We are Certified in Mold Inspection and Mold
Remidiation
We Service Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina,
Raleigh, Garner, Durham, Chapel Hill
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Mold
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. Basements/Crawl Spaces
If you suspect that you have a mold problem, then you should be especially conscientious of the basement or crawl space of your house. This level has more of a chance of fostering mold growth than any other level in the home.
In basements and crawl spaces, just look for any evidence of dampness. Be especially aware of any black mold growth that might be taking place in wooden building materials, especially in the framing, since this is the best path for mold to take to other parts of the home. It can also lead to the weakening of beams and other bearing walls that are crucial in the stability of the structure.
Inside Wall Cavities
This is another place where warm air meets cooler air, especially the walls around the perimeter of the home or building.
Plus, wall cavities are good at trapping moisture. In addition to all this, pipes often leak in between walls, where we are not aware they are occurring.
If mold is present inside mold cavities, it will eventually manifest its presence by working its way to the outside of the walls, where it will be visible. If signs of excessive moisture and mold begin to show on your walls, you can smell the musty odor, and you or others in your home or building are showing health effects from mold, then it is likely growing in your wall cavities.
If this is the case, then you will need to remove the drywall in places where you suspect the mold is growing within the wall. Then, you will need to clean and remove the mold.
DO NOT USE CHLORINE
BLEACH to kill mold or disinfect moldy areas. It is
NOT the most effective or lasting killer of mold and mold
spores. On most porous, cellulose building materials such as
wood timbers, drywall, chipboard, plywood,
carpeting/padding, etc., bleach can change the color of the
mold, and can even slow down mold growth for about 3 weeks.
Please note that a recent study has found that
bleach can only kill mold sitting on hard surfaces [such
as ceramic floor and wall tile, or a formica kitchen
counter, or on the steel skin of an appliance].
If you have Mold make sure you have it removed by a
Certified Contractor in Mold Remediation. It is your
health that is at risk so don't let an unlicensed
contractor do the work.
Cary Painting and Home Improvement is Certified in Mold
Inspection and Mold Remediation. We follow strict guidelines
to complete the job properly. Give us a call for a free
estimate.
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Health Effects and Symptoms Associated with Mold Exposure
When moisture problems occur and mold growth results, building
occupants may begin to report odors and a variety of health
problems, such as headaches, breathing difficulties, skin
irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma
symptoms; all of these symptoms could potentially be associated
with mold exposure.
All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds
produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, toxins that may
cause reactions in humans even death in some cases. The types and severity of symptoms
depend, in part, on the types of mold present, the extent of an
individual's exposure, the ages of the individuals, and their
existing sensitivities or allergies.
Specific reactions to mold growth can include the
following:
- Allergic Reactions
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic
reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to
mold are common - these reactions can be immediate or
delayed. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms,
such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash
(dermatitis). Mold spores and fragments can produce allergic
reactions in sensitive individuals regardless of whether the
mold is dead or alive. Repeated or single exposure to mold
or mold spores may cause previously non-sensitive
individuals to become sensitive. Repeated exposure has the
potential to increase sensitivity.
- Asthma
Molds can trigger asthma attacks in persons who are allergic
(sensitized) to molds. The irritants produced by molds may
also worsen asthma in non-allergic (non-sensitized) people.
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Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis may develop following either
short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) exposure to molds.
The disease resembles bacterial pneumonia and is uncommon.
- Irritant Effects
Mold exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose,
throat, and lungs, and sometimes can create a burning
sensation in these areas.
- Opportunistic
Infections
People with weakened immune systems (i.e.,
immune-compromised or immune-suppressed individuals) may be
more vulnerable to infections by molds (as well as more
vulnerable than healthy persons to mold toxins).
Aspergillus fumigatus, for example, has been known to
infect the lungs of immune-compromised individuals. These
individuals inhale the mold spores which then start growing
in their lungs. Trichoderma has also been known to
infect immune-compromised children.
Healthy individuals are usually not vulnerable to
opportunistic infections from airborne mold exposure.
However, molds can cause common skin diseases, such as
athlete's foot, as well as other infections such as yeast
infections.
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