Mold Is Toxic: Get It Cleaned Up Now!

from: http://mold.wordwd.com/2011/07/13/mold-its-toxic-get-it-cleaned-up-immediately/

If you are reading this article, chances are that you are looking for a mold removal service to carry out the cleanup in your home.

Mold is a universal problem that can have severe effects on the health of human beings who live in a house that is affected with this toxic substance. It is advised that the affected area be cleaned up and restored immediately after it is detected as widespread mold can result in several health risks, some of which are mentioned below.

Dangers posed by mold

Asthma attacks –
Some people are extremely allergic to mold and it can trigger bad asthma attacks or make existing cases of asthma much worse in a patient.

Other allergic reactions –
Improper mold cleanup can result in spreading of Spores across the house that can lead to allergic reactions such as runny nose, rashes, sneezing and red eyes.

Irritation –
Many patients have reported irritations in the eyes, nose and throat regions that has been directly linked to mold.

Infections –
Mold also has the ability to cause athlete’s foot and other topical infections.

Serious risks –
In extremely bad cases, mold even has the ability to cause serious health problems such as pneumonia and other diseases that will affect the lungs.

Mold is a very difficult problem to tackle as it thrives in conditions that are also perfectly suitable for humans to live. This fungus essentially thrives by feeding on organic matter such as cardboard, wood or other natural construction materials that are found in the house.

Moisture is also another very important ingredient for the growth of mold and a professional fire and water restoration contractor will have to address the mold cleanup in such a way that the water source creating the moisture is stopped.

It is estimated that there are over 100k varieties of mold and not every one of them will be visible to the naked eye. Some will leave an ugly brown, black or green stain on your walls or ceilings while some will spread without any visual clues.

Only a professional mold removal company will be able to assess the true damage created by mold in your house. A professional mold removal company will carry out the following steps in their mold cleanup process that will eliminate mold from your house.

Eliminate the moisture problem –
As said earlier, mold damage removal will begin with the elimination of the moisture source. Cleaning up mold without first eliminating the moisture source will result in the mold coming back in most cases.
Commercial mold damage removal companies will use dehumidifiers and blowers to eliminate the moisture source.

Cleaning in a contained area –
It is very important for one to use proper protective clothing while cleaning out mold. A professional mold removal contractor will seal off or contain the room that needs to be cleaned and one would not have to worry about the mold spreading to other parts of the house during the mold cleanup process.

Cleaning and removing the mold –
Various materials will need various types of cleaning methods. The cleaning method will also vary depending on the type of the mold that needs to be cleaned out and it is best that you leave the job to a professional mold damage removal company that will do the best job for your house.

Black Mold In Pregnancy: How Harmful Is It?

from: http://experts.merchantcircle.com/articles/Effects-of-Black-Mold-and-Pregnanc...

Black mold can be present on any surface affected by water damage, or exposed to excessive moisture. It may cause problems in healthy adults, but particularly harmful to women who are pregnant.

Black mold can produce mycotoxins that may cause health issues in the expectant mother and unborn baby. Women who are pregnant should avoid being exposed to black mold.

Stachybotrys chartarum, also referred to as black mold or toxic mold, can cause negative effects in both expectant mom and fetus. This particular mold produces harmful toxins to humans.

Mold can be found in the air and any surface. It is common in areas that have high humidity levels, condensation and water damage due to flooding or leaking pipes.

The effects of mold on the mother and unborn child will vary depending upon the length of exposure and the amount of mold spores inhaled.

Pregnant women exposed to mold may experience upper respiratory infections and wheezing. Women who have asthma may have an increase with asthma-related symptoms. Skin or eye irritation and nasal stuffiness may also occur.

In severe cases of exposure, women may experience difficulty breathing and have a fever. Studies have not conclusively proven black mold effects on a fetus, however, there is a correlation between toxic mold exposure and an increased risk of miscarriage.

Animal studies have shown a disruption of fetal development when subjected to toxic mold while in the womb.

There is also speculation that black mold exposure in a fetus or newborn can be linked to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and a child in the womb exposed to black mold may also develop asthma or allergies later in life.

Women who suspect they are being contaminated with toxic or black mold should contact a certified mold inspector to evaluate the conditions. If samples prove that Stachybotrys chartarum, or black mold, is present in the home or office she should evacuate until the house has been disinfected properly and mold is no longer a threat.