You Can't Run, You Can't Hide, Mold Will Eventually Find You

Mold is everywhere and no one can escape it. You'll find it in the air, on surfaces, in the refrigerator, in the house or office, and outside. Like karma, it's one of those things that you can't run from. You can't hide from it. Mold will creep into everyone's lives and homes at some point or another.

While mold is not a health concern for many people, it can create moderate to severe allergic or asthmatic reactions for others.

Aside from health considerations, mold is an ugly fungus that damages your home or office. It's something you don't want.

The first step in dealing with mold is to identify and correct its cause. The rule of thumb is this: No mold can grow without moisture. If the amount of mold is not too big, mold remediation in your home can be a do-it-yourself job. The sooner you can get rid of the mold, the better. This is because the longer mold is allowed to grow the more difficult it is to clean up.

Molds reproduce by spreading tiny spores. These microscopic spores float on air currents until they can find a suitable spot to grow. If you have existing mold spots, the spores obviously do not have trouble finding good breeding grounds. With a mix of moisture and other conditions, these spores will germinate and produce new mold growth.

When inhaled by some people, these spores create allergic reactions or exacerbate asthmatic conditions. If you are suffering from allergic reactions to airborne mold spores, you might consider using a negative ionizer (or negative ion generator). Negative ions are able to remove the spores from the air.

Having mold in your home is certainly not uncommon. It's a little known fact that 70% of homes have mold in their wall cavities. Some homes are worse than others. Homes with bad mold damage might have mold spores growing from the shower head that become airborne and then take over large portions of bedroom or other walls. Obviously, homes that have had flood damage will also fare worse in the mold department than others.

If ignored, small moldy areas will grow larger over time, so it's important to remediate little patches of mold as soon as you see them. If mold is visible, it is not necessary to test for mold. Take care of it straight away.

Remediation is the term used for the cleanup and removal of the mold infestation or growth. If the job is small enough, mold remediation might be something you want to do yourself by drying the area, scrubbing away the mold and using bleach to kill the mold. There are also antimicrobial coating products on the market that you can use to remove mold and prevent its re-growth. Any product that touts mold killing abilities should have an EPA registration number on the label. No cleanup or remediation is complete until you have repaired the water or moisture problem that contributed to the mold's growth in the first place.

Mold is something that everyone has to deal with at some point or another. The best way to handle mold in your home is to stop it early by reducing the moisture that contributes to the mold growth. Use a negative ion generator to remove spores from the air. As soon as you see small mold patches, remediate them before they become a bigger problem.

Mold will eventually find you, no matter how much running, hiding, or ignoring you do. Discover how to fight back by visiting http://www.mold-mildew-info.com

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

What Cleaning Companies Need to Know About Mold

When someone mentions mold it brings to mind visions of green bread or cheese that has been left in the refrigerator too long - things you just throw into the trash without much thought. However, molds are an essential part of our environment. They break down trees, leaves and other types of organic matter; and mold is responsible for some of the foods and medicines that we have today. But inside buildings mold can be unsightly, smell, and cause health problems to the buildings occupants. Cleaning staff may be responsible to either remediate mold that already exists or to prevent mold from growing inside buildings. Knowing the basics about mold can help to put preventive measures into place.

Molds can grow almost anywhere as long as moisture (water), an organic food source and oxygen is present. There are roughly 1,000 species of mold spores in the United States and more than 100,000 species worldwide. Mold is generally not a problem unless the spores land on a damp spot and begin growing. There are varieties of mold that grow on wood, paper, carpet, insulation and even everyday dust and dirt.

There is no way to remove all the mold spores that are inside buildings. However, mold is usually not a problem unless the spores land on a damp spot and begin growing and multiplying. If left unchecked, mold can grow on furniture, carpet, building materials, and in extreme cases have even caused structural damage.

Mold thrives in buildings that have excessive moisture. The tightly sealed buildings of today have resulted in decreased ventilation, which can lead to increased moisture levels inside buildings. In addition, moisture problems can result from leaking roofs, over-watering plants, gutters that direct water inside a building and improperly maintained appliances.

Controlling moisture is the key to keeping mold from growing and thriving in buildings. Quickly clean up any water leaks and dry thoroughly. Following are additional mold prevent tips:

* Look for any condensation areas and wet spots in buildings. Pinpoint and fix the source of the moisture.

* Fix any plumbing leaks as soon as possible.

* Prevent moisture from condensing on to surfaces by increasing the air temperature, increasing air circulation and reducing the moisture level in the building. Reduce the moisture level by repairing any leaks and use a dehumidifier if necessary.

* Keep the HVAC system properly maintained. Change filters regularly and keep drip pans clean.

* Appliances that produce moisture (such as dryers) should be vented to the outside.

* Cooking and bathroom areas should be properly vented.

* Quickly pinpoint areas where any leaks have occurred. Then identify what has caused the leak and take the right preventive measures to prevent the leak from reoccurring.

If a building has a mold problem one of the following reasons may be noticeable:

* Furniture, carpeting or other building materials may have water damage

* Musty or moldy type odors

* Building occupants may be experiencing health problems that they feel are related to mold: sneezing, headaches, nausea

* Existing moisture problems or standing water in areas of the building

Buildings that have a mold problem will need a remediation plan to identify and correct the conditions that have allowed the mold growth. The plan will also include steps to remove or clean any mold damaged materials. However, the first step is to clean up the current mold problem and then work with a specialist to decide how to correct and prevent the problem from reoccurring.

When cleaning up the mold it is important to remember that killing the mold is not enough. The mold itself must be removed. There are chemicals that exist even in dead mold spores that can cause a reaction in humans. There are several cleanup methods available. The specific method or combination of methods to use depends on the material that has the mold damage:

Wet Vacuum or ShopVac. These are vacuum cleaners that collect water. These vacuums work on floors, carpets, and other hard surfaces where water has collected. Do not use a wet vac to remove water from porous materials, such as insulation or gypsum board. Only use wet vacuums on wet materials. Mold spores may be released into the building if there is not enough liquid present. Thoroughly clean and the equipment, tanks, hoses, and attachments after use to prevent the mold from growing in the vacuum.

Damp Wipe. Clean nonporous surfaces by damp wiping or scrubbing with water and detergent. Dry the surfaces quickly and thoroughly to discourage further mold growth. Remember to read and follow any specific instructions for special surfaces.

HEPA Vacuum. A high-efficiency particulate air vacuum is recommended for the final cleanup in any mold infested areas. Make sure that all materials are thoroughly dried and remove any contaminated items. You should also use a HEPA vacuum to cleanup any nearby areas where dust may have settled. When it is time to change the filter, employees should wear a respirator and suitable personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to any of the captured mold. Place the filter and any collected material in impermeable bags and then dispose of the bags appropriately.

Disposing of Mold Damaged Materials. Dispose of damaged materials like construction waste. Place the materials in impermeable bags or closed containers or cover large materials with polyethylene sheeting and seal them with duct tape.

Use of Biocides. Using biocides like bleach, is not a recommended practice for removing mold. If a remediation expert does recommend using a biocide, only use the chemical in a well ventilated area. Bleaches and other biocides are toxic to people and animals and should only be used according to the label's directions.

Clean the affected area when the room or building is not occupied. Any contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed first. Workers should wear the proper personal protective equipment -- respirators, gloves and goggles. Once cleaned, dry the areas quickly and thoroughly.

After cleanup, make sure the underlying cause of the mold has been addressed or mold growth will reoccur. Building owners must place emphasis on preventing contamination by making sure that any water leaks or excessive moisture problems are fixed. Keeping mold at bay is essential for a healthy indoor environment. Remember, mold spores will always be present, but removing the standing or excessive water that molds need to grow, will prevent the spores from becoming an unsightly and unhealthy problem.

Copyright (c) 2006 The Janitorial Store

Steve Hanson is co-founding member of The Janitorial Store (TM), an online community that offers weekly tips, articles, downloads, discussion forums, and more for anyone who would like to learn how to start a cleaning business. Visit The Janitorial Store's blog and get inspired by reading cleaning success stories from owners of cleaning companies.

Finding Mold Killers That Will be Beneficial 4 Months Later

In order for a solution to be a worthwhile mold killer you need two important parts to stop mold growth. The first key ingredient is taking away the food source. The second important factor is changing the molds living environment. In order to be a categorized as mold killers the solution will change the DNA makeup of the mold and change it's local environment. In order to complete both, a great solution is encapsulation to develop a safe shield on the surface.

The system of developing a shield will destroy mold spores and block enzymes from growing back. while in the shielding phase the solution kills mold spores and block future reproduction. This clear surface changes the food source by not allowing the organisms to eat from that surface and killing black mold at the same time.

Many of the markets cleaners do destroy mold to a degree. An issue occurs when there is not future prevention. Thousands of Residential Mold Removal companies have been using mold killers and blockers to prevent future problems for the business and clients. A great mold killer for the famous black mold that we commonly see is about killing and preventing.

Forget about bleach. Although, bleach is a great cleaning product for the house. Bleach is harsh and full of chemicals to the point where they are more toxic than mold spores. The best mold solution to use is an organic product that is safe to use around your children and home. Not many products on the market are doing this because of the technology and possibly long term profits.

I believe if you clean mold and block it's future growth there may not be such a profit for companies. A speculation and you can come to your own conclusion. As a cmc certified microbial consultant is is always a must for my family and i to use a mold killer and block that is safe and organic to use around.e used.

If you have a bigger mold problem do research on finding a Mold Inspector and Asbestos Consultant. They will be a great resource for your family and offer sound advice. Think about a safe shield solution if you have a smaller amount of mold in the house or commercial space. Also, educate yourself on the mold symptoms so there is a better understanding of the mold spores and the effects to the system it can cause.

Markus Skupeika

Finding new solutions for mold and mildew removal. Great listing of sites and cleaning products for the fellow mold sufferers.

Mold Removal Information and Products
Mold Symptoms