Is Mold Making You Sick?

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

If you suspect that you are suffering from mycotoxicosis it is important to contact a health care professional right away!

Mold is a type of fungus that is essentially everywhere and in normal amounts, environmental mold does not pose a serious health risk to healthy people with functioning immune systems. Toxic mold can cause serious health effects because of its ability to release mycotoxins.

If you think that mold is making yous sick, it is important to contact a health care professional right away!

If you find mold in your home you can contact the franchise professionals at SERVPRO Elizabeth City/OBX will be able to inspect and assess your property and if there is an indication of mold, our franchise professionals have the training, equipment and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Act Quickly When You Find Mold in Your Home

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation in Elizabeth City and the Outer Banks

Mold happens because of excessive amounts of moisture either caused by a flood or a plumbing accident or poor circulation.  Whichever the reason, the proper way to handle mold damage is with mold remediation.   The complex process involves tasks like water extraction, spore containment, and air filtration.

Mold can be dark green, gray, or black with a fuzzy, velvety look and have a musty smell.  Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 -48 hours depending on the level of humidity in the home.  Typically, the spores begin to colonize in 3 to 12 days and become visible in about 18-21 days.  When you first see the mold in your home, we suggest that you complete these tasks.

• Examine You and Your Family for Symptoms as prolonged exposure to mold might cause health problems such as eye irritation, headaches, sneezing, sore throats and in some severe cases, skin rashes. When in doubt, seek the advice of your doctor.
• Assess the Mold Problem to see how far the mold has spread and call an IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certificate) company, SERVPRO.
• Schedule a Professional Visit regardless of the area of mold because Improper handling can cause the mold spores to spread.
• Find the Mold Source to determine if you have a plumbing or HVAC leak, or a lack of circulation problem, like with a malfunctioning dehumidifier. This information will also help the mold remediation specialist determine how far the mold might extend.
• Contact your Insurance Company immediately following Water Damage making them aware and then the professionals can be sent to cleanup and restore to help prevent further damage.

 If you see mold, ask for the mold remediation specialists in Chesapeake since 1996.  We work with your insurance company and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and holidays.  Learn more about all our cleaning services by visiting our website or call us at 252-331-7889 #HereToHelp

Are You Being Exposed to Mold?

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

The Mold That You Can Not See.

You may have written off your itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing as seasonal allergies, but the truth is you may be dealing with an even bigger problem: mold.  

Mold is not a new problem.  Every house, every environment has mold spores, but mold becomes an issue when the mold spores in the home are greater than what is found outside.

Mold is one of the more threatening of organisms and SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks takes it very seriously. The danger lies in the fact the mold is often not easy to find. It likes to hide and can be harbored in any cool, damp place inside your home or place of business. Most people only think of showers and bathrooms as harboring mold, but truthfully, it can hide in attics, crawlspaces, closets, even inside the walls or under the floor.

Every mold damage scenario is different, and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our “typical” process:

1. Emergency Contact - (252) 331-7889
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
3. Mold Containment
4. Air Filtration
5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
6. Cleaning Contents and Belongings
7. Restoration

Controlling Moisture is Key to Controlling Mold

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Cleanup in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

Controlling Moisture is Key to Controlling Mold

• Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%--all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Humidity levels change throughout the day as changes occur in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so check the humidity levels more than once a day.
• If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source.  Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans, which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.

• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
• Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding.
• Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.

If you see signs of mold, call us today- (252)331-7889.

Esporta Technology Cleans Soft Contents Mold

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning Mold in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

When you have water damage in your home or property, typically the floors, walls and ceilings are affected.  SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks will take care of the water damaged structure and we will also clean the affected contents.

SERVPRO carefully inventories and packs your contents to deliver to our facility.  Upon arrival, our Textile Restoration Experts will begin the water damage cleaning and restoration process to those items.  

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks has state-of-the-art cleaning system on-site that can make water damaged, mold damaged, and even smoke and soot damaged items look like new again. 

Our Esporta Wash System specializes in the cleaning of soft contents items, such as stuffed animals, shoes, purses, etc.  It helps allow us to Restore, not Replace.

After your items have been cleaned, our professionals will schedule a time to deliver them back to you.

Need Your Drapes or Blinds Cleaned?  Call Today- (252)331-7889

Mold. . . Don't Let It Grow!

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

Don't Let Mold Grow in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

MOLD. . . DON’T LET IT GROW!

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks suggests that property owners and managers take precautions and address water intrusions such as leaks, storm damage and equipment failure immediately.  Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subjected to moisture for a good period. 

Did you know that during summer and hot weather, air conditioning can de-humidity indoor space?  However, if the system is too large or too small for the space it serves, the cooling system can create high humidity by cooling without removing water vapor.  A properly sized and maintained system will dehumidify and cool a home.

Proactive Mold Preventative Measures

• Inspect dwelling for any evidence of past moisture problems or leaks, i.e. behind refrigerator, under sinks, around toilets, laundry room, crawl space & attic, baseboards, window frames, door frames, ceiling tiles
• Address strong musty odors which may indicate the presence of mold
• Make sure appliances that produce moisture such as clothes dryers and stoves are properly vented to the outside
• Make sure bathrooms are properly ventilated
• Clean and/or repair gutters and assure that the water flow from downspouts is directed away from your foundation
• Inspect the roof annually and after severe weather
• Check the attic regularly for leaks
• Inspect and clean air ducts and HVAC annually and make sure HVAC drip pans are clean and flow properly & check vents and filters

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City / Outer Banks is dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us.  A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

For more information contact Gordon Smith 757-943-1273

Yellow Mold in Your Outer Banks Home

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

Mold cleanup in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks.

Why is there yellow mold growing in your home?  Where did it come from, and what do you need to do about it?

What we do know is that mold grows in damp areas like bathrooms, around leaky plumbing, around leaky window frames, in damp basements, or in attics with a leaky roof.  Did you know that mold comes in different colors too?  Yep, mold can be yellow, white, brown, green, and of course black.

Special care needs to be taken to remove mold even for what may seem to be a simple task.  Mold spores spread easily and can become airborne, scattering to other areas of your home, making the mold problem even worse.  Even worse, those mold spores when inhaled can cause serious health risks such as an itchy rash, wheezing, and sore throats.

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. In addition to health risks, mold can cause property damage. 

What you can do until help arrives

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.

Have a Mold Problem? 
Call Us Today – (252) 331-7889

Water Intrusion After A Storm and Mold in Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

3/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks Containing the Mold

Water intrusion after a storm can create serious health problems for Elizabeth City and Outer Banks residents.  In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business. 

"People are anxious to get on with their lives after a flood," said one of FEMA's top officials for disaster recovery, "but if you had flood waters in your home, take the time to clean thoroughly so problems don't arise later that affect your health."

Should you detect a mold problem, stay out of the affected area. Don’t touch or disturb the mold by blowing air across the mold surfaces, see more about WHAT TO DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. Read more about our “typical"  Mold Remediation Process at SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem.  We are #FasterToAnyDisaster 

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

Have Mold Related Questions? Call Us Today – (252) 331-7889

Elizabeth City & Outer Banks Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

6/27/2017 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

It is very important to follow our safety tips if you suspect mold to be in your home or business.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home or office.

When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home or office.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.

Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – [252-331-7889]

Does Your Elizabeth City/Outer Banks Home Have A Mold Problem?

8/15/2016 (Permalink)

In Elizabeth City/Outer Banks, mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hours.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
•  Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (252) 331-7889/ (252) 480-8557.

Elizabeth City/Outer Banks Mold Facts Part 2

6/20/2016 (Permalink)

Mold needs moisture in order to grow.

Welcome to Part 2 of our two part series on Frequently Asked Questions about mold! 

Q: What are the main sources of water and moisture for mold growth?
A: Common indoor moisture sources include humidifiers, cooking and dishwashing, bathing, plumbing leaks, house plants, firewood storage indoors, improper venting of clothes dryer/indoor clothes line, and combustion appliances. Common outdoor sources of moisture include roof leaks, flooding, rain or snowmelt, seasonal high humidity, ground moisture, and wet building materials.

Q: How do we best manage mold spores form floating around indoors?
A: Mold spores are aerodynamic. Spore laden areas should be pressurized negatively and clean areas should be pressurized positively to minimize cross contamination.

Q: What is the most effective way to manage mold?
A: The most effective way to prevent mold growth is to keep materials clean and dry; if they get wet, dry them quickly before mold growth can start.

Q: Can biocides be used to effectively manage mold?
A: Biocides are useful poisons designed to kill microorganisms. Serious concerns about biocide use may include toxicity to all forms of life, they can be inactivated and be ineffective as poisons, and some may cause damage to materials. Biocides will only slow the mold problem down; it will not correct the problem. The environmental conditions that support mold growth must be changed. Remove water and the organic food source.

Q: Can ozone be used to manage mold?
A: No, ozone is totally ineffective in mold management and on top of that is toxic to humans.

Q: How do we manage fungal spores in the air?
A: Properly designed airflow across a source of mold spores carries airborne contaminants into the air filtration device where they are trapped. This principle can be applied to vacuum cleaners and air filters.

Q: Do we need a HEPA vacuum to remove mold spores from a building?
A: HEPA vacuums are useful professional tools, but they are not essential to the removal of mold spores. HEPA filters were designed in the 1940’s to trap energized nuclear particles. Any vacuum that can filter particles down to one micron or less, if applied consistently, will remove large amounts of mold spore from an indoor environment.

Q: How can we best get rid of mold spores?
A: Do not let mold grow to begin with. Keep the environment clean and dry. If mold does grow, contain the growing mold along with its wet food source (i.e. wrap it in plastic and get it outside) before spores are released to the air. If spores are released, remember that they settle onto the surfaces hours after activities end in the exposure area. Effective vacuuming and damp wiping of walls and hard surfaces, vacuuming of fabrics to include carpet is effective in the removal of mold spores before they can get put back into the air.

Q: How should we manage environmental quality in the face of demolition or mold-damaged material removal?
A: Demolition procedures on a restoration project should be performed in such a way as to minimize and control dust to include mold spores and other biopollutants. Controls applicable to mold management include source containment before removal, minimization of air activity prior to containment, containment and negative air pressurization of contaminated area.

If you find or suspect mold in your home, Call SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks at (252)331-7889/(252)480-8557 today!

Elizabeth City/Outer Banks Mold Facts

6/13/2016 (Permalink)

Mold is a member of the Fungi kingdom, just like mushrooms.

Over the next two weeks SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks will be sharing with you some Frequently Asked Questions about Mold. Please join us again next week for the second installment of Mold FAQ's!

Q: What are molds, plants or animals?
A: Neither. Molds are members of a unique kingdom called fungi. Other common fungi are yeasts and mushrooms.

Q: Are molds only found in wet environments?
A: Mold grows everywhere on Earth, in all climates and conditions. Fungi have an absolute requirement for water but exhibit a wide range of tolerance in relation to water availability. Fungi can survive over a broad temperature range; however, optimum growth tends to be found in the 54-84°F.

Q: What is the source and cause of “musty” or distinct odor associated with wet or damp environments?
A: The odorants are organic (carbon based) compounds excreted from bacteria and fungi. They are often referred to as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) but more accurately they should be identified as gas-phase organic compounds derived from biodegradation.

Q: What is the leading cause of serious deadly illness indoors?
A: Bacteria and viruses are the most “pathogenic” (disease causing) organisms commonly found indoors.

Q: What is the most likely human response to mold by way of exposure to air?
A: The most likely human response by way of air exposure is allergic reaction to mold spores when in a sufficient high concentration.

Q: Who is most at risk when exposed to mold and mold spores?
A: The very young, the very old, those with weakened immunes systems, and asthmatics.

Q: Can we see mold spores indoors?
A: No. The size of mold spores is between 2 and 100 microns. The vast majority are under 20 microns. A micron is one millionth of a meter. We cannot see objects less than 40 microns without optical magnification.

Q: What about the size of mold spore and bacteria, is size important?
A: Particles of all size ranges are important. They can enter the cranial cavity, be ingested, enter the upper or lower regions of the lung or come in contact with the eyes or skin. Particles smaller than 2.5 microns are especially hazardous; they are small enough to be inhales into the alveoli region of the lung. The gas exchange portion of the respiratory system is the alveoli (air sacs). When damaged, lung function is permanently impaired.

Q: What species of mold should be of most concern?
A: Penicillium, Aspergillus, Stachybotrys are hazardous species in the sense that humans tend to have more of an allergic reaction to these. Hazards by themselves do not guarantee harm. But we should be very concerned when any of these three species are the source of the dominant spore concentration often found indoors.

Q: Is Stachybotrys chartarum a “killer” mold?
A: Much concern was raised about the mold Stachybotrys chartarum because it was found in homes of infants with an unusual “bleeding lung disease” in Cleveland. The media labeled it as a “killer” mold because some of these infants died. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other experts reviewed the investigations of the Cleveland cases and concluded that an association between the exposures to mold and the illnesses was not proven.

Q: What about the color of mold, is black mold more dangerous than other species?
A: We should not try to judge the risk potential of mold by its color. For example, there are literally thousands of species of mold, and a large number of them appear black when the mold colonies grow large enough to see.

Q: Are there any safe molds as far as allergic response goes?
A: In the face of uncertainty, it is prudent to suspect that all mold spores are allergens to some degree. In high enough concentrations and sufficiently long exposure times, regardless of species, mold spores can, in theory, trigger a reaction. Some molds trigger allergic reactions even at lover exposure levels.

If you find or suspect mold is growing in your home or business, call SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks at (252)331-7889/(252)480-8557 for your mold mitigation needs.

Elizabeth City/Outer Banks Mold Facts

4/18/2016 (Permalink)

The Truth about Mold

Ordinary Mold

Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified. Fungi produce some very useful results. Yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing breads, baked goods and other food products, including some alcoholic beverages. The unique flavor of blue cheese is a result of mold. An edible mushroom is simply a type of fungi and lifesaving penicillin is a product of mold (Penicillin chrysogenum). 
Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to molds may present health concerns for some people.

Unhealthy Mold

Intrusion of water into your home or place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing, or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Some amounts of mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall and insulation, provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat.

Take Precautions

SERVPRO® of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks handles water damages every day and know prompt action is required to prevent mold growth. Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long period of time. If your property has sustained recent water damage, it is vital to remove excess water and dry the structure promptly. If there is an ongoing moisture problem in the building, it is important to be alert for:

• The presence of visible mold. 
• Strong musty odors which may indicate mold is present.  
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.  
• Excessive humidity.

Health Concerns

Health concerns may rise when excessive mold grows indoors. Concerns are more likely to arise for “at risk” people, which may include immune suppressed or compromised individuals, young children and individuals with chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma and sever allergies. However, anyone may experience health problems associated with exposure to mold in damp buildings. Possible health effects include: runny nose, sneezing, coughing, aggravation of asthma, sore throat or inflammation of the sinuses. People most at risk include: infants and children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with compromised respiratory systems or asthma and allergies, and people with weakened immune systems.

Help is Here

If you think you might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks today. Our team trained in mold remediation will examine the structure for any visible signs of mold. In the event mold is found, you will be asked to approve and sign a work authorization form prior to any mold cleanup or related work being performed. The technician may also recommend you leave the affected area while the mold cleanup and associated containment process in being safely completed.