The Risk of Mold in your home

A wonderful essay by Oni Wilson was written about the dangers of black toxic mold and how important it is to get an inspection from the East Coast Mold Specialist to ensure the safety of your families well being.

The Danger in Your Home
By Oni Wilson

Is mold really as dangerous as people say it is? Is my health really at risk if I’m exposed to mold? Are my children at a greater risk? If you have asked yourself any of these questions, the answers are yes, yes and definitely yes! Mold is not something to take lightly and its affects are greater than you may think. Constant exposure to mold can lead to damage to the respiratory, immune and neurological systems.
Before we discuss the effects mold may have on the body, let us answer the question, ‘What is mold?’ Molds are forms of fungi that can be found both indoor and outdoor all year long. Molds reproduce by producing tiny spores; these spores float through the air continuously. When these spores land on damp areas indoors, they begin growing and digesting on the material they have landed on as a means of survival. Although it can grow during cold weather, mold growth is heightened by warm and humid conditions. Most mold forms found indoors comes from an outside source, unless, there are other factors involved such as water damage or high humidity. Situations such as flooding, plumbing and roof leaks, and damp basements can be catalysts for mold. When excessive moisture accumulates indoors, it usually results in mold growth.
As with any situation, no two people react to anything in the same way, the same goes for reactions to mold exposure. Some people can be in a room contaminated with high levels of mold spores and have no reaction whatsoever while others may only have to step into that room to feel an affect. Symptoms of overexposure to mold are coughing, congestion, runny nose, eye irritation such as itching or burning, fatigue, headaches, nausea and flu-like symptoms to name a few. Long term exposure can cause or worsen asthma and hay fever (rashes, fatigue and headaches) as well as cause dizziness, chronic fatigue, persistent headaches and in some cases memory loss. There are types of people that are more susceptible to health affects caused by mold exposure than others and they are: 1. those who have a weak immune system. 2. those who are very old or very young. 3. those who are pregnant. If you find that you or anyone you live with is experiencing any of the previously mentioned symptoms, please contact a mold professional immediately.
We at Five Boro Mold Specialist, Inc. pride ourselves on helping hundreds of families overcome their mold situations for over a decade. Our certified technicians can give you a peace of mind with their thorough evaluation in order to determine the most effective way to get rid of the silent killer in your home. Our inspections consist of the extraction of air cassette samples from both indoor and outdoor for comparison as well as swab samples from surfaces in your home. With these samples, our lab can then determine the type of mold as well as the severity of the growth. We use state of the art technology such as infrared cameras and moisture readers to detect any areas of excess moisture that may have resulted in mold growth. Our technicians will be able to provide you with a fully detailed report explaining the lab results, interpreting the moisture readings and providing a treatment process necessary to eliminate the mold in your home as well as prevent any future growth. This report will be able to give you a full understanding of what has been happening to your home. Our staff is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in mold remediation and treats each home on a unique basis, providing you and your loved ones with a clean and healthy environment. Once the mold is removed, you will be surprised how quickly your symptoms will disappear. Please don’t wait any longer, your health and the health of your family depends on it.

6 Step Process For Mold Inspection

We at East Coast Mold Specialist have a 6 step process for Mold Inspection in your home. This process will help us inspect your house with the highest quality of accuracy and standards. The process entails;

1) We send down two certified technicians to the property to do a full house inspection.

2) They take air samples-to check if there is mold in the air, and swab samples off the actual surface itself.

3) In addition to that, they take infrared cameras to show clearly what is growing behind the walls, and moisture readers to see if there is any excess moisture or condensation behind the walls to determine the source of the mold growth-such as any moisture interference etc.

4) We also use particle counters in the home as well as outside to determine the amount of negative particles that are in elevated levels compared to outside.

5) Within 2-3 business days we receive the lab results and submit them to you, along with a full report from our company detailing the findings of the technician-A. If there is mold. B. How severe the growth is. C. The process necessary to remove the mold. D. How to prevent the mold from reoccurring, along with the infrared pictures pertaining to your home.

6) The cost for the inspection is $550 and that includes air testing, swab sampling, infrared technology and moisture readings and a detailed report clarifying the type of mold present, if it is toxic or non-toxic, how severe the growth is, how fast it is growing as well as the health symptoms relating to this form of mold. If the mold growth has escalated to another floor, additional tests are required at a cost of $100/test. If mold removal is necessary, the $550 gets applied towards the fee of the mold removal.

We use State of the art equipment, including infrared cameras, moisture readers, air tests, tape lifts and swab samples to offer the most detailed home inspection, as well as prevention and removal processes. Providing you with the highest air quality standards is our goal. We are proud to inform our community that all our technicians are New York State and City Certified.

Call East Coast Mold Specialist today for your full environmental home inspection and removal services! Call Toll free at : 1-888-526-7691

What is Aspergillus?

Aspergillus has close to 200 species and varieties. This mold is widely distributed from the arctic region to the tropics and is frequently found in air, soil, and stored agricultural products. Aspergillus was first catalogued in 1729 by the Italian priest and biologist Pier Antonio Micheli. After viewing the fungi under a microscope, Micheli was reminded of the shape of an aspergillum (holy water sprinkler), and named the genus accordingly.

Harmful effects of Aspergillus to our lives

Many species can cause infection in humans and other animals. Some infections found in animals have been studied for years. Some species found in animals have been described as new and specific to the investigated disease and others have been known as names already in use for organisms such as saprophytes. For humans there is a range of diseases such as infection to the external ear, skin lesions, and ulcers classed as mycetomas. Some of this species of mold can cause serious health issues in humans and animals, and can be pathogenic. The most common causing mold types are Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Aspergillus flavus produces aflatoxin which is both a toxin and a carcinogen, and which can potentially contaminate foods such as nuts. The most common species causing allergic disease is Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus clavatus.

Species of Aspergillus produce dry, hydrophobic spores that are easily inhaled. Inhaling spores of Aspergillus, particularly those of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus frequently cause pulmonary aspergillosis, either allergic, or invasive or a combination of the two. Aspergillus flavus produces the highly potent mycotoxin called aflatoxin which over the years has been reported as the cause of death in humans and animals. In 2004 aflatoxin killed over 100 people in an East African country who consumed grains infested by Aspergillus flavus. Many other species of Aspergillus such as Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus versicolor are also known to be toxigenic or allergenic. Instant action is required when growth of these molds appear in occupied indoor environment.

Because of their ability to produce a large number of enzymes, species of Aspergillus are capable of utilizing an enormous variety of organic material for food. Therefore, under humid conditions, Aspergillus species grow on leather, cloth fabrics and books reducing their value and imparting musty odor to these items. Several species are frequently found on grains and exposed foodstuffs where they cause decay and subsequent loss of food.

Aspergillosis is the group of diseases caused by Aspergillus. The most common subtype among paranasal sinus infections associated with aspergillosis is aspergillus fumigatus. The symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain or breathlessness, which also occur in many other illnesses so diagnosis can be difficult. Usually, only patients with already weakened immune systems or who suffer other lung conditions are susceptible.

Occurrence of Aspergillus species in indoor environmentSpecies of Aspergillus have been isolated from damp walls, wallpaper, PVC/paper wall covering, gypsum board, floor, carpet and mattress dust, upholstered-furniture dust , acrylic paint, UFFI, leather, HVAC insulations, filters and fans, humidifier water, shoes, leather, bird droppings, potted plant soil, plastic and decomposing wood.Aspergillus fumigatus is frequently found in kitchens and bathrooms while in mattresses and carpets, Aspergillus versicolor and Aspergillus repens are common. Asperillus versicolor and Aspergillus fumigatus are also common in basements. Species of Aspergillus frequently found in flower pot soil are Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus.Generally the amount of airborne spores of Aspergillus in indoor air is higher than outdoors at any given time. In the home, the amount of airborne spores is significantly increased when cleaning is carried out mechanically, for example, when carpets are vacuum cleaned.

It is important to make sure your home is free of this damaging and life threatening mold. We at East Coast Mold Specialist are professionals and have over a decade of experience in handling inspection and mold remediation. We use the most advance technologies in order to detect mold, from infrared imaging, swab sampling, air sampling, all laboratory tested.

How does mold affect me?

What is Mold? Molds are simple microscopic organisms that are virtually everywhere. Mold, mushrooms, yeast and fungi break down dead decaying material and recycle nutrients in the environment. In order for mold to grow and reproduce they need organic materials like wood, paper, leaves and moisture to thrive on. Sometimes new mold colonies grow on top of old mold colonies and you can visibly see the mold growth. Infected materials can often be seen discolored, most times green, gray, brown, black or many other colors. Molds release tiny spores througout the air that spread mold to other areas, also known as cross-contamination.

How does Mold affect me?

Everyday people are exposed to normal levels of mold and seem not to be negatively affected. Most times these spores come from the outdoor sources that most people are unaware of. Mold becomes an issue when large quantities are inside of the home. According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency "All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma in people allergic to mold." When living under these conditions mold can damage your and your family in multiple ways:

• Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath




• Nasal & sinus congestion




• Eye irritation (burning, watery, or reddened eyes)




• Dry, Hacking cough




• Nose or throat irritation




• Skin rashes or irritation




• Miscarriage

Mold can affect anyone; mold can also do extensive damage to those with existing health problems:

• Individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, chemical sensitivities, or asthma




• Persons with weakened immune systems (such as people with cancer on chemotherapy, and so forth)




• Infants and young children




• The elderly




• Pregnant Women

Anyone with health problems they believe has been casued by and/or related to mold growth should consult a medical professional.



How much Mold could make me sick?


It depends. For some, a very small amount of mold spores can trigger asthma attacks and other health issues. For others it might take a higher amount of exposure to trigger negative health affects. Nonetheless indoor mold is unsanitary and harmful when in high quantities. If you smell or see mold inside of your home take steps to identify and eliminate any excess moisture,causing the growth, by contacting a certified professional to accurately diagnose and treat the condition.


Where can I find mold?


Mold grows and multiplies in the right conditions; when sufficient moisture and organic material are present. Be on the lookout in your home for these common sources of indoor moisture that may cause an infestation:

• Flooding




• Leaky roofs




• Sprinkler spray hitting the house




• Plumbing leaks




• Humidifiers




• Overflow from sinks or sewers




• Damp basement or crawl spaces




• Steam from showers or cooking




• Wet clothes drying indoors or clothes dryers exhausting indoors

How we can help.


East Coast Mold Specialist provide many services to help you combat Mold. We have over a decade of experience in mold remediation and water damage prevention for the New York Metropolitan area. Our company has serviced homeowners, landlords, tenants, businesses, schools, municipal buildings and more with complete eradication and prevention of mold. We use state of the art equipment and technology to eliminate health threating mold, both toxic and non-toxic. Our highly experienced staff are professionally trained and are dedicated to serving your needs and providing excellent results.



Some of the services we provide are:

• Mold, Lead, & Abestos Inspections Including:
  - Full Visual Evaluation of the property
  - Inspection of air ducts, A/C units and ventilation systems
  - Full infared technology inspection to access water damage
  - Air Sampling
  - Surface sampling ( Swab and/or Tape Lifts)




• Comprehensive Inspection Report Including:- Information gathered upon visual inspection
  - Infrared pictures along with a full explanation of all images,ascertaining all points of water damge
  - Lab results from samples obtained
  - Technicians' recommendations based on inspection and lab results
  - Scope of work for mold Remediation (Removal)




• Complete mold remediation plans Including:- Proper Sealing of Contaminated Areas
  - use of negative air pressure units
  - Decontamination
  - Fumigation
  - Air filtration via hepa/vac and air scrubbing
  - A/C Duct Cleaning
  - Pressure Washing
  - Deodorizing
  - Debris removal from premises
  - Dry Icing

Water Damage Consulting and structural engineers are available.



East Coast Mold Specialist staff are extremely knowledgeable in mold remediation and treats each property and an individual basis, always proving you with a clean healthy environment. In fact, we are so confident in our services that we offer our trademark satisfaction guarantee on all projects to effectively rid your property with all mold and water damage contaminants. It's no wonder we have a reputation as NYC's pioneer and leader in effective mold inspection, remediation, and water damage restoration.



If you would like to know more please also visit our site:
 http://nymoldinspections.com/


You can also reach use by phone at: 718-677-6653