Mold and Illness
by: Ben Hermsen
Molds and fungus are nearby virtually everywhere we go. For the most part these molds are relatively innocuous. Certain molds, however, do pose substantial health risks. According to Berlin D. Nelson, Ph.D., department of plant pathology, North Dakota State University, Stachybotrys Chartarum or “black mold” is the most prominent and notorious of the toxic molds (1).
Black mold is a heavy producer of mycotoxins (toxins created by a fungus). These mycotoxins cause a wide range of symptoms from headaches to flu-like symptoms, and chronic illnesses. The mycotoxins created by black mold are numerous, but fall into 3 main categories: Macrocyclic Trichothecenes, which inhibit protein synthesis; Phenylspirodrimanes and Cyclsporine, which are strong immunosuppressive agents; and Stachylysin, which can lyse erythrocytes (destroy red blood cells). With all three groups present there is little wonder why mycotoxicosis (mycotoxin poisoning) caused by black mold can lead to severe degradation in human health.
Black mold has also been linked to “sick building syndrome”, which describes situations in which the health and comfort of people is effected by time spent in a certain building or room, where there is no obvious cause.
Unless you experience symptoms that seem to be location dependant you probably don’t need to worry too much for the time being. However, mold spores, which are benign by themselves and found practically everywhere, can propogate wildly active colonies when exposed to an amply moist environment.
This effect is very common with flooding, which is why it is of pressing importance to ensure that a flooded house is cleaned up and dried out thoroughly before mold is allowed to proliferate. In the case that you are experiencing chronic symptoms in your home or work environment, the best course of action is to contact a professional that knows how to seek and eliminate fungal growth.
Another health concern with mold and fungus stems from foam. Polyurethane foam, which is the type of foam commonly used in cushion and bedding applications, can be broken down by mold into volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are toxic.
Dr T. James Sprott, OBE, Msc, PhD, FNZIC, In New Zealand, discovered that this was a major contributor to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), where used crib mattresses were the culprits (2). Though the effects in adults usually go unidentified you may find that you feel better when you aren’t exposed to them.
The solution for crib mattresses was a simple layer of plastic completely covering the entire thing, not so practical for adults. This is a major reason not to buy used mattresses, which often have mold already growing in them, besides the other obvious factors (what did those previous owners do in that bed?).
To prevent mold from building up in your mattress it is good to use a mattress pad which is washable and will absorb most of the moisture that would be going to perpetuate mold growth. It is best, however, to simply buy a mattress that doesn’t create a suitable environment for mold or other microbes, such as latex.
Latex is a natural product that provides a superb sleep system that will keep your bed free of mold and other harmful microbes. Mold will always be around, and will always be a health concern. It is by familiarizing ourselves with mold, it’s indications, and it’s environment that we are able to minimize the risk that it will effect our lives.
Resources:
(1) http://www.apsnet.org/online/feature/stachybotrys/
(2) http://www.pnc.com.au/~cafmr/sprott/
About The Author
Ben Hermsen is a research engineer for http://www.foamsource.com where he champions the benefits of natural latex bedding for the health of our families and our environment.
Showing posts with label mold and mildew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mold and mildew. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Detecting Mold-Detecting Attic Mold
Got Attic Mold? Lets Talk Energy Conservation!
by: Mark D. Tyrol, P.E.
It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the year – you make the annual visit to your attic to collect the holiday decorations and what do you find? Spots and blotches covering the bottom of the roof sheathing. Worse yet – it turns out to be attic mold!
What does energy conservation have to do with mold in the attic? Well if you take a step back and consider how the house behaves as system, they are often directly related.
Building science experts have long been using the “house as a system” approach to diagnose the cause and origin of building defects.
For example, ice dams. These are often caused by warm air seeping into the attic which causes the snow and ice on the roof to melt. The water drains to the edge of the roof (which is colder than the rest of the roof because it is an overhang and not warmed by the attic), freezes and creates an ice dam. As this process is repeated daily, the ice dam grows larger. Eventually water is forced under a shingle where it can seep into the house.
Understanding how the house behaves as a system and the various causes and effects is necessary to diagnose most building related problems.
But how about that attic mold? How did it get there?
Mold requires chronic moisture to form and to thrive, so source(s) of moisture must be present. Possibly the moisture came from outdoors. The roof is newer and a quick check of the roof shows no obvious damage or leaks.
Possibly the moisture came from indoors. During the heating season, the interior of the house frequently has high moisture levels, especially bathrooms and kitchens. A quick check shows that all bathroom fans, kitchen vents, etc. are properly ducted completely outdoors and not into the attic. The amount of insulation looks good and the attic is well ventilated.
Don’t give up – you are almost there! Remember the house as a system? You know that warm, moist air is in the house, but how is it getting into the attic?
By air leaks! Air leaks are the leading source of energy loss in most houses, and a frequent source of chronic moisture that can cause attic mold. Most homeowners are well aware of air leaks around windows and doors (especially old ones), but many overlook the numerous gaps leading directly into the attic!
Have a look around the attic and you may find large gaps around recessed lights and fans, holes where wires or pipes are installed, even large gaps around the chimney. And don’t overlook the whole house fan and especially the folding attic stair - a big, uninsulated hole in your ceiling that is often overlooked!
These gaps can add up to a large hole that allows warm, moist air from the house to flow right into the cold attic. The warm moist air condenses on the cold roof sheathing, creating chronically damp conditions that can lead to attic mold growth. And the energy loss – it can be like leaving a window open all winter long!
Seal these air leaks and you stop a significant moisture source. And just think of all the energy you can save and the cold drafts you can stop!
About The Author
Mark D. Tyrol is a Professional Engineer specializing in cause and origin of construction defects. He developed several residential energy conservation products including an attic stair cover and a fireplace draftstopper. To learn more visit www.batticdoor.com.
mark@batticdoor.com
by: Mark D. Tyrol, P.E.
It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the year – you make the annual visit to your attic to collect the holiday decorations and what do you find? Spots and blotches covering the bottom of the roof sheathing. Worse yet – it turns out to be attic mold!
What does energy conservation have to do with mold in the attic? Well if you take a step back and consider how the house behaves as system, they are often directly related.
Building science experts have long been using the “house as a system” approach to diagnose the cause and origin of building defects.
For example, ice dams. These are often caused by warm air seeping into the attic which causes the snow and ice on the roof to melt. The water drains to the edge of the roof (which is colder than the rest of the roof because it is an overhang and not warmed by the attic), freezes and creates an ice dam. As this process is repeated daily, the ice dam grows larger. Eventually water is forced under a shingle where it can seep into the house.
Understanding how the house behaves as a system and the various causes and effects is necessary to diagnose most building related problems.
But how about that attic mold? How did it get there?
Mold requires chronic moisture to form and to thrive, so source(s) of moisture must be present. Possibly the moisture came from outdoors. The roof is newer and a quick check of the roof shows no obvious damage or leaks.
Possibly the moisture came from indoors. During the heating season, the interior of the house frequently has high moisture levels, especially bathrooms and kitchens. A quick check shows that all bathroom fans, kitchen vents, etc. are properly ducted completely outdoors and not into the attic. The amount of insulation looks good and the attic is well ventilated.
Don’t give up – you are almost there! Remember the house as a system? You know that warm, moist air is in the house, but how is it getting into the attic?
By air leaks! Air leaks are the leading source of energy loss in most houses, and a frequent source of chronic moisture that can cause attic mold. Most homeowners are well aware of air leaks around windows and doors (especially old ones), but many overlook the numerous gaps leading directly into the attic!
Have a look around the attic and you may find large gaps around recessed lights and fans, holes where wires or pipes are installed, even large gaps around the chimney. And don’t overlook the whole house fan and especially the folding attic stair - a big, uninsulated hole in your ceiling that is often overlooked!
These gaps can add up to a large hole that allows warm, moist air from the house to flow right into the cold attic. The warm moist air condenses on the cold roof sheathing, creating chronically damp conditions that can lead to attic mold growth. And the energy loss – it can be like leaving a window open all winter long!
Seal these air leaks and you stop a significant moisture source. And just think of all the energy you can save and the cold drafts you can stop!
About The Author
Mark D. Tyrol is a Professional Engineer specializing in cause and origin of construction defects. He developed several residential energy conservation products including an attic stair cover and a fireplace draftstopper. To learn more visit www.batticdoor.com.
mark@batticdoor.com
Thursday, January 29, 2009
10 Tips to Protect Your Basement from Mold Growth
by: Chad Kimball
Does your basement ever flood? Is your basement ever damp? If so, you may need to inspect your basement for mold, and possibly remodel it to remove the mold. You may suspect hidden mold if your basement smells moldy, but you cannot see the source. You may know there has been water damage, but not think there is mold. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of drywall, behind wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, underneath carpets and pads, etc.
Mold could also be hidden around leaking pipes, or pipes that are constantly covered with condensation. Heat and air conditioning ducts also can hide mold that can affect your family.
You may want to hire an experienced professional when investigating in your basement for mold, because sometimes when looking for mold, spores can be released that are dangerous for your health. You would be amazed at how many mold spores can be released when pulling off basement wallpaper.
Conventional construction materials used in basement remodeling and basement construction in the past are perfect for mold growth. Since they frequently contain wood and paper based products, they provide a great food source for mold, as well as soaking and holding water for long periods of time.
Here are some tips for preventing mold growth in your basement:
1. Control mold growth by acting quickly when water leaks or spills in your basement. Make it a goal to have any basement leaks or spills to be completely dry in 24-48 hours.
2. Make sure the ground outside your home slopes away from the building, so water is directed away from the house instead of collecting and leaking into the basement.
3. Purchase a humidity meter at the hardware store, and keep basement humidity below 60 percent.
4. If you see a lot of condensation on your basement pipes or basement windows, work fast to reduce humidity and dry those surfaces. Lots of condensation can be a sign of high humidity in your basement.
5. Run a dehumidifier in your basement. It will do wonders to pull moisture out of the air, preventing mold growth.
6. Make sure clothes dryers are vented outside of the basement, not inside. The moisture from drying clothes stays in the air and can encourage basement mold growth.
7. If you have a shower in your basement bathroom, install an exhaust fan to pull moist air out of the bathroom while the shower is running.
8. Cover cold surfaces like cold basement water pipes with insulation to prevent basement condensation.
9. Increase the temperature of your basement. Hot air can hold more moisture without causing condensation on basement surfaces.
10. Use fans to keep the air moving. A well ventilated basement will be less likely to become moldy.
About The Author
Chad Kimball
If you are considering basement remodeling or basement finishing, did you know you can create your new basement out of mold resistant materials? Breakthrough technology has created mold resistant basement finishing systems so you never have to worry about mold again. Visit http://www.impressivebasementsystems.com for details.
Does your basement ever flood? Is your basement ever damp? If so, you may need to inspect your basement for mold, and possibly remodel it to remove the mold. You may suspect hidden mold if your basement smells moldy, but you cannot see the source. You may know there has been water damage, but not think there is mold. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of drywall, behind wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, underneath carpets and pads, etc.
Mold could also be hidden around leaking pipes, or pipes that are constantly covered with condensation. Heat and air conditioning ducts also can hide mold that can affect your family.
You may want to hire an experienced professional when investigating in your basement for mold, because sometimes when looking for mold, spores can be released that are dangerous for your health. You would be amazed at how many mold spores can be released when pulling off basement wallpaper.
Conventional construction materials used in basement remodeling and basement construction in the past are perfect for mold growth. Since they frequently contain wood and paper based products, they provide a great food source for mold, as well as soaking and holding water for long periods of time.
Here are some tips for preventing mold growth in your basement:
1. Control mold growth by acting quickly when water leaks or spills in your basement. Make it a goal to have any basement leaks or spills to be completely dry in 24-48 hours.
2. Make sure the ground outside your home slopes away from the building, so water is directed away from the house instead of collecting and leaking into the basement.
3. Purchase a humidity meter at the hardware store, and keep basement humidity below 60 percent.
4. If you see a lot of condensation on your basement pipes or basement windows, work fast to reduce humidity and dry those surfaces. Lots of condensation can be a sign of high humidity in your basement.
5. Run a dehumidifier in your basement. It will do wonders to pull moisture out of the air, preventing mold growth.
6. Make sure clothes dryers are vented outside of the basement, not inside. The moisture from drying clothes stays in the air and can encourage basement mold growth.
7. If you have a shower in your basement bathroom, install an exhaust fan to pull moist air out of the bathroom while the shower is running.
8. Cover cold surfaces like cold basement water pipes with insulation to prevent basement condensation.
9. Increase the temperature of your basement. Hot air can hold more moisture without causing condensation on basement surfaces.
10. Use fans to keep the air moving. A well ventilated basement will be less likely to become moldy.
About The Author
Chad Kimball
If you are considering basement remodeling or basement finishing, did you know you can create your new basement out of mold resistant materials? Breakthrough technology has created mold resistant basement finishing systems so you never have to worry about mold again. Visit http://www.impressivebasementsystems.com for details.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Basics of Water Damage Control
by Leo Nov
Water is considered to be the single most long term destructive chemical compound in the indoor environment. Since water is considered as the "universal solvent" it can dissolve or weaken many materials. Water also supports the growth of different microorganisms such as molds on other materials. Because water is fluid or is capable of flowing, it has the capability to carry with it a great number of biological pathogens and chemical allergens which can cause discomfort and sickness to humans.
In an ideal world, houses and other types of buildings would be designed in such a way that flooding would never be a problem to them. However, in the real world, water damage may occur due to a number of reasons such as burst pipes or the overflowing of nearby rivers or streams. Whatever the reason of the water damage, immediate reaction to seepage, spillage, backups and flooding has many benefits. Immediate and efficient reaction to water emergencies can lead to saving valuable household properties from direct water damage as well as their destruction due to mold growth. When water damage is left untreated for a long period of time, then the amount of damage done to the materials will also increase. The quick response to any water emergency can lead to the protection of property and the health of the household inhabitants. Immediate reactions to a water crisis will lessen the amount of water damage and will eventually save time and money.
Professional restorers and water damage experts know the primary objectives of controlling water damage. The first objective of water damage control is to protect the health of the public by removing any harmful substances that enter into the indoor environment with flowing water. Since water carry with it different contaminants, it is important to get rid of the contaminated water that enters the buildings. The use of pumps is an effective way of getting rid of excess water that has collected in low areas of the house. If the water crisis is caused by flooding, it is important to remove mud and other debris that has flowed in with flood waters.
The next objective is to restore the indoor environment to its original dry state. Areas that have been soaked underwater should be dried immediately within a 48 hour period. This will ensure that molds have not yet started to grow and spread to different areas of the house.
The third and final objective is to try to salvage the valuable properties that were affected due to water damage. Different methods can be used in restoring household items that have been affected by water damage. A company that specializes in water damage restoration can be hired to ensure the proper restoration of damage items.
The length of the drying and restoration process will greatly depend on the quality of the water that enters the indoor environment. If the water emergency involves clean water coming from water supply lines, then clean up will be faster and easier. Water damage caused by flood waters or sewage will take a longer and more complicated process.
About the Author
Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for water damage cleanups. To learn more about {a href=" http://www.restorationsos.com/ " title="Basement Flood"}basement flood and water restoration, visit RestorationSOS.com.
Water is considered to be the single most long term destructive chemical compound in the indoor environment. Since water is considered as the "universal solvent" it can dissolve or weaken many materials. Water also supports the growth of different microorganisms such as molds on other materials. Because water is fluid or is capable of flowing, it has the capability to carry with it a great number of biological pathogens and chemical allergens which can cause discomfort and sickness to humans.
In an ideal world, houses and other types of buildings would be designed in such a way that flooding would never be a problem to them. However, in the real world, water damage may occur due to a number of reasons such as burst pipes or the overflowing of nearby rivers or streams. Whatever the reason of the water damage, immediate reaction to seepage, spillage, backups and flooding has many benefits. Immediate and efficient reaction to water emergencies can lead to saving valuable household properties from direct water damage as well as their destruction due to mold growth. When water damage is left untreated for a long period of time, then the amount of damage done to the materials will also increase. The quick response to any water emergency can lead to the protection of property and the health of the household inhabitants. Immediate reactions to a water crisis will lessen the amount of water damage and will eventually save time and money.
Professional restorers and water damage experts know the primary objectives of controlling water damage. The first objective of water damage control is to protect the health of the public by removing any harmful substances that enter into the indoor environment with flowing water. Since water carry with it different contaminants, it is important to get rid of the contaminated water that enters the buildings. The use of pumps is an effective way of getting rid of excess water that has collected in low areas of the house. If the water crisis is caused by flooding, it is important to remove mud and other debris that has flowed in with flood waters.
The next objective is to restore the indoor environment to its original dry state. Areas that have been soaked underwater should be dried immediately within a 48 hour period. This will ensure that molds have not yet started to grow and spread to different areas of the house.
The third and final objective is to try to salvage the valuable properties that were affected due to water damage. Different methods can be used in restoring household items that have been affected by water damage. A company that specializes in water damage restoration can be hired to ensure the proper restoration of damage items.
The length of the drying and restoration process will greatly depend on the quality of the water that enters the indoor environment. If the water emergency involves clean water coming from water supply lines, then clean up will be faster and easier. Water damage caused by flood waters or sewage will take a longer and more complicated process.
About the Author
Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for water damage cleanups. To learn more about {a href=" http://www.restorationsos.com/ " title="Basement Flood"}basement flood and water restoration, visit RestorationSOS.com.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Eliminate Carpet Mold and Mildew Safely
Your carpets are totally vulnerable against mold and mildew. Free your carpets from mold and mildew.
In definition, carpets are weighty fabrics made of different materials and traditionally used for indoor floor coverings and occasionally hung on walls for decorations. If you have carpets you generally tack or cement them to the floor along with an underlay of cushion or padding. As the carpet industry grew, we now have carpeting on almost every market particularly in public and commercial buildings. With the latest breakthroughs in tufting and dyeing techniques, the improved material of modern carpets is almost perfect and because of this, carpets are now made of superior quality. But what is unchanged even until now is that carpets can be victim to carpet mold and mildew.
Carpets are used to cover the floors which are basically an important part of your house and used to enhance the durability of the floor’s surface, sound absorption and for easy maintenance but they still can fall prey to the clutches of mold and mildew. These disease-causing organisms thrive on moist surroundings and carpets can definitely be a place where we can have mold and mildew. Our floors tend to absorb moisture as well and so our carpets can be susceptible to mold and mildew. Once their presence is confirmed they can spread to almost any surface of the house.
Even if you are not allergic to mold and mildew you may eventually form a type of sensitivity to it. Mold and mildew have been identified to cause allergic attacks and may even cause irreparable damage to your internal organs such as your lungs. The moment that you find mold and mildew in your carpets, you must remove these disease-causing organisms at once. Because ordinary mold and mildew killers are made of harsh and toxic materials that are not actually safe for handling you have to be careful in buying the right products for eliminating mold and mildew. Always make sure that the mold cleaning products you purchase do not have chemicals that might pollute the environment not to mention endanger the well-being of you and your family.
These latest breakthrough products in mold and mildew removal also do not emit harsh and toxic fumes that pollute the air you breathe guaranteeing that no harm will come to the environment. You have to make use of products that can effectively eliminate mold and mildew from your carpets forever and to always make sure that they are made of all natural and organic materials which means that they are safe for you to use and environmentally friendly as well. Mold and mildew must be quickly removed from your house. Never let mold and mildew get the most of your floor coverings and be prepared and select the exactly those products that are both safe and effective.
By making preventive measures then every corner of your house will not be unprotected to mold and mildew. You will end with have a safe haven for you and your family as it should be. You can still carry on in enjoying your carpeted floors and not worry of being controlled by and getting sick from mold and mildew. With the right products and information you will without a doubt do well in mold and mildew prevention.
Markus Skupeika
Web Entrepeneur
Most people do not realize that black mold can become toxic mold if not taken care of immediately. Learn which cleaning products will remove black mold safe and effectively.
By Markus Skupeika
Published: 4/23/2008
In definition, carpets are weighty fabrics made of different materials and traditionally used for indoor floor coverings and occasionally hung on walls for decorations. If you have carpets you generally tack or cement them to the floor along with an underlay of cushion or padding. As the carpet industry grew, we now have carpeting on almost every market particularly in public and commercial buildings. With the latest breakthroughs in tufting and dyeing techniques, the improved material of modern carpets is almost perfect and because of this, carpets are now made of superior quality. But what is unchanged even until now is that carpets can be victim to carpet mold and mildew.
Carpets are used to cover the floors which are basically an important part of your house and used to enhance the durability of the floor’s surface, sound absorption and for easy maintenance but they still can fall prey to the clutches of mold and mildew. These disease-causing organisms thrive on moist surroundings and carpets can definitely be a place where we can have mold and mildew. Our floors tend to absorb moisture as well and so our carpets can be susceptible to mold and mildew. Once their presence is confirmed they can spread to almost any surface of the house.
Even if you are not allergic to mold and mildew you may eventually form a type of sensitivity to it. Mold and mildew have been identified to cause allergic attacks and may even cause irreparable damage to your internal organs such as your lungs. The moment that you find mold and mildew in your carpets, you must remove these disease-causing organisms at once. Because ordinary mold and mildew killers are made of harsh and toxic materials that are not actually safe for handling you have to be careful in buying the right products for eliminating mold and mildew. Always make sure that the mold cleaning products you purchase do not have chemicals that might pollute the environment not to mention endanger the well-being of you and your family.
These latest breakthrough products in mold and mildew removal also do not emit harsh and toxic fumes that pollute the air you breathe guaranteeing that no harm will come to the environment. You have to make use of products that can effectively eliminate mold and mildew from your carpets forever and to always make sure that they are made of all natural and organic materials which means that they are safe for you to use and environmentally friendly as well. Mold and mildew must be quickly removed from your house. Never let mold and mildew get the most of your floor coverings and be prepared and select the exactly those products that are both safe and effective.
By making preventive measures then every corner of your house will not be unprotected to mold and mildew. You will end with have a safe haven for you and your family as it should be. You can still carry on in enjoying your carpeted floors and not worry of being controlled by and getting sick from mold and mildew. With the right products and information you will without a doubt do well in mold and mildew prevention.
Markus Skupeika
Web Entrepeneur
Most people do not realize that black mold can become toxic mold if not taken care of immediately. Learn which cleaning products will remove black mold safe and effectively.
By Markus Skupeika
Published: 4/23/2008
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