How can indoor air quality impact my health?
Poor indoor air quality can aggravate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. A variety of studies published suggest that repeated exposure to airborne mold spores can irritate tissues and suppress the immune response in human’s respiratory system.
If you believe that your home is making you ill, your first step should be to consult your doctor about whether your symptoms may be a result of your indoor environment. If your doctor suspects an environmental cause, PureAIR can test for the presence of contaminants and consult on proper remediation.
Why is mold a problem? Is mold worse than other kinds of indoor air contaminants?
Mold causes concern for three main reasons:
- Unlike, say, pollen or VOCs, mold is a living organism that grows, so a small problem can become a large one fairly quickly, as the conditions that cause mold in the first place can help foster and promote rapid growth.
- Mold causes allergy and asthma-related symptoms, but it has also been linked to serious health conditions such as aspergillosis.
- Some species of mold produce toxins. Although these are not typically produced in large enough quantities in buildings to hurt people, some of them can be potent.
Mold spores are everywhere, even in a reasonably healthy indoor environment. It is impossible to get rid of them completely, but levels of expected norms should be tested to ensure your indoor environment meets health guidelines. Moisture problems can contribute to mold growth over time, and if you see mold growing on drywall or wood surfaces, you likely have a problem that requires attention. If mold spores are not yet airborne in significant quantities, they probably will be soon. PureAIR’s qualified team compares samples of indoor air with samples of air outside your home. Outside air in most circumstances contains typical levels of airborne mold for a given location, and therefore shows you what levels you should aim for when conducting remediation. Unfortunately, remediation can only reduce mold to acceptable levels compared to outside air; it is unable to eradicate mold completely or prevent mold growth.
At what level is mold unsafe for me to breathe?
Today, no national standard for acceptable concentrations of mold in air samples exists, as similar to other allergens, people react to mold differently. Some people are more sensitive than others. However, we follow general guidelines commonly accepted in the industry and working to ensure levels inside do not exceed outdoor levels.
How are mold and mildew different?
Mildew is a fungus, closely related to mold, that typically grows on plants and organic matter like leather, wood, and paper products. Like mold, mildew has its own distinctive odor and can cause its own array of allergies and ailments in humans. Many people think of mildew as the black mold that grows between tiles in the shower. However, mildew is typically white, while mold is the black, blue, red, and sometimes green color. Although the bathroom is a high-moisture environment, and untreated mold frequently grows on an ongoing basis, it is not typically mildew.
What is toxic black mold?
Black mold is a genus of mold, typically Stachybotrys. It works closely with another mold, Memnoniella and arises after prolonged fungal growth in homes and buildings. While the bold is frequently called “toxic”, and it does create harmful toxins, the mold is not poisonous or toxic due to low concentrations of the toxins. However, it can cause allergies and should be contained and eradicated carefully.
How should I get rid of mold once I have it?
All visible mold growth should be removed from the indoor environment as quickly as possible. Typically, removal extends well beyond the visible mold to ensure eradication. Removing the mold is more important than killing it, as dead mold spores can cause the same health problems as live mold.
While light mold growth can be treated by the layman, if over more than a few square feet, consult PureAIR. We work with a variety of remediation and demolition companies and, depending on the scope of the damage, oftentimes work directly with your insurance company for no-hassle containment, extraction, and correction of air quality.
What are VOCs?
VOCs are volatile organic compounds, being liquid or solid compounds that can turn to gas at room temperature and cause a variety of adverse health effects if inhaled. VOCs include the chemicals found in paints, paint strippers and thinners, dry cleaning fluid, glues, new furniture and cabinetry, and many cleaning supplies. While typically in older homes, they can be problematic in new homes and businesses.
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring organic VOC. It typically bares a strong smell and can be found in new furniture, glues, pressed-wood products, and fuel-burning appliances. It is known to be carcinogenic to humans and can pose a significant health danger. People can become increasingly sensitized to formaldehyde with repeated exposure, developing allergic reactions over time.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous crystal mineral. As it absorbs sound and resists fire, heat, and electricity, it was used widely in homes and buildings until the 1980s. However, due to its microscopic abrasive fibrils, prolonged inhalation of asbestos causes a variety of fatal illnesses, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
What is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring chemical element, typically identified as a gas. It is radioactive and as it is also colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it can be easily inhaled. It is the second greatest cause of lung cancer and can be a valid indoor contaminant. If you believe your home or business may have geological proximity to decaying radium, radon levels should be checked regularly to ensure proper seal across your home’s foundation and walls.