What are the 5 MOST TOXIC TYPES of MOLD?

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Ascospores are prominent in nature commonly found in the outdoor environment. Some fungi that belong to the Ascomycete family include the sexual forms of Penicillium/Aspergillus, Chaetominum, etc that may be frequently found growing on damp substrates.

Chaetomium are found on a variety of substrates containing cellulose including paper and plant compost. Several species have been reported to play a major role in the decomposition of cellulose-made materials. These fungi are able to dissolve the cellulose fibers in cotton and paper and thus cause the materials to disintegrate. The process is especially rapid under moist conditions. Their Ascospores are brown or gray with one or two germ pores.

Fusarium is a hydrophilic mold that requires very wet conditions and is frequently isolated from plants and grains. They colonize in continuously damp materials such as damp wallboard and water reservoirs for humidifiers and drip pans. While Fusarium Keratitis can be a serious infection, it is a rare disease. Fusarium is commonly found in organic matter such as soil and plants. This infection cannot be transmitted from person to person. 

Aspergillus and Penecillium are both types of mold are ubiquitous in the environment. Aspergillus tends to colonize continuously damp materials such as damp wallboard and fabrics. Penicillium is commonly found in house dust, wallpaper, decaying fabrics, moist clipboards, etc.

Stachybotrys is the bad boy of them all

Stachybotrys, commonly called "stachy," is a greenish-black, slimy mold found only on cellulose products (such as wood or paper) that have been wet for several days or more. The mold does not grow on concrete, linoleum or tile. Stachybotrys and some other fungi may produce several toxic chemicals called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can be present in spores and small mold fragments released into the air. Once the mold fragments, mycotoxins and spores are in the air, individuals may breathe them into their lungs.

Mold Behind Wallpaper

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Mold behind wallpaper is a big health concern. To get rid of the mold you must remove the wallpaper. First and foremost remove the wallpaper safely by wetting it with a wetting agent and water. But first wear a good cartridge-type respirator.

When removing mold behind wallpaper safely wet it first. Even if the wallpaper removes dry still wet it

A simple dust or particulate mask won't offer adequate protection. Also wear gloves and goggles, remember safety first. In a garden type sprayer add the wetting agent and water for easy application.

Using the sprayer to wet the wallpaper down will reduce the mold spores from becoming airborne. Even if the wallpaper removes dry still wet it first. Move slowly and deliberately so you don't stir up spores as you work.

Once the wallpaper is removed from the walls the next step is to wash the walls down with a water and bleach solution. This should remove the mold from the walls if it is just surface mold. If the walls are soft and spongy the mold may have penetrated deeper into the wall.

One way to tell if the walls are totally saturated with mold you can take a utility knife and cut a small square out of the wall and look at the back side of the square. If there is mold behind the wall then you should replace the walls. If you plan on wallpapering again use a Nonwoven wallpaper so you will never get mold behind wallpaper again. Nonwoven wallpapers can breath unlike vinyl wallpapers.

For Mold Mitigation Needs, call SERVPRO of South Greenville County!

Basic Mold Facts

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

What are molds?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

What are some of the common indoor molds?

• Cladosporium
• Penicillium
• Alternaria
• Aspergillus

Where are molds found?

Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix the water problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions for use (see product label).

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. 
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

Specific Recommendations:

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.

What areas have high mold exposures?

• Antique shops
• Greenhouses
• Saunas
• Farms
• Mills
• Construction areas
• Flower shops
• Summer cottages

I found mold growing in my home, how do I test the mold?

Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with molds. Since the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly either because of the amount or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk. If you are susceptible to mold and mold is seen or smelled, there is a potential health risk; therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal. 

A qualified environmental lab took samples of the mold in my home and gave me the results. Can CDC interpret these results?

Standards for judging what is an acceptable, tolerable, or normal quantity of mold have not been established. If you do decide to pay for environmental sampling for molds, before the work starts, you should ask the consultants who will do the work to establish criteria for interpreting the test results. They should tell you in advance what they will do or what recommendations they will make based on the sampling results. The results of samples taken in your unique situation cannot be interpreted without physical inspection of the contaminated area or without considering the building’s characteristics and the factors that led to the present condition.

Call SERVPRO of South Greenville County for all of your Mold Mitigation needs!

8 Bad "Facts" About Mold That Most People Think Are True

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

With all the misinformation about mold out there it is easy to over react. Here are four “facts” that are over reactions to mold.

Bad “Fact” 1: All Mold Is Bad

Nope! Have you ever eaten blue cheese or take penicillin? Mold is used in the making this kind of cheese and medicine.

Bad “Fact” 2: All Mold Causes Health Problems

 In reality, the effect of mold on people varies greatly. Molds produce allergens, and while some people will be allergic to the allergens produced by mold not everyone will react to mold, and the effects can be varied depending on ones’ sensitivity to mold

People who are highly sensitive to mold may develop allergic reactions and show symptoms such as difficulty breathing, bloody noses, itchy and watery eyes, etc. People with already compromised immune symptoms are also at risk for reacting to mold, and some studies have suggested that serious health effects can arise from repeated exposure to mold, so it is not something to play around with.

Bad “Fact” 3: There Should be No Mold Inside

In reality mold is all around us and is very natural. There are mold spores in the air you are breathing and there is really no way around this unless you decide to live inside a plastic, environmentally controlled bubble. The problem is not that there is mold indoors the problem is with the concentration of mold indoors. Mold should not be growing in your walls or on surfaces as that can be a problem and contribute to allergic reactions.

We will always live with mold, the question is how much mold should we live with? The answer to that is still being worked out. As mold affects people differently you should talk to your doctor if you think you are suffering from exposure to mold and you take steps to reduce your exposure to mold..

Bad “Fact” 4: Bleach Kills Mold

This is kind of a half truth. Bleach may kill certain kinds of mold on non-porous surfaces, however, it is not clear that bleach can kill all kinds of mold nor kill mold on porous surfaces such as wood. Research is continuing to be done on the effectiveness of bleach as a mold cleanup agent. It should be noted that using bleach to “kill” mold poses its own health risks and is not a recommended solution by EPA or OSHA. Bleach is also very corrosive and can cause further damage if not used correctly.

Bad “Fact” 5: Killing Mold is Enough, I Don’t Need to Remove it

Killing mold is not enough. Putting aside the conflicting reports on what kills mold, simply killing mold does not remove the health effects as the allergens are still present even in dead mold. To properly protect against health effects, removal of the affected areas is often necessary. Care must be taken when removing the affected areas so that the allergens and mold is not spread throughout the house. That is why professional mold remediation services are often necessary to properly fix a mold problem.

Bad “Fact” 6: Mold is Natural, You Shouldn’t Worry About it

While mold may be natural, consistent exposure to mold can have negative affects on ones health. If mold is growing in your home or place of business it needs to be addressed as it will deteriorate your building and can cause health problems.

Bad “Fact” 7: If You Only See a Little Mold it is Probably Nothing to Worry About

If mold is to the point where it is visibly growing on surfaces in your home you have a problem. Mold is like an iceberg, you generally only see the tip of it while the majority is below the surface. If you see a little bit of mold you most likely have more growing under the surface out of site.

Bad “Fact” 8: Cleaning up Mold isn’t Hard. You Should Do it Yourself

This is another half truth. While you may be able to clean up certain kinds of mold in small quantities most people are not equipped to do proper mold remediation. Simply wiping down the evidence is not good enough. To properly “cleanup” a mold problem you must identify the cause, isolate the area to keep the mold from spreading, and clean and or remove the affected surfaces. Unless you know how to setup a containment unit, have a couple of commercial sized HEPA air filtration units, protective gear, HEPA vacuums, specialized cleaning agents, and can do a wet extraction to keep mold spores from spreading. 

Call SERVPRO of South Greenville County for all your Mold Mitigation needs! 

Do You Have Black Mold In Your South Greenville County Home or Business?

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Do You Have Black Mold In Your South Greenville County Home or Business? 

You may have seen the sensational news reports that warn about the dangers of black mold or toxic mold. These reports can alarm and confuse you. It's beneficial to get the facts so you can better understand mold. 

How Do I Tell If It's Black Mold? 

Many types of mold can cause reactions. You should contact us immediately if you see any signs of mold. Often, multiple types of mold can exist in the same house or structure. 

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today - (864) 292-3137 

Understanding Mold

When water invades your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Below are facts about mold. 

• Mold is present everywhere, indoors and outdoors. 
• Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or A/C heating systems. Mold can also enter your home by attaching itself to your clothing or a pet. 
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies and can produce allergens and irritants. 
• Any sources of water or moisture must be addressed before we can begin the remediation process. Otherwise, the mold can return. 
• Mold can often produce a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to the problem areas. 
• Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent. Higher than normal indoor humidity can support mold growth.  

When you need mold remediation call SERVPRO of South Greenville County (864) 292-3137 

Preventing Black Mold

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Preventing Black Mold 

1. Keep it dry- Keeping your home dry is key to preventing mold growth. Putting dehumidifiers n basements, ceiling fans in bathrooms and good airflow can keep mold at bay. 
2. Remove tainted material- it is imperative that you remove affected materials when and if you undergo mold remediation. 
3. Keep it outside- Never bring old wood or porous objects in from outdoors. Mold spores grow on everything and go wild when brought indoors. 
4. Use cleaning products- You can use mold reducing sprays in your bathroom and damp locations. 
5. Get a dehumidifier- Dehumidifiers will suck the moisture out of the air and prevent mold growth. 
6. Keep water away from your house- water is key to mold growth. Don't allow your home or basement to become flooded. You can prevent flooding from happening by grading your yard to keep water flowing away from your home. You can also install downspouts that divert water away from your home. 

A Guide To Black Mold

Removing Mold from Your Belongings

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Removing Mold from Your Belongings 

Water and mold damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of South Greenville County understands that your home is more than a structure; your family's furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help make your house a home. 

Contents Restoration 

SERVPRO of South Greenville County specializes in restoring your belongings damaged by fire, water or mold. Our expertise and "restore" versus "replace" mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that cannot be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items can be restored back to their original condition. We utilize several methods of cleaning your belongings, including: 

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residue or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning. 
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues. 
• Spray and Wipe - Effective for items that can't withstand wet cleaning. 
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned. 
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of cleaning product 

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Call Us Today – (864) 292-3137

Mold Damage Emergency Tips

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Damage Emergency Tips

It only takes 48 hours for mold to become a problem in your South Greenville County home or business when there is a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can have a negative effect on your health and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO of South Greenville County has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle the mold problem. 

If you have a mold problem in your South Greenville County home or business, consider the following facts: 

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems. 
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting. 

Below are tips on what you can do until help arrives.

What To Do: 

• Contact SERVPRO of South Greenville County immediately. 
• Stay out of affected areas. 
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans. 

What Not To Do: 

• Don't touch or disturb the mold. 
• Don't blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth. 
• Don't attempt to dry the area out yourself. 
• Don't spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold. 

If you have a mold problem call us today - (864) 292-3137 

SERVPRO of South Greenville County Mold Remediation Process

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation Process

Mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours after water has entered your home. SERVPRO of South Greenville County understands mold and mold growth and has the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. Our process is as follows:

Emergency Contact – (864) 292-3137

Our mold cleanup and restoration process will begin when you call us. Our representative will ask a series of questions to determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect your property for visible signs of mold. However, mold can be hidden from plain view as it feeds on cellulose and water. We use various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources.

Mold Containment

Our professionals use various containment procedure to prevent the spread of mold. All fans and heating and cooling systems will be turned off to prevent the spread of mold.

Air Filtration

During the process of the mold remediation, we utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of mold spores 

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

The mold remediation process depends on the amount of mold growth and the types of surfaces the mold has grown on. It may be necessary to remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and carpeting, to remediate heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents and Belongings

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, clothing, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and disinfect your belongings. We’re also trained to remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Restoration

The restoration step gets your home or business back to normal. Depending on the level of mold damage, drywall, subfloors, and other building materials may have been removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

Signs of Mold? Call Today – (864) 292-3137