Mold…The Silent Killer

Approximately 3 years ago I wrote about the dangers of mold and tried to give the subscribers of my newsletter a warning about the dangers of this serious problem. Even the insurance companies were not aware of this burgeoning problem. Now, you cannot get an insurance policy without a separate clause and an additional premium added to cover mold damage. Some insurance companies will not give coverage for problems caused by molds, and will have clauses that exclude any mold related damage. It would be wise to discuss this with the insurance company before getting a policy. Very often it may be necessary to find a company that will give coverage for mold related damage, with an increase in the premiums, specifically for any of the problems that are caused by mold.

Mold is a major contributor to many illnesses and ailments. Some of these ailments cannot be diagnosed, yet, when thoroughly investigated, will be shown to be attributable to mold exposure. More and more of late, you will hear and read about incidents that are caused by mold. Mold growth, is of course more prevalent in warm and humid climates as in the southern states, although it is not confined to those states. States with less humid climates, and even colder climates are not precluded from damage caused by mold.

Mold, mildew and fungi are generally caused by dampness and water leaks. The leaks can be caused when there is a slight leak in the roof of a house or an apartment building. Water from the leak will find it’s way into a wall and can spread to other rooms and under the ceilings as well as the flooring. Another cause can be a water pipe in the wall that develops a leak, no matter how slight, and will remain constantly wet and damp, thereby providing a fertile breeding ground for mold, mildew and fungi. As these molds, mildew and fungi develop in the dark recesses of the walls, they multiply and spread like wildfire. It is these molds, mildew and fungi that develop spores that carry “mycotoxins” into the air.

These spore causing mycotoxins, unless removed from the air within the homes, are the causative factors that can cause innumerable diseases and conditions that may require entire families to move from their homes unless the problem can be resolved. Removal of these spores will require special companies that specialize only in mold removal. If you have the slightest inkling that your home may have a mold problem, you must get a mold abatement company that will inspect your entire home. They will be able to tell you if your home has a mold infestation. Also, there are kits that can be purchased that will test for mold spores in the air. If, after testing, you find the results are positive, you should definitely call in a professional company that specializes in mold removal. Doing this yourself can prove dangerous and can seriously impair your health as well as your family and prove to be disastrous in the long run.

A leak that develops in the home may not be the only causative factor. A home that is high in humidity, caused by poor air circulation, will be conducive to mold breeding. Older homes have a tendency to have more air circulating than the newer homes because the newer homes are better insulated. It is this insulation that keeps the air from circulating within the home. It has been found that the air in our homes has more pollution, as much as 50 % more than the air outdoors. The only remedy for this would be using an air-circulating unit. There are many such units on the market. Each one claims theirs to be the best.

Some of the illnesses that have been shown to be mold-related are:

Memory impairment.
Chronic fatigue.
Sinus problems.
Breathing difficulties.
Nose bleeds.
Headaches.
Asthma.
Respiratory disorders.
Constipation.
Sleeping difficulties and disorders.
Impairment of the immune system.
Recurring symptoms, other than the above that are unexplainable.

There are many more illnesses that can be added to this list, and these can certainly be mold related. The best cure for these illnesses will of course be prevention. The first step will be identifying the problem. In order to do this, the home must be thoroughly inspected for leaks and any damp areas, even if there aren’t any visible leaks. There can be the tiniest of leaks in the roof. The water from that leak will eventually find it’s way into the ceiling, the wall and finally the floor. A stain on the wall can be a dead giveaway that there is an existing problem. Should such a suspicious area be discovered, it would be best to seek the advice of a professional in these matters. Once the problem is identified, it must be corrected. After it is corrected, there are steps that need to be taken by the individual. These are:

Vacuum every nook and cranny of every room thoroughly.
Areas that are carpeted should be vacuumed more than once.
Tile or marble floors need to be washed with an environmental friendly cleansing solution that will kill the spores. Aerosol sprays should not be used.
Curtains and drapes should be taken down and washed or cleaned.
Wash all bedding in hot water, using a good laundry detergent.
The mattress and spring or box spring must be thoroughly vacuumed, including the bottom and sides.
Replace all air conditioner filters.
Replace all heat and furnace filters.
Wash down tile or marble in bathrooms and showers as suggested in the number 3 suggestion.
When you have completed the above cleaning operation, you should then consider using the air-filtering machine as previously mentioned. Such a unit will assure you that you will be breathing clean air. If, nowhere else, it should definitely be placed in the bedroom. We spend one third of our days in the bedroom, and it will ensure a better nights sleep. Many of the symptoms you previously had, will be gone.
And finally, if you smoke, you must stop. Smoking too is one of the leading causes of pollution in the home. Should there be a smoker in the home, the word is STOP.

This escalating mold problem should receive your undivided attention, as well as all other environmental factors that lead to the pollution of our air, if you wish to protect yourself and your loved ones.