Toxic Mold Air Quality Specialists: Accurate Environmental Services

What You Can Do to Prevent Toxic Mold Growth.

Many of our clients contact us due to the fact that when they are home they suffer from one of the many symptoms connected with toxic mold exposure and when they are on a vacation or business trip their symptoms are greatly reduced or disappear. The following details how toxic mold affects you and what you can do to protect you and your family from toxic mold exposure.

Mold spores attach themselves to airborne dust particles. When we inhale, the dust particles are carried into our lungs. Dust particles themselves may not be extremely hazardous, but we also inhale the mold spores, which can be a serious health threat. Our bodies have natural defense filtering systems (mucous, coughing and sneezing) against dusty air, which helps to remove some contaminants, but most contaminants overpower and pass through our defenses. Mold spores bypass our defenses because of their number and their small size. They move into, accumulate and settle in the lower lungs. There they produce toxins. The lungs transfer oxygen to the blood stream, and most of the actual exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen takes place in the lower lungs. The lungs become a roadway for toxic material to travel through the bloodstream with the oxygen. The body's reaction to the toxins permanently affects the lungs ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. The lung tissue can become permanently scared and every exposure to toxic mold spores increases the damage. Mold spores aggravate asthma and other allergies.

1. Fix any areas of water intrusion (water leaks) immediately. The most common areas of water intrusion and subsequent toxic mold growth are; Ice maker lines, hot water heater leaks, washing machines, window and door leaks, floor and wall areas adjacent to bathtubs and showers. Inspect for interior water leaks every 6 - 12 months.

2. When showering or bathing ALWAYS turn on the exhaust fan. If you do not have an exhaust fan, open the window. (NOTE: make sure your exhaust fan has a great enough C.F.M. (cubic feet per minute) rating to properly evacuate the steam and moisture from your bathroom (most do not).

3. Air out your house whenever possible during good weather days

4. NEVER use a humidifier or "swamp cooler".

5. Moisture control traps or water traps work well if you have an area in your home that has a high relative humidity. They can be obtained at most hardware stores.

6. Remove carpeting and replace with hardwood or tile (even if you vacuum every day carpeting collects an incredible amount of mold spores, allergens, and odors daily).

7. Vacuum and clean regularly and make sure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA (high efficiency particulate apparatus) rating (not "HEPA-LIKE" or "Removes 99.97% of particles 5 microns in size", these are deceptive terms). Regular vacuums only remove particles down to 35 microns (Mold spores are typically around 4 microns in size) Regular (non HEPA) vacuums spew mold spores right back into your breathing space.

8. Pay special attention to bathrooms and other areas that are likely to have a water leak or generate a lot of moisture. (Under all sinks, Areas adjacent to bathtubs and showers, Hot water heaters, Ice maker water supply lines, Washing machine water supply and drain lines).

9. If you have a forced air HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, be sure to replace your filters regularly and use ONLY the ones with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate apparatus) rating. Ductwork is a common area where toxic molds and allergens reside. Have your ductwork inspected and if necessary cleaned by a professional.

10. Be aware of symptoms while in your home such as, Musty Odors, Difficulty Breathing, Fatigue, Asthma, Pneumonitis, Upper Respiratory Problems, Sinusitis, Dry Cough, Skin Rashes, Stomach Upset, Headaches, Disorientation, Bloody Nose, Depression, and Short Term Memory Loss.(many of our clients have called us because they feel fine while they are out of town and then they come home and feel sick) If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Call AES ( 310-318-MOLD) for a free phone consultation. We are here to help.

11. Do not store materials such as papers, books, or clothing in humid parts of your home or office.

12. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris that may block the flow of water from the roof. Properly grade the area under downspouts, so that rainwater from the roof flows away from the foundation.

13. Check the grading of other areas around your foundation, so that rainwater does not flow towards the house.

14. Plant gardens and scrubs away from the foundation, so that water does not flow towards the house when watering them individually or with a sprinkler system.

15. Make sure cloth dryers are properly vented to the outdoors.

16. Consider using a dehumidifier if the house has a basement or subterranean room. The cool floor and walls can be a source of moisture buildup.

17. Properly insulate and ventilate your attic.

18. Clean up and correct any water problems under your house. It is a good idea to check for pooling water or excess moisture after a rainstorm.

19. SELF-STORAGE - If you are considering storing your belongings in a self storage unit consider the possibility of mold thriving within that unit. (the conditions for microbial growth are ideal).

20. If you believe that your home or office is affecting your health, have your home inspected by a Certified Environmental Inspector, Accurate Environmental Services will be glad to provide this service if geography permits.

The phone consultation is free and so is the call. 1-866-400-MOLD

Email us at: info@AQEXPERT.com