If you are allergic to mold then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies. Mold spores are in your environment year round. Fresh air contains more mold spores than pollen. The higher the humidity the higher the mold counts.

When molds or fungi reproduces it sends tremendous numbers of spores into the air similar to plants releasing pollen into the air for reproductive purposes. Mold spores are microscopic in size and easily become airborne and will travel throughout the central air and heading system. If you are allergic to mold spores then whey come into contact with the skin or are inhaled, they spores trigger an allergic reaction.

Molds and fungi like an environment that is dark, damp and has a good food supply. Molds and fungi live off of decomposing plant and animal material. You home can become a prime breading ground for mold and fungi. Most homes have a large quantity of decomposing plant material, its call wood. Add a little bit of moisture from the air, rain leaking into the walls, or from a leaky pipe and the inside of your walls become a prime breading area.

Other areas in the home that you should look for molds that are commonly overlooked are foam pillows, garbage cans, refrigerator door gaskets, refrigerator cooling coils, the drip pan under refrigerators, under sink cabinets, closets, storerooms, air conditioner units, washing machines, dryer vents, and carpets.

Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headaches, congestion in the lungs, hives, and itchy and watery eyes.

A few years back home were being built in the Southern United States that used foam board as insulation with no air spaces to let in air. This type of insulation can act as a wick for any water on the floor and as a result Black Mold started to grow. This type of mold is extremely toxic and can be deadly for mold allergy suffers. When Black Mold infests a building, mold spores are continuously releases into the air and will easily travel throughout the central air and heading system.

For anyone with a predisposition to being allergic to mold, a home infested with Black Mold can become a lethal environment. Killing all Black Mold in a home, once it is well established is next to impossible and the best solution is to remove your self from the toxic environment.

Treatment includes cleaning of all of the hot spots for mold activity mention previously. Use mold killing solution on bathroom tiles, shower curtains, shower stalls, around the bathtub and toilet tank and always use the exhaust fan to reduce the humidity levels when you are using the bathroom and kitchen.

Add mold inhibitor to paint and repaint the kitchen and all bathrooms. Never use a carpet in the bathroom. Tile or linoleum is easy to clean and will not trap water. Keeping the humidity below 40 percent will help to deter mold growth. Invest in a good quality dehumidifier for all rooms that are use most often.

Air cleaners can make a really big difference in the severity and frequency of allergy attacks. The central heating system should have an electrostatic air filter to distribute clean air through out the house. These electrostatic air filters trap microscopic allergens. Consider investing in a HEPA room air cleaner for all bedrooms and in the family room.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

David Cowley
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/help-i-am-allergic-to-mold-137532.html

Both mold and asbestos can be a serious problem for someone buying a home.  This can be especially true for a first time buyer with little experience in home buying.

Asbestos is only a potential problem in homes built before the early 80’s.  On the other hand, toxic mold such as stachybotrys has been well documented in brand new homes.  Many times toxic mold problems can be traced back to the construction phase of a home involving a water leak or rain penetration that was not accounted for resulting in conditions that were hospitable for mold growth.

Most home buyers and even some home inspectors do not have the experience to be able to determine if there is a hidden mold problem in a house.  In many cases the problem isn’t discovered until the homeowners are experiencing allergic reactions in their new home or if the mold problem worsens and becomes visible.

Click on the following link to read the story of a Greenville, S.C. couple who got an excellent deal on a home that was in foreclosure.  Within a week of beginning renovations to their new home they discovered a toxic mold problem.

Something important that you need to realize is that not all molds are toxic in nature. There are such things as cosmetic molds that do not pose any real threat to human beings or pets, such as Ceratocystis.

This is blue stain mold or blue rot and is nowhere near the same thing as Stachybotrys atra, the frightening toxic black mold, seen on the news. Ceratocystis does not rot the wood, is not harmful to human beings, and does not spread.

The following is a simple guide on how to remove this cosmetic mold from smooth wooden surfaces. If some of the wood framing in your home has been contaminated by Ceratocystis mold, then it can be possible to clean these and remove the mold contamination in some cases.

If the contaminated wood is located on the exterior, you can use more violent methods of cleanup such as power-washing or sandblasting, but this is not recommended for use indoors. Spreading mold spores and debris throughout the house is a problem when these powered methods are used inside the house.

The best thing for removing surface mold from framing lumber is to use a sponge that has been wet with a mixture of water and borax laundry detergent. This is not to produce a completely particle-free wooden surface, but only to remove all of the surface mold. Do not use a sponge in one area and then use the same sponge in another, because of the risks of cross-contamination. Five tablespoons of trisodium phosphate mixed in a gallon of water can be used to clean up mold stains after any loose particles have been removed.

Sanding mold off of a surface is an option as long as the mold is a cosmetic one and the initial cause of the mold’s growth has been removed. High humidity indoors or leaks inside the house can restart this growth, so make sure that these issues have been resolved before attempting to sand away a cosmetic mold. A spraying method may be better than a sanding method of removal for large areas.

Before you treat the areas you have cleaned any further, the surface needs to be completely dry and the cause of the mold growth removed, in the case that the mold was not on the lumber at the time of construction.

Mold-resistant varnishes are available and have some advantages and disadvantages. Something good about sealants is that using them after a remediation project can immobilize the particles left inside some hard to reach cracks and crevices in the wood and stop them from re-growing and they will most likely reduce how much moisture the wood absorbs in the future. These sealants and sprays are never to be used as a substitute for thoroughly removing the mold, however.

Jim Corkern
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/the-mold-in-your-home-could-be-killing-you-305660.html

There have been numerous times where as a black mold specialist, people tell me I used bleach to clean this black mold and it now comes back. So many of us seem to never be able to get rid of soap scum and black mold.

A word of caution:

Bleach is not the answer for cleaning black mold. While some misinterpret natural cleaning products and use bleach, they are simply in for some trouble. The truth is bleach will remove the black mold. Although, it will only remove this mold temporarily because of the DNA of the black mold is not been destroyed and that is just the beginning..

Besides cleaning the black mold you really must focus on preventing the mold from coming back. Mold and mildew are pretty toxic, thus natural cleaning products or “Green” products are being formulated to solve these problems with out needing to evacuate your home while cleaning it.

Believe it or not, most natural cleaning products are not really that strong. This is the challenge of natural cleaning products. But before I jump into details let me explain what happens when you do get the right solution that can remove mold and prevent in one single solution.

As you probably know Green cleaning products are an excellent alternative to a safe environment. What happens with powerful natural cleaning products is applying a liquid solution that can settle on the surface of the problematic area and at the same time destroy the DNA makeup of the mold. Then you can apply that same solution over the area again to use the solution as a safe shield to cover the surface and prevent future amplification. Since the solution is a natural cleaning solution you have the luxury of using it as a maintenance product in the home, not harming you, your children, or your pets.

Bottom line is you need to understand natural cleaning products and be sure to use what professionals are using to clean black mold and mildew. Most contractors may be using the wrong solution or too harsh of a chemical thus that is why you pay them the dollars needed to get the job done correctly.

At the moment you can research some natural cleaning products to help you in your battle with black mold and janitorial cleaning. Better yet you can try a product with a full guarantee. If the problem is black mold then be sure to attack the source, break up the DNA, and use a prevention method. This is truly the only way to rid your self of black mold. Always try to use green cleaning products when in your home so you do not pose a risk with your health and if the mold problem is large do look into a professional to consult with.

Many black mold cases and mold removal projects can turn into nightmares due to the proper due diligence needed for a mold disaster. The best way to prevent mold removal headaches is take care of it fast, use the correct solution and hire additional help and consultants to create a protocol to remove the mold andm mildew.

Markus Skupeika
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/natural-cleaning-products-you-should-never-use-for-black-mold-263872.html

Certain individuals who suffer from allergies, especially certain seasonal allergies, may gain relief at different points in the year. But unfortunately, for people who suffer from an allergy mold, the suffering can continue unabated year round.

Mold spores are released into the environment in cold, dry weather, as well as in humid conditions. Reactions to an allergy mold usually occur during the summer months, but because mold has the ability to grow in various locations, reactions could surface at any time throughout the year.

Although there are many different types of molds, only a small few will cause an allergy mold. Outdoor mold will thrive on damp leaves, rotting bark, or grass. Indoor molds may develop in damp areas of the home such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or attics.

People who suffer from an allergy mold will exhibit the same symptoms as normal allergy sufferers, such as skin irritation, chronic sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and chest and nasal congestion. A doctor will perform a skin test to receive a specific allergy mold diagnosis. Once diagnosed, a treatment plan to attack the ongoing symptoms and prevent future reactions will be developed.

The first step in attacking an allergy mold is to eliminate possible substances within the home that contain mold or could produce mold in the future. A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter attachment should be contained in the central air conditioning unit in order to catch mold spores before they circulate throughout the home. The home should have proper ventilation and contain exhaust fans inside of the bathrooms. Carpet should be removed from any areas that could possibly become wet or damp. Sinks, tubs, and kitchens should be scrubbed and cleaned frequently due to the speed of mold growth.

Humidity levels within the home can be decreased by the installation of a dehumidifier or by increasing the temperature in order to minimize dampness. Any possible leaks within the home should be repaired as soon as possible to eliminate the possibility of mold growth in certain areas. Any water should drain away from the foundation of the home to eliminate wet plants, grasses, or leaves from allowing mold growth. Assuring that damp areas are dry can prevent spores from filtering into the air and producing an allergy mold reaction.

If all of the above measures have been taken to reduce the presence of mold, there are other allergy mold treatments available. Certain medications can eliminate allergy mold reactions. Some over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, or decongestants, can reduce symptoms. For severe allergy mold, a doctor may need to recommend a prescription strength allergy treatment.

Attacking the allergy mold by staying away from possible growth of spores, taking precautionary cleaning measures, making speedy repairs within the home, protecting yourself with medications, and even using a face mask when you are within contact of mold spores can lead to successful allergy mold relief. But, if symptoms still arise, a doctor may need to recommend another form of treatment or medication. Talking to your doctor about the allergy mold and the specific symptoms associated with it can mean success in the battle against mold.

Riley Hendersen
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/attack-against-allergy-mold-105749.html

Mold has become one of the hot topics in real estate. Recently mold in homes has been significantly linked to ailments of the respiratory system and allergies. Mold is also a bit of a tricky customer as it can be difficult to detect and hard to get rid of as well. Mold is commonly mistaken with common mildew which does not have the same health concerns, but can outwardly appear much the same. Mold comes in a number of different varieties, usually with differing health effects so in determining whether or not there is mold in a home requires a trained professional. Home inspectors are sometimes able to identify mold in the home. When buying a home and arranging the inspection, try to find an inspector that is familiar with mold and ensure that they look for it.

One of the reasons that mold is so hard to detect is the fact that it usually grows unseen in hidden corners and recesses inside the walls or foundations of a home. Mold requires a dark moist area in which to grow, and some sort of organic material on which to thrive. Wood and wood products in particular are common areas for mold growth. The growth is typically stimulated by a water leak from the home’s exterior that leaks onto the wood and the growth begins. If left for a significant time the growth can be quite large as a constant leak can feed the growth. Removing mold is a difficult process. Typically it is simply easier to remove the affected area and replace it with new materials. This ensures the removal and closing off the leak will ensure that the growth does not start again. It is essential when removing mold to be sure that it is removed in its entirety. If any is left behind the growth can continue and spread to the newly installed materials or freshly cleaned areas. If you are purchasing a home and mold is found, it would be a good idea to list the fixing of the problem as a subject of the sale.

Lane Hornung
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/keeping-the-mold-out-140244.html

If you are experiencing low air quality or have noticed water stains or recurring leaks in your home or office building, it is important that you have samples tested for mold. While most mold types are not harmful, increased levels of mold and certain types of mold can exacerbate allergies and lead to more serious respiratory conditions. If you have decided to test your mold, there are two approaches that you can choose.

Mold Testing Option #1 – Self Inspection

One option available to you is to collect the samples on your own and then take them to a laboratory for mold testing. The obvious locations to collect samples are near any leaks or where you have noticed water stains. In addition, you may want to collect samples anywhere that you detect an unusual odor. The difficulty in collecting mold samples on your own, however, is that you may not test all the necessary locations. The average person may overlook hidden mold sources, or may have difficulty testing certain areas.

Pros:

· May be less expensive

Cons:

· Difficult to do correctly without training

· May miss certain areas or hidden mold sources

Mold Testing Option #2 – Professional Mold Inspection

The other option available for mold testing is to contact a certified mold inspector to collect your samples. They are familiar with current guidelines and have the necessary knowledge and skill to gather samples from your carpet, wall and ceiling cavities, as well as the air. Since mold can be almost anywhere, only an experienced person will be capable of identifying if the levels in your home or place of business are irregular.

Pros:

· Familiar with current guidelines

· Can find hidden mold sources

· Have the equipment to test rugs, walls, ceilings, air, etc.

Cons:

· May be somewhat more expensive, although doing it yourself may ultimately cost more if not done properly

What To Look For In A Mold Testing Company

· Choose a mold testing company that does their lab work in house for faster results

· Choose a company that specializes in mold testing, and does not perform mold remediation, because of the potential conflict of interest.

· Look for a company that participates in the AIHA – EMPAT certification program

After you get your results from your mold testing company, you can then contact a mold remediation company in your area if the results determine you have a mold problem.

Deborah Gordon
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/mold-testing-how-to-test-your-home-or-business-for-mold-99999.html

Are you fighting with black mold and it keeps coming back? Use the correct methods for mold cleaning and prevention.

Some have misunderstood annoying black mold as being dirt or mildew. Mold and Mildew are the same, both need water to grow and a food source. Both can have spores that will cause allergies. Being around mold has caused many to have common symptoms close to a cold or flu. Be aware of mold symptoms and health effects is important to understand with mold and mold removal.

Understand some mold symptoms before getting involved:

Having mold in your breathing space may cause many Mold Symptoms. Scratchy throats are common. An individual may feel their throat to be scratchy almost as if they have to cough. A scratchy throat is a common annoying black mold identifier.

Many times people will apply paint and scrub down mold. A day or two goes by and people notice that it has not been fixed and the mildew has become a bigger problem.

For the mold remediation there are two types of scenarios Fisrt type of attack would be is the removal of water damaged and visibly moldy material. This is done best by mold cleaning company experts to get it done correctly.

Now to get back mold removal and mildew cleaning protocols.

Use organic mold cleaner or spray to clean the toxic black mold.

These cleaners will clean and break up the dna of the organisms to prevent it’s growth.. This happens to be the missing link when cleaning black mold and mildew.If the area is really bad, you may have to remove the material.

You now are getting into the nuts and bolts of mold removal. Effecitve getting rif of damaged material. Consultaiton from a professional may help you in this area.

Do it yourself mold removal

Very important is using the correct gear. Supply yourself with the right materials such as visqueen, drywall cutting tools, and mold and mildew cleaners to remove and block mold from coming ba.

After done with phase one you are prepared to get down to the nuts an bolts of work. You will want to prep your area and begin removing mold and mildew that is visibl. Upon starting the work this becomes a challenge as some individuals find more mold and more problems. After prepping and cutting exposing the cavities this is where problems become bigger with more mold.

But remove all visible traces of the black mold and mildew. A good tip to know within the industry is clean out and remove all visible traces and then go 5 feet beyond the last visible trace.

The finishing task is after all steps are completed to be safe you will need to spray it down with someblack mold killers.

Using an organic solution and one that kills and prevents mold is the best choice. Having a produt that is natural and safe will not harm you breathing quality or the indoor air quality. Iin order to be effective you will need a solution that prevents and kills mold and mildew, then you are in the clear. Just be sure to cover the areas you want to have the shield on and be sure to remove all area that may be suspect.

Markus Skupeika
http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/simple-mold-removal-wihtout-cleaning-mold-94827.html

One of the toxic mold’s favorite places to grow is behind the wall. Unfortunately, toxic mold in walls is hard to find. How do you know if you have toxic mold in the walls, and what can you do about it?

Mold grows everywhere. It is important in nature for breaking down dead material and recycling nutrients. It’s not so useful when found in our homes, however, and can cause health trouble from minor allergic reactions to very serious medical conditions.

The best place for mold to grow is in a wet, warm and dark place. This is why the walls of your home are ideal. For a comprehensive guide visit http://www.toxicblackmoldhelp.org where you’ll find resource for inspection, symptoms, and removal of black mold. Mold can often be found growing in “hidden” places such as this, and it is difficult to find and deal with.

First, you must determine if you have a mold problem. Then, the problem must be fixed. You must remove the offending mold, and then take measures to prevent the mold from growing again. If you have mold in your walls, it may be an indication that there is a water problem in your house.

Finding The Mold
If there is mold growing somewhere that it cannot be seen, you will often smell it first. Mold has a musty, earthy smell. You may also notice that you have an allergic allergy when you enter your home, or certain parts of your home. This probably means you have mold hiding out somewhere.

Before you go poking around for mold, you must realize that disturbing the mold could cause spores to be released. These spores can get into the air and cause health problems, or contaminate other areas of the house.

If there is a water leak, or some part of your house where there has been water damage, you most certainly have mold. If you are unsure, you may wish to call a professional. Hidden mold is especially hard for homeowners to clean themselves.

Cleaning Up The Mold
Cleaning up toxic mold in walls may be a big construction job. For this reason, it is best to consult a professional. When you are dealing with toxic, or any kind of mold, you should always wear goggles and protective clothes. You do not want the mold to come into contact with anything else, including yourself.

Look for a mold specialist, who has experience in mold cleanup. Check to see if they are familiar with the EPA’s mold guidelines, and those according to the ACGIH, the American Conference of Governmental Industry Hygienists.

It’s very important to clean up the mold quickly. The presence of water causes damage to houses and lowers property value immediately. The longer you let the problem go on, the worse it will eventually be to clean up, and the more damage it will do to your home.

Deal With The Water Problem
When there is water or something wet in your home, dry it quickly. Make sure damp areas are dried completely. Water leaks in the house may come from the roof or gutters, so make sure to do regular maintenance in those areas.

Keep the humidity level of your house as low as possible. If necessary, buy a dehumidifier to run sometimes. This will reduce humidity.

Make sure your house gets plenty of outdoor air, circulation and sunshine. It’s a good idea to run the bathroom fan often, since that is where mold often builds up.

Most importantly, deal with your mold problem immediately, before things get worse.

Rich Fuller
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/removing-toxic-mold-in-walls-the-hidden-enemy-95059.html

This Basic guide will help you know how to efficiently remove mold and mildew from awnings. Mildew is actually what is left from mold settling into areas that get wet or stay wet often. We fight this mold and mildew often in our bathrooms, but in this article, we are going to discuss mold and mildew removal and prevention from awnings. The good thing with mold and mildew is that you can easily remove it and maintain by prevention.

4 Steps for Removing Mold and Mildew on Awnings

1. First, you will need to wash the mold and mildew from the awnings by using an appropriate scrub brush and a disinfectant and hot water. This will help remove the mold and mildew as well as kill the bacteria.

2. After you have removed all of the mildew and mold from the awnings with a disinfectant, you need to rinse the area clean with hot water. Add a little lemon juice and some salt (same parts of lemon juice and salt added to your rinsing water) to rinse away the area.

3. You can let the awnings air dry by itself after you have thoroughly washed and rinsed. Just let the sun help to dry the awnings with time.

4. After it has dried you will probably notice some staining from the mildew. You can remove these stains with some bleach and hot water. Start scrubbing at the awnings with a bleach and hot water solution to remove the stains.

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew on Your Awnings

To prevent mildew you need to prevent the mold from sitting in your awnings. To prevent the mold you need to prevent water from sitting in your awnings. When it rains outside the water will sit in the awnings and eventually create mold, and then mildew. If you can punch holes in your awnings you can allow the water to drain as it comes to prevent mold and mildew.

You need to create a drainage system that will allow the water to completely drain out of your awnings when it rains. Check for tricky places where the water will sit even though you have created some sort of drainage system. Once you have the drainage working properly, you should not experience much mold or mildew anymore, but you should still clean the awnings (which will be easier without scrubbing off mold and mildew, as well as the stains they leave behind) on a regular basis, such as yearly or seasonally.

For more information about awnings, visit http://www.awninghelp.com

Jim Ames
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/how-to-remove-mold–137420.html