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Daily Archives : June 27th, 2008

Global Environmental Resources and Training

Global Environmental Resources and Training is committed to providing the highest level of education to the mold industry at large.  To this end, Global has incorporated various credentials available through a thorough evaluation process.  Two of these credentials will be available during the Mold Across America Tour – the MR-S (Microbial Remediation Specialist) and the RO-S (Remediation Oversight Specialist) exams  will be offered at the conclusion of the seminars at each location. These two credentials are specifically designed with a theoretical approach to microbial remediation in mind.  The RO-S is tailored to insurance adjusters, home inspectors, builders and others who desire to provide an oversight role in the remediation process and gain a comprehensive knowledge of subjects involved in mold claims.  (more…)

RESIDENT”S MOLD PREVENTION GUIDE

The best means to prevent or control the spread of mold growth is to deny the spores the moisture necessary for germination.  Therefore, regulating the environment, especially relative humidity is essential for preventing the deterioration of valuable property from microorganism growth.  Relative humidity levels should be routinely monitored.  Spore germination is less likely to occur if relative humidity is controlled between 35-45 percent.  When relative humidity levels rise above 65 percent, the use of portable dehumidifiers might be necessary to reduce the moisture content of the air.  A temperature between 68-72oF (spring/summer) and 70-740F (fall/winter) should be targeted.  These levels only decrease the potential of germination and growth; they do not eliminate it.  Therefore, other factors, such as adequate air circulation should be maintained; a fan will help to increase circulation. 

The following guidelines for fungal invasion prevention:

1.       Place books/book shelves, and furniture at least 1-2 inches from the wall for airflow.

2.       Store books, materials, important documents, and collectibles in a room where there are no extreme temperature/humidity changes, and not in extreme light/darkness.

3.       Keep indoor plants to a minimum as they draw fungus, bacteria, and other microbes.

4.       Regularly inspect for mold infestation wherever water/moisture has been historical.

5.       Open closet doors for air circulation.  Use a 40-watt light bulb to dry/heat closet air. (more…)

THE DEADLY SIDE OF FUNGAL EXPOSURE

Little black spots begin to speckle the wall, as a musty smell fills the room winding its way into your unsuspecting nostrils.  You walk across your living room carpet with bare feet and sense an unwelcome sensation of moistness seeping between your toes.  Suddenly realizing that water is penetrating the security of your home like a burglar in the night, your first impulse is a sense of low-level panic!  Where is the moisture coming from  Then, it hits you like a freight train.   Those specks on the wall are mold!

Frantically, you begin searching for the source of leakage into your home.  Lifting up the carpet, you notice water is all over the floor-base and sections of the wood molding are dry while one long patch under the speckled portion of the wall is completely saturated.  The problem could be that the actual leakage is coming from within the wall and not from an easily detectable area such as a patio doorway.  You wonder how long this has been happening and what can be done about itfast!  You and your wife are elderly and maneuverability is difficult, so tackling this problem could be beyond your physical capabilities.  What can you do

You and your wife have been having sinus problems over a six-month period with constant attacks of flu-like symptoms.  Is there a connection between your discovery of mold contamination and the health problems you are experiencing  Is mold exposure hype or really dangerous (more…)