 A recent study performed by a team of physicians and scientists from the University of Cincinnati, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital has deduced that there are, in fact, three molds that are specifically linked to the development of childhood asthma:
This cohort study suggests that exposure during infancy is linked to these three mold species that are common to water-damaged buildings. The study demonstrated that these molds were later associated with childhood asthma at the age of seven. This is further significant because until now there has been a lack of quantitative, standardized methods to determine if a home indoor environment is sufficiently benign, not posing any serious health risks to future occupants. Enter DNA-based technology. Clinical studies prove that DNA-based technology can be successfully used to identify and quantify molds common to water-damaged buildings. This brand new technology opens up the door to standardization for mold testing and mold inspections.
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 Mold. Most people cringe at the thought. They see dollar signs and think, “This is going to be expensive.” Darryl Morris, author, “The Mold Code Mini Handbook” – a free, digital, downloadable guide – explains that it doesn’t have to be. He’s the president of Know Mold and has been working with people in the Naperville and Chicagoland region for more than 10 years. When it comes to mold he believes in prevention and proactivity first. He shares mold cleaning tips and much more.
This guide reveals everything you ever wanted to know about recognizing, controlling and getting rid of mold, but were afraid to ask. After collaborating with other industry experts, Morris shares more than 100 simple solutions to common mold problems. His no-nonsense approach to mold is quickly making him a trusted and leading industry expert and people are taking notice. “Forget about the Internet. Everything you need to know about mold can be found in the ‘Mold Code,’ ” Edward Drellack, Code Enforcement Offices for the Village of Bartlett, Health Department, says. Rich Sumner, building inspector for the Village of Chicago Ridge, agrees. He says, “‘Mold Code’ addresses the cause, problem and solution.” This easy-to-read, downloadable guide is proving to be a must-have resource for just about anyone who has mold concerns. The “Mold Code Mini Handbook” is a complete step-by-step guide for making homes and buildings safe again. “We’ve done all the work, so you don’t have to,” Morris says. Mold Questions Answered; Mold Myths Debunked When people hear the word “mold,” more often than not, they think it’s cause for concern. That’s not always the case. In the “Mold Code,” Morris explains what to look for, gives tips for how to clean it and how to prevent it. He explains why some people should test for mold, while others don’t have to. Common questions addressed include:
Know Mold provides people with solutions, not problems. It encourages prevention and demonstrates that mediation is not always necessary. It’s honest and that gives people peace of mind. So, be proactive. Be part of the solution. Download “The Mold Code Mini Handbook.” You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.  Are you about to embark on a remodel project? Congratulations. It’s an exciting process that can return many rewards. Remodeling a property can improve value, create a healthier environment and provide a place that you can truly call home. But, before you start knocking down walls, make sure you test for asbestos first.
Why should I conduct asbestos testing? Asbestos was widely used for many years before the EPA placed restrictions on how it could be used during the 70s. It can be present in many types of building materials, such as wrapping around pipes, drywall taping, popcorn ceiling materials, attic insulation and much more. It’s not easy to identify and can be hidden in spaces that you’ll only uncover during the demolition process. The only way to find out if your home has asbestos is to have a sample analyzed at a laboratory. So, your first concern should be safety and then you can start the project of your dreams. Testing for asbestos is not cause for concern. In fact, it should provide peace of mind as you work towards achieving a beautiful new home. There’s a good chance that even if you do have asbestos that, if left undisturbed, it may not cause a problem at all. So, why take a chance? Find a trained and accredited asbestos professional to help. He or she will be able to take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released. In fact, if done incorrectly, sampling can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. So, hire an asbestos testing firm to do the dirty work. Do this
 Selling a home is a stressful time. You want to ensure you get the best price, but you also want to ensure that the buyer is not going to find any surprises during their due diligence period. While you may think that all is well, some hidden problems could be lurking – for example – mold. No buyer or seller wants to deal with learning about mold in the final hour. So, what can you do? The news is good. Follow these two simple words – pre-mold testing.
What happens if you DON’T pre-test for mold?
As you can see the DO’s yield better results than the DON’Ts. So, don’t be afraid to pre-test for mold. Quite often, mold is not a big deal. You just need to know what type of mold it is any potential threats it may cause. Convinced? Good. Now, it’s time to hire an unbiased mold test only company that you – and the buyer – can trust. When you decide to pre-test for mold:
 If you’re in the process of buying a foreclosed piece of real estate, congratulations. There are many reasons to celebrate. However, before you pop open that bottle of bubbly, make sure you do your due diligence first; testing for mold should certainly be among the things to do. In fact, it’s one of the top precautions you should take.
Homes in foreclosure that are vacant, can quickly become vulnerable to mold due to moisture penetration, spore buildup and more. At first glance, it can be difficult to detect. So, test before you invest. Whether you DIY or hire a professional, just make sure you do it because mold can:
To really understand the risk to health from mold exposure, the real estate community needs a reliable process for determining the extent of the mold problem in foreclosed or vacant homes. Mold test kits that use DNA-based technology are particularly effective. For example, this free DNA Mold Test Kit tests for mold (s) that healthcare professionals consider toxic. For example, black mold has been linked to the development of early childhood asthma and a mold called Aspergillus fumigatus is a very infectious mold that is capable of causing human disease. It’s prudent for home buyers, realtors and property managers to properly sample, inspect for, and correct any water and mold problems on the property before purchasing or leasing it in order to protect future residents’ health. Mold cleaning tips Once you’ve gotten your results, you can determine what needs to happen next. If the test comes up mold free, you’re in luck. However, if it doesn’t, it’s time to act. There are many things you can do to correct the problem and many of them don’t have to cost a lot of money. This book – the Mold Code Handbook – is filled with mold cleaning tips and simple solutions for common mold problems. It reveals economical ways to repair and correct. It also outlines things you can do to prevent future mold problems down the line that range from keeping your furnace clean to purchasing the perfect dehumidifier. So, when the time comes, test for mold before you buy. It’s the responsible thing to do – ethically and economically.  Water can wreak havoc on a property and if not cleaned up properly, can result in mold problems that can cause health-related issues down the line too. Your goal here is to make sure that your family is safe. Deal with the water damage and any resulting mold as soon as possible. It’s the best way to protect your property and your health. Or, better yet, try to avoid water or flood damage and stay mold-free from the get-go. KnowMold.com has a few tips for what to do in the following situations: Situation 1: Leaky skylight. Verify that the leak is not actually excessive condensation that has moved along the underside of the glass toward the edge and then dripped down the side of the interior opening. This is most likely in very cold climates, in single-glazed skylights, and in damp locations such as bathrooms and kitchens areas. Verify that the skylight is fully closed and that any weather seals are in good condition (pliable, not deformed or torn). Problems typically occur when skylights are located in very high ceilings and it’s difficult to see if they’re fully closed. Look carefully at the roofing or flashing on vents and other penetrations further up the roof. A leak there can travel quite a distance before finding its way to an indoor opening at the skylight. Situation 2: Foundation cracks. If a concrete expansion joint is missing or compromised, it can cause water intrusion. Use a hydrostatic sealing caulk that can be used to seal gaps between concrete driveway, walks, patios and house foundation. This type of sealing caulk is only useful for horizontal cracks. For vertical epoxy, injection cement may be required. You can also use a dehumidifier to reduce excessive moisture in the air. Reconnect (adjust) gutter down spouts; and re-grade planting area so that water flows away from the home. Situation 3: Visible mold. If there’s visible mold in the attic (underneath roof decking and roof joist); visible mold underneath sub-floor and floor joint; visible mold on construction materials such as drywall, wood studs, paneling, there are things you can do. For example, use “dry ice” blasting or an effective “mildewcide” to remove mold/mildew from these areas. A disinfection treatment with a mild, antimicrobial solution application should also include the basement, HVAC, and attic. Dry ice blasting or mildewcide can also reduce mold and mildew staining. If the drywall or any other construction materials have been compromised, remove them. Want to get more tips for how to prevent mold, download the Mold Code Digital Mini Handbook. And, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hire a professional who you trust.  Buying a new home is a big deal. It’s likely the largest investment you’ll ever make and you want to make sure you’re getting one that’s healthy and sound. While a home inspection is definitely something you want to do, home inspectors are limited in their scope when it comes to mold. Why? There are a host of reasons that range from not being specifically trained to presenting with natural biases.
For example, most home inspectors are referred by the buyer’s realtor. So, it’s only natural that they’re likely to downplay a real mold problem. There’s a lot at stake and unfortunately, your best interests may be one of them. Highlighting a potential problem could ruin the deal on multiple levels that include:
Part of the solution; not the problem A mold test only company will not only test for mold, but some will also help you figure out how to prevent it. For example, KnowMold has put together a free guide that gives people simple solutions for common mold problems. For example, in order to prevent mold, here are just a few things you can do:
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AuthorDarryl Morris is a well-recognized Industry leader. He is an Aerobiologist who co-founded Midwest Aerobiology Labs, a leading third-party Indoor Air Quality Certification body, alongside Renowned allergist, Dr. Leija. ArchivesCategories |
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