Holmes on Homes and Mold in homes

I just love watching Holmes on Homes, he is super smart about mold and the presence in homes, it is amazing what this guy can do, all builders whether residential or commercial could learn a thing or two from this guy!  He can fix almost anything.  I wish more builders were like he is, he aims to build thing right the first time.  He is based out of Canada but we could sure use him all over the world!

https://www.diynetwork.com/shows/holmes-and-holmes/episodes/100

Mold in newer buildings!

I am alarmed at the amount of time it takes for water leaks to develop in new buildings! It really doesn't take long at all!  And where there are water leaks, mold is sure to follow!

I get excited when I see a new building, a shopping area, or restaurant, or entertainment spot for my kids.  I am so happy that maybe I can shop there without having a reaction, but then I am very quickly disappointed.  I am already seeing leaks in buildings just a few years old.  Often times it is the hvac system that is causing the leak, either through condensation or pipe leaks.  Then there is also the buildup of dust in the ventilation system that nobody seems to care about or correct. This causes the air handler to work harder and often times leak as well.

It is amazing to me that we can spend millions of dollars building buildings and just one or two years later they start leaking.  Engineers can solve this problem, but we have to have the right ones to solve it. Not too many people are interested in mold illness since it doesn't affect everyone.  I hope more people get into engineering hvac systems for buildings that are moisture controlled with dehumidifiers in place.   

Hurricanes can bring mold aftermath

THURSDAY, Sept. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, residents of the Carolinas are facing a new health threat: mold.

Mold-related illnesses are a serious concern following severe flooding in North and South Carolina, say experts from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

"Where there's dampness and water, there's mold," said Paula Schenck, of the division of occupational and environmental medicine.

"Mold is an indicator of a whole soup of biological material. Unhealthy exposure to these bioaerosols is very possible after a flood from a hurricane and especially during cleanup efforts 24 to 48 hours after the storm," she said in a university news release.

Exposure to mold primarily affects the lungs and the skin, Schenck said. How you react to mold depends on the severity of your exposure. Some people may be more susceptible to mold-related illnesses than others, including children and those with a weakened immune system, asthma or another chronic illness.

Warning signs of mold-related health issues include:

Nasal congestion and sneezing.

Hoarse voice and throat irritation.

Cough, wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness.

Flareup of asthma symptoms.

Respiratory symptoms.

Extreme tiredness.

These symptoms may not develop right away, Schenck noted. She advised doctors to be extra vigilant about educating their patients about mold risk following a storm or natural disaster.

During a post-storm cleanup, the UConn experts advised the following:

Assume any areas exposed to water or flooding for more than 24 hours have mold even if it's not apparent.

While cleaning mold, use an "N95" respirator that has bands to hold the mask close to the face. Dust and surgical masks will not protect against mold and mold spores. People at high risk for mold-related illnesses should not attempt to personally clean up following a flood. If water damage covers more than 100-square-feet, seek professional help with the cleanup.

Wear protective clothing. Cover the skin on the arms, hands, legs and feet while cleaning mold. Use long rubber gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm.

Wear unvented goggles during mold cleanup to protect the eyes.

Clean hard surfaces with soapy water. Avoid using bleach or other "fungicides" unless there is contamination from other flooded materials such as sewage. These harsh chemicals aren't more effective than soapy water and could cause or worsen lung irritation.

Don't attempt to clean soft materials and porous surfaces like fabrics and wall board. Throw away these items.

More information

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers more on hurricane safety and preparedness.

SOURCE: University of Connecticut, news release, Sept. 14, 2018

https://www.pollen.com/allergy/news/737805

https://www.pollen.com/allergy/news/737805