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How Dangerous is Mold in Your Home?
Everyone wants the safest, healthiest home environment for their families. You would do anything to protect your loved ones from exposure to any substance that could cause them harm. One of those feared substances is “mold” and with what you have seen in the news in recent years, exposure to harmful or “toxic” mold has affected the health of countless people — folks just like you. This brings up the all-important question: Just exactly how dangerous is mold in homes? That’s a tricky question, because there are many types of mold and mold is virtually everywhere. There is probably a little bit in your basement right now. Your shoes when you came home yesterday no doubt brought in a few mold spores. Mold spores can be in breathable space and travel in the air. When you step outside, you are surrounded by mold. There’s nothing you can do about that. The main concern is usually what’s in the home, not outside, although if you are sensitive to mold you should avoid all damp areas that could promote mold growth, inside and out. Some people are affected by even the smallest amounts of mold. They may have nasal issues, watery eyes, coughing and other physical reactions. A smaller segment of the population are very sensitive to exposure to mold, having severe reactions that can be life threatening. Others aren’t affected at all, and can be around and/or exposure to all types of molds with no apparent sensitivities. The CDC has plenty of information for those concerned with mold in homes. One of the issues they raise is keeping moisture out of homes. “Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding,” according to the CDC government website. The issue is twofold if mold is growing in your home. You must clean it up or have it cleaned up, and you must fix the moisture problem. You can do your research on how to fix the problem, but the best solution is, no doubt, getting expert advice from your professional water damage restoration contractor or mold removal or remediation company. Keep your family safe. Call the experts. 205-252-9506 Mold & Mildew Solutions
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HOW TO DETECT BLACK MOLD SMELL EARLY IN YOUR HOME
Black molds love hiding in dark places, away from natural light. This may also be a preservative habit because, not only do they thrive in dark places, they thrive especially more because they are hidden from us. If we can’t see them, can we at least smell them? Yes, we can! The first thing to note about the smell is its musty and somewhat earthy tone. It can be a bit choking, as you will feel a level of tightening in your nose when you move near it and accidentally inhale the smell. Sometimes, it may lead to difficulty in breathing, especially when you are exposed to it for a long period of time. To describe this smell better, it is the smell that greets you when you enter a building that has been waterlogged for a long while. It is also the odor you perceive when you enter an old building that has been long exposed to the rain. Taking it back into your home, it will be the dank smell you get when furniture upholstery has been wet for a while. It is an indication that mold may have started growing from the inside, feeding on the moldy material. It is anything but fresh. Speaking about freshness, do you remember the experience you have when you inhale that somewhat earthy smell when you opened your grandma’s old trunk suddenly? One more example would be the smell you inhale when some food have been left uneaten for a while, exposed to the elements. When you see it, you’ll see mold already growing on it. All these are pointers to the growth of mold in your home. Because of how black mold loves to grow in dark and hidden places, it can be hard to the pinpoint where exactly in the house the black mold is, just by looking around. A lot of people therefore try following their nose wherever it leads them. This can be really dangerous, though. When you try searching for the areas where black mold has affected in your home, you are exposing yourself to the risk of breathing too much of it, or worse, even inhaling the dangerous mold spores that are airborne, since they are too small to be seen by just the naked eyes. Beyond inhaling the mold spores, you also risk getting irritations of the eyes and skin as you scout for the black mold smell. This is due largely to the fact that, since you can smell it, it is because there are a good amount of the mold spores in the air. The longer you expose yourself to them, the more the effect you experience. It gets worse if you are asthmatic or have a high sensitivity to allergies like this. The safest thing to do is to leave the detection to the professionals who can bring in their equipment to conduct a thorough scanning, which will help you find out the cause of the mold growth, fix it, and prevent it from returning. At Mold and Mildew Solutions LLC, we believe we are in part what we inhale. That is why we are dedicated to keeping your home safe from black mold and its spores. We will love to work with you in keeping your home mold-free. Contact us today at: Mold and Mildew Solutions LLC 205-252-9506 www.alabamamold.com  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lee R Ramey, Mold and Mildew Solutions Phone: Lee Ramey 205-252-9506 Email: lrramey@gmail.com Local Companies help Hurricane Michael Victims Emphasizing Safety and Proper Clean-up of Unhealthy Homes [Birmingham Al, November 16,2018—] Starting today through the end of 2018, companies Mold and Mildew Solutions and To the Rescue are donating 5% of all proceeds to help with clean-up in the Panhandle area after hurricane Michael. They are focusing on helping those unfortunate victims clean and sanitize their homes, especially those without insurance or without enough insurance. Since the long-term health of the homeowners and their children can be impacted by improper, or insufficient cleaning and sanitizing, they feel this is one way to make a big impact on the future of the area. As you may know, the Ramey family and all his crew have volunteered for decades in disaster relief zones. “Here is our opportunity to show that we actually live our principles and convictions and help those we don’t know whom may in dire need of assistance,” says Lee Ramey, A 30-year veteran of cleaning and remediation. “I also have seen victims become victims twice when unscrupulous, uninformed contractors or even well-meaning volunteers do inadequate clean-up procedures, which left them in a house that makes them sick or worse un-livable if the mold is hidden by painted over the walls or wet or moist cavities of the house.” Not only are physical supplies being shipped, but also advice and free education, of proper use of personal protection equipment known as PPE. These are dispensed free of charge for volunteers going to the coast. There’s no use for people with willing hearts to go down there and get themselves hurt, hurt others, do a poor job, or worse, making them no good for anybody else or their family when they get back home. This is why they are here emphasizing safety and personal protection, as well as helping them realize what can be saved, what cannot be saved, and what are the most efficient methods for restoration in a primitive scenario (no electricity, limited water, etc.) If you or anybody you know in that area needs some education on how to clean up after flood damage, or has water in the house, resulting in water damage and/or mold, please visit the following web pages to learn more. www.alabamamold.com and www.freemoldbook.com For further information, contact Lee R Ramey, CIE, AMRT,MCT,MRT- Mold and Mildew Solutions- 205-252-9506 HOW DO I TO KEEP MY ATTIC FREE FROM ATTIC MOLD?
Attics are so useful. Especially in small homes, attics can provide the extra storage needed to keep some items not used often out of the floor space of the house. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Well, not really? Not for attic mold, at least. As you would have known, mold loves hiding in places that dark and less frequented. Attics fit right into the description. This is why it is important to put up preventive measures to keep mold out of your attic. In case you are facing an attic mold problem right now, you need to pay attention to this even more. Earlier, we discussed the varying mold smells you may detect in your home, and how important it is for you to detect it in time before it wreaks havoc. We mentioned varying descriptions of mold smells from wet or damp to stale or rotten. In the case of attics, we mentioned that the smell will neither be wet nor damp. Instead, the smell will be dry. One of the things that may contribute to this is the location of the attic. Since it is nearer the roof of the building, the heat from the sun may work with the moisture present to create a humid environment. However, since it is rarely frequented, properly aired, and taken care of, it could start giving off a dry and dusty smell. This will be especially true when unused books, cardboard box and other paper items are abandoned there. This condition is very perfect for the growth of attic mold. So, what can you do to keep your attic free from attic mold? Below are a few important steps you should start taking right away. Step 1 - Clean Your Attic Thoroughly People underestimate the power of frequently cleaning up even the hidden parts of the house, yet that is an extremely important step in keeping your home free from mold. In fact, all it takes sometimes to purge your attic of attic mold can be nothing more than a sponge and a commercial mold cleaner. To clean the attic mold effectively, simply apply the cleaner to any mold-laden areas of your attic, and then vigorously wipe the infected areas clean using your sponge. One thing you want to do, though, is to keep the area where you are working properly ventilated. This is because of how potent the fumes and chemicals in a lot of commercial mold cleaners can be. Depending on how long it will take you to clean up your attic, make sure to pause once in a while to breathe outside. Exposing yourself too much to the fumes and chemicals from these commercial mold cleaners for a long time can be harmful. So, it is highly recommended that you take periodic breaks. Step 2 – Keep Your Attic Well Ventilated One of the best ways to reduce the amount of moisture in your attic is by making sure it is getting a good amount of fresh air. Ventilation can’t be overemphasized because moisture is one of the root causes of attic mold. Ventilating your attic does not have to cost you a lot of money. Just one or more fans within your attic will get the job done if you are on budget. Step 3 - Get New Storage Containers Do you use your attic as a storage area? Many homeowners do, and this is fine. The problem is with the storage containers. Most people simply stuff their old things into cardboard boxes and shove it up the attic. However, containers like cardboard boxes are not suitable for an environment as humid and insulated as the household attics. In such an environment, cardboards, which are highly susceptible to moisture, will yield to the elements and provide a perfect room for attic mold to grow. To prevent this, you have to upgrade to storage containers that are more durable and suited for that condition. An excellent option would be storage containers made of plastic. Yes, you might have to clean them occasionally. But the little work is nothing compared to the mess their cardboard counterparts can create. On the cost side of things, they might cost a bit more, but look at the alternatives. First, plastic storage containers are sturdier and more durable, so you can use them for a longer period. Beyond that, they will also save you time, money and energy on attic mold removal in the long run. Step 4 - Patch Any Leakage In Your Roof Securely We said earlier that moisture is one of the root causes behind the growth of attic mold. Guess where the moisture usually comes from. Exactly! When you detect any leakage in your roof, no matter how small, make sure you get it patched immediately. A patch in time saves you lots of cash in repair later. When leakages are ignored, the homeowner is setting the right condition for attic mold growth. To keep moisture out, consider the roof boots. They’ve been known to leak after 5 to 7 years. Make sure you check yours out regularly, at most after a 10 year period. One way many contractors are now making it last longer is by “double booting” the roof. In the process, they help protect the lower one, giving it more durability. This is why it is important to give your roofing jobs to seasoned and licensed professionals. Patching a roof requires a lot of skills. You don’t have a business doing it yourself. It is much better you give the job to professionals who are well trained for the job, due to how dangerous the task is. What you could do before the professionals arrive to fix the leakage is to place a large bucket beneath the leaky area. This will prevent wet spots and moisture buildup. Step 5 – Check For Leakage In Your Natural Gas Flue Pipe Chimneys and gas appliances are great until they start to leak. In case, of a leakage in your chimney or gas appliance, two big problems present themselves immediately. The first one that a lot of people can guess is that there is a possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning or even a fire outbreak. What most people will not easily suspect is the second one. In the cold winter months, the leakage presents another problem. Since the underside of the roof sheathing will be cold, naturally the warm moist fumes will be attracted to the cold surface, condensers. This very simple law of biology just created a perfect environment for mold. So, it is important to make sure there are no leakages in your natural gas flue pipe. If there are, make sure it is fixed immediately. However, it can be tough fishing out the sources of the attic mold yourself. This is understandable. The most effective way to fix your attic and keep it attic mold-free is to call a professional mold remediation company that is seasoned and experienced to not only fix the problem but find the source and prevent it from returning. This is why all of us at Mold and Mildew Solutions LLC stay ahead in the industry to keep your home free from mold and safe for your family. We are always ready to fix any mold problem and just one call away whenever you need us. Please, contact us at: Mold and Mildew Solutions LLC 205-252-9506 www.alabamamold.com PS. Don't forget you can get a copy the book "MOLD (doesn't have to be) a SCARY SUBJECT! from our office when you call.  Emergency Flood damage clean-up basics Part 2
SAFETY Of course, you can't wait to get back into your home following the disaster. As soon as the water stops rising and it begins to fall, you figure that it is now safe to go in and start evaluating the damage. Not so fast! There are plenty of hidden dangers that have to be thought out before entering your home. Don't become a statistic by coming back home too soon! Check the Exterior of Your Home Do a visual walk around your home to see if there are any downed power lines, or electrical connections that may be in contact with the water. Smell the air around you. Is there a smell of gas in the air? Often times there may be a gas leak. If you find either of these problems, call the proper utility company to correct the problem. If water is still around the house, check to see if the outside walls have cracked or giving way because of the water pressure being exerted on them. If there's water still around, don't enter the home, there’s always a chance that the walls could give way and the house could collapse around you. Be cautious around porches and overhangs. These areas may have weakened during a flood and could give way or collapse. Electrical and Gas Connections When you arrive at your home, disconnecting the electrical and gas supplies are a good start. By shutting off the gas supply, you lessen the chance of fire and explosion. By disconnecting the electrical supply, you lessen the chance of electrocution. Even if the power is out or the power supply has been disconnected from the power pole by the utility company, your electrical fuse or breaker panel's main fuse or breaker may still be on. In this case, at any time during the day, the utility company could come back and turn the power on to your home. You may not be aware that they've turned the power back on and your panel is now live, subjecting you to potential shock hazards. If the only way to disconnect the gas and power is inside the home and there's water where you have to shut them off, don't enter the home to do so until you can safely enter the home and the water has been removed. Remember, water and electricity doesn’t mix. Every year people die from electrocution in flood-related accidents. Many are from entering a home after the flood waters have receded. Procedures After Flood Waters Recede Turn off all breakers till electrician can make safe Dry Out the House It is important to open up the bottom of flooded walls and remove all wet material from them. Turn on fans and dehumidifiers as soon as possible to dry the home. Deadly mold can form quickly (less than 3 days) in warm and moist areas in the home. Get wet carpeting and padding out of the home as soon as possible. Get garbage, effected clothing, etc. out of the home and clear the floor space in rooms and closets. Open the windows to let the house breath. By getting the home dried out quickly, you'll be on your way to cleaning and repairing it. Anything that the flood waters wet and cannot be thoroughly cleaned will have to be thrown away! Removing Moisture, Cleaning and Repairing Be prepared to let flood-damaged walls, ceilings and floors dry for several weeks if you do not have electricity. If restoration work is completed before proper drying, mold and mildew will continue to grow. The result may be structural damage to your home, the need to repaint walls or replace new wall coverings, and discomfort or illness to family members who have allergies. Getting the Moisture Out Get is as dry as you can as fast as you can. If the weather permits, open doors and windows to remove moisture and odors. If the outside humidity becomes greater than inside, close things up; likewise, close up the house overnight if temperatures drop and moist air might otherwise be drawn indoors. If windows are stuck tight, take off window strips and remove entire sash. If doors are stuck, drive out door hinge pins with a screwdriver and hammer, then remove. Consider using dehumidifiers to speed up drying when outside humidity levels are high. If possible, rent commercial dehumidifiers, which remove three to four times more water than home models. When using dehumidifiers, shut windows and doors. If there is severe flooding in your home, consider hiring a contractor for water removal. Some companies can dry homes in less than a week with commercial dehumidifiers and air movers. Walls and Ceilings Wash out mud, dirt and debris as soon as possible with a hose and mop cloth or sponge. Start cleaning from the top floor or upper limit of flooding and work downward. Remove wallboard, plaster and paneling to at least 2 feet past the flood level. Wallboard acts like a sponge when wet. If soaked by contaminated floodwater, it can be a permanent health hazard and should be removed. If most of the wallboard was soaked by clean rainwater, consider cutting a 4- to 12-inch-high section from the bottom and top of walls. This creates a "chimney effect" of air movement for faster drying. A reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade works well, but use only the tip of the blade and watch out for pipes, ductwork and wiring. Plaster usually does not need to be replaced, though it will take a very long time to dry. Some paneling may be salvaged if allowed to dry slowly. You also should remove and dispose of any flood-damaged insulation, which will hold water for months after getting wet. To clean surfaces Thoroughly wash and disinfect walls, ceilings, exposed wall cavities and studs. (see three bucket method) Use a good disinfectant to prevent mildew build-up. Use an EPA registered anti- Microbial if you have it or One cup of chlorine bleach mixed with a gallon of water works well. For a soapier cleaning solution, add a half cup of mild detergent. Wear rubber gloves. If walls have already dried, work from the floor to the ceiling to prevent streaking. (Dirty water splashed on dry walls may be absorbed and become almost impossible to remove.) Overlap sections, cleaning the ceiling last. Floors Before the house has dried out, scrub floors and woodwork with a stiff brush, plenty of water, a detergent and disinfectant. Carpeting soaked by contaminated floodwater should be removed and discarded unless it can be sanitized at a commercial facility for a cost substantially less than replacement. Vinyl flooring and floor tile may need to be removed to allow drying of subfloor. Wooden floors should be dried gradually. Sudden drying could cause cracking or splitting. Some restoration companies can accelerate drying time by forcing air through the fluted underside of hardwood floorboards. Once Floors Have Dried Assess whether your floors can be repaired, replaced or recovered. Consider your time and budget as you make any decisions. Plywood subfloors may have delaminated (separated) from excessive moisture, causing buckling. Sections may have to be replaced or have new plywood nailed over them. If buckling or warping has occurred, drive nails where the floor tends to lift or bulge. This will prevent further damage. Badly warped hardwood floors usually can't be repaired. Warped, wide pine board flooring, however, will often flatten out after it has thoroughly dried. Plane or sand floors level. Do not refinish until thoroughly dry. Removing Mildew To remove surface mildew on walls or ceilings, HEPA vacuum twice, (once in each direction) Use a mildew surface cleaner mentioned above or: scrub the mildew with household detergent, then scrub with a solution of one-quarter cup bleach to 1-quart water. Rinse well with clean water. Once fully dry, apply a coat of paint containing an anti-mildew agent. To remove surface mildew on floors and woodwork, use a phosphate cleaning solution such as powdered automatic dishwashing detergent or trisodium phosphate (4 to 6 tablespoons to a gallon of water), available in hardware stores. Rinse with water, and when dry, apply a mildew-resistant finish. By using a pump sprayer wit anti -microbial such as ShockWave or equvilant, (bleach water if you just have to), you can effectively clean your home first and make it sterile.  Emergency Flood damage clean-up basics Part 3
Cleaning and Sterilizing the Home .Professionals do not use Bleach in the clean up or the mold removal process!! Please try to get your hands on professional chemicals and solutions that are better and safer than you using Bleach. However, the governments websites still recommend the following...The recommended mixture of water to bleach is ten parts water to one part Bleach. Better yet use EPA registered anti-microbial. Contents; Deciding What to Salvage and Tips on Reconditioning Save valuable and sentimental things first. Remember they are only things. You still have your health and Jehovah, don’t stress on the temporary situation, nothing can happen that God can’t reverse. If things got wet with clean water, (roof leak) they are more likely to be saved, if they get wet from rising water (floods) the water is so contaminated that you need to treat it as if it was sewage water. Evaluating appliance damage is a high priority after a flood. Have a service person check flooded appliances before you attempt operation or invest a lot of time in clean-up. Deciding which furniture to save may be a more personal issue, especially if you have antiques and other pieces with sentimental value. Keep in mind that you don't need to repair all pieces of salvageable furniture immediately. You can clean, dry and store them in a warm, well-ventilated place until you have time to deal with them. Three bucket cleaning system 1. Pump sprayer contains detergent (do not use Sprayer for bleach) 2. Rinse bucket ~ should be changed frequently 3. Squeeze wringer bucket for dirty water 4. 32 oz mop head ~ clean or replace frequently Many items can only be saved by professionals using professional equipment, and processes, such as upholstered furniture, etc Some examples:
Before you enter a flooded basement, take time to:
For safety reasons, do not use an electric pump powered by your own electrical system. Instead, use a gas-powered pump or one connected to an outside line. Fire departments in some communities may help with pumping services. More damage may be done by pumping flooded basements too soon or too quickly. Water in the basement helps brace the walls against the extra pressure of water-logged soil outside. If water is pumped out too soon, walls may be pushed in or floors pushed up. To help prevent this kind of structural damage:
After water has been pumped from the basement, shovel out the mud and debris while it is still moist. Hose down walls to remove as much silt as possible before it dries. Scrub the walls and floor with a detergent. Floors and walls may need sanitizing, particularly if sewage has entered the basement. Scrub walls and floors with a disinfecting solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Crawl spaces Pump out the water, remove the debris, remove the vapor barrier set a fan to suck out and let dry for one or two weeks, then install new vapor barrier. (Very important or your house will never dry, NEVER) _______________________________________ The forgoing series is a Public Service provided by Lee Ramey of Mold and Mildew Solutions, IICRC Master Cleaner, Master Restoration Tech, Certified Mold Remediator, & Council Certified Indoor Environmentalist. He is a 34 year veteran of dealing with wet and flooded homes. Mold and Mildew Solutions llc, 908 13th St No. Birmingham Al 35203 205-252-5326 and lrramey@gmail.com Alabamamold.com Authors note: The forgoing is a concise amalgamated summary of the guidelines and Standards that have be published by the IICRC, EPA, FEMA and OSHA. It also assumes that you are not hiring a professional remediation company. However, you can judge the quality of the contractor if you do hire one, as they should be following these principles at a minimum. It is also based on 30 plus years of first-hand knowledge and industry practices. This is the basics so that you can get a safe home again. Flood waters contain many contaminants and should be considered as dangerous as sewage. Wet structures and contents that have been affected must be cleaned and sterilized before re-use. Please do not cut any corners, your families future health can depend upon your handling this situation right the first time. Insurance companies are not looking out for your best interests!! Do what will give YOU the healthiest outcome. Lee  Emergency Flood damage clean-up basics Part 1
Materials List (per project) Worker Protection N95 or N100 respirator with exhaust valve Half-face negative air respirator w/HEPA filters Extra bags for vacuum cleaner Heavy-duty water-proof gloves Nonwoven polypropylene disposable coveralls (w/attached hood and foot cover) tyvek) Goggles or safety glasses with side shields Cap with brim, hard hat if working under people or wet materials Non-skid shoe covers Personal cleanup station Two 16 oz. eye wash bottles First aid kit (OSHA-compliant for four workers) Fire extinguisher Pump pressure sprayer Case of bottled drinking water Paper towels Toilet paper Emergency phone number sheet Plastic totes, milk crates for contents, etc. magic markers for sorting, moving boxes, plastic bags for clothes. Supplies Heavy-duty trash bags for heavy material such as plaster Two large heavy-duty garbage cans with casters Roll of 10 ft. wide 6 mil poly Staples for staple gun Rolls of duct tape Scrub brushes 4-inch-wide blade scrapers Cardboard boxes to store cleaned objects Packing tape and Magic markers Mist bottles Utility knife blades Hundred watt light bulbs for reflector lamp Box of disposable gloves 32 oz. mop heads Non phosphate detergent (like Savogran® TSP) (or) General cleaning detergent such as pine sol Mildew-cide / anti- microbial EPA registered product like ShockWave, micro-ban or equivalent If Professional Anti-microbial is not available, then use Household chlorine bleach (like Clorox® Regular-Bleach) ONLY IF YOU HAVE TO!! Tools Carpet cutter with extra blades Front-end nipper (to pull nails) Large crow bar Long handled Short flat-bar Staple gun Cat ’s paws nail puller Mop squeeze bucket 3- 5 gal. buckets (one as a rinse bucket, two as mixing buckets for cleaners) 2 – 2.5 gal. pump sprayers for cleaners Mop handle for 32 oz. mop head Broom and dust-pan Bright flashlights and headlamps Tool belt and tool belt tools including hammer, measuring tape, scratch awl, Phillips and flathead screw drivers, carpenter’s pencil, and utility knife, etc. Saw horses Cross-cut hand saw Brace and bits (where there is no electric) Drywall saw Moisture meter (like Delmhorst® J-LITE Moisture Meter) Equipment Portable generator 20 ft. extension ladder 8 ft. A-frame ladder 4 and 6-foot A-Frame ladder Window fan Lock box Shop vacuum with HEPA Shovels and Hoes Wheel barrow Hand trucks Dress Appropriately Before Entering Before you enter a home that has been flooded, be sure to have the proper clothing, footwear, and safety items that may be needed.
Many people link poor indoor air quality to cigarette smoke, chemical pollutants, or the presence of mold or mildew. Although all of these airborne contaminants pose a serious threat to the overall quality of your home air, clutter can also negatively impact the quality of your indoor air.
How does clutter affect the quality of your home air?
Bottom line: cut down the clutter. Make a habit of getting rid of junk mail, old clothing, broken holiday decorations, and all other clutter on a routine basis. Don’t let these items accumulate inside of your home. Take old electronics to be recycled. Donate wearable clothing, children’s toys, and useable household goods to charity. Take time, weekly, to clear out any clutter from your kitchen, family room, and bedrooms. Even if you relegate your clutter to the garage and basement of your home, you are still allowing pollutants and allergens to accumulate. These contaminants can still make their way into your living spaces through your ventilation system and the airflow of your home. Clear the clutter and enjoy breathing healthier indoor air! IF YOU NEED INDOOR AIR QUALITY TESTING OR SOLUTIONS. CALL MOLD & Mildew Solutions - 205-252-9505 www.alabamamold.com ASK THE MILDUDEThe Mildude Does it matter what kind of mold is found in my home? Sometimes Yes and sometimes No. The mold remediation process would be the same. Some questions that can be answered by Mold testing are; Does the Doctor need to know what my body is exposed to? Was the mold found more likely settled spores that came from outside, or from a remediation project that was not well protected? Are these type molds associated with water damages? Associated with indoor plants? Tracked in on the animal’s paws? Some molds will produce mycotoxins (poisonous toxins). Not all molds produce mycotoxins all the time. It is important to know that mold spores do not have to be alive to be dangerous. Dead and dormant mold can be just as toxic as viable (or live) spores and can affect different individuals in different ways. Adverse reactions from dead mold or mold spores can still happen. Are there any circumstances where people should vacate a home or their building because of mold? Sometimes Yes. Some have chosen to go on a trip or stay at another location for a few days, to see if they start feeling better. These decisions must be made individually. If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in a building, you should consult your physician to decide if it is necessary to vacate your home.  Announcement: Lee Ramey’s New Mold Book! Mold Book! After many months of work culminated in Lee Ramey’s new paperback book now on Amazon. The title is Mold (Does Not Have To Be) A Scary Subject. Words from the author himself: “I thought there was a real need for a book like this”, says Lee, "So many of the books that I have read over the years was for professionals using much jargon, that didn’t mean much to the average person. Other books talked about how to fight insurance companies, or how to use herbs or other medical remedies to feel better. All these have a place, but I did not see a simple straightforward answer to the question, ‘What happens now that I’ve found mold in my house?'" “I tried to write it in such a way that you can enjoy it as a straight read through in a chronological order of most mold situations. But you can skip directly to a chapter that you have the most questions about if need be.” “It is 66 Pages long with graphics and pictures, it is an easy read, and will take a little over an hour to read it through. If you follow all the endnotes and links in the back that support my thoughts, then you need to set aside a day or two. It is scientifically accurate, it was even technically reviewed by a retired research Scientist, Professor that specialized in the immunological aspects of the lungs.” You can find it on Amazon.com by searching Mold book Ramey or here is the direct link: https://goo.gl/kuqdVL Here’s a screenshot of what it looks like on my iPhone.  |
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February 2019
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Location 908 13th St N., Suite A, Birmingham, AL 35203
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