Resources
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?
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.
Indoor Air Quality Association- www.iaqa.org
American Indoor Air Quality Council- www.iaqcouncil.org
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency- www.epa.gov/mold/
Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification ( IICRC)- www.iicrc.org/pdf/buydocs.pdf
What is Black Mold?
Virtually every household has one type or another of mold growing somewhere within the home. Not all types are toxic, but it is important to determine if any mold growth is harmful. One harmful type of mold is known as black mold or Strachybotrys chararum or Strachybotrys atra. Black mold is a thin, black fungal growth that can usually be found in places with high humidity or poor ventilation. Black mold can grow and settle anywhere throughout a home and on just about any type of surface, including clothes, curtains, rugs, carpets, furniture, tiles, carpets, walls, ceilings, and so on.
Black Mold Symptoms
Black mold, characterized by its slimy, greenish-black appearance, is toxic and can fatally affect the lungs. Black mold spores are easily inhaled and can lead to nose bleeds and internal bleeding in the lungs. People affected by long-term exposure to black mold can develop respiratory problems, sinus problems, headaches, asthma, skin problems, and mental deterioration and instability. Those who have allergies or any kind of respiratory disease of immune suppressing disease should be extremely cautious around black mold. Symptoms of black mold poisoning include development of rashes and hives, nausea, memory loss, lethargy, dizziness, cough, eye irritation, blood pressure irregularity, internal pain, notably in the liver, and lack of concentration.
Black Mold Remediation
As soon as you see any mold growth on your clothes, household items, or walls and ceiling, it should be immediately removed. While black mold removal and remediation is possible, prevention is a better approach for the health of your home and those living in the home. To prevent future growths of black mold, you must eliminate the source of dampness, which may translate to home renovations.