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Sherry's Newsletter,
October 2003
Breaking the Mold!
What Exactly is Mold?
Most people think that mold is slimy, green discoloration found on
carpeting, baseboards and windows that gradually increases in size,
but found only in dirty, unkempt homes. In fact, mold and spores
can flourish in sparkling clean environments as well.
Molds are very simple organisms that reproduce by spores, which
are extremely durable. They secrete digestive enzymes that break
down the surface on which they live, which makes it easier to absorb
nutrition. Some molds can cause disease and are very toxic, yet not
all molds are harmful.
Mold, whether toxic or mildly allergenic, can be harmful and affects
almost all of us in one way or another. Mold can be present in any
room, nook or cranny, and needs to be treated as soon as it’s discovered.
There is no escaping it. Whether your house was inspected for
mold before you recently moved in, or had an inspection less than
one year ago, you should be aware that mold can begin at anytime and
anywhere, no matter how clean you keep your casa. If you haven’t had
an inspection within the last 18 months, now might be the perfect time to have a
professional mold inspection even if there are not visible signs.
Every day we seem to learn more about mold and its health ramifications.
There are approximately 40 known variations of mold, and they cause
a myriad of health risks, such as; allergy attacks, arthritic
aching, asthma, bloody nose, bronchitis, coughing, chronic
headaches, depresssion, dizziness, fatigue, loss of memory, nausea, pneumonia, restless-
ness, runny nose, sinus congestions, skin itch, skin rashes, sneezing,
trouble breathing, watery eyes, stiffness, balance or equilibrium loss.
Phew!
The presence of mold, water seepage or smelly, musty odors should be
addressed immediately. In all instances, the source(s) of moisture must be
stopped somehow and the extent of water damage evaluated by a
specialist. Water damaged materials should be professionally dried
and repaired. Mold is a structural and environmental problem, and
some mold defects aren’t visible to the untrained eye, but can be
detected through professional inspection.
There are many remedies to stop mold in its tracks or remove it.
But be warned; for best results, a professional mold expert
should be hired to remove the bacteria and, as most reliable
companies do, offer some sort of guarantee.
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RE/MAX 100 (800) 899-7629 |
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Read
previous newsletters here
Molds are tiny microscopic
organisms, and are found virtually everywhere, indoors and out.
Molds can be found on outdoor plants, food, dry leaves, and
other organic material. Mold spores detach very easily from
their “mother ship”, and become airborne quite easily, most
often during simple household chores like dusting, or by merely
walking across a carpet. Mold grows in air conditioning ducts,
carpets, pots of houseplants, etc., you name it, mold is found
almost everywhere we work and live.
Where To Look For Mold
- Cracks in bath tiles, chipped
caulking, loose toilet seals, leaks under sinks
- Carpets and padding
(especially when installed over a concrete slab)
- Poorly maintained or dirty air
conditioning/heating vents and filters
- Humid, damp basements or crawl
space
- Seeping water stains on
ceilings from broken roof tiles, or on floor leaving dark
spots on walls
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