Now that economic uncertainty has dropped housing prices, many new buyers are in the market to purchase used property. But what should you do if a property has mold? Considering all the bad things we say about mold, you might assume this is a deal breaker. But this isn't necessarily true. The issue of mold in a home can turn into a home buyer’s biggest nightmare, and yet it can also be their greatest fortune. When buying a property, you want to...
Read MoreWe’ve talked extensively about the numerous health effects that have been linked from toxic mold exposure – everything from skin rashes to brain damage. But can toxic mold exposure actually cause cancer? It’s a touchy subject; perhaps why we’ve avoided it for so long. But there are a lot of rumors and sketchy evidence floating around that say mold and exposure to certain mycotoxins can cause cancer. It’s time to separate myth from fact. Can mold cause cancer? Absolutely, yes....
Read MoreSo you’ve decided to hire a mold removal company to come in and finally get rid of all that mold that is making building occupants sick and possibly becoming a liability. Good for you. Now, when deciding on a mold remediator, your biggest issue is understandably money. But choosing a mold removal company that offers the lowest price isn’t always the best way to save money on mold remediation. Here are five factors you should always consider when shopping for...
Read MoreMore than 1.25 million vent-free space heaters, fireplaces, logs, and stoves that operate on natural gas or propane are sold every year in America. But gas appliances produce water vapor, and that can bring high humidity into the air if there’s not enough ventilation. So could these vent-free gas appliances increase the humidity enough to promote mold growth? A lot of people aren’t too familiar with the controversy around mold and vent-free gas products, so it helps to look at...
Read MoreAnother sticky, slimy situation in a government facility involving disgruntled employees, obtuse administration, and mold. This time it’s the Mendocino County Social Services building in Ukiah, California. When James Marmon started working in the building in 2007, he noticed red Xs on the floor mats. Only weeks later did he find out why. Mr. Marmon had stepped into a moldy office that was causing employees a range of symptoms from extreme fatigue to nosebleeds. There were rumblings of inspections and...
Read MoreWhere is the absolute worst place for mold to grow? No, it’s not between your toes, it is in hospitals. Hospitals must be sanitary for a reason. While a small amount of mold may not be a problem for most of us, mold can be deadly for patients with weakened or suppressed immune systems if not quickly removed by a mold removal company. So it is understandable that the Cape Coral Hospital in Florida is taking hasty action to discolored...
Read MoreAll this controversy about building a mosque or cultural center near the site of the former World Trade Center has made me think about another controversial building that once stood at Ground Zero. But in this case, mold played a pivotal role in this building’s fate. 130 Liberty Street, otherwise known as the Deutsche Bank Building, was once a 42-story skyscraper that stood adjacent to the Twin Towers. But the collapse of the towers during September 11 tore a 24-story...
Read MoreWhile molds themselves are not toxic, certain types of molds can produce toxins known as mycotoxins. These airborne mycotoxins can have negative health impacts, ranging from minor ailments such as allergies and fatigue to much more serious conditions like learning disabilities, cancer and heart problems. A damp or musty smell can be an indication of a mold problem, as can the appearance of dark spots, stains or patches on walls, ceilings or floors. Molds that produce dangerous mycotoxins should be...
Read MoreBlack mold testing is not a just some sort of test to rob you of your hard earned money. It’s a test that is very real, and can check for the toxic mold and prevent serious health problems from occurring in you and your family. A professional can check for mold in your home using certain tools and techniques. Hiring a professional is best when there are hidden molds or areas you cannot reach such as crawl spaces or attics....
Read MoreThere are a lot of things lurking in your basement. Aside from snakes, the worst thing you can have is toxic mold. Any type of mold, in fact is undesirable. You can initially sense its presence in your basement if there are musty odors around your house. Basement mold is usually hidden away in a crack or corner, but the smell is a great determining factor of its presence. Here are some ways to determine if there is a mold...
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