What Does Mold Need In Order To Grow
The truth is not much is needed for mold spores to grow out of control. Ideal conditions include lots of moisture and food. Indoor mold growth is fueled by moisture. This explains why mold is such a common problem in highly humid and damp areas like bathrooms and basements.
In addition to moisture, mold also needs nutrients, which it finds in a variety of materials like paper, wood, drywall or any organic material. More information available in our article about causes of mold growth.
A Qualified Environmental Lab Took Samples Of The Mold In My Home And Gave Me The Results Can Cdc Interpret These Results
Standards for judging what is an acceptable, tolerable or normal quantity of mold have not been established. Sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of mold have not been set. The best practice is to remove the mold and work to prevent future growth. If you do decide to pay for environmental sampling for molds, before the work starts, you should ask the consultants who will do the work to establish criteria for interpreting the test results. They should tell you in advance what they will do or what recommendations they will make based on the sampling results. The results of samples taken in your unique situation cannot be interpreted without physical inspection of the contaminated area or without considering the buildings characteristics and the factors that led to the present condition.
Mold Allergies Asthma And Other Respiratory Symptoms
Whether you already experience allergy symptoms or not, touching or inhaling mold spores may cause you to become allergic to mold. If you are sensitized to mold as an allergen, exposure may cause a range of allergy symptoms, including sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, and eye, nose and throat irritation, according to the CDC. However, you do not need to be sensitized to mold for it to cause medical symptoms.
Exposure to mold and damp indoor environments has been linked to a wide range of health effects. According to the Institute of Medicine , both mold and damp indoor environments have been found to cause coughing, wheezing and other respiratory tract symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals. Those with asthma may experience more severe asthma symptoms when exposed to mold or indoor dampness, including tightness, swelling and mucus in the airways. The CDC also notes that workplace exposure to mold in damp buildings has been associated with new-onset asthma.
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Symptoms Of Toxic Mold Exposure
The effects of exposure to toxic black mold can become very serious. You can test fungal growth in the house and determine exactly what youre up against, but never ignore these warning signs.
- Chronic nausea and vomiting that increase over time
- Repeated appearance and disappearance of painful toxic mold rashes
- Persistent, unexplained muscle aches, fatigue and fever
Over time, exposure to any type of mold can have serious effects especially on children. If you suspect any health issues might be signs of mold poisoning, contact a medical professional immediately.
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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Removing Mold From Your Home
Binding Mycotoxins To Heal Your Gut
The use of binders to remove mycotoxins from the gut is necessary to reverse chronic stomach problems caused by ingestion of toxic mold. Through the process of enterohepatic circulation, mycotoxins are carried from the liver and gallbladder by bile into the small intestine where they are reabsorbed and transported back to the liver, creating a cycle of exposure that causes chronic inflammation and accompanying symptoms.
Binders are non-absorbable agents that attach or bind to mycotoxins and carry them out of the body. Since binders cannot be reabsorbed and recycled through the GI system, they move captured mycotoxins into the large intestine to be eliminated through the stool. Popular detox binders include:
- Activated Bamboo or Coconut Charcoal
- Bentonite and Zeolite Clays
- Monomethylsilanetriol Silica
- Saccharomyces boulardii
Although more research is required, binders likely do not interfere with nutrient absorption. To be safe and maximize effectiveness of meals and medications, use binders one hour before or two hours after you eat or take supplements.
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Preventing Black Mold Illness
The only way to prevent illness from black mold is to keep it out of your home. Like all types of mold, black mold requires a fair amount of moisture in order to grow. You can use dehumidifiers to reduce the amount of humidity, which is just moisture in the air, in your home. Experts generally recommend keeping your home at no more than 50 percent humidity you can purchase a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home if you want to make sure its not high enough to cause any more mold to grow.
Youll also need to identify the source of any excess moisture. Check for leaks in your roof and under sinks, and make sure the bathroom has adequate ventilation so the room can dry out after someone showers.
If black mold does develop in your home despite your best efforts to prevent it, youll need to clean it up thoroughly. As we mentioned above, if youre experiencing symptoms of mold-related illness, you should not handle mold or attempt to clean it up yourself you should arrange for someone else to do it for you. You can hire a professional if you like.
Mold In Air Vents: Symptoms To Watch For
Black mold in your air vents can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms and health problems. The symptoms may vary from person to person, and can also depend on the length of exposure and the amount of spores inhaled.
Common symptoms and health problems caused by black mold may include:
- Itchy, irritated eyes
- Nausea
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
If you suspect that you or someone in your household has been exposed to black mold, its crucial to take swift action to protect your health and remove contamination. Consult a professional to have the mold removed in a safe, effective way and make sure to also consult an AC pro to prevent a future infestation.
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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.
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Who Is At Risk For Mold Toxicity
While anyone can become ill from exposure to mold and its mycotoxins, some are more susceptible than others.
People who already have allergies or asthma can be more severely affected by mold toxicity than those who do not have allergies.
Also, people who are already ill, have immune suppression, or who have respiratory illnesses are more likely to have noticeable and intense symptoms resulting from mold exposure.
Symptoms of mold toxicity are relatively persistent and should not be ignored.
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Black Mold Exposure Can Damage Your Circulatory System
Black mold spores can be inhaled, consumed, or absorbed through a persons skin or eyes. When mycotoxins find their way into the bloodstream, mycotoxins have the potential to cause serious damage.
Symptoms of circulatory system damage from black mold include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Bleeding in the brain
Remove Black Mold On Bathroom Wall
If the infestation of black mold on the bathroom wall is no larger than 10 square feet, you can easily remove it by doing some simple steps below.
Please note that the above steps will only work for the small area of the infected wall that is less than 10 square feet.
If black mold infects bathroom wall in a larger area, it is better for you to call professional inspectors to remove the mold and help you get rid of this dangerous organism. They will use negative air pressure to destroy the mold.
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Can You Get Sick From Mold
Did you know that mold is a versatile fungus that has hundreds of thousands of species? These different mold species can range in severity and can trigger a range of specific health issues depending upon the species present in the environment and that humans may come into contact with or exposure. This naturally-occurring fungal growth can be found anywhere, especially those indoor environments that have optimal conditions like moisture, oxygen, warmer climates, and decaying matter for the mold to feed on to further promote its growth. As this mold begins to form within your indoor environment, it will release spores into the air, a small pollutant in the air that can exacerbate and trigger potential health issues in those exposed, leading to illnesses that may range in severity.
Exposure to mold and its spores can definitely lead to an individual becoming sick after continual contact in the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency , they state the impact that mold can have on human health, the describe how mold affects people as the following
Molds produce allergens and irritants into the air, and exposure to these allergens either through inhalation or touching may cause an allergic reaction that can elicit allergy-symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.
Final Thoughts On Coping With A Mold Illness
Mold is something everyone lives with. Its in your backyard, your house, and even in your food. Most of the mold you come in contact with is harmless and doesnt cause health problems. But sometimes, you can end up with a severe mold allergy that causes symptoms. Keeping your house free from mold is a priority. IF you have a water leak, then fix it immediately. Provide good air ventilation in your house with fans and open windows on dry weather days.
Add lots of air-purifying plants around your home, especially in the rooms where dampness creeps in, like the kitchen or bathroom. Mold is here to stay, so learning to eliminate it or reduce its growth is the best option to combat a mold illness.
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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:
Toxic Mold And How It Destroys Lives
Toxic mold can impact your health in many ways. Were so used to seeing toxic mold in our shower stalls and basements that its easy to view this organic matter as nothing more than an unsightly nuisance. However, research has revealed that while some forms of mold are fairly benign , others can be highly toxic. While exposure to mold will not usually cause sudden death, its cumulative effects can be dangerous, debilitating, and in some cases, even fatal. Heres what you need to know about toxic mold:
Increased Asthma Rate Among Children
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What Are Mycotoxins
Other metabolites, called mycotoxins, are potent substances produced by somemolds. People can be exposed to mycotoxins through inhalation, ingestion orskin contact. Many molds, including species commonly found indoors, are capableof producing mycotoxins. The existence
or identification of a toxin-producing mold indoors does not mean thatbuilding occupants have been exposed to mycotoxins or that they are evenpresent, since molds do not produce them under all conditions. Mycotoxins cancause a variety of adverse health effects, but more research is needed todetermine the health risks posed by mycotoxins in indoor environments. However,it is clearly advisable to avoid exposure to mold and mycotoxins.
How To Prevent Mold
Controlling moisture is the key to preventing mold from growing in your home. The following tips will help stop mold from becoming a problem:
- Keep the humidity in your house below 50%. Using an air conditioner or dehumidifier can help with this.
- Make sure your house is clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
- Fix any water leaks immediately.
- Use ventilation fans in your kitchen and bathrooms.
- Don’t put carpet in rooms that are likely to become wet such as the basement, kitchen, or bathrooms.
- Make sure wet floor mats are dried quickly.
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