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. 

 

Clean Air Conditioning Coils Keep You Cool All Year Round

Clean Your Coils! Save money and keep comfortable year-round!

Now is the time to think about getting your air conditioning system in shape so you can keep your comfort...and keep your utility bills comfortable, too. It’s a breeze to do when you call on one of the Tampa Air Conditioning professionals at Castellano AC Services for help.

Keeping Cool

You should have your heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) system checked twice a year for safety and comfort.  For summer’s heat and winter’s chill, one thing is a must: a clean outdoor coil.  To provide cooling in the summer, air conditioners work by moving the hot air in your home to the outside. A refrigerant in the system picks up the heat at the evaporator coil inside the house and takes it to the compressor and condenser outside.  There, the hot air is released and the refrigerant turns back into a liquid and returns through the coil for another batch of heat. Fins in the condenser can become clogged with dust and dirt, which act as insulation and slow the process. The condenser has to work harder, so it uses more electricity.  Eventually, the strain becomes too much and the system fails.  To provide heating in the winter, air conditioning heat pumps work in reverse operation. However, whether for cooling or heating, improper maintenance of the outdoor coil can lead to problems.

A Better Idea from your Tampa HVAC Experts

To maintain year-round comfort, have Castellano AC Services service your system regularly.  It’s your best bet for energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. One of our trained technicians will perform a number of inspections, checks, and tests of the indoor and outdoor components of your HVAC system and clean the condenser with a brush, vacuum, pressure washer, soap, water, steam, or non-acidic cleaner as recommended by the manufacturer.  The HVAC technician will also inspect the outdoor coil fins (straightening them as needed) and he or she will clean and lubricate the condenser fan and motor if necessary. Additionally, the technician will advise of restricted outdoor air flow due to vegetation or other obstructions.

Check back next week for HVAC Maintenance Tips that you can do yourself between services.

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.  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.

Preventing Mold in the House or at Work

As indoor air quality specialists, we know that preventing mold from making your indoor environment is key to good health.  Here are some tips:

Preventing Mold

■ Consider air conditioning possibly 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.

Have questions? Contact the indoor air quality and air conditioning experts at Castellano A/C Services in Tampa.  24/7 emergency services available. www.aircastellano.com