Prevent Black Mold and Minimize Mold Growth

If you read our last post, you are aware that black mold can make you sick.  So what can you do to prevent mold and minimize mold growth? Castellano Air Condition Services has some tips to help keep your indoor air quality optimal.

Preventing Mold

■ Consider air conditioning possible augmented with a dehumidification system. These systems pull the moisture from the building thus minimizing growth by depriving mold of one of its nutrients. 

■ Use caution when you turning your air conditioning off. In humid climates, extended periods of non-operation of HVAC equipment may allow humidity levels to become quite high in buildings.
These periods can permit mold to gain a foothold in the building and thrive.

■ Install insulation and vapor barriers to prevent condensation on cold objects such as water pipes, beams, and plumbing fixtures.

■ Keep sinks, showers, tubs and other “wet” areas free of standing water. 

■ Demand architectural, design, and construction applications that prevent water from entering the interior. Areas of concern include improperly pitched roofs, poorly designed balconies, windows,
doors, improperly installed flashing, vapor barriers, and thin stucco.

■ Maintain the integrity of building envelope through regular inspections, caulking, roof flashing, and sealing of the buildings exterior.

■ Perform semi-annual maintenance of HVAC mechanical systems using Preventative Maintenance Agreements with your ACCA Contractor. If water pooling or dust and dirt are allowed to accumulate in a system, the HVAC system could support mold growth.

■ Inform your HVAC contractor of your mold concerns and point out locations of suspicion or evidence of mold. 

■ Educate you family or building occupants about mold, the dangers, and prevention.

How can I minimize mold growth?

Mold is a natural byproduct of the fungi family that thrive when nutrients—primarily organic substances and water—are found in the right conditions. These organic substances include materials commonly found in buildings: soil, dead plants, carpets, drywall, fiberboard, wood, paper, dust, lint, and etc.  Mold propagates via spores that can remain dormant—yet viable—for years during periods when moisture is not present. Mold issues require education, identification, remediation, and solutions to minimize mold growth in the environments we live.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) mechanical systems are not generators of mold. Their metallic surfaces do not provide the organic matter mold needs to grow. However, systems that are not well maintained could support mold growth.

Castellano AC Services is a heating, ventilation, air conditioning Tampa Bay contracting business. Our HVAC service area covers the Tampa Bay area of more than 25 cities.  We are committed clean indoor air quality.  With more than 40 years experience, our technicians are all highly trained, qualified and licensed to diagnose and repair all types and brands of HVAC systems.  Learn more at www.aircastellano.com. 

Adverse Health Effects of Toxic Mold

Last week, we discussed the differences between Good Mold vs Bad Mold.  Today, Castellano AC Services would like to talk about how mold can make you sick.

Some molds can amplify poor Indoor Air Quality and are capable of making people sick.When mold is toxic, like black mold, it can affect a human's health, and even a pet's health, in a negative way.  Generally, people who are more sensitive, have compromised immunities, seniors, children, infants and pets are most at risk for feeling the negative effects from mold exposure in a home or building.

There are correlations of mold exposure contributing to the following symptoms:

• Allergic reactions, including irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat
• Headaches, especially upon waking
• Sinusitis and Sinus Infections*
• Flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness, and diarrhea
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Asthma or Breathing Disorders
• Coughing up Blood or Black looking Debris
• Nose Bleeds
• Constant Fatigue
• Weight Loss
• Hair loss
• Skin Rashes
• Open Sores on the Skin
• Memory Loss
• Swollen Glands in the Neck Area and under the Armpit
• Ear Infections, Chronic Sinus Infections, Chronic Bronchitis

*Sinusitis is the most common healthcare complaint and affects 37 million people in USA (about 1 out of every 7 Americans). According to a Mayo Clinic study, mold is a known allergen that many people are likely sensitive to. In addition, the study shows that mold in the air and in the nose is directly linked to sinus inflammation. The Mayo Clinic study proved that 93% of all chronic sinusitis studied was caused by mold.

If You Suspect Mold in Your Home or Building

If you are worried about having illness due to mold exposure, see your doctor. If you believe you have been exposed to mold, it is a good idea to take notes and talk to your doctor about where you might have been exposed along with the types of symptoms you are experiencing along with their duration.

Next, alert your HVAC contractor and/or the building contractor (if the building is relatively new) regarding your concerns. The next step is education and exploring solutions. If mold is found, identifying the type will help establish whether any dangers are present. If health issues are present, evacuation, abatement, and remediation are necessary.

The identification of mold requires specialized testing and laboratory analysis to determine the type of mold and any of the health hazards that may be associated with it.  If your HVAC contractor does not performmold analysis, abatement, and remediation, they may be able to identify a partnering company that is a trained and certified in this type of work.

Castellano AC Services is a heating, ventilation, air conditioning Tampa Bay contracting business. Our HVAC service area covers the Tampa Bay area of more than 25 cities.  We are committed clean indoor air quality.  With more than 40 years experience, our technicians are all highly trained, qualified and licensed to diagnose and repair all types and brands of HVAC systems.  Learn more at www.aircastellano.com.