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| F A Q s |
| 24 Hour Emergency Service. Immediate Response. Toll Free 1.800.997.8731 |
| Copyright © 2006-2007 - Pure Restoration, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |
| 1.800.997.8731 Call 24 / 7 |
What is Mold and where is it found?
Commonly called mildew, molds (sometimes referred to as "black mold") are a subset of fungi that produce
fluffy or powdery growth on surfaces. Toxic molds can grow on cloth, carpets, leather, wood, Sheetrock,
insulation (and on human foods) when moist conditions exist.
Molds are ubiquitous, the most common form of fungus on earth, and may grow at high levels indoors, in
a home or building, if the right environmental conditions exist. Factors that influence the distribution of
molds are most importantly a source of moisture, proper nutrients, temperature, and light.
Mold can be found almost anywhere: It can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture
and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation.
When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur,
particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all
molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; however, controlling moisture can control its growth.
What causes mold?
MOLD colonization occurs when MOLD spores and moisture find one another on surfaces that they
consider food, such as wood, paper, leather, cloth, dusty and dirty surface conditions and more. Molds will
often grow in damp or wet areas indoors. If the moisture source is not identified and stopped, the MOLD
colonization will advance, thus releasing new MOLD spores into the air in amplified proportions.
How do you know if you have a mold problem?
Mold can be found almost anywhere in the home environment. It appears most often in moist or wet areas.
A musty odor may also be present. Mold begins to grow indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that
are wet or damp. Mold won't grow without moisture or water. Therefore, it is important to dry out wet or
moist areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Some examples of places where mold can be found are:
Basements, kitchens (bottom of fridge or under the sink), around bathroom vanities, under walls paper,
washer/dryer area, Bathrooms.
Before fungi can colonize, four requirements must be met: air, livable temperature, moisture, and food.
Humidity and water leaks are the cause of most mold infestations. Leaks being the easiest to spot are the
first indications that mold may be present, however unusual activities may upset the humidity averages in
the house and mechanical spaces and allow mold to establish itself.
By sending a sample of the biological growth to a lab, they will be able to determine whether it is mold, and
what species of mold. We would need to use a surface sampling technique that allowed the species to be
identified. and in some cases air sampling will also be required
What are the potential health effects of mold in homes?
Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However some people are sensitive to
molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin
irritation when exposed to molds. Some people may have more severe reactions to molds. Severe
reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Immune compromised persons and persons with
chronic lung diseases like COPD are at increased risk for opportunistic infections and may develop fungal
infections in their lungs.
Some individuals with underlying health conditions may be more sensitive to molds.
For example, individuals who have other allergies or existing respiratory conditions such as asthma,
sinusitis, or other lung diseases may be more easily affected. Similarly, persons who have a weakened
immune system tend to be more sensitive to molds.
What type of mold there are?
Allergenic molds are normally not dangerous in low amounts, but they can cause allergenic or asthmatic
symptoms such as wheezing or runny nose. These molds can be abated safely with the assistance of
gloves and a disposable particulate-removing respirator.
Mycotoxic molds can cause serious health effects in humans and animals. Health effects range from
short-term irritation to immune suppression to cancer and even death. If any toxic molds are identified, it is
suggested that you seek advice from an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for guidance. The
average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of these types of mold.
Pathogenic molds can cause serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems, those
taking chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, or autoimmunity disorders. If any pathogenic molds are
identified, it is suggested you seed the advice of an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for
guidance. The average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of these types of mold.
Hyphae & hyphal elements refer to single, unidentifiable fragments of mold. Although they may not be
traceable to a specific mold species, the fragments themselves may be responsible for allergic reactions in
some people and may indicate previous or current growth event. Smut spores are agricultural spores from
outside sources. Ascospores and basidiospores are clusters of spores that may not be easily identified as
per specific species, but may still represent f mold problem in the home.
What are the first steps you should do in the event of Water Damage / Flood?
Identify the source of the incoming water and, if possible, stop it or call a professional to handle it.
Turn off all electrical appliances in and around the area affected by water before you get in to the area to
reduce electrical hazards.
Remove or elevate furniture off wet areas to prevent permanent stains or rust marks from occurring.
Empty out closet floors, including shoes and cardboard boxes which could cause staining.
Call us day or night to schedule an inspection or to begin emergency drying procedures.
Are some molds more hazardous than others?
Allergic persons vary in their sensitivities to mold, both as to the amount and the types to which they react.
In addition to their allergic properties, certain types of molds, such as Stachybotrys Chartarum, may
produce compounds that have toxic properties, which are called Mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins are not always produced, and whether a mold produces Mycotoxins while growing in a building
depends on what the mold is growing on, conditions such as temperature, pH, humidity or other unknown
factors.
When Mycotoxins are present, they occur in both living and dead mold spores and may be present in
materials that have become contaminated with molds. While Stachybotrys is growing, a wet slime layer
covers its spores, preventing them from becoming airborne. However, when the mold dies and dries up, air
currents or physical handling can cause spores to become airborne.
At present there is no environmental test to determine whether Stachybotrys growth found in buildings is
producing toxins. There is also no blood or urine test that can establish if an individual has been exposed
to Stachybotrys chartarum spores or its toxins.
Should I be concerned about mold in my home?
Yes, if indoor mold contamination is extensive, it can cause very high and persistent airborne spore
exposures.
Persons exposed to high spore levels can become sensitized and develop allergies to the mold or other
health problems.
Mold growth can damage your furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and cabinets. Clothes and shoes in
damp closets can become soiled. In time, unchecked mold growth can causeserious damage to the
structural elements in your home.
Commonly called mildew, molds (sometimes referred to as "black mold") are a subset of fungi that produce
fluffy or powdery growth on surfaces. Toxic molds can grow on cloth, carpets, leather, wood, Sheetrock,
insulation (and on human foods) when moist conditions exist.
Molds are ubiquitous, the most common form of fungus on earth, and may grow at high levels indoors, in
a home or building, if the right environmental conditions exist. Factors that influence the distribution of
molds are most importantly a source of moisture, proper nutrients, temperature, and light.
Mold can be found almost anywhere: It can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture
and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation.
When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur,
particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all
molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; however, controlling moisture can control its growth.
What causes mold?
MOLD colonization occurs when MOLD spores and moisture find one another on surfaces that they
consider food, such as wood, paper, leather, cloth, dusty and dirty surface conditions and more. Molds will
often grow in damp or wet areas indoors. If the moisture source is not identified and stopped, the MOLD
colonization will advance, thus releasing new MOLD spores into the air in amplified proportions.
How do you know if you have a mold problem?
Mold can be found almost anywhere in the home environment. It appears most often in moist or wet areas.
A musty odor may also be present. Mold begins to grow indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that
are wet or damp. Mold won't grow without moisture or water. Therefore, it is important to dry out wet or
moist areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Some examples of places where mold can be found are:
Basements, kitchens (bottom of fridge or under the sink), around bathroom vanities, under walls paper,
washer/dryer area, Bathrooms.
Before fungi can colonize, four requirements must be met: air, livable temperature, moisture, and food.
Humidity and water leaks are the cause of most mold infestations. Leaks being the easiest to spot are the
first indications that mold may be present, however unusual activities may upset the humidity averages in
the house and mechanical spaces and allow mold to establish itself.
By sending a sample of the biological growth to a lab, they will be able to determine whether it is mold, and
what species of mold. We would need to use a surface sampling technique that allowed the species to be
identified. and in some cases air sampling will also be required
What are the potential health effects of mold in homes?
Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However some people are sensitive to
molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin
irritation when exposed to molds. Some people may have more severe reactions to molds. Severe
reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Immune compromised persons and persons with
chronic lung diseases like COPD are at increased risk for opportunistic infections and may develop fungal
infections in their lungs.
Some individuals with underlying health conditions may be more sensitive to molds.
For example, individuals who have other allergies or existing respiratory conditions such as asthma,
sinusitis, or other lung diseases may be more easily affected. Similarly, persons who have a weakened
immune system tend to be more sensitive to molds.
What type of mold there are?
Allergenic molds are normally not dangerous in low amounts, but they can cause allergenic or asthmatic
symptoms such as wheezing or runny nose. These molds can be abated safely with the assistance of
gloves and a disposable particulate-removing respirator.
Mycotoxic molds can cause serious health effects in humans and animals. Health effects range from
short-term irritation to immune suppression to cancer and even death. If any toxic molds are identified, it is
suggested that you seek advice from an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for guidance. The
average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of these types of mold.
Pathogenic molds can cause serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems, those
taking chemotherapy, those with HIV/AIDS, or autoimmunity disorders. If any pathogenic molds are
identified, it is suggested you seed the advice of an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for
guidance. The average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of these types of mold.
Hyphae & hyphal elements refer to single, unidentifiable fragments of mold. Although they may not be
traceable to a specific mold species, the fragments themselves may be responsible for allergic reactions in
some people and may indicate previous or current growth event. Smut spores are agricultural spores from
outside sources. Ascospores and basidiospores are clusters of spores that may not be easily identified as
per specific species, but may still represent f mold problem in the home.
What are the first steps you should do in the event of Water Damage / Flood?
Identify the source of the incoming water and, if possible, stop it or call a professional to handle it.
Turn off all electrical appliances in and around the area affected by water before you get in to the area to
reduce electrical hazards.
Remove or elevate furniture off wet areas to prevent permanent stains or rust marks from occurring.
Empty out closet floors, including shoes and cardboard boxes which could cause staining.
Call us day or night to schedule an inspection or to begin emergency drying procedures.
Are some molds more hazardous than others?
Allergic persons vary in their sensitivities to mold, both as to the amount and the types to which they react.
In addition to their allergic properties, certain types of molds, such as Stachybotrys Chartarum, may
produce compounds that have toxic properties, which are called Mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins are not always produced, and whether a mold produces Mycotoxins while growing in a building
depends on what the mold is growing on, conditions such as temperature, pH, humidity or other unknown
factors.
When Mycotoxins are present, they occur in both living and dead mold spores and may be present in
materials that have become contaminated with molds. While Stachybotrys is growing, a wet slime layer
covers its spores, preventing them from becoming airborne. However, when the mold dies and dries up, air
currents or physical handling can cause spores to become airborne.
At present there is no environmental test to determine whether Stachybotrys growth found in buildings is
producing toxins. There is also no blood or urine test that can establish if an individual has been exposed
to Stachybotrys chartarum spores or its toxins.
Should I be concerned about mold in my home?
Yes, if indoor mold contamination is extensive, it can cause very high and persistent airborne spore
exposures.
Persons exposed to high spore levels can become sensitized and develop allergies to the mold or other
health problems.
Mold growth can damage your furnishings, such as carpets, sofas and cabinets. Clothes and shoes in
damp closets can become soiled. In time, unchecked mold growth can causeserious damage to the
structural elements in your home.
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What is Mold and where is it found?
What causes mold?
How do you know if you have a mold problem?
What are the potential health effects of mold in homes?
What type of mold there are?
What are the first steps you should do in the event of Water Damage / Flood?
Are some molds more hazardous than others?
Should I be concerned mold in my home?
Should I be concerned about mold in my home?
What causes mold?
How do you know if you have a mold problem?
What are the potential health effects of mold in homes?
What type of mold there are?
What are the first steps you should do in the event of Water Damage / Flood?
Are some molds more hazardous than others?
Should I be concerned mold in my home?
Should I be concerned about mold in my home?