Mold
IS YOUR FAMILY SICK AND YOU’RE NOT SURE WHY?
Fungi, including mushrooms, molds, mildews, and smuts are a group of plants that obtain nutrients from organic matter. Mold is formed when plants or other animal matter decays and turns into a liquid form and then is absorbed by other materials such as building materials. Exposure to toxic mold has been linked to serious health conditions including: sinus infections, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, blindness and even SIDS. Toxic mold can damage your immune system; children and the elderly are highly susceptible.
COMMON AREAS FOR MOLD GROWTH
Water soaked wood, ceiling tiles, wall paneling, unpainted plaster board surfaces, cotton items, cardboard boxes, and stacks of newspapers. If these areas have been very wet, usually for longer than one week, check for mold. The fungus is black and slimy when wet. It is NOT found in the green mold on bread or the black mold on the shower tiles.
COMMON CAUSES FOR MOLD GROWTH
If you have had plumbing leaks, roof leaks, flooding in the basement or sewer backup in the past year, look for mold or a musty odor. Crawl spaces where water has sat for a period of time and not dried out are potential areas for mold growth.
PROTECT YOURSELF BY CALLING AN EXPERT
Mold can cause irreversible damage. Accidentally rubbing an eye can cause permanent mold growth in the eye, which can lead to blindness. When it comes to health and safety issues to not hesitate, call an expert. N.A.L’s Mold Service consists of;
- On-Site Visual Inspection
- Bulk (tape or swab) and Air Samples (inside & out)
- Comprehensive Report of Findings
- Analytical Report
- Photos of Area (insurance needs)
- Web Site with Links to other experts in the field such as EPA
- Work Plan for Remediation (if needed)
According to the EPA, more studies are needed to get a clear picture of health effects related to mycotoxins. However, it is clearly prudent to avoid exposure to molds and mycotoxins. If you have experienced any of these symptoms in the work place or at home or have seen suspicious substances along floorboards, windowsills, under sink areas or around water heaters - DO NOT TOUCH. CALL A TRAINED EXPERT.
N.A.L is fully insured, certified and have been in business for over a decade.