Molds are part of the natural environment.  Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided.  Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air.  Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet.  There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).  Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common.  They can be immediate or delayed.  Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.  Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. 

How do I get rid of mold?

The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present.  Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.  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.

 

Containment is essential in proper mold clean up. Mold spores are microscopic particles that will travel though out the home unless proper containment and ventalation are in place prior to mold treatment and clean up.




Negative Air Scrubbers reverse the "stack effect" in a home and direct mold spores outside the work zone.



Organics including wood, paper, sheet rock, insulation, are highly sought after matierials for mold colonies.



Anti-Microbial Solutions should be used to clean organics in conjunction with HEPA vacs. The surface should be prepped for encapsulation with anti-microbial paints.



Anti-Microbial Paints are used to encapsulate organics and keep the surface free from re-colonization.



New insulation is a must for proper treatment of Attic Mold.



Dirt Crawl Spaces need to be encapsulated with special materials to eliminate mold and moisture.




Floor Joists need to be treated in basements to prevent mold transfer to upper floors.



Call 800.994.1472 for a FREE mold inspection