another option.
10. Keep Water Away from Foundation....make sure the ground slopes downward away from your home. Water pooling around the foundation of your house is a sure recipe for mold.