Watery Or Irritated Eyes
When allergens are present, the body releases histamines as part of its immune response. This histamine release is what causes the eyes to water excessively when exposed to toxins from mold.
This reaction from histamine may be the bodys way of flushing out allergens and toxins. It can serve as a warning to you that your environment may contain dangerous black mold.
The Myth About Bleach Killing Mold
Perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of bleach when proposed as a cleaner or sanitizing agent is that its effectiveness is greatly reduced in the presence of organic material. To be a successful sanitizer, bleach must be used on clean materials and surfaces. This is why bleach products are used in the laundry after the wash cycle or in a commercial kitchen as a component in the third sink after the dishes have been washed and rinsed. The efficacy of bleach as a sanitizer is also compromised by heat and light. Despite the fact that the chlorine odor may linger for some time after use, bleach loses strength so quickly that it is not considered to have a residual effect that would prevent future bacterial or fungal growth. Micheal Pinto CEO of Wonder Makers Environmental
One of the greatest invention thus far today has been the Internet. It has given everyone an equal opportunity to search and invest their time into any topic of interest. Unfortunately, this does allow for both good and bad information to be available for research. As we are barely getting into the scientific studies on mold and the effects of exposure, it is hard to gain valuable information.
In respect to mold, the internet is full of incorrect information! Bleach may have some impact on non porous materials such as bathroom glass, tile, or porcelain toilet but it is completely ineffective on porous materials.
Set up an AFD to create negative pressure allowing to clean the air during air exchanges.
How Does Mould Affect Health
Mould associated with damp buildings can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, wheeze, respiratory infections and worsen asthma and allergic conditions.
People who are more susceptible to these symptoms and other serious health effects include those with:
- weakened immune systems
- chronic, obstructive, or allergic lung diseases.
You should seek medical advice if you are concerned about the effects of mould.
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How To Differentiate Between White Mold And Efflorescence
White mold and efflorescence look a lot alike. In fact, theyre so similar that people often mistake one for the other. Both are white in colour and found on walls and other building materials. Understanding what both substances are and how they form will help you to determine which one is making an appearance in your home.
So what is efflorescence? Simply put, efflorescence is salt deposits commonly found on concrete and brick. It develops when water evaporates from concrete or brick, and leaves behind a salty residue on the surface of the material. However, efflorescence causes only cosmetic damage and will not threaten the structural safety of your home. Likewise it also doesnt pose any risk to your health.
Tips for distinguishing between white mold and efflorescence:
- Efflorescence dissolves in watermold does not
- Efflorescence is typically found on concrete and brick while mold grows on organic materials like wood and drywall
- White mold is a living organism while efflorescence is simply salt deposits
- Efflorescence is not harmful. It wont make you sick, but white mold will.
- White mold gives off a distinctive odour while efflorescence not.
Testing For Mould In Your Home
Where mould is visible, it is generally not considered necessary to test for it in the home. However, not all mould is visible, as contamination may be in cavities or the ceiling. Generally, if you can see or smell mould, you need to clean up and remove the mould immediately, as mould can damage surfaces it grows on.
If you suspect mould contamination but cannot find the source of the problem, or if you have already taken measures to prevent mould from growing and you are still having problems, you could employ an occupational hygienist or environmental health and safety professional. For a fee, these professionals can provide specialist mould testing and consultancy services.
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Health Effects Of Black Mold
According to the EPA, various types of mold can cause health problems for some people. Those health problems are primarily in the form of allergies such as stuffy head, headache, itchy eyes, trouble breathing, etc. These ailments can be more severe in the young, the old, and those with other health issues. The CDC basically says the same thing that mold can cause health issues in some people, or no issues in other people.
According to the CDC, Stachybotrys black mold is unproven to cause serious medical issues beyond those mentioned above. In other words, symptoms of black mold are only proven to be similar to other molds. The CDC simply states that various types of mold may cause health symptoms, to consult with a doctor if symptoms persist, and that no color or type of mold belongs in a building.
You may be thinking: If all we know for sure is that mold causes allergies in some people, and maybe some serious health problems in a small percentage of other people, then whats the big deal?
Well, our answer to that is to imagine yourself as one of those people who are sensitive to mold. Constant allergies, constantly feeling sick, and miserable in your own home. Theres even a scientific name for it: Sick Building Syndrome . Mold, along with other problems such as radon, Chinese drywall, etc., can cause Sick Building Syndrome. Suffering through Sick Building Syndrome is a terrible way to live, and we wouldnt wish it upon our worst enemy!
Is Black Mold Toxic
Perhaps it is a little misleading to say, Yes when anyone asks, Is black mold toxic? The symptoms, allergies and illnesses that can arise as a result of black mold are real and create a serious health hazard. However, it is the Volatile Organic Compounds that are formed by molds that make them dangerous enough to create respiratory and immune problems.
According to the Centers for Disease Control , mold itself is not toxic and the word toxic mold is a misnomer. Molds found in most homes are toxigenic, which means the molds produce the toxins that do the damage to human systems and homes.
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Where Do We Go From Here
At a session on safety at a 1984 Society of American Archivistsconference, one speaker dealt with Worker’s Compensation questions.He advised archivists who became ill or were injured on the job toget it documented promptly with a physician or in the nurse’soffice. Photographs are useful for this. He said to get a medicalreport from the appropriate internist, giving the diagnosis, medicalfindings, and opinion as to cause. Hazards should be understood bythe employer, and long and short term effects understood by theworker. Ask questions, he said it’s your health. When hiring on,ask about occupational health and safety, and look over theequipment and facilities. When a problem has been identified,approach management. If that does not resolve the problem, go tofederal and state agencies. Go to the union. As a last resort, buyyour own equipment or quit.
That advice sounds easier to implement for ordinary hazards thanit does for fungal infections. Still, no progress is likely to bemade if nothing is documented, and the logical people to gatherevidence are probably the people who are most affected by this typeof health risk.
In the January 1988 issue of Restauro there is anarticle in German, “Hygiene in the Workplace: Bacteria and Mold,”summarized in the on p. 58. It covers mycosis andmycotic infections, with recommendations for preventing infection.
Frank Preusser posted the following reference on the DistListlast March:
How Do You Keep Mold Out Of Buildings And Homes
Inspect buildings for evidence of water damage and visible mold as part of routine building maintenance, Correct conditions causing mold growth to prevent mold growth.
Inside your home you can control mold growth by:
- Controlling humidity levels
- Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding
- Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.
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Cleaning Larger Areas Of Mold
Large mold infestations are serious and should not be tackled by a homeowner, in the area and have them come out and investigate the situation and give an estimate of the mold removal costs.
After you accept their bid they will take a mold sample from a mold testing kit and send this to a environmental lab for analysis. A report will come back and the mold removal company should interpret the results for you explaining the exact mold and the best process for removal.
Dead Mold Spores Are Dangerous
Even if in theory we could kill every spore, the assumption that they are unimportant is highly questionable. Dead spores often contain allergens or toxins that are just as harmful to someone breathing them or getting such mold in ones eye or in a cut, as before.The object is not to kill mold, it is to remove the mold reservoir in the building by physical cleaning or in cases of items that cant be cleaned, such as drywall, soft goods, carpets, furniture, or insulation, remove the moldy material to identify the cause and make sure thats been corrected. How to Kill Mold.
If you have a problem with mold contact Pursuit Restoration. We are experts in remediation and removal of mold in residential or commercial propertys.
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How We Can Help
At the Sponaugle Wellness Institute, we assist in the healing of patients with chronic illness. Dr. Sponaugle specializes in treating Mold Toxicity, Industrial Toxicity, Gut Toxicity, Lyme Disease, and more.
Now you know the answer to the question, Why is black mold dangerous? Just listen to some of the lives that weve changed through our treatments.
If you have any additional questions/concerns, please feel free to reach out to us today!
About Sponaugle Wellness Institute
At Sponaugle Wellness Institute we practice integrative medicine, combining the best of conventional and alternative medicine to focus on outcome-based treatments for patient. Our mission is to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of our patients illness rather than to treat their symptoms. Dr. Rick Sponaugle, Director of Sponaugle Wellness Institute, is an integrative physician with extraordinary brain expertise having treated over 8,000 patients who were suffering with various psychological and neurological disorders.aView all posts by Sponaugle Wellness Institute
I Found Mold Growing In My Home How Do I Test The Mold
If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present. You do not need to know the type of mold growing in your home, and CDC does not recommend or perform routine sampling for molds. No matter what type of mold is present, you should remove it. Since the effect of mold on people can vary greatly, either because of the amount or type of mold, you cannot rely on sampling and culturing to know your health risk.
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White Mold In Basements
Have you ever noticed that your basement tends to be cooler than any other room in your house? While this can provide much needed comfort in the hot summer months, it can also be promoting mold growth. Heres how. When warm outside air comes into contact with the cold basement walls, it condenses, creating moisture droplets on the walls. If this moisture isnt dried promptly, mold will soon start to grow on your basement walls.Dampness from the soil outside can also bring in extra moisture to the basement, creating a wet and humid environment perfect for mold growth. And because basements often lack proper ventilation , they make a great breeding ground for white mold.
Ways to tell if you have a mold in your basement are a earthy or musty smell, condensation on the walls, bubbling paint or wallpaper, and discoloration on walls, ceilings, carpets, or furniture. If you notice something that looks like efflorescence, examine it closely and remember the tips we gave you on distinguishing between white mold and efflorescence. White mold will look white, cottony, flakey, and stringy and grows on organic materials.
How Are Mold Allergies And Exposure Diagnosed
There are no proven tests that show when or where you may have been exposed to mold. However, your doctor may check for mold allergies by reviewing your symptoms and performing one of the following tests:
- Blood test. Your doctor takes a blood sample and then sends it to a laboratory to measure the number of certain antibodies, which can indicate your immune systems sensitivity to different mold species.
- Skin prick test. Your doctor takes small amounts of mold and applies it to your skin using a tiny needle. Your skin will break out in bumps, a rash, or hives if youre allergic to that type of mold.
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Test For Mold When Seeing Green Indoors
Green molds may be identified by their greenish hue. However, green mold may be difficult to recognize, especially since the green mold may appear as different colors on various surfaces.
Splotches of varying hues of green and green-grey in darkened, damp recesses are a certain indication of green mold. Green mold also commonly grows alongside molds of varying types, like black or pink mold.
Wood is a primary target for mold. Wooden floors, ceiling beams, and walls can host green mold colonies. The dark, confined spaces of kitchen cabinetry supply ample nutrients for green mold to flourish on even food, like bread.
While green mold may be easy to spot if the growth appears tinted green, only a laboratory test can prove if the mold belongs to certain species that produce green mold.
Mold test kits are available in abundant supply, giving property owners the ability to determine if unsightly, musty eyesores parading as fungi are indeed mold. Mold removal and remediation services also provide professional mold inspections.
Cleaning Your Home After Discovering Mold
At My Pure Environment, we know that the average homeowner can never completely eliminate mold from their home using their own methods, even if it was only on the houseplants. This is because of something we call the mold load. Because of how dangerous mold is, and how difficult it is to get rid of, we use our powerful dry fog technology. Thisreduces the mold concentration level for every building we treat to virtually zero.
The dry fog attaches to any mold spores it finds and kills them on contact, rendering them unable to grow and spread any further. Well work room by room through your home or office and clean it completely to eradicate any existing mold.
Image used under creative commons license – commercial use Annie Spratt
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What Is White Fuzzy Mold
This is a type of mold with a white, fuzzy appearance caused by the airborne spores of the fungus. The mold is also known as powdery mildew due to its powdery look and texture.
White fuzzy mold usually affects established plants and vegetation. Even in some cases, it can cover the entire plant, including its buds and fruits. It can also spread over the stems and leaves of indoor and outdoor houseplants.
Other common locations that boost the growth of white fuzzy mold include furniture surface areas, clothing and textiles, foods, crawlspaces, and attic sheathing and framing. Allowing this mold to spread in your home can stimulate allergic reactions in emotional people.
White Mold In Bathroom
White mold in your bathroom can be unsightly, bringing in health risks to homeowners. Not sure whether white mold is in your bathroom? Check your ceiling the painted or wallpapered walls, caulk, and tile grout. These are the most common places where you can find mold fungus developing in your bathroom.
The bathroom has the perfect humid and temperature conditions for mold growth. Leaky plumbing pipes, sinks, and toilets can encourage fungus growth. Also, the absence of ventilation can cause lingering moisture. Considering the well-being of your household, you need to get rid of the white mold fungi as soon as you spot them.
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Is Black Mold Dangerous Heres The Truth
The truth is, many people arent negatively affected by mold. However, mold can cause allergies in some people who are sensitive to mold. In these cases, it can make their lives miserable. Mold can also cause severe medical issues with a small percentage of people who have other health complications.
If youve seen a concerning growth in your home or been told that you have a black mold issue, you probably have a lot of questions.
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.
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