When it comes to mold and mold damage, there are five facts to understanding mold that everyone should know. These facts include:
1) Mold needs moisture to grow;
2) Mold can be harmful or helpful – depending on where it grows;
3) Mold does not grow on dry materials;
4) Mold growing inside a home can affect the residents; and
5) Homeowners and property residents can learn to recognize mold.
Indoor air quality has a greater impact on health than outdoor air quality, as North American adults spend almost 90% of their time indoors. The ODOROX hydroxyl generator is an advanced green technology that offers enormous benefits for improving air quality and decontaminating areas. The benefits that accompany the Generator can be applied to any industry and even for residential use.ODOROX hydroxyl generators provide a permanent solution to combat poor indoor air quality due to bacteria, viruses, mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and offensive odors. Unlike using ozone, foggers and harsh chemicals, the Odorox system is completely safe for people, animals, plants, rubber, plastic, vinyl, electronics and other sensitive materials. This allows the generators to be operated in occupied areas twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Everyone can benefit from the use of an onsite ODOROX Odor Processor.
Learn more: Removing Mold Spores
1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is a full service water damage restoration company that provides emergency water removal, water mitigation, carpet drying, mold removal, flood cleaning, fire damage, sinkhole and sewer cleanup services. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is located in Port Richey, Florida, and proudly services the West Gulf Coast of Florida.
Call us now at 1-800-379-6368. Free Water Damage Inspections available. 24/7 Emergency Services available.
For more information, please visit http://www.drymeout.com
Showing posts with label water damage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water damage. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Air Filters, Mold Spores and Indoor Air Quality
Air filters. Designed to remove particles from the air and protect you from airborne health hazards. But with so many brands, sizes, types, ratings and more to choose from, where does one begin in their search for the best air filter for their money?
Utilizing an air filter can be a huge step towards effective mold removal and air quality management in your home. Learn about the deciding factors and how to purchase the best air filter for your money.
Click here to learn about Air Filters and Mold Spores
1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is a full service water damage restoration company that provides emergency water removal, water mitigation, carpet drying, mold removal, flood cleaning, fire damage, sinkhole and sewer cleanup services. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is located in Port Richey, Florida, and proudly services the West Gulf Coast of Florida.
Call us now at 1-800-379-6368. Free Water Damage Inspections available. 24/7 Emergency Services available.
For more information, please visit http://www.drymeout.com
Utilizing an air filter can be a huge step towards effective mold removal and air quality management in your home. Learn about the deciding factors and how to purchase the best air filter for your money.
Click here to learn about Air Filters and Mold Spores
1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is a full service water damage restoration company that provides emergency water removal, water mitigation, carpet drying, mold removal, flood cleaning, fire damage, sinkhole and sewer cleanup services. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is located in Port Richey, Florida, and proudly services the West Gulf Coast of Florida.
Call us now at 1-800-379-6368. Free Water Damage Inspections available. 24/7 Emergency Services available.
For more information, please visit http://www.drymeout.com
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Black Mold | Dear 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT: Is My Workplace Making Me Sick?
Thanks to Mike for sending in a question about the health of his workplace and whether or not it might be infected by black mold.
Dear 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT:
I work at a dealership and over the last two months or so, I have been noticing that I feel unwell near the end of the day. I feel headachey, worn down and almost as if I have allergies. Recently, I was talking with one of my co-workers about how I have been feeling and they mentioned that they have been feeling the same way. We also agreed that on weekends away from the office, we both feel fine.
I am wondering if it could be an underlying mold issue? I have heard about black mold inducing similar effects but we cannot see any mold anywhere. I know that you deal a lot with mold and performed a mold remediation for a friend of mine when they purchased an older fixer-upper home. What are your thoughts?
Thanks for your help,
Mike
Here us our response:
Hi there Mike,
Thank you for your question on whether or not we may feel the health of your workplace is being jeopardized by mold.
You had mentioned in your question that you cannot see mold so you weren’t sure if mold could actually be the cause. You have excellent insight because mold does not need to be visible to the eye to be present and wreaking havoc on your system. Often, mold can grow in hidden places like behind a water source, in the attic, in the drywall etc. Mold will also grow undetected under carpet, behind baseboards, under wood flooring, in ducts and so on.
For example, if the property has ever experienced any kind of water damage from a storm or heavy rain, mold could have easily grown if the area damaged by water was not thoroughly dried out and properly restored. Mold will begin to grow within 24-48 hours of water damage occurring. So yes, there could definitely be a mold problem within the building you work in.
As for whether or not mold could be causing these symptoms you and your co-worker are experiencing, it most certainly could be. Prolonged exposure to mold can stimulate allergic like reactions in people as well as cause symptoms of being sick. The mold most famous for producing negative sick-like symptoms is Stachybotrys also known as Black Mold. However, other forms of mold such as Aspergillus, also a common mold, can also create symptoms of allergies and illness.
Common symptoms of mold exposure and sensitivity include: sinusitis, headaches, general allergy symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, fatigue, memory loss and breathing disorders. For a more complete list of mold-associated symptoms, visit Symptoms of Mold Exposure and Sickness. Sinusitis is the most common health care complaint and affects 37 million people in USA (about 1 out of every 7 Americans). According to a Mayo Clinic study, mold is a known allergen that many people are likely sensitive to. In addition, the study shows that mold in the air and in the nose is directly linked to sinus inflammation. The Mayo Clinic study proved that 93% of all chronic sinusitis studied was caused by mold!
Mold is extremely dangerous to a person or even a pet’s health. Currently, there is a theory that supports that Fibromyalgia, sudden onset of Asthma or Emphysema, Chronic Lung and Sinus infections as well as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are actually caused by mold exposure.
It appears that people with better immunity will be able to tolerate the ill effects of mold; however, people who are under stress, have weakened immunities, are allergic to mold or are seniors are at greater risk to develop mold-induced illnesses. Constantly working in a mold-infected environment can take its toll on even a healthy person.
What we suggest is that you talk to a health care provider and also speak with your employer about your concerns. A health care provider can treat you if needed and employers, by most laws, are required to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers.
Regarding your employer, we suggest they hire a mold remediation company like 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT to perform a mold inspection. We have the latest technology to find mold anywhere within a building. Upon receiving the results of a mold test, we could determine whether or not mold exists within your building. If mold is found, a plan would be devised for mold removal and complete remediation of the property.
Thank you for sending us your question and let us know if we can help with this situation any further.
Jeremy
Mold Remediation Specialist
1-800-DRY-ME-OUT
Have a water damage, mold removal or sewer repair question for us? Contact 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT here.
1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is a full service water damage restoration company that provides emergency water removal, carpet drying, mold removal, fire damage, sinkhole and sewer cleanup services. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is located in Port Richey, Florida, and proudly services the West Gulf Coast of Florida. For more information, please visit http://www.drymeout.com
Dear 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT:
I work at a dealership and over the last two months or so, I have been noticing that I feel unwell near the end of the day. I feel headachey, worn down and almost as if I have allergies. Recently, I was talking with one of my co-workers about how I have been feeling and they mentioned that they have been feeling the same way. We also agreed that on weekends away from the office, we both feel fine.
I am wondering if it could be an underlying mold issue? I have heard about black mold inducing similar effects but we cannot see any mold anywhere. I know that you deal a lot with mold and performed a mold remediation for a friend of mine when they purchased an older fixer-upper home. What are your thoughts?
Thanks for your help,
Mike
Here us our response:
Hi there Mike,
Thank you for your question on whether or not we may feel the health of your workplace is being jeopardized by mold.
You had mentioned in your question that you cannot see mold so you weren’t sure if mold could actually be the cause. You have excellent insight because mold does not need to be visible to the eye to be present and wreaking havoc on your system. Often, mold can grow in hidden places like behind a water source, in the attic, in the drywall etc. Mold will also grow undetected under carpet, behind baseboards, under wood flooring, in ducts and so on.
For example, if the property has ever experienced any kind of water damage from a storm or heavy rain, mold could have easily grown if the area damaged by water was not thoroughly dried out and properly restored. Mold will begin to grow within 24-48 hours of water damage occurring. So yes, there could definitely be a mold problem within the building you work in.
As for whether or not mold could be causing these symptoms you and your co-worker are experiencing, it most certainly could be. Prolonged exposure to mold can stimulate allergic like reactions in people as well as cause symptoms of being sick. The mold most famous for producing negative sick-like symptoms is Stachybotrys also known as Black Mold. However, other forms of mold such as Aspergillus, also a common mold, can also create symptoms of allergies and illness.
Common symptoms of mold exposure and sensitivity include: sinusitis, headaches, general allergy symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, fatigue, memory loss and breathing disorders. For a more complete list of mold-associated symptoms, visit Symptoms of Mold Exposure and Sickness. Sinusitis is the most common health care complaint and affects 37 million people in USA (about 1 out of every 7 Americans). According to a Mayo Clinic study, mold is a known allergen that many people are likely sensitive to. In addition, the study shows that mold in the air and in the nose is directly linked to sinus inflammation. The Mayo Clinic study proved that 93% of all chronic sinusitis studied was caused by mold!
Mold is extremely dangerous to a person or even a pet’s health. Currently, there is a theory that supports that Fibromyalgia, sudden onset of Asthma or Emphysema, Chronic Lung and Sinus infections as well as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are actually caused by mold exposure.
It appears that people with better immunity will be able to tolerate the ill effects of mold; however, people who are under stress, have weakened immunities, are allergic to mold or are seniors are at greater risk to develop mold-induced illnesses. Constantly working in a mold-infected environment can take its toll on even a healthy person.
What we suggest is that you talk to a health care provider and also speak with your employer about your concerns. A health care provider can treat you if needed and employers, by most laws, are required to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers.
Regarding your employer, we suggest they hire a mold remediation company like 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT to perform a mold inspection. We have the latest technology to find mold anywhere within a building. Upon receiving the results of a mold test, we could determine whether or not mold exists within your building. If mold is found, a plan would be devised for mold removal and complete remediation of the property.
Thank you for sending us your question and let us know if we can help with this situation any further.
Jeremy
Mold Remediation Specialist
1-800-DRY-ME-OUT
Have a water damage, mold removal or sewer repair question for us? Contact 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT here.
1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is a full service water damage restoration company that provides emergency water removal, carpet drying, mold removal, fire damage, sinkhole and sewer cleanup services. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is located in Port Richey, Florida, and proudly services the West Gulf Coast of Florida. For more information, please visit http://www.drymeout.com
Friday, August 12, 2011
Mold Removal By A Cleaning Company?
Recently, we were called in for a mold remediation job. The homeowners were concerned about a build up of mold in their master bathroom shower stall as well as a strong odor that they couldn’t place.
Apparently, they had tried several methods to clean the shower stall and after every attempt failed, they hired a professional cleaning service.
“I finally hired a cleaning company to get rid of the mold and they couldn’t do it,” one homeowner told our mold inspection expert.
The homeowners were unable to get rid of the mold because they were simply applying topical cleaning agents, such as bleach, to the moldy materials. Likewise, the cleaning company came in and used whatever cleaning solutions it had trying to make the mold disappear. Mold, however, does not just disappear and moldy materials cannot simply be cleaned; they must be removed.
A common myth that many homeowners hold is that bleach kills mold. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Mold is rooted into a mold spore. While beach has more power on non-porous surfaces, it cannot reach into porous surfaces, such as grout or caulk where bathroom mold usually grows, and thus, affects only the top layer of mold by bleaching the color. In essence, bleach only removes stains, not the mold, because it does not have any effect on destroying the roots of mold spores. Furthermore, there is some argument that bleach worsens the problem because it tends to make surfaces more porous due to its abrasive nature. Currently, publicly available chemical mold cleaners are bleach-based.
Read the rest of: Can A Cleaning Company Remove Mold
Apparently, they had tried several methods to clean the shower stall and after every attempt failed, they hired a professional cleaning service.
“I finally hired a cleaning company to get rid of the mold and they couldn’t do it,” one homeowner told our mold inspection expert.
The homeowners were unable to get rid of the mold because they were simply applying topical cleaning agents, such as bleach, to the moldy materials. Likewise, the cleaning company came in and used whatever cleaning solutions it had trying to make the mold disappear. Mold, however, does not just disappear and moldy materials cannot simply be cleaned; they must be removed.
A common myth that many homeowners hold is that bleach kills mold. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Mold is rooted into a mold spore. While beach has more power on non-porous surfaces, it cannot reach into porous surfaces, such as grout or caulk where bathroom mold usually grows, and thus, affects only the top layer of mold by bleaching the color. In essence, bleach only removes stains, not the mold, because it does not have any effect on destroying the roots of mold spores. Furthermore, there is some argument that bleach worsens the problem because it tends to make surfaces more porous due to its abrasive nature. Currently, publicly available chemical mold cleaners are bleach-based.
Read the rest of: Can A Cleaning Company Remove Mold
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Mold-Proofing Your Home: Basement
As part of our Mold-Proofing Your Home, Room by Room series, we are pleased to offer you mold-proofing advice on Basements and Crawlspaces!
Mold Proof your Basement or Crawl Space:
1. Reduce the amount of clothes, paper and furnishings stored in the basement. Discard badly damaged materials. Eliminate clutter to improve air circulation. Only washable items should be stored.
2. Dehumidify the basement during the warm months.
3. Avoid carpets on slab-on-grade or below grade floors.
4. Periodically clean the drain in your basement floor. Use half a cup of bleach, let it stand for a few minutes, then flush with plenty of water. Keep the drain trap filled with water.
5. Avoid standing water. Keep sump pits covered (you can use plywood wrapped with plastic).
6. Regularly clean and replace furnace filters. Use a pleated one-inch filter, not a coarse filter.
7. If you have a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), clean the filter inside the HRV often.
8. If you notice molds or signs of dampness, such as water on your windows or wet spots elsewhere, do not humidify. Disconnect furnace humidifiers that are no longer used.
9. If you have electric baseboards, vacuum the units, or have a professional clean them for you.
Learn more about how to protect your basement from water damage and mold.
Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage, Mold Damage Tarpon Springs, Sinkhole, Fire Damage, Sewer Damage and Emergency Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial & Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT Contact Us!
Mold Proof your Basement or Crawl Space:
1. Reduce the amount of clothes, paper and furnishings stored in the basement. Discard badly damaged materials. Eliminate clutter to improve air circulation. Only washable items should be stored.
2. Dehumidify the basement during the warm months.
3. Avoid carpets on slab-on-grade or below grade floors.
4. Periodically clean the drain in your basement floor. Use half a cup of bleach, let it stand for a few minutes, then flush with plenty of water. Keep the drain trap filled with water.
5. Avoid standing water. Keep sump pits covered (you can use plywood wrapped with plastic).
6. Regularly clean and replace furnace filters. Use a pleated one-inch filter, not a coarse filter.
7. If you have a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), clean the filter inside the HRV often.
8. If you notice molds or signs of dampness, such as water on your windows or wet spots elsewhere, do not humidify. Disconnect furnace humidifiers that are no longer used.
9. If you have electric baseboards, vacuum the units, or have a professional clean them for you.
Learn more about how to protect your basement from water damage and mold.
Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage, Mold Damage Tarpon Springs, Sinkhole, Fire Damage, Sewer Damage and Emergency Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial & Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT Contact Us!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Fighting Black Mold Damage Clearwater
When it comes to mold and mold damage, there are five facts to understanding mold that everyone should know. These facts include: 1) Mold needs moisture to grow; 2) Mold can be harmful or helpful — depending on where it grows; 3) Mold does not grow on dry materials; 4) Mold growing inside a home can affect the residents; and 5) Homeowners and property residents can learn to recognize mold.
Before one can fight mold, we must learn about what mold is. Molds are microscopic fungi, a group of organisms which also includes mushrooms and yeasts. Fungi are highly adapted to grow and reproduce rapidly, producing spores and mycelia in the process.
Mold is encountered every day. Foods spoil because of mold. Leaves decay and pieces of wood lying on the ground rot due to mold. That fuzzy black growth on wet window sills is mold. Paper or fabrics stored in a damp place get a musty smell that is due to the action of molds.
While molds are often considered to be harmful, certain molds can be useful to people. The drug penicillin is obtained from a specific type of mold. Some foods and beverages are made by the actions of molds. The key to beneficial kinds of molds is that they are selected and grown in a controlled fashion.
Molds are undesirable when they grow where we don't want them, such as in homes. Molds that grow inside may be different from the ones found outdoors. According to USA Today, there are at least 100,000 types of mold, but only a few dozen are toxic and can cause health problems. These toxic molds produce chemicals called mycotoxins that can cause rashes, seizures, unusual bleeding, headaches, respiratory problems and severe fatigue in some people. According to the Mayo Clinic, sinus problems are almost always the result of toxic mold.
What Makes Molds Grow?
Read the rest of Fighting Black Mold Damage Clearwater
Before one can fight mold, we must learn about what mold is. Molds are microscopic fungi, a group of organisms which also includes mushrooms and yeasts. Fungi are highly adapted to grow and reproduce rapidly, producing spores and mycelia in the process.
Mold is encountered every day. Foods spoil because of mold. Leaves decay and pieces of wood lying on the ground rot due to mold. That fuzzy black growth on wet window sills is mold. Paper or fabrics stored in a damp place get a musty smell that is due to the action of molds.
While molds are often considered to be harmful, certain molds can be useful to people. The drug penicillin is obtained from a specific type of mold. Some foods and beverages are made by the actions of molds. The key to beneficial kinds of molds is that they are selected and grown in a controlled fashion.
Molds are undesirable when they grow where we don't want them, such as in homes. Molds that grow inside may be different from the ones found outdoors. According to USA Today, there are at least 100,000 types of mold, but only a few dozen are toxic and can cause health problems. These toxic molds produce chemicals called mycotoxins that can cause rashes, seizures, unusual bleeding, headaches, respiratory problems and severe fatigue in some people. According to the Mayo Clinic, sinus problems are almost always the result of toxic mold.
What Makes Molds Grow?
Read the rest of Fighting Black Mold Damage Clearwater
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Advanced Restoration Donates Mold Remediation New Port Richey to SPCA
Advanced Restoration was called by the SPCA Suncoast about a water damage and mold problem in the facility's "Kitty Kabana". Within minutes, there was an Advanced Restoration team on site and mold remediation was under way. The mold remediation is now in its final stages and photos will be posted on Advanced Restoration's website soon at www.drymeout.com. For information on the SPCA Suncoast, please navigate to http://www.spcasuncoast.org/.
Advanced Restoration recently donated completed water damage restoration, mold removal and remediation services to the SPCA Suncoast. Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a water damage, mold remediation and sewer cleanup company based out of New Port Richey, Florida.
Gail Armstrong, Executive Director of the SPCA Suncoast, cannot thank Advanced Restoration enough. "Every one of us here -those with two legs and those with four- appreciate all you did for us. Thanks to you, we can focus our monetary donations on helping pets who desperately need medical attention, time and love."
Known for their complete home restoration, Advanced Restoration is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and maintains excellent standing with the Better Business Bureau. They have an immediate response team of experienced technicians and the newest up-to-date equipment to help perform services. The company has years of experience with mold removal, water, fire and sewage damage as well as disaster recovery.
For more information about Advanced Restoration or Mold Remediation New Port Richey restoration, please contact Advanced Restoration at 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT or http://www.drymeout.com/mold-remediation-new-port-richey.
Advanced Restoration recently donated completed water damage restoration, mold removal and remediation services to the SPCA Suncoast. Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a water damage, mold remediation and sewer cleanup company based out of New Port Richey, Florida.
Gail Armstrong, Executive Director of the SPCA Suncoast, cannot thank Advanced Restoration enough. "Every one of us here -those with two legs and those with four- appreciate all you did for us. Thanks to you, we can focus our monetary donations on helping pets who desperately need medical attention, time and love."
Known for their complete home restoration, Advanced Restoration is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and maintains excellent standing with the Better Business Bureau. They have an immediate response team of experienced technicians and the newest up-to-date equipment to help perform services. The company has years of experience with mold removal, water, fire and sewage damage as well as disaster recovery.
For more information about Advanced Restoration or Mold Remediation New Port Richey restoration, please contact Advanced Restoration at 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT or http://www.drymeout.com/mold-remediation-new-port-richey.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Is That Mold Damage in Your Toilet?
It’s summer time also known a family vacation time! And while you may be off enjoying yourself, do you know what might be waiting for you at home? Mold…in your toilets.
“But wait a minute!” you may say, “The toilets at my house are always clean. Why would there be mold growing in them when I get back?”
Unfortunately, mold doesn’t care if your toilets are clean or not. What it does care is how long you will be away from home.
Find out how to determine whether you truly have mold growing in your toilet and the steps to take to remove mold and prevent a moldy toilet.
“But wait a minute!” you may say, “The toilets at my house are always clean. Why would there be mold growing in them when I get back?”
Unfortunately, mold doesn’t care if your toilets are clean or not. What it does care is how long you will be away from home.
Find out how to determine whether you truly have mold growing in your toilet and the steps to take to remove mold and prevent a moldy toilet.
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