Healthy Homes

Molds are microscopic fungi that need plant and animal matter in order to grow.  It is estimated that there are greater than 100,000 different species of fungi that exist across the world.  These thinly spun threaded organisms produce spores that then aloow them to spread themselves to different locations.  Spores can be spread in the air, through water, open windows or even among insects.

 Toxic molds can be dangerous and even fatal for susceptable individuals.  However, the majority of molds pose little or no health risks to humans.  Household molds exist in colors such as red, green blue-green, brown and black. in fact, there are only two types of household molds that are toxic. Stachybotrys and Memnoniellia.

What are some common indoor molds?

Cladosporium: Common Outside Mold

Penicillium

Alternaria

Aspergillus

Toxic mold is often found in damp, moist, or wet places in or around a house or building.  Stachbotrys typically grows in damp environments on materials that are high in cellulose and low in nitrogen content.  Examples include: 

Wallpaper

Cardboard

Ceiling Tile

Cellulose Insulation

Wood

If black mold is growing on materials that do not contain cellulose, it is probably not Stachybotrys. 

Stachybotrys  mold spores produce a poisonous substance called Mycotoxin. Specifically, these are known as Trichothecenes.  When these spores are inhaled and ingested by a human, they can cause many unpleasant and even very serious symptoms and conditions.

Symptoms include:

Nasal stuffiness

Eye irritation or wheezing

Fever and shortness of breath 

Infections in lungs, with people with obstructive lung disease.

Molds (CNN Article) and bacteria can quickly and easily contaminate water-damaged areas in homes and public buildings. Many people are allergic and develop severe respiratory illnesses related to mold exposure. Allergic reactions can include: asthma attacks, chronic sinusitis and various other respiratory problems. Children, the elderly and people with immune system problems are particularly at risk. USA Today reports that "recent studies have also suggested that certain mycotoxin-producing molds may cause pulmonary hemorrhaging in infants and memory impairment in older children and adults."

There are some telltale signs you can look for to determine if you have a mold problem.

• unpleasant and lingering musty odors

• discolored or blackened areas

• damp areas

• water marks

• peeling or soft surfaces

If you have any of these signs of mold it is important that you contain the area and ventilate immediately. Remove the water-damaged materials and scrub the area thoroughly using an antimicrobial spray.

Often molds can grow in areas behind walls and under carpets. Mold will continue to grow as long as it has a source of water.

Banks, Realtors, Restoration Companies -  Call us now!! Dr.Riegel has worked with Insurance Companies to expidite the mold remediation of all claims to get the property sold or get the homeowner back into their home.

For small minor areas of mold growth, click here for Dr. Riegel's recommendations for mold remediation cleaning supplies.

For larger areas of damage that are not easily detected or contained, contact Healthy Homes.

Complete mold removal and repair of the leak is essential to cure a mold problem. Ozone or U/V light treatment and duct cleaning may also be necessary. We can make your home or office space safe from molds, bacteria and other environmental hazards. If you think you may have a problem, contact us today.