AJ DEVELOPMENT GROUP in Milwaukee, WI

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees. The growth of mold indoors should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

A recent study discovered that mold often flourishes in places you’d least expect. Here are some interesting statistics: on 88% of windowsills, on 83% of refrigerator seals, under 82% of sinks, and on 49% of shower grout.

Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Molds have the potential to cause health problems, because they produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.

In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.

Toxic Black Mold

If you think you have Black Mold, don’t panic! Most molds look black. The toxic black mold that has made recent headlines is formally known as Stachybotrys Chartarum, or Stachy (STACK-ee) for short – and it is actually green-black. Black Mold typically grows in dark hidden places – under carpets, behind your walls. Exposure to black mold has been linked to some serious health effects. If you suspect that you have a black mold problem, do not try to get rid of the mold yourself – call a professional.

Everyone suddenly seems aware of black mold – homeowners, insurers, builders, folks in the medical field. So far, government and private research is still spotty and often contradictory. We await further results from the ongoing research surrounding mold and its harmful effects.

Fortunately, we already know more about practical issues – what black mold is, how you get it and how to prevent it. It’s time to learn what the enemy is so you can avoid it. Catch any mold early, and it will be easier to eliminate. Let black mold grow a long time, then you’ll face a more expensive problem.

A word of warning to the property owner: Black Mold is becoming the newest home repair scam. Don’t deal with anyone who just shows up at your door or calls on the phone to offer you mold testing. That’s not how reputable mold inspection or mold remediation companies operate.

If you believe you may have toxic or black mold in your Milwaukee home, our black mold consultants will be able do a toxic mold inspection to make sure you continue to live and breath in a safe environment. Call us as soon as possible to get started on any Milwaukee black mold inspections or black mold removal you may need.

Health Effects of Mold

Exposure to mold can produce adverse health effects through inflammation, allergy, or infection. Allergic reactions (often referred to as hay fever) are most common following mold exposure. Typical symptoms that mold-exposed persons report (alone or in combination) include:

• Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath Nasal and sinus congestion
• Eye irritation (burning, watery, or reddened eyes)
• Dry, hacking cough
• Nose or throat irritation
• Skin rashes or irritation Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, body aches and pains, and fevers are occasionally reported in mold cases, but their cause is not understood.

How much mold can make me sick?

It depends. For some people, a relatively small number of mold spores can trigger an asthma attack or lead to other health problems. For other persons, symptoms may occur only when exposure levels are much higher. Nonetheless, indoor mold growth is unsanitary and undesirable. Basically, if you can see or smell mold inside your home, take steps to identify and eliminate the excess moisture , cleanup and remove the mold immediately.

Are some molds more hazardous than others?

Allergic persons vary in their sensitivities to mold, both as to the amount and the types to which they react. In addition to their allergic properties, certain types of molds, such as Stachybotris chartarum, may produce compounds that have toxic properties, which are called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are not always produced, and whether a mold produces mycotoxins depends on what the mold is growing on. Conditions such as temperature, pH, humidity or other unknown factors play an important role. When mycotoxins are present, they occur in both living and dead mold spores and may be present in materials that have become contaminated with molds. While Stachybotrys is growing, a wet slime layer covers its spores, preventing them from becoming airborne. However, when the mold dies and dries up, air currents or physical handling can cause spores to become airborne. At present there is no environmental test to determine whether Stachybotrys growth found in buildings is producing toxins. There is also no blood or urine test that can establish if an individual has been exposed to Stachybotrys chartarum spores or its toxins.

Who is at greater risk when exposed to mold?

Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone inside buildings. Therefore, it is always best to identify and correct high moisture conditions quickly before mold grows and health problems develop. Some people may have more severe symptoms or become ill more rapidly than others:

• Individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, chemical sensitivities, or asthma.
• Persons with weakened immune systems (such as people with HIV infection, cancer chemotherapy patients, and so forth)
• Infants and young children
• The elderly Anyone with health problems they believe are due to molds should consult a medical professional.
• Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) ‹ a mold that may be found in water damage homes.
• Fungi and Indoor Air Quality
• Misinterpretation of Stachybotrys Serology