Hidden Mold

Suspicion of hidden mold

You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting
health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets
and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind
furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Investigating hidden mold problems

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example,
removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold
problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

Cleanup and Biocides

Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is
not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when
immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will remain –
these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the
air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.

Please note: Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.

Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips
 

• When water leaks or spills occur indoors – ACT QUICKLY.  If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most
  cases mold will not grow.
   
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
   
• Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
   
• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
   
• Keep indoor humidity low.  If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity. 
  Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
   
• If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. 
  Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Actions that will help to reduce humidity

• Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible.  (Combustion appliances such as
  stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)
   
• Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
   
• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering.  Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.

Actions that will help prevent condensation

• Reduce the humidity.
   
• Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical.  Use fans as needed.
   
• Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.
   
• Increase air temperature.

Testing or Sampling for Mold

Is sampling for mold needed?  In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary.  Since no EPA or other federal limits have
been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building’s compliance with federal mold standards.  Surface sampling may be useful to
determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated.  Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in
designing  mold sampling protocols, sampling methods, and interpreting results.  Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

Renters:  Report all plumbing leaks and moisture problems immediately to your building owner, manager, or superintendent. In cases where persistent water problems are not addressed, you may want to contact local, state, or federal health or housing authorities. 
[Note: Find your state health department contacts at

www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html (just click on your state).]

What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas
 

• Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores.  In order to limit your exposure to airborne mold, you may want to wear an N-95 respirator, available at many hardware stores and from companies that advertise on the Internet. (They cost about $12 to $25.)  Some N-95 respirators resemble a paper dust mask with a nozzle on the front, others are made primarily of plastic or rubber and have removable cartridges that trap most of the mold spores from entering.  In order to be effective, the respirator or mask must fit properly, so carefully follow the instructions supplied with the respirator.  Please note that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that respirators fit properly (fit testing) when used in an occupational setting; consult OSHA for more information (800-321-OSHA or www.osha.gov).
   
• Wear gloves. Long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm are recommended.  When working with water and a mild detergent, ordinary
  household rubber gloves may be used.  If you are using a disinfectant, a biocide such as chlorine bleach, or a strong cleaning solution, you should select
  gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC (see Cleanup
  and Biocides).  Avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands.

 

• Wear goggles.  Goggles that do not have ventilation holes are recommended.  Avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes.

How Do I Know When the Remediation or Cleanup is Finished?

You must have completely fixed the water or moisture problem before the cleanup or remediation can be considered finished.

• You should have completed mold removal.  Visible mold and moldy odors should not be present.  Please note that mold may cause staining and
  cosmetic damage.
   
• You should have revisited the site(s) shortly after cleanup and it should show no signs of water damage or mold growth.
   
• People should have been able to occupy or re-occupy the area without health complaints or physical symptoms.
   
• Ultimately, this is a judgment call; there is no easy
  answer.  If you have concerns or questions consult our
  Frequently
  Asked Questions database and ask a question if you don’t
  find what you need.

Mold Cleanup Guidelines

Tips and techniques

The tips and techniques presented in this section will help you clean up your mold problem.  Professional cleaners or remediators may use
methods not covered in this publication.  Please note that mold may cause staining and cosmetic damage.  It may not be possible to clean
an item so that its original appearance is restored.

Mold growing on the underside of a plastic lawn chair in an are where rainwater drips through and deposits organic material. Click on the image for a larger version. Mold growing on the underside of a plastic lawn chair in an area where rainwater drips through and deposits organic material. Click on the image for a larger version.

Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.  Dry all items completely. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.  Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely. Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold (see discussions: What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas and Hidden Mold). Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces.  Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting.  Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely to peel. If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a specialist.  Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting, art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone books.  Be sure to ask for and check references.  Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.

BATHROOM TIP picture of running water Places that are often or always damp can be hard to maintain completely free of mold.  If there’s some mold in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom that seems to reappear, increasing ventilation (running a fan or opening a window) and cleaning more frequently will usually prevent mold from recurring, or at least keep the mold to a minimum

Mold Cleanup

Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors.  One consideration is the size of the mold problem.  If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, following the guidelines below.  However:

• If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings.  Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types.
   
• If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold.  Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.
   
• If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for
  instance, or there is mold near the intake to the system), consult EPA’s guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold – it could spread mold throughout the building.
   
• If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.
   
• If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

Mold Basics

Contents

• Why is mold growing in my home?
• Can mold cause health problems?
• How do I get rid of mold?

• The key to mold control is moisture control.
• If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
• It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are part of the natural environment.  Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead
trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided.  Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through
outdoor and indoor air.  Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet.  There are many types of mold, and none of
them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing.  Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).  Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common.  They can be immediate or delayed.  Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.  Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.  Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.  This brochure provides a brief overview; it does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional.  You may also wish to consult your state or local health department.

How do I get rid of mold?

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust.  The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present.  Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors.  If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold
and fix the water problem.  If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

If you ever have your house mold tested, don’t be surprised when you find out it passes inspection with a high mold content in the air. You think you’d be aiming for zero mold spores, right? Wrong. There are so many spores in the air that the target value is not zero; it is just lower than the spore content in outdoor air.

The spores are there, floating around in the air and when they land on surfaces, you’d better home those surfaces are dry, because if they’re wet, that spore is going to plant itself and make itself right at home.

So the first line of defense in the battle against mold is not to let it start. Take care of that excess moisture, leaky roof, and leaky pipes or mold will be there to haunt you.

What is it about City Halls and public buildings that seems to draw mold crisis?

Oak Point City Hall is afflicted with mold so bad it was described as “wet and weeping insulation, rotten sheeting and long, fuzzy blooms of black mold and mildew” that disintegrated in your hand.

Wet insulation behind the walls is exacerbating the problems. Considerations regarding this Texas city hall are going to be voted on by the city council

Southern High, with 2 closed classrooms may have more closed classrooms coming up, because the AC unit serving the contaminated area has not been isolated and may be spreading spores all over.

There is mold on the upper walls of the two story rooms, which require special equipment to access. Apparently an earlier attempt at cleanup was incomplete; and an incomplete cleanup just leaves the “seeds” of future problems.

Another in a long list of moldy schools is in the news.

Today it is Salem Community College’s Davidow Hall. The building was closed this summer to handle a mold infestation, but a reopening is planned after the cleanup is complete in November.

The air has been tested and is apparently now safe–but remediation is still going on, and sheetrock is still being replaced.

The best way to deal with mold is not to have the problem in the first place.

How do we do this? By prevention.

• Maintain a dry house.
• Make certain clothes are completely dry before putting them away.
• Maintain plumbing. No plumbing leaks equal no hidden water to feed hidden mold.
• Maintain roof. If you’re roof doesn’t leak, it’s not contributing hidden water to feed hidden mold.
• If mold or mildew develops in humid areas like your bathroom, you can control it on hard surfaces by rinsing with a bleach solution.

If mold does develop in spite of your best efforts, a mold inspector can help pinpoint hidden mold.

Another town’s city hall struck down by mold.

It’s not unexpected. Combine buildings with water, and, well, buildings have a lot of cellulose-eating mold to feed.

This time it is Linn Valley City Hall. They had it tested for mold, and it scored high, i.e. in the “existing serious condition” range. So first the city council spent the $350 for the testing. Then, the same specialist bid $4000 to clean up the building. (We don’t recommend the remediator and the mold tester be the same entity.)

But that was too much money for them. So, the city council is lobbying for volunteers to move the furniture to a new location at the first of the week. Ironically the new location is the former city hall offices, now the Property Owners Association.

I’d recommend then that they take bids for a licensed contractor to come in and do the work.

I wonder if the new building is under warranty?

Schools and dorm rooms are in for a clean-up in many areas of the country due to the frequency of rain this summer. In preparation for back to school, schools buildings and dormitories are turning up with heavy mold growth in locations like Dartmouth Massachusetts. In fact, the problem has been bad enough that new measures are in the works to deal with prevention of a reoccurrence next summer.

Have you really examined your house for mold?

Wall coverings-Mold loves cellulose, and cellulose is used in most wallpapers. So it is not unusual for mold growth to occur on your wallpaper, especially if the room is a source of trapped moisture like a bathroom.

Wall board – Drywall can be a source of food for mold; and especially now, when there’s a major rash of lawsuits of defective wallboard that decomposes into a toxic mess when it gets damp. And of course that toxic drywall is also a favorite meal for mold.

Window Frames-Anywhere two different types of surfaces meet, there can be a gap, and a place for moisture to collect, especially when one of the surfaces is particularly attractive to condensation, like glass. That moisture can seep into those areas and feed mold colonies. It doesn’t take much liquid for mold to gain a foothold.

Bathrooms-Bathrooms are longtime culprits for being mold habitats. It’s because it’s such a source of moisture and an area to contain it in. If water can get in, so can mold.

Store rooms– Any contained area is a potential place where mold can occur, because all it takes is a little moisture trapped inside. And that moisture can come from underground seepage if you have a basement; or it can come from the external walls or any kind of plumbing or roof leak. So check your store rooms and keep them as dry as possible.

Ceilings-Leaks travel downward. So if there’s moisture above your ceiling, there’s probably mold there too. Look for roof leaks, pipe leaks, pipe condensation, defective barriers, and if you find the path of water, you’ll find the mold.

Basement– Water goes downhill. That’s what a plumber told me was the only thing he learned in plumbing school. Don’t be surprised if there is seepage in your basement or water coming from upper areas in your house. If you’ve got the moisture there, the mold will be quick to follow.

With all of these situations, dry up the water. Clean up the area, and keep it dry, or you may be looking at a big remediation project.

Researcher Andy Adamatzky is breeching the gap between science and science fiction in his mold-obitics. He is using plasmodium, a type of slime mold, a “naturally occurring substance with its own built in intelligence,” to create the next generation of “robots.”

In his paper, Towards Physarum Robots which is published by Elsevier Ltd, Adamatzky’s experiments conclude that his mold “is capable of computing a basic spanning tree and manipulating of light-weight objects. We speculate that our results pave the pathways towards the design and implementation of amorphous biological robots.”

* Mechagodzilla is a fictional robot from the Godzilla series circa 1974.

Oldie moldy records are something of a cliche, but apparently in the land of Goshen (Orange County), old mortgage records are literally molding.

So apparently now that this has been discovered, the basement records room has been closed for cleaning.

One wonders why records were put IN the basement to begin with since that’s one of mold’s favorite places. But other locations in the Goshen Government Center probably would fare no better since there’s a leaky roof involved. I can’t imagine how they forgot to run dehumidifiers in the moldy records room.

Anyway, they’re taking steps, though it isn’t clear what those steps are. Apparently everything is already on microfiche (wait, not digital? how 80s of them…) so they’re not too concerned about the hard copies. Seems like someone should get down there and start scanning everything over to digital before mold hits the microfiche too…

src: http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090829/NEWS/908290324

As exposure can lead to nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation, fever and shortness of breath, the first day of school at Hearst Elementary School in Pleasanton was cancelled due to mold. Mold was found between stucco and drywall, and behind furniture in 4 buildings. Remediation is moving forward; and in the meantime, spaces deemed free of mold are being readied for students for a later “first” day of school on Wednesday.

Condensation has created mold in some classrooms of the afflicted G building of Mt. Vernon Township High School. Earlier mold issues have been corrected, supposedly but we all know that any ongoing moisture situation will cause an ongoing mold situation, given the right environmental conditions for mold.

Humidity in the classroom has caused condensation on tables, desks, chairs, floors, walls and equipment, which eventually means mold on tables, desks, chairs, floors, walls and equipment. The situation is being attributed to humid conditions after the air conditioning was turned off. Hopefully the in-house maintenance (wiping the affected pieces down with wipes) and removing the humidity will address the situation.

However, an inspection would reveal if there are soft surfaces which may have been affected, which wipes would not be able to address adequately.

Environmental Management Branch
275 E. Main St., HS1C-D
Frankfort, Kentucky 40621
Phone: (502) 564-4856
E-mail

What are molds and where are they found?

Molds are fungi found both indoors and out, almost everywhere in the environment. They can grow all year long and grow best in warm, damp and humid conditions. Molds spread by making spores that can survive harsh environmental conditions that normally do not support mold growth.

In the home, mold is almost always present in the air and grows best in damp areas with high humidity levels, like bathrooms and basements. While there are perhaps thousands of species of mold, most common indoor molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria and Aspergillus.

How can I recognize mold?
Moldy walls and ceilings may be discolored or show signs of water damage. Green or black spots also may appear on walls. Mold has a musty, earthy smell or a foul stench.

How are people affected, and what can be done to decrease exposure?
Allergy sufferers are usually most affected with mold exposure. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, wheezing or skin irritation. More severe reactions may include fever or shortness of breath. People with health concerns that could become worse as a result of mold exposure should contact a health care provider for treatment and advice.

To decrease exposure to mold in the home, keep the humidity level of the home between 40-60 percent. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can also help lower indoor humidity. Always use exhaust fans when showering and cooking. Mold retardants for interior house paint are available at most home improvement stores and, when mixed with paint, reduce mold growth on walls.

How can I test for mold in my home?
Concerned homeowners should test their homes for mold. Mold test kits can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Homeowners also may hire specialized mold consultants to conduct home mold test. When found, mold should promptly be removed.

How can I clean up mold in my home?
When mold growth is limited to a small area, most homeowners can clean up the problem themselves. It is important to take steps for your safety when cleaning up mold.

Protect eyes with glasses or goggles. Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves and wear outer clothing that can be washed afterwards.

Be sure the area is well ventilated before beginning. Remove and dispose of all porous items that are wet or previously had been wet for more than 48 hours that cannot be cleaned and dried. This includes carpet and carpet padding, upholstery, wallpaper, drywall, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, clothing, paper, wood and food.

Hard surfaces may be cleaned using soap and water.
For more serious flooding and where mold infestation is severe, consider contacting a mold remediation consultant. Be sure when hiring a consultant to check references from previous work.

How do I keep the mold from coming back?
The key to mold prevention is moisture control. For flooding damage, ensure that the home is properly cleaned and dried out using the steps above. For small spots, remove the source of moisture. Mold cannot grow without a source of water. By removing the water source, the homeowner can ensure mold growth will not return. If mold growth persists, consider contacting a mold remediation professional for further advice. Moisture also can be hidden in the home and become a source of mold.

What is toxic mold?
The term toxic mold is incorrect. Certain molds may produce toxins called mycotoxins, but the molds themselves are not toxic.
The bottom line with mold contamination is that all mold should be removed from the home, regardless of what type it is. Any mold has the potential to cause negative health effects if left unchecked.

What does the government do?
Kentucky has not established laws or regulations concerning mold contamination. Currently, no federal standards exist for permissible exposure limits. With no statutes in place for mold exposure or remediation, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has no authority over such issues.

http://chfs.Ky.Gov/dph/info/phps/mold.htm

A $25,000 grant is being directed toward the unfinished Grantville community center which had been originally slated for completion by 2006. Disrepair is reflected in mold damage: plumbing, replacing old wallboard, and putting in new carpet, heating and air conditioning, and a counter and sink. The mold problem is due to a lack of moisture control. (What have we been saying all along?)

The building will be closed until the economy allows reparations to make the building safe.

At Trinity Christian Academy, a private school, several classes have been relocated because of possible mold issues at the school. The potential mold situation is attributed to recent rainfall and high levels of humidity. Apparently school officials informed parents that the building is being checked, but that precautions will not interrupt students.

The new Emergency Operations Center in Jackson County has mold. Apparently mold has showed up in the ceiling; and there’s a strong scent of mold in the rest of the building The search is on for the source, but it has not been found yet. Let’s hope they don’t wait till it gets so bad they have to call in the big guns.

If you have mold, you can control it. Find the water, dry it up.

Do you have a vented bathroom fan? That will reduce moisture in your bathroom and make your home less attractive to mold.

Do you have leaks? Repair any drips or leaks. If it’s dry, your home will be less attractive to mold.

The World Health Organization has produced a case study “Interventions and actions against damp and mould, ” The study,
performed by Dorr G. Dearborn, PhD, MD studies Ohio Cuyahoga county. Part of the study focused on moisture intervention and lists something we’ve been saying all along:

• Remove moisture damaged material.
• Remove mold exposure pathways.
• Clean mold from hard surfaces.
• Stop rain water intrusion.
• Exhaust water vapor.
• Repair plumbing leaks.

The study in pdf form can be found here:

Ironically, I wonder at a “HUD grant recipient” using the British spelling of mold in the document title.

After the rain, beware the rise of stachybotrys mold which may be reflected in running noses, sneezing, memory loss, problems with bleeding lungs, bleeding noses and other horrifying symptoms of exposure. Mold can be a very dangerous allergen; and it likes to grow the same places you do, and all it needs is a little moisture to get a foot in the door.

stachybotrys_c
Before remediation, have your local mold inspector run tests on your house so you have a set point for your before and after. If it’s not bad enough for remediation, bleach solutions will kill mold on hard surfaces. Soft goods infiltrated by mold should be thrown away.

Not surprisingly, months after Village Park Rockborough Apartments and Townhomes were flooded, mold is showing up and chasing out some of the residents. Apparently some leaks haven’t been repaired either, and there’s also a pest problem.

Repairs funded by insurance are under way, but they’re tackling buildings one at a time. Someone has to be last, and apparently those are the folks that are moving out, rather than share bacteria and mold with their ac systems.

Understandable.

Just a reminder to you folks experiencing a lot of rain.

Dry it up ASAP. Don’t let it sit around, or you’ll be fighting that mold battle.

I tried to post the national news report here, but they’re not publishing that embedded code, so just take it from me. There is a lot of heat going on, and a lot of rain. That is the perfect formula for mold growth, so keep your eyes peeled, and if you need to, call your trusty inspector to sample.

Guilford County Health Dept has a moldy school on their hands.

Oak Ridge Elementary is going to be closed this summer for mold clean-up after being directed by the health department to:

• Clean and repair the heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system
• Analyze the school’s dehumidification system
• Continue to fix problems identified in previous reports, which include removing carpets and repairing roof leaks.

A survey of the school reveals symptoms of mold exposure including headaches, dry eyes, unusual sneezing episodes, difficulty breathing or asthma attacks and nosebleeds.

We’re still seeing the effects of last years floods, not just in the homes where the flooding occurred, but also in the people who live in those houses. Mold presents a set of symptoms which are often misdiagnosed. Like coughing.

Though parasitic fungi such as Athlete’s foot are readily diagnosed, easy to catch, difficult to control.

Bleach works for getting rid of surface mold, but it is helpless against hidden mold, mold in the walls, or in crawl spaces. Fanning without filtration just stirs it up and makes it worse. Apart from the mycotoxins, it doesn’t matter to our lungs if a spore is alive or dead when it is the spore itself that is the irritant.

To dry up the mold, dry up the water. That could be a hard thing to do during the rainy season. Rain can expose your house to all kinds of stresses. The leaking roof is the first thing you think of–but then there are also joints in your house-any place two surfaces come together. The home’s unseen water barrier. And then there are windows, especially old-style windows. All of these different locations can be places where water intrudes, but don’t overlook leaky pipes and appliances.

And where ever water goes, mold can follow.

In the California area, if you think you have mold, give us a call; we can test for mold (and toxic gases.)

Byebyemold

In spite of low-income housing residents who fell ill with swollen eyes, flu-like symptoms and respiratory problems two days after moving in, and county-commissioned lab tests identifying four mold species (including Penicillium, Aspergillus and Cladosporium) listed by the federal government as species of particular concern, Rio Arriba County is denying a mold problem.

Symptoms of that mold exposure include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, conjunctivitis, lacrimation, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath…not surprisingly similar to illnesses suffered by residents.

County Commission Chairman Elias Coriz said “A certified person found no mold” but official lab tests do show dangerous molds.

You can deny your nose all you want, but that doesn’t keep it from sitting right there in the middle of your face.