Resicom Building and Restoration understands the serious health hazards associated with mold infestation and the need to locate and permanently destroy mold growth. The mold mitigation professionals at Resicom Building and Restoration want homeowners and businesses in the metro San Diego area to realize the serious health risks of mold and find solutions to the problem.
Mold, a type of fungus, is found everywhere, including the air. Normal mold levels in the environment pose no substantial health risk to healthy people with normally functioning immune systems.
It is impossible to create a mold-free environment under normal circumstances. However, reducing the concentration of mold spores in the home and mitigating a mold infestation is the first step to solving mold toxicity and eliminating the symptoms associated with mold sensitivities.
Most Common Mold Types
The most common types of mold include:
- Aspergillus
- Cladosporium
- Stachybotrys Atra (also known as black mold).
Aspergillus is often found on foods and in home HVAC systems. Cladosporium, a black or green substance, grows on toilets, painted surfaces, and fiberglass air ducts; this mold can trigger common allergic reactions such as eye irritation, rashes, and a sore throat. Stachybotrys is very toxic, causing nausea and diarrhea. The greenish black slimy mold grows on paper or wood that has been damp or wet for an extended period of time. It should be noted that it does not grow on tile, linoleum, or concrete.
Surprising Mold Statistics
- Reports show that around 21.8 million Americans have asthma, and approximately 4.6 million cases are likely caused by mold exposure and dampness in the home. (EPA and Berkeley National Laboratory, 2007)
- Infants who experience mold exposure in the environments in which they live have nearly a three times greater risk of developing asthma than those who were not extensively exposed to mold during their first year of life. (Michael Pinto, 2018)
- 93% of chronic sinus infections have been attributed to mold. (Mayo Clinic, 1999)
- Only 25% of the population exhibit vulnerability to mold toxicity. The vulnerability is due to a genetic predisposition that inhibits their ability to clear the body of biotoxins.
- In the United States, at least 45 million buildings have levels of mold that are unhealthy. (Moldy, 2017)
Could anxiety, depression, insomnia, and brain fog be due to mold toxicity? An article in Psychology Today seeking to answer the question, states, “Toxic mold-based illness is a very prevalent and under-diagnosed condition that can manifest in many different ways, including with symptoms that are exclusively psychiatric, such as depression, anxiety, attentional problems, brain fog, and insomnia.”
Amen Clinics, Inc. is a world leader in the application of brain imaging science for people who struggle with brain function challenges. Established in 1989, the Amen Clinic has the world’s largest database of functional brain scans and has applied this research in a wide variety of areas, including the impact of mold exposure to the physiology and function of the brain.
The brain scan research has linked the following symptoms to mold infection or mold toxicity:
- Psychological distress
- Exhaustion
- Changes in touch or sensation
- Muscle weakness
- Vertigo
- Coordination problems
- Mental fog
- Breathing problems
- Digestive issues
The research scientists and doctors at Amen Clinics, Inc. offer these pathways to begin the process of recovery:
- Limit or stop mold exposure
- Boost processes that enhance detoxification
- Increase vitamin D levels
Mold infestation and toxicity arose in the 1950s when sheetrock and drywall began to replace plaster in home construction. The drive toward energy-efficiency in building construction over the last fifty years has resulted in structures that are almost air-tight. The minimal ventilation of fresh air in modern construction techniques increases the concentration of mold spores and mycotoxins, creating a very unhealthy environment for people with mold allergies and sensitivities.
Water damage in a home with sheetrock and minimal ventilation is a recipe for a mold disaster. Mold thrives in dark, damp, food-rich environments, such as a modern home. The leading causes of water damage in a home are appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Supply lines to toilets and sinks create a layer of vulnerability such that the house is a water damage incident waiting to happen. Once water leaks onto the flooring, seeps into walls and ceilings, soaks the carpet and padding, and drenches insulation in the attic or crawl space, the clock begins ticking. When conditions are ripe, mold spores can take root and start to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Within three days, the evidence of mold growth is clearly visible:
- A pungent, musty smell
- Stains and streaks on walls and ceilings
- Allergic reaction (eyes, nose, throat, skin irritation)
- Continuous coughing, nausea, diarrhea
- Brain function challenges as mentioned above
The Resicom Mold Remediation Team
The mold remediation team is trained to discover hidden mold in areas of a home most homeowners do not realize exist. Using the latest equipment and tools, the technicians locate and remove the harmful fungi permanently. Utilizing moisture detection equipment, the team inspects for moisture hidden beneath the flooring, behind interior walls, or in other areas of the property. All areas where mold can hide will be identified. Sources of moisture are located and addressed to ensure the home stays free from mold.
For more information about mold remediation in the San Diego area, visit the Resicom Building and Restoration website at www.resicom.com. Contact the office by phone at (858) 227-9700 or email info@resicom.com.
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