Wednesday, March 20, 2024

What Does Mold Do To You

Pink Mold In The Toilet

Black Mold – How we get rid of mold in under 3 min!

The commonly known pink mold is a pink stain that is not a mold or mildew. It is an airborne or waterborne bacteria called Serratia marcescens. It grows in a variety of colors, including bright orange and red.

Like mold, it thrives in warm, dark, wet conditions, such as toilets, shower, bathtub, or sink. It feeds on mineral deposits as well as shampoo or soap residue.

Identifying Mold In Your Home

  • Appearance or dark spots or clusters. Look for spots or clustered growths, especially in warm, moist rooms.
  • Musty smell. You may be able to identify mold by a musty smell.
  • Allergies or asthma. If you experience asthma attacks or allergy symptoms in your home, that may also indicate theres mold.
  • Potential causes. Look for causes of mold growth, like a leak, water damage, lack of ventilation, or old food, papers, or wood.

Rental Properties With Mould Issues

When a rental property has mould, the owner should fix any mould caused by faults in gutters or other fixtures, but the tenant should ensure that extractor fans are used when available and the home is aired regularly where possible.

Sometimes, the cause of the mould growth may be due to a building fault that may not be easily rectified.

If as a tenant, you have taken measures to make sure the building is properly ventilated and mould is still growing, you should raise the issue with the owner.

Information on mould in rental properties is available on Consumer Affairs Victorias website.

Tenants seeking further advice on their rights can also contact the Tenants Union of Victoria on .

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Mold On Food: Salvageable Foods Vs Non

Surface mold has two parts to it. What you can see and what you cant see. The visible mold on surfaces are likely to have rooted deeply into the element in which it has landed on. With food, its the same. Some foods are soft and easily penetrable. Other foods gives it a hard time getting through. To sum this up, if it has grown on a soft, easily penetrable food, you should immediately dispose of it. The mold has likely spread throughout all of it. However, there are some hard foods that can be salvaged. Lets talk about how that works.

Non-Salvageable Foods

The following are a list of foods that should be discarded immediately if there is active growth on it. These foods are packed with moisture, soft and easily penetrable..

  • lunch meats
  • peanut butter/nuts
Salvageable Foods

Mold cannot penetrate deeply into some foods. Of course, after cutting off the infected areas and some of the food itself, these foods are still edible. They are generally harder and low in moisture, which makes it harder for penetration.

  • hard salami
  • dry-cured country ham
  • hard cheese
  • firm fruits and vegetables: cabbage, bell peppers, carrots, etc.

Indoor Mold: 5 Symptoms Of Mold Exposure

Mold 101: What to Do if You Find Mold in Your Seattle Home

Have you been wheezing lately, or getting out of breath just taking the stairs? Or maybe you feel like youre constantly battling a headache that just wont go away. Symptoms of mold exposure can be similar to those of infections or other conditions. So diagnosis and treatment takes longer than it should. But take heed. Those exposed to mold can be between 30-50% more likely to develop asthma. They also suffer from other respiratory problems and bronchitis.

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Nose And Throat Problems

Nasal mold allergy symptoms include a runny nose, swollen sinuses and post-nasal drip. The cumulative effect often causes a painful throat and difficulty in swallowing.

Treatment: OTC antihistamines help control nasal and throat symptoms. A salt water gargle or cold popsicles are good home remedies for sore throats.

Dealing With Mold In The Chicago Il Area We Can Help

We know you can handle most mold cleanup jobs on your own, but dont take any chances. If you or family members deal with any health issues, you dont want to risk making mold exposure problems worse. Give us a call here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

Our technicians are industry certified mold removal experts. We know how to clean your home and protect the surrounding environment while we work. From mold inside walls to toxic growth in the basement, we handle it all. Were proud to be Chicagos leading mold remediation company, and were always at your service.

Disclaimer: The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not constitute medical or other professional advice.

How does mold cause a skin rash?

Skin rashes caused by mold are allergic reactions to mold exposure. Scaly, itchy and dry skin are all symptoms of mold allergies. If you suspect mold in your home is the source of your skin rash, have the house inspected by a certified mold removal company.

How do you treat a mold rash?

Treat a mold rash in the same way you would any other type of rash. Cool compresses and antihistamine creams can relieve the itching. If the mold rash doesnt clear up quickly, consult with your doctor right away.

Can toxic black mold cause a skin rash?

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How Do You Know If Mold Is Making You Sick

Are you sick and suspect it might be from mold?

Determining whether exposure to mold is making you sick isnt always easy.

Each persons body is affected by mold toxicity in different ways. Some experience constant migraines and headaches, shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue or even depression.

Since symptoms differ from person to person, they may not be quickly associated with mold exposure. Many people suffering from mold illness struggle to get a proper diagnosis and investigation.

Its common to think my house is clean it cant be mold! However, mold comes in many forms. In this article, well share what toxic mold is, the signs and symptoms, and how it can be treated.

What Are The Treatments For Mold Allergy

How Mold Can Kill You | True Horror | Gizmodo

In some cases, there may be ways to reduce or remove mold exposure. This may not always be possible and you may need medications.

  • Avoid contact with mold.
  • Take medications for nasal or other allergic symptoms. Antihistamines and nasal steroids are available over the counter without a prescription. If you have allergic asthma, talk to your doctor about which medicines may be best for you. You might also be a candidate for allergy shots. Allergy shots may help reduce symptoms and medications. Learn more about allergy treatments.

Look for this mark to find products proven more suitable for people with asthma and allergies. Find CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® products on our Certification program website.

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Symptoms Of Mold Exposure

Symptoms of mold exposure can include:

  • Nasal and sinus congestion, runny nose
  • Respiratory problems, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing, chest tightness
  • Cough
  • Sneezing / Sneezing fits

Health effects linking to asthma

Adverse respiratory health effects are associated with occupancy in buildings with moisture and mold damage. Infants may develop respiratory symptoms due to exposure to a specific type of fungal mold, called Penicillium. Signs that an infant may have mold-related respiratory problems include a persistent cough and wheeze. Increased exposure increases the probability of developing respiratory symptoms during their first year of life. Studies have shown that a correlation exists between the probability of developing asthma and increased exposure to Penicillium. The levels are deemed âno moldâ to âlow levelâ, from âlowâ to âintermediateâ, and âintermediateâ to âhighâ.

Mold exposures have a variety of health effects depending on the person. Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. Exposure to mold can cause several health issues such as throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, cough, and wheezing, as well as skin irritation in some cases. Exposure to mold may also cause heightened sensitivity depending on the time and nature of exposure. People at higher risk for mold allergies are people with chronic lung illnesses and weak immune systems, which can often result in more severe reactions when exposed to mold.

Actions You Can Take To Reduce Mould

The most important actions you can take to prevent mould in your home are those that minimise moisture.

  • Fix leaky plumbing and roofs and other building faults
  • Ensure gutters are cleared and maintained
  • Reduce condensation by using exhaust fans, or open windows in the bathroom and kitchen when showering, cooking or using the dishwasher
  • Wipe up excess water caused by condensation such as on single glazed windows and on shower glazing
  • Air the home regularly by opening windows and doors on warmer days
  • Vent clothes dryers to the outside and clean lint filters according to the manufacturers instructions.
  • Use reverse cycle air conditioning and or mechanical dehumidification if available
  • Ensure sufficient exhaust openings to the outside of the building if using evaporative cooling. Evaporative coolers increase the moisture content in indoor air, so the manufacturers instructions should be followed to ensure airflow in the home.
  • Maintain heating, ventilation and cooling systems according to the manufacturers instructions.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
  • Avoid placing mattresses on the floor or surfaces without adequate ventilation.
  • Vacuum, and or turn mattresses if it can be done safely.
  • Increase air circulation around furniture by moving the furniture away from the walls.
  • Refer to information about cleaning up mould: refer to the information on the Better Health Channel website.

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    Testing For Mold Toxicity

    If you find mold in your home or workplace, it is important to test for mold toxicity in your body. Oftentimes, people who are struggling to get healthy , are dealing with mold toxicity.

    Mold toxins increase the burden on the liver and create chronic inflammation in the body. These toxins are highly indicated in neurological disorders and symptoms like brain fog, depression, and anxiety. One very effective option for testing mold toxins in the body is the GPL-MycoTOX Profile.

    How Common Is Mold In Buildings

    Do you have black colored or black toxic mold in your home ...

    Molds are very common in buildings and homes. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

    The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. We do not have precise information about how often different molds are found in buildings and homes.

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    How Can I Tell If I Have A Mold Problem

    Any part of your home that gets wet is likely to be moldy. Check for:

    • Leaks in your roof or plumbing. If water is trapped inside your walls or under your carpet, molds may grow there, although they can’t always be seen. See if your walls or rugs have light stains or a strong musty smell.
    • Mold in your basement, especially if your basement floods because of rain. Moisture can also seep through your home’s concrete foundation and make the bottom of carpets or the inside of a finished wall moldy.
    • Water damage around your windows or doors to the outside of the house. In winter, moist air can change to water on these cooler surfaces and cause molds to grow there.
    • Mold on walls, ceilings, floors, carpets, books or piles of newspapers. Smell these areas too sometimes a musty smell is your only clue that you have a mold problem.

    I Heard About Toxic Molds And Black Molds That Grow In Homes And Other Buildings Should I Be Concerned About A Serious Health Risk To Me And My Family

    There is always a little mold everywhere in the air and on many surfaces.

    Certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins . Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. Not all fungi produce mycotoxins and even those that do will not do so under all surface or environmental conditions.

    Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. Color is not an indication of how dangerous a mold may be. Any mold should be removed and the moisture source that helped it grow should be removed.

    There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven.

    Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.

    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
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    How Do You Get The Molds Out Of Buildings Including Homes Schools And Places Of Employment

    Mold growing in homes and buildings indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture. This is the first problem to address.

    Remove moldy items from living areas. Once mold starts to grow in carpet, insulation, ceiling tiles, drywall, or wallboard, the only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement.

    It is important to properly clean and dry the area as you can still have an allergic reaction to parts of the dead mold and mold contamination may recur if there is still a source of moisture.

    Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.

    Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly after any flooding. Dig out mud and dirt . Use a wet vacuum to remove remaining dirt. Scrub cleanable surfaces with soapy water and a bristle brush. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with water and dish detergent. Dry surfaces quickly and thoroughly after cleaning. If you have a fan, air conditioner or dehumidifier that wasnt affected by flooding use it to help the surfaces dry after you finish cleaning

    Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.

    If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

    Black Mold Removal And Cleaning

    What Do Mold Professionals Use To Kill Mold?

    Mold remediation in stores, offices, or schools is best left to the pros. This also applies to household mold exceeding 10 square feet.

    The contractors you choose should have insurance and licenses from organizations like the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification .

    Homeowners can handle cleaning about 10 square feet of black mold on their own.3 If the patch is small enough, a combination of bleach, water, scrubbing, and ventilation should do the trick.

    Before treating mold on your own, prioritize ventilation and protective gear.

    Removing black mold is a tough and dirty job. If you or anyone in your family is sensitive to mold allergies, has respiratory or immune issues, trust the professionals.

    Find a contractor in your area to get started.

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    What Else Can Cause A Musty Odor In The Home

    Humidity

    As a mold assessor, the number one culprit that I find is causing musty smells in homes during a mold inspection is:

    High humidity

    Humidity is how the amount of water vapor measured in the air.

    Now:

    Humidity itself can lead to mold growth on both hard surfaces

    However,

    Mold generally will only be on the surface of hard surfaces and in most cases but may let off what people describe as a mildew smell.

    High humidity for an extended period of time could lead to mold growth on porous items such as couches, beds, clothes, etc.

    There are many times however by just controlling the humidity within the home that the smell will vanish. The smell of dampness is mostly related to humidity.

    What Should I Do If I Have Any Of These Symptoms Of Mold Exposure

    Your first port of call is your doctor. He or she can rule out other health problems that might be causing your symptoms. Know that a physician cant diagnose mold exposure using just blood or urine tests. Youll need to have your home or workplace inspected by professionals. You might think that you can simply check with your family or colleagues to see if they exhibit similar symptoms. But unfortunately, some people are more sensitive to mold than others. So you might develop symptoms and the guy in the next cubicle is none the wiser.

    Your doctor will prescribe a program of treatment. But there are things that you can do to help:
    • Don a protective mask and gloves to clean any visible mold in your home.
    • Report the mold to the building manager if its in your workplace.
    • Keep on top of mold growth to stop it from releasing as many spores.
    • Run a dehumidifier in the bathroom or kitchen to make them less attractive spaces for mold to grow.
    • Once youve removed the visible mold, have your air ducts cleaned regularly.

    If youve recently had mold removed from your home call Fresh Aire Duct Cleaning at 275-5556 or contact us online to schedule a duct cleaning service in Los Angeles! You need to make sure youre not simply transmitting mold spores around your home.

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