Mold Illness Archives - Pure Maintenance of Texas

The Risks of Living or Working with Mold

by Pure Maintenance of Texas | Feb 22, 2023 | Health, Indoor Air Quality, Mold, Mold Illness, Water Damage

Mold in the corner of the plastic windows Living or working in environments with excessive mold can pose a severe risk to your health. Mold, particularly if allowed to thrive unchecked, has the capacity for long-term health repercussions.

Mold may be small, but it could cause significant problems for your family. Learn how to spot the signs to manage potential issues before they become more serious.

What is Mold?

Mold is more than an unsightly nuisance – it’s a dangerous fungus that thrives in damp environments. It propagates by releasing spores into the air, which can cause health risks like asthma and allergies when inhaled or ingested.

Not only does mold thrive on common surfaces such as wood, paper, and fabric, but it may also grow unchecked on unsuspecting food sources!

Health Risks of Living or Working with Mold

Mold can be more than just an eyesore; prolonged exposure may result in various health issues, particularly those with pre-existing allergies or respiratory conditions.

Potential problems from living or working around mold include asthma exacerbation, eye inflammation, allergic rhinitis, and skin irritation.

Allergic reactions: Mold spores can cause an array of unpleasant allergic effects, from common symptoms like sneezing and runny nose to more severe reactions like itchy eyes and skin rash.
Respiratory problems: Mold contamination can lead to severe respiratory conditions, ranging from troublesome asthma symptoms to potentially life-threatening pneumonia.
Infections: For individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS or cancer, mold exposure may lead to fungal infections that can be highly detrimental. These individuals must take extra precautions and seek treatment quickly in case of any potential contact.
Neurological symptoms: Recent research has demonstrated an association between mold exposure and neurological symptoms such as headaches, difficulty recalling information, and feeling faint.
Other health problems: The effects of mold exposure are well-documented and can include more than just physical symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, or digestive difficulties.

Consequences of Living or Working with Mold

Mold can be more than an unsightly annoyance—it can pose significant risks to your health and the stability of your home or workspace.

Unfortunately, enduring mold exposure may lead to adverse effects such as weakened immunity, respiratory problems, structural damage, and neurological issues.

Here are some of the potential impacts of prolonged mold exposure:

Damage to your home or workplace: Mold can devastate homes – from compromising the structural integrity of walls, floors, and ceilings to ruining valuable furnishings.
Decreased indoor air quality: Mold can have severe consequences for the air quality in your home or workplace, potentially leading to respiratory difficulties and other health problems.
Structural damage: In its most invasive form, mold can wreak havoc on buildings’ structural integrity, causing costly repairs to bring them back up to standard.
Legal issues: If you’ve experienced mold damage in a rental home or workplace, legal recourse may be available to hold the owner accountable and receive compensation for any damages.

What to Do If You Suspect Mold in Your Home or Workplace

If you suspect that your home or workplace has mold, it’s crucial to take action to address the problem. Here are some steps you can take:

Identify the source of the problem: Protect your property from the potentially devastating effects of water damage by keeping an eye out for telltale signs, like leaks and moisture buildup, which can trigger mold growth.
Clean up the mold: While small areas of mold can often be treated with a few everyday household items, more severe cases may require the expertise of licensed remediation experts. When in doubt, consider consulting professional help to address any potential respiratory issues related to unchecked growths.
Fix the source of the problem: It’s essential to address the root cause of mold infestations to prevent future issues. Cleaning up is a temporary solution; ensuring that spores don’t get another chance to take hold will provide lasting protection.
Monitor your health: Being exposed to mold over an extended period can have far-reaching implications on your well-being, so it’s important to be mindful of any physical symptoms that may arise related to respiratory or general health concerns.

Mold is a serious problem that can endanger your health – and it’s crucial to take action immediately. Identifying the source, cleaning up any mold present, and fixing what caused it in the first place are essential steps for reducing the risk of harm or legal liability.

If you suspect an issue with mold, don’t delay: create an action plan immediately, which may include professional help if necessary.

If you think your home or business may be suffering from mold and its adverse effects on health, save your precious time – reach out to Pure Maintenance of Texas today. They can develop a plan specifically tailored to the needs of your property!

Mold in your car? Here’s How to Treat it and Prevent it from Coming Back

by Pure Maintenance of Texas | Feb 18, 2023 | DIY, Health, Mold, Mold Illness, Odor

Mold in automobiles can be a frustrating problem for many car owners. Mold growth can lead to unpleasant odors, health issues, and damage to the car’s interior. But don’t worry. There are several ways to treat mold in automobiles and prevent it from returning.

What Causes Mold in Automobiles?

Excess moisture in automobiles causes mold growth. When moisture accumulates in a car’s interior, it creates a perfect environment for mold spores to grow and thrive. The moisture can come from a variety of sources, including:

Leaking windows or sunroof
Damp upholstery or carpets
Wet clothing or sports equipment left in the car
High humidity levels
Condensation from air conditioning

Treating Mold in Automobiles

If you discover mold in your car, it’s crucial to take action as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading and causing more damage. Here are some steps you can take to treat mold in automobiles:

Identify the source of moisture:

The first step is to identify and eliminate the source of moisture. This could mean fixing a leaky window or sunroof, removing wet upholstery or carpets, or storing damp clothing and equipment outside the car.

Remove visible mold:

Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove any visible mold spores from the car’s interior. Be sure to clean all surfaces thoroughly, including the dashboard, seats, carpets, and headliner. If the mold growth is extensive, you may need to hire a professional to clean the car.

Use a mold remover:

Several mold removers are available to treat mold in automobiles. Choose a product that is specifically designed for use on car interiors and follow the instructions carefully.

Dry the car thoroughly:

Once the mold is removed, it’s essential to dry the vehicle thoroughly to prevent moisture from returning. For example, use a dehumidifier or leave the windows open to allow air to circulate and dry out the interior.

Preventing Mold in Automobiles

Preventing mold growth in automobiles is vital to avoiding the need for treatment in the first place. Here are some steps you can take to prevent mold from growing in your car:

Keep the interior dry:

Avoid leaving damp items in the car, and remove any standing water immediately.

Use a dehumidifier:

Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels in the car, especially during the summer months.

Clean the air conditioning system:

Have the car’s air conditioning system cleaned and serviced regularly to prevent moisture buildup.

Clean the interior regularly:

Regular cleaning of the car’s interior can help prevent the buildup of dirt and moisture that can lead to mold growth.

In conclusion, automobile mold growth can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem for car owners. But by taking action to identify and eliminate sources of moisture, removing visible mold, and taking steps to prevent it from returning, you can keep your car mold-free and healthy.

Remember, prevention is critical to avoiding the need for treatment in the first place.

Combat mold in your car – contact Pure Maintenance of Texas now! Our specialists are here to guide you on the journey back to a healthy vehicle.

Are Air Quality Tests Missing Something?

by Pure Maintenance of Texas | Feb 17, 2023 | Health, HVAC, Indoor Air Quality, Mold, Mold Illness

Taking an air quality test when a customer believes mold might contaminate their home is the first step. Yet, hearing some technicians arrive and announce they are there to take such tests without delving into details can be disconcerting – especially since false negatives may occur!

Not only does this create distrust between customers and techs, but it also sends misinformation about potential hazards directly to healthcare providers due to a lack of expertise from the technician’s side.

At Pure Maintenance of Texas, we always strive to be experts in our field to provide valuable information reliably.

If you ever wonder about the air quality around you, there are many tell-tale signs to look out for – aside from an official air quality test:

You feel under the weather all the time with no particular cause.

Trust your gut – take some time to look at home for potential sources of fatigue. You know yourself and your environment better than anyone else, so relying on your instincts will often lead you in the right direction.

Your home has been subject to a past flood or leak event.

There is a very high chance you could be dealing with elevated mold levels. Have peace of mind knowing that the effects can typically be reversed and remedied through proper inspection and treatment.

Your home has an odor.

The idea of a ‘musty-smelling house’ is universally understood, yet its inhabitants can often be oblivious to the underlying odor due presumably to our natural ability for adaptation. It’s something that human biology blesses and curses us with, usually without any warning!

When the air conditioner or heater is switched on, there’s an unpleasant odor.

This can often be attributed to a high level of mold colonies living in the HVAC system – essentially transforming it into a veritable breeding ground.

The bathroom has signs of darkened grout or mold on the ceiling or around drains/window sills.

All these seem normal, but unfortunately, a healthy home should have none or at least very few instances of these – any such issues must be identified and addressed promptly for health reasons.

Seasonal allergies have become less seasonal and are constant.

Allergens don’t always follow the seasons – many homeowners find their symptoms persist throughout the year. Fungal spores from excess mold in homes can wreak havoc on people’s sinuses and is often a flag for professional remediation services. Frequent morning congestion, compounded by unpleasant discharge upon blowing one’s nose, indicates an elevated fungal load that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Paint peeling and water stains on drywall.

Where there is peeling, there is usually water. Where there is water, there is mold. To prevent the spread of this potentially hazardous fungus, it’s essential to address any signs of surface damage quickly and effectively.

Persistent sore throat or coughing, which is often unresponsive to antibiotic treatments.

Furthermore, additional symptoms such as rash and itching of the skin should not be overlooked.

If your home or building presents any of these eight telltale signs, it could indicate an elevated mold load. Be sure to investigate further for continued safety and peace of mind.

Improve indoor air quality and ensure a healthier environment for you and your family with Pure Maintenance of Texas. Get in touch today to find out how we can help!

Can UV Lamps Kill Mold in Your Home?

by Pure Maintenance of Texas | Jan 16, 2023 | Health, HVAC, Indoor Air Quality, Mold, Mold Illness, Pathogens, UV Light

Mold is a common issue, especially in high-humidity climates. It can be a nuisance and even cause health issues if left untreated. Homeowners may wonder if using a UV (ultraviolet) lamp to kill mold is effective. Let’s look at UV lamps’ efficacy in eliminating mold in your home.

How Do UV Lamps Work?

UV lamps emit ultraviolet light, which can help eliminate germs, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. When used correctly, they can help reduce the number of airborne particles that could cause health problems or worsen existing health conditions. However, there are limitations to using UV lamps for mold control.

Limitations of Using UV Lamps for Mold Control

First, it is essential to note that while UV lamps can help reduce the number of airborne particles, they cannot kill mold on surfaces such as walls or ceilings where it has already taken hold.

This is because ultraviolet light does not penetrate deeper than three millimeters into porous materials like wood and drywall, making it ineffective against mold colonies that have already taken root.

Furthermore, according to the EPA, certain types of mold are resistant to ultraviolet radiation or require more intense levels of exposure than most consumer-grade UVC lamps can provide.

This means that while you may still be able to reduce the airborne particles from existing colonies, you won’t necessarily eliminate them by using a UV lamp alone.

Finally, even with advanced UVC lamps that produce higher intensity levels of ultraviolet radiation, there is always the risk of exposing yourself or your family members to these powerful lights, which could have adverse health effects over time.

Conclusion

Using a UV lamp certainly has benefits when it comes to killing germs and reducing airborne particles. Still, unfortunately, they cannot eliminate colonies from surfaces like walls or ceilings where they have already taken hold.

Also, some types of mold are resistant to ultraviolet light or need more intense exposure than most consumer-grade UVC lamps can give. This means that these types of mold can’t be killed with these lamps.

So, using a UV lamp might help reduce the number of mold spores that get into the air from existing colonies, but you shouldn’t count on it as the only way to get rid of all types of mold in your home.

If you have a mold problem in your home, it’s best to talk to a professional. They can tell you the best way to safely get rid of any existing colonies and prevent new ones from growing.

Breathe easy! Protect yourself and your family from dangerous mold-related illnesses with Pure Maintenance of Texas. Our advanced technology makes sure that harmful pathogens are removed and don’t come back, so you can be sure that they won’t be a problem in the future.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome “CIRS”

by Pure Maintenance of Texas | May 3, 2022 | CIRS, Health, Mold, Mold Illness

CIRS and Mold Illness

We often run into customers who talk of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). CIRS occurs when there is widespread inflammation caused by a bio-toxin (often mold) in the body that leads to immune system dysfunction.

“Mold illness” is a subcategory of CIRS. This inflammatory process can also be caused by exposure to other bio-toxins, including Lyme disease.

I once had a healthcare practitioner tell me that if you have Lyme Disease, you likely have been in a water-damaged home or building for an extended period. He said millions of people have Lyme Disease with no symptoms until their body has been subjected to mold toxins. This creates an overload on the immune system, and symptoms manifest themselves.

People Are Often Sick For Years

The complex nature of mold illness has caused many patients to go from doctor to doctor, wondering what’s wrong with them. People are often sick for years before ever receiving a diagnosis.

For a long time, there weren’t many answers for people with CIRS. However, recent developments, including studies and improved testing, have offered thousands of people relief.

We now know mold and mycotoxins from water-damaged buildings or homes can cause various health-related issues. A gene encodes a specific protein that gives the body and immune system information about toxins.

25% of the Population, More Likely to Get CIRS

Recent studies have concluded that 25% of the population is more likely to get chronic inflammatory response syndrome because they have inappropriate immune responses and don’t recognize mold toxins as harmful.

Upon entering the body, the toxin is not “tagged” as an enemy. Therefore, instead of the body ridding itself of these harmful toxins, they remain and cause inflammation.

This inflammation manifests itself in all sorts of symptoms. This “inflammatory” umbrella includes fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue syndrome, MS symptoms, brain fog, depression, etc.

Difficult to Diagnose

It’s often difficult for people, including healthcare practitioners, to get to the bottom of their health issues when it is associated with mold. Oftentimes, a traditional family doctor will not even think of the possibility of it being an environmental issue.

It is also further complicated because it is typical for most family members to feel fine. For example, if there is water damage in a house, often only one family member with one of these gene types may become sick, while the rest of the family is unaffected.

This has led to a lot of confusion. Sometimes, the person with CIRS has been accused of making it up or told the symptoms are in their head.

Modern Home Building Techniques

Home-building techniques in the U.S. have dramatically changed in the past 40 years. We have transitioned from plaster walls to sheetrock, with paper as a food source for mold.

We have also introduced more porous building materials to our homes, i.e., particle board, which soaks up the water and creates an ideal breeding ground for mold. Not only that, but we have also decided to be more energy efficient, to wrap our homes tightly.

This may improve the heating and air conditioning costs, but the homes can no longer breathe. This helps mold gain a stronghold in the home. These subtle changes have created widespread elevated mold spore counts in our homes. This can happen even if you have not experienced a flood or leak.

Pure Maintenance of Texas

With Pure Maintenance of Texas, you can rid your home of mold and bacteria in as little as 4–6 hours. Our unique process will bring the levels back to a safe level – lower than outdoor air. Get peace of mind that your family is surrounded by clean air, fast. Contact us today!

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