Frequently Asked Questions About Mold Remediation

Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.

• Step 1: We have a consultation to see if there are any at-risk individuals living in the home and perform a thorough inspection to assess how much mold is in the home.
• Step 2: We contain the mold area using plastic sheeting to prevent mold spores from traveling to other areas during the removla process.
• Step 3: We have two types of spray to remove and disinfect mold. One is a chemcial that removes the mold and disinfects the surface at the same time. The other is a 100% botanical solution called Benefact. We spray and remove the mold with a HEPA grade vacuum. We provide Safety Data Sheets supplied by the EPA so you know what is in the solution. This sheet must be signed prior to use in your home.

Mold needs three things to grow. Mold spores, organic materials, and moisture. Mold spores are found everywhere on planet Earth. Our homes are made out of organic materials (wood, drywall, paper, or anything covered in dust). When moisture (water or high humidity) is added, mold can reproduce. 

If the mold is in a small area and on a non-porous surface like tile or porcelain, you may use dish detergent, water, and a rag to wipe off the mold (wear an N95 mask, rubber gloves, and eye protection). If the mold is in your drywall, insulation, carpet, or anything else that’s porous, do not disturb the area or mold spores will be released causing the mold to spread to other areas. Call a certified professional to safely remove the mold.

1. Stachybotrys also known as ‘black mold.’ Arguably this is one of the more toxic strands of mold known to man. Drywall, carpet, insulation or sub-flooring that have been exposed to moisture are places where black mold can be found.
2. Penicillium fungus. Penicillium actually played a big part in the development of the antibiotic medicine Penicillin! Penicillium can be found in soil, decaying vegetation and spores can even be found in the air. The fungus can cause food to spoil however. Some strands of penicillium can release harmful toxins into the air — which may cause breathing problems in some individuals.
3. Cladosporium is a much more potent fungus that can cause some serious health issues. Cladosporium can grow indoors or out. Cladosporium mold is known to cause coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, sinus issues, allergic reactions, as well as serious breathing problems in people who have asthma. Here are some examples of places where you might find cladosporium mold growing:
4. Alternaria. The Missouri School Of Medicine states that Alternaria is “..the most important allergenic molds found in the US.” In other words, alternaria can cause allergy problems for people. In fact, 70% of people who get allergies are effected by Alternaria! Alternaria usually resides in outdoor air. And it’s more common than you might think. You know the tiny black spots you sometimes see on the tomatoes you buy from the super market? More often than not it is alternaria. Symptoms of Alternaria allegergies are coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and other breathing problems.
5. Aspergilius. According to an Aspergilius website, the fungus is quite common in homes. It is possible and even likely that you are breathing some aspergilius right now without even being aware of it! Rest easy however, because in most cases the fungus is thought to be harmless to healthy individuals. On the other hand, individuals who suffer from weak immune systems can get sick from breathing aspergilius. Some of the maladies that can be caused by breathing the fungus are: sinus irritation, allergic reactions, and acute or chronic infections of the lungs. Aspergilius can be found in air conditioning systems, indoor air as well as outdoor air. The CDC has stated that it is impossible to avoid aspergilius and most people breath it without consequence. Unless you have tuberculosis or a weak immune system, you most likely have nothing to worry from aspergilius.

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, and pets can and be carried indoors. When mold spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture, such as where leakage may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they will grow. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth.

• Waterproof your basement or encapsulate your crawlspace to prevent water leaks.
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes.
• Use exhaust fans or open a window in the bathroom and kitchen when showering, cooking or washing dishes.
• Fix water leaks as soon as possible to keep mold from growing.
• Dry damp or wet things immediately. Mold spores grow into mold within 12-24 hours and are visible within 48-72 hours. If mold is present, DO NOT BLOW AIR ON THE MOLD. That will cause the mold to spread.
• Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50% relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers, which are available at local hardware stores.