If you regularly get headaches in your home this can be happening due to poor air quality. According to this article, one of two problems can be causing your headaches: mold or clogged air ducts. If you chronically have headaches try to pay attention to where they occur; the location of the room could give you a clue as to the root of your problem.

The presence of mold in your home can cause health problems including headaches, asthma, fatigue, rashes and more. This is why it is important to have an excellent mold remediation specialist like Advance Mold Remediation at hand. If you suffer from ay of these symptoms you should have a mold specialist inspect your home immediately.

If the ductwork in your home is clogged this can also cause headaches and other health issues. When this occurs, stale air and carbon dioxide re-circulate. Breathing this oxygen poor air can give you headaches. The solution to this problem is having your ductwork disinfected.

Professional mold remediation specialists are important if you are experiencing any mold-related symptoms in your work or home. Contact Advance Mold Remediation for any of your needs.

We have been told all our lives that mold is bad. If we find mold in our homes, we need to have it removed as soon as possible. But does everyone know why mold is bad for us? This article from MedicineNet.com helps to explain the help problems related to mold.

Molds produce irritating substances, which, in many instances, trigger allergic reactions – sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, tearing and redness of the eyes, skin irritation, rash, or asthma attacks – in some people. But that is just the beginning. While allergic reactions are the most common health effect resulting from mold, they are not the worst. Some molds actually produce toxins that could cause serious health issues.

Molds like Stachybotrys (“black mold”) produce myotoxins, which can irritate the eyes, skin and airways even in individuals not allergic to mold. In serious cases, people develop severe reactions to mold exposure, including: fever, difficulty breathing, and lung infection.

Several factors – degree of allergies, susceptibility to mold, time exposed to mold, type of mold and amount of mold – play into how an individual will react to mold. If you think you may be at risk, contact a professional mold remediation company, like Advance Mold Remediation, at your earliest convenience to come and inspect your home.

Advance Mold Remediation is a service-oriented corporation dedicated to thorough, efficient analysis and treatment anywhere mold is an issue.

Our professional mold remediation team consists of certified inspectors, environmental scientists and abatement technicians. Together, we furnish exceptional services which include:

• Initial investigation and thorough testing of mold contamination
• Complete remediation services
• Post-remediation report preparation
• HVAC decontamination
• Final clearance testing

All remediation services at your residence or business are performed by highly trained, skilled technicians who are directly employed by Advance Mold Remediation – never subcontractors. We use procedures and protocols established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), along with our own proven proprietary technologies. Our successes are verified through final clearance testing.

If you have any questions, contact Advance Mold Remediation by calling 1-877-411-MOLD or click here today!

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The construction of attics and concrete slabs has historically been done as a simple, cost-effective way to support a floor or roof. Because of this, the impact these two areas have on a home’s energy costs and ability to keep mold at bay is often overlooked. The old saying “out of sight, out of mind,” comes to mind when thinking of attics/slabs. Because the public rarely ever sees these areas, architects often ignore the affects attics and slabs have on the environment and energy costs.

So what can you do? This article from Indoor Environmental Connections explains.

The energy loss and potential mold growth associated with attics/slabs can negatively affect not only your wallet, but your health, as well. Mold growth has been linked to asthma, allergies, respiratory distress and other, more serious, health problems. To make things worse, many people place their HVAC systems in their attics, which simply spreads mold spores throughout the building – greatly affecting indoor air quality.

The technology and know-how does exist, however, to construct smarter attics and concrete slabs into new buildings. Additionally, the technology exists to retrofit many of these aspects into existing attics and slabs (though this process is sometimes time consuming).

So ask a professional about your options. Get your attic or concrete slab inspected and see what you could do to make your home more energy-efficient and mold resistant. If you have any questions, contact Advance Mold Remediation by calling 1-877-411-MOLD or click here today!

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Air pollution is a problem that has gained more and more interest over the past few years. Research has shown that air pollution can negatively affect the health of those who are constantly subjected to harmful environments. But a recent study published in the Journal of the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that air filters greatly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

This article from Indoor Environment Connections explains these findings.

The study, which observed 45 adults from 25 different homes found that high efficiency particle air, or HEPA, filters greatly reduce the amount of airborne particulate matter, resulting in improved blood vessel health and reductions in blood markers that are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The study was conducted over two consecutive 7-day periods. During this time, a HEPA filter (Honeywell model 50300) was placed in the main activity room, while a quieter model 18150 was placed in the participant’s bedroom. The HEPA filters operated with their filters one week and without the other (participants were kept in the dark as to which week they had a filter and which they didn’t). In addition to the filters, indoor air pollution sampling kits were placed in each activity room.

At the end of each 7-day period, blood and urine samples were taken from each participant and markers of cellular injury, as well as the body’s response to that injury, were measured. Endothelial function also was evaluated using a fingertip device to evaluate blood volume in small blood vessels, and air samples were collected and analyzed.

It was discovered that portable HEPA filters reduced the average concentrations of fine particulates inside homes by 60 pc and their use was associated with improved endothelial function (a 9.4 pc increase in reactive hyperemia index) and decreased inflammation (a 32.6 pc decrease in C-reactive protein).

So if you are looking for a way to improve your indoor environment, consider purchasing a few HEPA filters. You will be amazed at how much better you will feel! If you have any questions, contact Advance Mold Remediation by calling 1-877-411-MOLD or click here today!

It is like a Shakespearean play – damp or not too damp? That is the question. When is a school too dry or too damp? Both extremes can be hazardous to your child’s health and both need to be dealt with, but in completely separate ways.

This article from Indoor Environment Connections Online explains down the temperature turmoil.

Low-dewpoint winter weather often brings with it extremely dry indoor conditions, meaning schools that meet the recommended 15 cubic feet per meter of outside air could be experiencing 10 percent relative humidity in classrooms. These conditions often lead to the drying of mucous membranes and even nosebleeds.

There are several approved methods to deal with dry indoor conditions. These include:

1. Make the building as airtight as you can so that it is not overly drying out all night long when not occupied.
2. Do not over-ventilate it during occupied hours. That is, if the carbon dioxide levels are down around 600 parts per million at 11 a.m. versus 800 ppm in an occupied school on the coldest days of winter, you are very likely over-ventilating it and exacerbating any potential dryness problems.
3. Do not run the ventilation system when the building is unoccupied. This includes exhaust fans as well as make-up air fans.
4. Install enthalpy (total energy) recovery from the general building exhaust to capture some of the moisture from the occupants and put it back into the building.

Another way to combat respiratory issues is to clean the air in which we breathe. This means removing dust and other airborne debris. This can be accomplished by:

1. daily use of auto scrubbers (with clean water) on hard-surface floors;
2. daily use of vacuums with high efficiency bags and good suction on carpets and hard surfaces;
3. if dry mops are used, they must be treated, or they make dust clouds; or
4. use of some of the new microfiber dusting devices, or damp-wiping.

Unfortunately, dry indoor conditions are not the entire problem. Extremely damp conditions are also causing respiratory problems in schools. Damp areas facilitate the growth of mold, which can be extremely hazardous when inhaled.

There are only two methods for dealing with extremely damp areas.

1. Fix number one, stop the liquid water intrusion, or manage it in a way that porous materials stay dry, and routinely clean the hard surfaces like you would clean your bathroom fixtures.
   1. Drying: We know of two means for drying surfaces: Add lots of heat, or make air dry by dehumidifying it. In the winter heating up the space and allowing dry outdoor air to enter it will usually give you dry air and good drying potential. During the rest of the year, a good high capacity energy efficient dehumidifier such as a Thermastor Sierra, or one of their competitors, should do a great job at drying any surface by increasing the drying capacity of the air. We define a high capacity unit as one that gets you in the range of 100 to 140 pints a day of moisture for less than 10 amps of power with a 115 volt power source.
   2. Isolation and exhaust of dampness: In some cases, crawlspace dampness can best be addressed by installing a sub-membrane radon removal-type system to capture dampness from the earth below a smoke-rated plastic sheet and dumping it outdoors. Lots of information is now available regarding keeping crawlspaces sealed up, warm and dry, versus the typical vented and damp and cold.
2. If the source of the liquid water has been addressed, the effects of dampness can often be remediated by keeping paper products away from the damp area and either warming the surfaces in the area above the dew point of the air, or drying the air to lower the dewpoint.

If these problems persist, call a specialist as soon as possible. Respiratory problems, especially those caused by outside irritants, like mold, should not be ignored. If your child experiences any abnormal breathing problems, consult your primary car physician immediately.

If you have any questions, contact Advance Mold Remediation by calling 1-877-411-MOLD or click here today!

After recent studies conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), there have been a few changes in the way these agencies, along with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), are dealing with the problems surrounding the toxic drywall imported from China.

This article from Indoor Environment Connections explains the sudden change in recommended protocol.

The CPSC and HUD released their new “remediation protocol” after a study conducted on behalf of the CPSC by Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico found that the blackening of copper electrical wires and air conditioning evaporator coils caused by the corrosive compounds emitted by the toxic drywall was not an immediate safety hazard. Sandia simulated more than 40 years of corrosive conditions that could possibly exist in toxic drywall and found no signs of any acute or long-term electrical safety problems, such as smoke or fire.

Because of these findings, the two agencies are no longer recommending that homeowners remove all electrical wiring in contaminated homes.

With these changes, the remediation guidance for homes with toxic drywall calls for the replacement of all:

•     Problem Drywall

•     Fire safety devices

•     Electrical distribution components

•     Gas service piping and fire suppression sprinkler systems

The CPSC and HUD have also broadened the spectrum of problem drywall to include drywall installed as early as 2009.

If you think you may be at risk and you want your home inspected, call a specialist as soon as possible. If you have any questions, contact Advance Mold Remediation by calling 1-877-411-MOLD or click here today!

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has come up with a new indoor air environment guideline, which provides guidance on achieving good indoor environments by taking into account the relationship between air quality, thermal conditions, lighting and acoustics.

This article from Indoor Environment Connections outlines the new guideline.

Guideline 10-2011, Interactions Affecting the Achievement of Acceptable Indoor Environments, is especially important in the design of low-energy buildings, explains indoor environmental quality and its effects on occupants.  The guideline outlines relationships and interactions designers may have been previously unaware, interactions that could negatively affect occupants.

The guideline is intended to help users understand and use existing documents that deal with indoor environments, including the ASHRAE standards related to energy, ventilation, indoor air quality and thermal conditions with a more complete understanding of their combined effects on occupants.

“It can provide assistance to building design professionals and building operators by making them aware of the major interactions that have the potential to impact the indoor environment,” said Hal Levin, chair of the committee writing the guideline. “We believe the guideline will help draw attention to the narrowly-defined scopes of the widely-used standards and the significance of combined or interactive effects in determining the acceptability of an indoor environment.”

If you have any questions, contact Advance Mold Remediation by calling 1-877-411-MOLD or click here today!

If you are the victim of home flooding, there are several steps you need to take to prevent a mold outbreak. This article outlines what you need to know.

Mold is not something to take lightly. It can create serious health problems. So you should begin cleanup as soon as it is safe to re-enter your flood-damaged home. It is important to take your time to clean and completely dry any flood-damaged of your home.

•     Identify the source of moisture and correct it.  Mold needs moisture to grow.

•     Change heating and air conditioning filters and have ductwork inspected by a professional

•     Discard any porous materials, like carpet or dry wall, that have clear signs of mold.

•     Remove damaged wallboard at least two feet above the water line

•     Painstakingly clean all non-porous surfaces with a 10 percent solution of bleach and detergent.

•     Ventilate the mold-infested area you are working in – especially when working with bleach.

•     Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when working in potentially moldy areas of your home.

•     Monitor the area for new mold growth and signs of moisture

“Taking the time to clean thoroughly before mold grows is the most important preventive step a homeowner can take,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer, Bill Vogel.  “Just because the basement has dried out doesn’t mean there can’t be trouble lurking down the road.”

For more information on mold removal, contact Advance Mold Remediation by calling 1-877-411-MOLD or click here today!

When it comes to mold, one of the biggest residential problem areas is your crawl space. We often forget to properly maintain these little hideaways in our homes and as a result, crawl spaces can often be hotbeds for mold.

The mold grows and festers in the insulation, slowly moving its way up into the living space. So it is important to properly clean these tiny problem areas.

This article outlines the steps you should take to properly protect your home. First of all, do not enter or work in a moldy area without respiratory protection.

Once you have properly protected yourself, it is time to evaluate your potential mold problem. Look for evidence of water entry into the crawl space. Some of the warning signs include:

• • Present or past wet conditions, whether “once”, episodic, or recurrent water entry
  • Marginal or no ventilation. Actually I prefer to stop trying to vent crawl spaces since when we want venting it’s usually inadequate, and depending on weather conditions venting a crawl space can actually increase its moisture level and make matters worse. A preferred approach is to dry out, enclose, and seal a crawl space under a building, making it into conditioned space.
  • Exposed dirt. If the crawl space has a dirt floor, put down 6-mil plastic over the dirt to reduce moisture movement from the soil into the crawl space.
  • Presence of fiberglass or other fibrous insulation
  • Roof gutter or downspout spillage by the building foundation.

And of course, look for any visible mold. You should inspect the exposed sides of all framing, joists, girders, posts and the under-side of the over-head subflooring. There are special screening tests you can utilize in your mold search.

If you find any evidence of mold, you should strongly consider calling a mold removal professional. You can contact Advance Mold Remediation if you have any questions. Simply call 1-877-411-MOLD or click here today!

Mold can be tricky. It can grow almost anywhere.

Like any other oragnisms, mold needs food and water to survive and most buildings have more than enough of these organic materials to provide mold just what it requires to grow.

Luckily, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent that pesky mold from getting out of control. This article outlines what needs to be done to keep your schools dry and mold free.

Carpets can be the most tricky of all. Even if you think you are doing everything right, you still may be at risk for a mold outbreak.

When deep cleaning carpets make sure you do not lock up the school before the carpets are completely dry. Mold loves moisture and that includes damp carpets.

One way to insure you have clean carpets in your school while still avoiding that mold infestation everyone fears is to use carpet cleaning machines or “extractors” that have the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval to insure rapid drying.

Another thing to avoid is humidity.

Make sure to keep the humidity of occupied spaces below 60% (50% is the ideal). It is important to keep all areas of the school, that are not designed to be wet, dry.

One way to do that is to better insulate the school’s exterior walls, cold water pipes and cold air ducts. This will cut down on condensation and sweating and thus cut down the risk of mold.

These areas – walls, pipes and ducts – as well as roofs and foundations should be frequently inspected  for any signs of leaks.

Maintenance is the key.

Moist surfaces are the perfect breeding ground for mold. So clean spills immediately, do not allow standing water in any location and insure your school has proper water drainage around its perimeter.

Do not forget steam. Make sure you provide sufficient exhaust in steamy areas like kitchens or showers and disinfect or sanitize rooms that are designed to be wet, like restrooms. 

Mold can grow anywhere so you have to look for the warning signs.

Discard and furniture or carpet that has a musty odor or has been wet for more than 72 hours and throw out any ceiling tiles with water stains, but do not forget to fix the source of the leak.

Mold can lead to many respiratory illnesses – like asthma – which is the leading cause of school absences.

So keep you schools safe and healthy by following these easy steps.

For any of your mold questions contact Advance Mold Remediation at 1-877-411-MOLD or click here.