Indoor-Restore Environmental Services Blog

How Dangerous is Household Mold?

2011-03-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

"Building materials, such as wood, drywall, paint, and carpet contain organic material that mold can use for food. Mold then requires an adequate source of moisture to grow and survive. This can be obtained from high indoor humidity, pooled water or soaked building material from an external leak, leaking pipe or flood or other water accumulations such as condensation.

Not all mold is considered harmful. However, all mold can potentially cause allergic reactions and other respiratory conditions to those who are sensitive. The severity of the reaction depends on the type of person who is being exposed, the types and levels (concentrations) of mold they are exposed to, and the amount of time they are being exposed to them. While longer periods of exposure to those who are sensitive can result in worsened symptoms, more often symptoms start when exposure has begun."

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.indoorrestore.com/resources/articles/2011/03/18/how-dangerous-is-household-mold/

Mold: A Risk for Your Property & Your Health – Article

2011-03-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

“Mold is an ancient life form that has, throughout history, been a constant companion of humanity. Its recent prominence as an indoor health issue is explained by two features of modern building techniques – the use of materials containing high concentrations of cellulose and other fibers upon which molds feed, and the use of insulating materials and methods that restrict ventilation. Given the inviting food source provided by present day building material, all that is required for vigorous mold growth and amplification is the presence of water.

One need not establish any causal connection between the presence of mold and health issues in order to recognize the need for proper mold removal. Indeed, putting health matters entirely aside, molds deteriorate the building materials on which they feed, necessitating the repair of affected components. Where structural elements are involved, this can become a matter of building stability as well as function. Additionally because of the manner in which they digest materials, molds give off undesirable odors and diminish aesthetic appearance, thereby degrading the indoor environment and decreasing property values.”

Read the rest of the article at the following link.

http://www.indoorrestore.com/resources/articles/2011/03/14/mold-risk-for-your-property-your-health/

Aging, Senior Health, and Indoor Air Quality

2010-11-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

As of 2008, approximately 13 percent of the population in America was aged 65 and older. From 2007 to 2008, there was an increase of 927,305 people aged 65 and older in the United States alone. And with an estimated jump from 13 percent to 20 percent of elderly in the population for 2050, we are seeing a very large growth of the senior age group.

With new breakthroughs coming every day, science is pushing healthcare to new levels. Not only are we seeing a new age of people living substantially longer than they ever have before, but we are also beginning to get a greater understanding of the many variables that can have affects on the health of the human body, especially as our bodies change as we age.

As bodies age, they unfortunately become more susceptible to various health problems and concerns. Viruses and infections that may have had little to no affect on the health of a twenty-something year old may now make a senior citizen quite ill, due to a weakened immune system, characteristic of growing older. For this reason, the majority of senior citizens will at one point begin needing someone to check in with them and provide care and assistance in various ways throughout the aging process.

Read the rest of the article at the link:
http://www.indoorrestore.com/resources/articles/2010/11/16/aging-senior-health-and-indoor-air-quality/

Toxic Schools Article: Part 2 of 3

2010-11-15T14:42:00.000-08:00

"Six-year-old Anthony Aliseo was miserable. He had headaches, pressure between his eyes, trouble breathing and, occasionally, suffered the indignity of vomiting in front of his classmates.

Over two years, the youngster was in and out of the doctor's office for constant sinus and respiratory infections. Cara Aliseo watched her son endure 70-plus allergy injections, two CAT scans and then two surgeries to drain his clogged sinuses."

Read the rest of the second part of this special report at the link:

http://www.latimes.com/health/os-epa-mold-florida-schools-day-2-20101017,0,3548125.story

Pure Rooms – The New Age of Hotel Cleanliness

2010-11-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

"With Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) hitting the forefront of headlines nationwide, there is a new wave of innovation coming to your favorite vacation destinations: Pure Rooms. People suffering from allergies, asthma, or who are just wanting to have the reassurance of a deeply cleaned and sanitized hotel room will be pleased to learn of this relatively new and inexpensive option starting to show up across the country. For travelers with sensitive respiratory systems, the sense of dread of discomfort from staying in an unsanitary hotel room may finally be put to rest."

Read the rest of the article at the link:

http://www.indoorrestore.com/resources/articles/2010/11/04/pure-rooms-%E2%80%93-the-new-age-of-hotel-cleanliness/

Toxic Schools Article: Part 1 of 3

2010-10-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

"Moldy classrooms and other indoor-air-quality issues have sparked thousands of complaints from teachers and students during the past three years, an Orlando Sentinel investigation has found. Mold has infested walls and ceilings, ruined books and furniture and, in some cases, led to the wholesale evacuation of children from classrooms."

Read the rest of the first part of this three-part special report at the link:

http://www.latimes.com/health/os-epa-mold-florida-schools-day1-20101016,0,3142294.story

Water Damage & Mold – Responding to Household Floods and Leaks

2010-10-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

When water has flooded your home, remember that acting quickly and diligently to remove all moisture before mold has a chance to grow is of the utmost importance. Learning all the necessary steps to proper dehumidification will speed up the process considerably, allowing you to go back to life as usual.

http://www.indoorrestore.com/resources/articles/2010/10/18/water-damage-floods-and-leaks/

Texas Renter's Rights with Mold

2010-10-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

For those who rent their home in Texas, mold can be a serious problem. It's important to make sure you know your rights as a tenant.

A complete guideline:

http://www.indoorrestore.com/resources/renters-rights/texas-renters-rights-mold/

Mold in the Work Environment

2010-09-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

Work is an inevitable part of everyday life. Many of us spend up to forty hours a week at our jobs. With such a large portion of our lives spent dedicated to our jobs, it’s important to make sure that the place we spend so much of our time in is a safe, healthy environment.

San Francisco - Mold and Older Buildings

2010-09-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

San Francisco's historic homes are a sight to see and a dream-come-true to live in. But San Francisco's year-round high humidity and older buildings can create the perfect breeding ground for mold.

http://www.indoorrestore.com/resources/articles/2010/08/26/san-francisco-mold-and-older-buildings/

Asthma, Mold, and Indoor Air Quality

2010-09-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

Asthma is a chronic respiratory problem that affects over 34 million Americans. Recent studies reveal mold and poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) as contributors to serious asthma symptoms, from itchy eyes and sneezing to full-blown asthma attacks. Having the IAQ tested in your home can be the first step to relieving these symptoms and living a healthier life.

http://www.indoorrestore.com/resources/articles/2010/09/08/asthma-mold-and-indoor-air-quality/

Flooding, Water Damage and Mold - Reacting to a Hurricane

2010-09-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

As hurricane season comes into full effect, those in potentially affected territories should have an action plan not only for what steps to take during a storm but also for how to handle the dramatic aftermath of a storm. Often, areas affected by a hurricane experience severe flooding, which can damage the interior of homes and encourage rapid mold growth.

http://www.indoorrestore.com/resources/articles/2010/08/24/flooding-water-damage-mold-reacting-hurricane/

News and Videos About Mold, Allergies and Indoor Contaminants

2010-04-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

The Dr. Oz Show Discussed Indoor Allergies and Their Effects:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDpm8Zt-nMs
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/your-anti-allergy-attack-plan

CBS-42 in Alabama Discusses Indoor Allergens and Keeping a Clean Home:
http://www.cbs42.com/guides/health/story/Your-home-environment-and-allergies/9aeDFw5cHkKEEQzegiL46g.cspx

Time Magazine Reports on How Global Warming May Be A Factor With Worsening Allergies:
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1982033,00.html

Follow IndoorRestore Online

2010-04-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

You can reach us by phone by calling 1-877-264-6133.

You can follow us online through:

Main Website:
http://www.indoorrestore.com/

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/indoorrestore

Blogger:
http://www.indoorrestore.blogger.com/

Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/IndoorRestore

MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/indoorrestore

Digg:
http://digg.com/users/indoorrestore

You can also reach us by emailing us either at our website, http://www.indoorrestore.com/contact/form.html, or by sending a message to info@indoorrestore.com.

Indoor-Restore Nationwide

2010-04-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

Many visitors don't realize that Indoor-Restore Environmental Services offers it services across the entire United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Our professional water damage repair, mold remediation, fire damage recovery and property restoration services are offered in nearly every location in America.

Some of the major cities we offer our mold removal, mold inspection, mold testing, water damage restoration and other services include:

Weather.com Health Effects of Mold Page

2010-04-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Weather.com provides additional information about mold, allergies and their effects on the health of various individuals.

Weather.com Mold Information Page:
http://www.weather.com/activities/health/allergies/mold/health_effects.html

Sacramento removes family from moldy rental home - Sacramento City News - sacbee.com

2010-03-09T09:39:00.001-08:00

Sacramento removes family from moldy rental home - Sacramento City News - sacbee.com

Posted using ShareThis

Man Severely Affected by Indoor Mold in Nevada

2010-03-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

Cited from: http://www.ktnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8700382. Video and a television news report provided at this link.

A man who worked for a government public health organization lost his life due to chronic exposure to elevated levels of indoor mold at his office. What initially began as reports of water stains, leaks and visible mold turned into symptoms that included breathing problems, infection and eventually death.

His clothing even showed the presence of mold, which he brought home. The spores spread around his property with some reaching moisture sources causing mold growth that affected his wife and pet.

This news report demonstrates how mold can seriously affect ones health with some only experiencing mild allergies to others having severe infections that can lead to death.

Read the article above and water the video from the link at the top-right of the article.

Indoor Air Quality Improvement: The Importance of Proper IAQ

2010-02-05T07:23:00.001-08:00

Indoor air quality (or IAQ) is very important as we spend a great portion of our lives indoors. This may be at home, at an office, at a restaurant or store or a variety of other places. Ensuring that where we spend a majority of our time (home and work) is our vital importance to our health. This becomes more important if we are sensitive to dust, mold and other allergenic or if a person has a health situation that weakens their immune system.

Certain actions can be pursued to ensure proper indoor air quality. These actions include:

- Replacing our household air filter often
- Replacing our vacuum bags and filters when possible
- Controlling humidity to prevent mold growth
- Not letting leaks of water damage sit for too long which can cause mold and mildew
- Cleaning, dusting and vacuuming often to remove sitting dust, pet dander, hair and other particulates in our home or work
- Having our HVAC air ducts that flow through our attics or subfloors clean regularly by professional air duct cleaners
- Utilizing a built-in air purification system that attaches to our household air system (HVAC) or a portable one for places without
- Clean your carpets regularly with quality equipment to remove deep-down dust, mites, mud and other contaminants that could be stirred into your air.

Steps can be taken to control situations where you know the indoor air quality has been compromised. If you notice mold growing in your home and a musty odor is present this may indicate the mold has become airborne. Once mold spores have been disturbed they will become airborne and can contaminate other rooms, furniture, clothing, heating and air conditioning systems and other parts of the property.

As to the type of mold, potentially toxic or allergenic, that will need to be determined by a mold inspector and laboratory. Mold samples can be taken to determine what type and concentration of mold are present in the air or on surfaces. From there, proper action can be taken to remediate the issue.

For more information on determining if mold or other harmful contaminants are in your property's air or surfaces, feel free to contact us at 877-264-6133. Our staff is highly trained as to possible causes and effects of exposure to poor indoor air quality and can offer assistance. We are also available by e-mail at info@indoorrestore.com.

What factors increase the likelihood of mold growth?

2009-12-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

Location - some regions have a greater number of mold spores found in the air. Factors that affect this are:

Humidity
Amount of precipitation
Temperature
Windiness
Number and type of plants and trees in the area

Time of Year - at different times of the year, there are climate and social factors that can increase the likelihood of mold growth. These factors can originate inside or outside of a property:

Inside: During fall and winter, when it is colder, people tend to seal up their house and stay indoors, which traps moisture and humidity (humidity can be caused be more persons residing indoors and not allowing a property to “air-out”). This with the warmer temperatures brought on by furnaces, creates a more ideal environment for mold growth. Leaks from roofs, windows, walls, ceilings, or plumbing can dramatically increase the likelihood of mold growth if the moisture is allowed to sit for longer periods of time.
Outside: During different time of the year there can be more or less mold in the air. In fall and winter when leaves fall to the ground, some plants die, and extra rainfall produces moisture, the decaying plant matter often releases a greater amount of mold into the air.

Household Plants - Certain plants attract the growth of mold, as the mold will feed off the plant matter or wetted soil. Dead or dying plants are more ideal for mold growth as mold plays a key role in the decomposition of organic matter. In addition, the presence of plants requiring wetted soil and water for their survival will increase the relative humidity indoors as much of this water evaporates into the air.

Plants around Property and Neighborhood – For similar reasons as stated above, a greater number of trees and plants will increase the likelihood of mold spores being present in the air. Some molds grow and feed off of living plants while many survive off of dead organic matter. These mold growths can release spores or mycotoxins into the air.

People – The more people there are living inside of a property, using the plumbing systems, sweating, breathing and coming or going increases the likelihood of mold growth and that there will be an increased number of mold spores in the air inside of a property. Use of plumbing, sweating, and breathing increases the relative humidity. Mold grows where this is moisture so this affects that likelihood. The process of coming or going from a property by its occupants increases the likelihood of additional spores being present in the air and mold growth as those occupants often bring back spores with them that become attached to their skin, hair, or clothing.

Indoor Pets – Pets, like humans, sweat and breath. These actions increase the relative humidity inside of a property, which increases the chances of mold growth. In addition, pets that are allowed outside can pickup organic matter and mold spores from the random terrains they travel through and bring them inside of a property.

California Renter's Rights with Mold Contamination

2009-12-29T14:43:00.000-08:00

As renters in California, we have the right to live in a safe and healthy environment, which includes the quality of air in our homes, or Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Mold spores circulating in the air can create harmful living situations and lead to health problems for you and your family.

California is one of only five states to have regulations against mold growth in rentals, recognizing that there is a potential health risk involved with mycotoxins (molds that produce harmful chemical toxins).

Children, the elderly and persons with compromised immune or respiratory systems are at the highest risk for health issues due to mold. Effects can range anywhere from allergic reactions to rashes or repertory issues.

State laws provide us, the renters, with the opportunity to fix the problems ourselves and deduct the cost from our rent. So if your landlord is lagging on fixing your property, you still have options. The Toxic Mold Prevention Act of 2001 (TMPA), established by the Department of Health Services (DHS), sets standards for mold levels in indoor air. The law also allows DHS to identify remediation standards for owners, contractors and landlords.

Mold growth is classified as a factor of inhabitable conditions and is required, by state law, to be taken care of by landlords according to Civil Code 1941.1, Green vs. Superior Court. This includes having proper inspections done by licensed mold inspectors and then having the mold removed from the property by qualified contractors. As tenants we have the right to hire inspectors ourselves to get this work done and take the cost out of the following month’s rent. However, you must give your landlord notice that you are having this work done and give him/her a proper amount of time to fix the issue.

It is also necessary for the mold growth to have been caused by faulty conditions to your home. Mold growth often occurs because of a leak from a pipe, roof or window. If the leak is slow and goes unnoticed for a long period of time, mold growth is practically a give-in and will need to be removed.

Mold growth can also be caused by your lifestyle as a tenant. If you have a lot of stuff in your home, or don’t properly ventilate while cooking and/or showering, condensation can build up in your home and cause mold growth. If this is the case, your landlord is not responsible for funding the repairs. However, if proper ventilation devices are not available in your home, then that is your landlord’s responsibility.

A properly licensed inspector should be able to find the cause of mold and you can figure out who’s at fault and should fund the repairs from there.

The most important factor to be aware of when it comes to mold in your home is the potential health risk involved. If you are feeling any symptoms while in your home, you should have it checked for mold. Even if you can’t see mold growth, that doesn’t mean it’s not there. It could be behind the paint on your walls, or in the drywall or just not visible to an untrained eye. If you are away from you home for a few days and these symptoms go away, that is a sure sign of issues in your home.
Even if you are not experiencing symptoms from mold, it can still affect your home and property. Mold can take away the integrity of the framework of your home and also your belongings. Things such as couches, mattresses, clothing, furniture, tables, etc. can all be ruined by mold growth.

It is important to know that under California law, repairs cannot be made by you, the tenant, and then deducted from your rent. You must hire a licensed professional to do the testing and work for you if you intend to have the work paid for by your landlord.