 Mold is one of the most dangerous contaminants to indoor living areas. Common indoor molds include Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. Stachybotrys (pronounced “stacky-bow-triss”) chartarum, known as “black mold,” is also common. Stachybotrys often produce toxic compounds known as mycotoxins. The type of mycotoxins produced depend on the type of mold, where the mold is growing, and growth conditions such as temperature, pH, and humidity. Mycotoxins are present in both living and dead mold spores.
Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold that often grows on materials with high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as paper, fiberboard, gypsum board, lint, and dust. Mold grows when there's moisture from water damage, dampness or high humidity, leaking pipes, trapped condensation, water infiltration, flooding, or any combination of these conditions. Constant moisture is required for mold growth. While the Stachybotrys is growing, a moist slimy layer covers the spores, preventing them from becoming airborne. Once the mold dies and dries out, physical disturbances or air currents can cause the spores to go airborne. Since it can spread so easily, often into the air you breathe, this is when the mold becomes most dangerous.
HOW TO CLEAN UP MOLD CONTAMINATION
If you smell or suspect mold in your home, try to figure out the location, cause, and extent of mold presence.Identify and eliminate all sources of moisture. Clean and dry the moldy areas while containing the affected areas. Carefully bag and dispose of all material that may have any type of moldy residue.  For areas of high contamination, or in excess of 10 square feet, professional cleaning services are recommended. Air ducts may likely be contaminated. If you find anything more than a small area of mold that you can easily clean up, call HERO immediately.
If only a very small area, and you want to remove the mold yourself, be sure to wear gloves and mask protection. To decontaminate non-porous materials, use non-ammonia soap or detergent in hot water and thoroughly scrub the entire area. Rinse cleaned items with plenty of clean water and dry thoroughly. Using bleach straight from the bottle is less effective than a diluted solution of 10% household bleach. Be sure to use cool or wam water only with the bleach, hot water makes bleach much less effective. Be sure you have adequate ventilation. Use a high-quality dust mask and bag any moldy materials for disposal.
Mold can grow to become a huge problem. Once mold has started to grow in your insulation or wallboard, the only effective way to deal with the problem is by removal or replacement. If flooding has occurred, prompt cleaning of walls and other flood-damaged items with the diluted 10% chlorine bleach is a first step to prevent mold growth. Never mix bleach with ammonia as toxic fumes result. Don't wait to call HERO. |
Molds produce negative health effects through inflammation, allergy or infection. Allergic reactions, including fever, are common after mold exposure. Symptoms of those exposed to toxic molds which issue mycotoxins both individually or in combination are:
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Immune system suppression
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Respiratory problems including asthma and infections
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Eye irritation with burning, watery or reddened eyes
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Cough – dry and hacking
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Nose or throat irritation or both
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Skin rashes or irritation
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Memory impairment
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Body aches and pain (Chronic Fatigue)
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Food Intolerances and allergies
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Headaches
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Mood swings
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Nasal and sinus congestion
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MOLD REMEDIATION
