Health Issues caused form Toxic Mold

This should be the number one concern of anyone who has a potential mold problem and the primary reason for having a mold inspection. Every day we seem to learn more about mold and its health ramifications. Some people experience extreme reactions to mold, while others can live in moldy environments for years while others Every individual has a different sensitivity to mold and longer term exposure to mold contamination can lead to permanent chronic health respirator issues.

There are hundreds of thousands of mold types. Approximately 40 known variations of mold are common to indoor environments, and they cause a myriad of health risks, such as: allergy attacks, arthritic aching, asthma, bloody nose, bronchitis, coughing, chronic head-aches, depression, dizziness, fatigue, hearing, loss of memory, nausea, pneumonia, restlessness, runny nose, sight, sinus congestion, skin itch, skin rashes, sneezing, trouble breathing, watery eyes, stiffness, balance or equilibrium loss. If you believe you or your loved ones are experiencing these symptoms and you're concerned about mold, call an Certified Airborne Consultant now.

Property Damage

Mold infestations appear in residential, commercial, industrial, occupational, schools, hospitals and other venues. It seems, however, that there are higher reported incidences of mold infestations in residential homes. A single event of water intrusion and/or a humidity level above 50% in any building or home (old or new construction) will colonize mold from spores (old or new) within 24-48 hours causing immediate cosmetic damages. When left unattended, mold colonization will cause major structural damage as well. In places like in Texas, the cost of even a small remediation job can be financially devastating. A timely inspection from an ACertified Airborne Consultant can head off big problems and save thousands of dollars.

Mold Litigation

Mold-related litigations have skyrocketed upwards of 300% since 1999. Whether you're the buyer, the seller or a realtor in a real estate transaction, you better make sure the property has a mold inspection. We even get calls from tradesmen, i.e. plumbers, remodelers, roofers, etc., who are being sued months after providing services for failing to mention mold problems they saw in the course of their work. Almost everyone in the construction trades at some time or another come across a mold problem. Many innocently disregard the condition or misunderstand the seriousness of its presence to their own health or future effects it can have to others if it is unattended - just one more reason to have a mold inspection.

Is all black mold Toxic and what are the different types of Molds?

Molds are microscopic organisms (miniscule life forms) found virtually everywhere outdoors. No one really knows how many species of mold exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands. Spore production is characteristic of molds in general to reproduce. A spore is a small reproductive body that is capable of growing into a new organism, producing bacteria, fungi, and algae. Most spores are filamentous (thread-like) organisms so small that 250,000 of them can fit on the head of a pin. They stay airborne indefinitely, drifting from one room to the next, landing on food, clothing, appliances, table tops, carpeting and furniture, walls and woodwork. Any wet, damp or humid surface becomes a breeding ground for mold colonies and more spores.

Where mold can be found.
Mold and mildew is inside your sink and dishwasher cabinets and probably in your bathrooms and laundry areas. There is an 86% chance of mold growing somewhere in or on your refrigerator. Its nestled into the microscopic crevices of clothing, furniture fabric and in your carpeting. There is little doubt that mold spores exist in your heating and air conditioner system ductwork from where mold is continually dispersed throughout a home or building looking for a place to “plant” its self and grow. It can be found in your window sills, basement, crawl space and attic, office desk, indoor plants, kitchen counter space, on the TV, in your fireplace and countless other places.

Mold exposure risks vary.
The above incidences could be everyday, ordinary “low-risk” and “acceptable level” occurrences of mold—or not. Each person has their own level of tolerance to the mycotoxins (poisons) emitted by mold. And those with higher levels of tolerance to mycotoxins can eventually become sensitized to these poisons from prolonged exposures.

Signs of increased health risks to mold exposure.
“Higher risk” mold conditions are more easily recognized by the sudden visual appearance of emerging mold. Another and unmistaken evidence of this kind of mold problem is the presence of a pungent mildew or musty odor, even when mold is not visually evident. The faintest whiff of this odor should immediately prompt one’s concern about mold exposure and to take quick action to identify and correct its cause and clean up the mold and mildew damage! Our mold consultants are prepared to assist you in necessary planning and cost-effective corrective actions to take.

Some molds have been more closely associated with specific health problems. One example is Stachybotrys atra, a greenish–black mold often referred to as “toxic mold.” It grows on material with high cellulose content (e.g. drywall, wood, paper, dust). Stachybotrys becomes a problem when it emits mycotoxins capable of producing toxic effects in humans and animals. Many Aspergillus species of molds also produce mycotoxins.

Some molds release volatile compounds into the air, producing an unpleasant odor. Scientists label these compounds “microbial volatile organic compounds” or “mVOCs” (Moisture Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, Environmental Protection Agency, March 2001). Exposure to mVOCs has been associated with headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.