Protecting Your Family Home From Black Mold in Northern Virginia
In 2004, according to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found sufficient evidence to link indoor mold exposure to upper respIn 2004, according to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found sufficient evidence to link indoor mold exposure to upper respiratory tract symptoms including coughing and wheezing, with asthma symptoms and with hypersensitive pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to those conditions.
People who are most at-risk in homes with mold problems include:
- The elderly
- Infants and children
- People who have chronic lung disease
- Those whose immune systems are compromised due to cancer, liver disease, chemotherapy, and HIV infection
Common Symptoms Of Mold Exposure Include:
- Rash
- Watery eyes
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
- Sneezing
- Dry, scaly skin
Respiratory illnesses stem from being in damp spaces and around mold in homes in Northern, VA. Upper respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and asthma are more frequent in people who have spent time in damp basements or other damp spaces.
More Severe Allergic Conditions That May Occur
- Mold-induced asthma—Those who are allergic to mold who breathe in spores from mold in homes can trigger an asthma attack.
- Allergic fungal sinusitis—Results of an inflammatory reaction to fungus in the sinuses.
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis—Those with cystic fibrosis or asthma can have this reaction to the fungus in their lungs.
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis—Lungs become inflamed when exposed to airborne mold spores.
Exposure to the mycotoxins present in black mold in Virginia (Stachybotrys chartarum or Stachybotrys atra) can have a spectrum of health effects. In severe cases of exposure or those aggravated by allergic response, symptoms can be extreme, including nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs and nose..
If you or your anyone in your family suffer from these conditions consult a qualified medical clinician for diagnosis and treatment. Otherwise, take routine measures to prevent black mold growth in your Northern Virginia home.
Use a common-sense approach for outbreaks of black mold in Northern Virginia. Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold. It grows on any material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum, paper, dust, and lint. Growth occurs with rising moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for black mold to grow.
In most cases, you can remove black mold in Northern Virginia from hard surfaces with commercial cleaning products, soap, and water, or a bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles, drywall, upholstery, and carpet may have to be disposed of if they are moldy. If you have a significant mold outbreak contact an experienced professional. Properly cleaning and drying the area is paramount. Once mold grows in insulation or wallboard, the only way to solve the problem is by removing and replacing those moldy materials.
Specific Recommendations:
- Keep humidity levels below 50%. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will limit the level. Check indoor humidity levels throughout the day.
- Use air conditioning and a dehumidifier when temperatures are hot and humid.
- Maintain adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Add mold inhibitors to paints.
- Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
- Leave bathroom floors uncovered.
- When building materials and home furnishings get wet, thorough drying within one to two days is the best way to prevent mold growth.
- Replace saturated carpets.
- Prevent condensation from forming on cold surfaces such as pipes, roofs, floors, and windows by using additional insulation is a great step to preventing mold growth in your Northern VA home.
If you have a black mold problem at your Northern Virginia home, waste no time contacting an environmental services company. Envirotex has the credentials, expertise, and know-how to eliminate your black mold problem for good. For professional service to protect your home and family, call Envirotex today.
