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Tips & Articles

How to Check Your Home for Mold Problems
Simple Home Improvements to Help Keep Mold at Bay
Signs You May Have Mold in Your Home
10 Things You Should Know About Mold
Moisture Control Tips to Help Prevent Mold Growth
Preventing Black Mold Growth in Your Home
What Are Bioaerosols?
Natural Ways to Keep Mold and Mildew at Bay
Mold Remediation - The Earlier, The Better
Understanding Possible Asbestos Hazards in Your Northern Virginia Home
Avoid Washington, DC Home Mold Growth by Maintaining a Healthy Humidity Level
Living With Mold Allergies? Find Relief by Improving Your Home's Indoor Environment
Serious Health Problems Linked to Asbestos Exposure
How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Carpet
Infrared Thermal Imaging Revolutionizes Mold and Moisture Inspections
Features to Look For When Choosing a Dehumidifier
Common Sources of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the Home
No Bathroom is Complete Without an Exhaust Fan
What is Black Mold?
Common Types of House Mold in Your Damascus, Alexandria, or Ellicott City Home
The Link Between Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk
What is Mold Remediation?
Indoor Molds Can Grow on Almost Any Surface
Where Can Asbestos Be Found in Your Northern Virginia Home?
What is Asbestos?
What is Naturally Occurring Asbestos?
The Six Types of Asbestos
The Link Between Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos Do's and Don'ts Inside Your Northern Virginia Home
Why You Should Never Disturb Asbestos
The Importance of Professional Asbestos Removal
Glove Bag Procedure for Asbestos Removal
Friable vs. Non-Friable Asbestos: What's the Difference?
Glossary Of Terms

Accredited Laboratory- A lab that has been accredited by a recognized agency to the ISO 17025 Standard.

Aflatoxin- A Mycotoxin which is known to be one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances which is from Aspergillus flavus mold growth.

Allergen- A substance such as mold or pet hair which can cause an allergic reaction.

Ambient air- Outdoor air or representative of a general volume of indoor air.

Amplification of molds- Any indoor scenario which may increase the concentration of molds such as moisture in a wall cavity or mold growth in an HVAC system.

Anti-fungal treatment- Any mold remediation activity which removes, disinfects, or treats surfaces contaminated by mold.

Asbestos- A naturally occurring mineral fiber used in hundreds of building and insulation materials. Exposure to asbestos is a known health risk for cancer especially due to occupational contact. Asbestos is a regulated material and professional removal using engineering controls is recommended in most cases.

Asthma- A condition of respiratory sensitivity when lung tissue swells in reaction to exposure to particles which irritate the small passages of the lung tissue.

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Videos

Living With Mold Allergies?

Find Relief by Improving Your Home's Indoor Environment

Millions of Americans suffer from mold allergies. Molds live everywhere - indoors and outdoors - and disturbing a mold source can disperse the fungi spores via wind outdoors and air indoors. Much like other allergies, mold allergy symptoms include sneezing, itching, congestion, dry skin, and nasal discharge that can last all year long. Prolonged mold exposure can also lead to serious respiratory problems, such as chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

Such uncomfortable reactions to mold can be reduced by taking the following steps to prevent and reduce mold and mildew build up inside the home, especially in areas that are humid, poorly ventilated, or prone to water pooling.

  • Install an exhaust fan in your bathrooms and kitchen to keep air moving, or at least crack a window when showering or cooking.
  • Clean garbage cans frequently.
  • Repair any plumbing leaks, blocked drains, and poorly vented clothes dryers.
  • Scrub sinks and tubs regularly, focusing on tiles and grout.
  • Use dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. Make sure the dehumidifier is cleaned and air filters are changed regularly.
  • Remove any bathroom carpeting that can collect and retain moisture.
  • Use a small space heater or light bulb in your basement to raise the temperature in your basement and thereby lower humidity levels.
  • Direct groundwater drainage away from your home by removing leaves and dead vegetation near the home and in the rain gutters. Dense bushes and vegetation around a home's foundation can promote dampness.
  • Replace ceiling tiles or carpet that show signs of mold.
  • Install insulation to windows, exterior walls, floors, or roof, or wherever condensation can grow on cold surfaces.

Employing these simple humidity-reducing steps can decrease the level of moisture in your home, leading to mold growth prevention. However, it's always a good idea to consult a professional if you think there may be mold growth in your home. Contact RTS Environmental Services to perform a complete mold inspection in your home to identify possible sources and perform mold prevention techniques. Servicing Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, RTS Environmental Services' team of licensed and experienced professionals have completed thousands of thorough mold and asbestos inspections and solutions throughout the Washington DC metropolitan area.