Learn more about the mold remediation in your home in this category for you. Take a look at some of our other tags to learn more about mold.

Does your home have mold growth in the crawl space?

, , , , , ,

How do you know if your home has mold growth in the crawl space?

 

Here in Tampa, one thing that is really crucial for people to think with is that during the rainy season, mold growth in crawl spaces can occur on the bottom of the home.

 

If your home has space between the ground and subfloor, like a crawl space, then that hot humid air can actually come up and establish mold growth, such as Penicillium and Aspergillus, on the bottom planks.

 

Why is this an issue though? It’s just the bottom of the home. You don’t even see it.

 

Well, mold releases microscopic particles in the form of a gas called Mycotoxins. Mycotoxins create adverse physical reactions such as headaches, brain fog, and respiratory issues and in some cases can impact the central nervous system to name a few.

 

Typically, from mold growth, there’s a musty smell that can actually intrude into the home due to the mycotoxins entering into the building envelope. You know when you hear, “Oh it’s just an old Florida smell!” NO – that’s actually a musty smell and if it’s musty that means mold.

If you think your crawl space has mold, call us here at Mold Zero to set up a free in-home evaluation.

 

 

/0 Comments/by

The Dangers of Removing Black Mold Yourself

,

Finding mold growth in your home is a major concern for homeowners as it is something that needs to be addressed rapidly before it becomes much worse. While there are many different types of mold, none are more worrisome than the black mold. This type of mold can affect any home no matter the size as well as impair your health.

So, what should you do when this happens in your home?

There is a lot of DIY methods for mold removal out there, but this is rarely a wise idea. If you don’t really know what you’re doing it can actually make the situation worse.

We’re going to cover the following:

  • The risks of black mold
  • Reasons to avoid DIY removal
  • Value of professionals doing the mold removal

Risks of Black Mold

Special precautions need to be taken when addressing black mold in your home, and few homeowners have the tools and resources needed to ensure that they are safe during the process. Even minimal exposure to black mold during the removal process can lead to health issues for you and your family.

Black mold is known to contribute to:

  • Chronic coughing and sneezing
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Respiratory irritation
  • Skin disorders, including rashes
  • In the most extreme cases, an allergic reaction to black mold spores can cause vomiting, nausea, and bleeding within the lungs and nose.

Reasons to Avoid DIY Black Mold Removal

Although the serious health effects that come from black mold exposure should be enough to avoid a DIY removal, it isn’t the only reason to call in an expert team to handle a mold infestation. Certified mold specialists (like us) are trained in advanced methods to not only safely eliminate mold, and identify hidden issues that you may not be aware of.

Additionally, choosing to handle black mold removal on your own can result in:

  • Making the Situation Worse: Black mold releases spores, which can spread if not properly contained during removal. This can cause the mold to appear in other areas of your home, making a small problem a much larger issue.
  • Missing Hidden Mold in the Home: Mold is notorious for hiding in unassuming places, such as the air vents of your property. While you may be able to remove the obvious mold growth, you may also miss vital areas that require proper treatment.
  • Utilizing the Wrong Equipment: Mold removal specialists use a variety of high-tech equipment to handle toxic black mold, including personal protection gear, air filters, containment systems, and heavy-duty products. Without this equipment, you may put yourself and your family at greater risk.

Leave Black Mold Removal Up to the Professionals!

Signs of mold aren’t always very apparent. Symptoms due to mold exposure can be an early warning that there is a definite mold problem within a property. Simply doing air and swap samples (mold testing), in a home or commercial space, can identify whether or not mold remediation or sanitization is needed. A mold report from a third-party lab can tell us the type of mold present and whether it is at safe levels or above the normal fungal ecology.

Calling in a professional team to handle black mold removal can be a daunting task, especially if you are worried about the costs of remediation. Although handling the problem on your own may seem tempting, black mold is one household disaster that is best left to the capable hands of trained experts. At Mold Zero we understand the worries and risks associated with black mold removal, and we can help you develop a customized plan for treatment that fits the needs of your household.

With our certified team, eco-friendly mold removal products, and comprehensive remediation services, Mold Zero gives you one less thing to worry about. When it comes to ensuring a safe, clean, and healthy living space for your family- we know how to help! Learn more by giving us a call today.

/1 Comment/by

The Difference Between Mold Removal and Remediation

 

The Difference Between Mold Removal, Mold Remediation and Sanitization

 

If you notice mold in your home, getting rid of it is your number one priority.  

It’s important to know what you’re looking for so you can find the right help for your home.

To assist you in your search, here is our guide to the difference between mold removal and mold remediation. 

It would seem that these all mean the same thing, but there are few things that separate these activities.

Mold Removal Vs Mold Remediation 

The difference between Removal and Remediation is: “Remediation is the act of the removing damaged construction materials when said materials are irretrievable or non-salvageable. Such remediation should be done with precaution due to health concerns for the occupants and the contractor who is doing the work.”

“Mold Removal is the act of removing the mold from the home or building.” In some cases, mold is only on the surface of non-porous or semi-porous material.

You can remove mold using a combination of cleaning techniques, but always keeping in mind that mold will release spores when agitated.

Sanitization

Sanitization is the reduction of airborne contaminants and surface mold that is less than 10 square feet.  The goal is a dramatic reduction of airborne spore count.

Mold Zero Can Do All Three

Mold Zero can do all three. What we are known for is a non-toxic sanitization process, using a cold sterilant to sanitize the entire home.

We use our “Dry Fog” in combination with traditional mold remediation techniques.

This has made Mold Zero the first choice for families and Functional Medicine doctors.

At Mold Zero, we apply our same thoroughness to all aspects of the the process, whether, remediation, removal or sanitization. 

Deciding which approach to use comes down to the square footage of the impacted area, the type of material impacted and what type of mold is present.

For example, toxic black mold would never be something you would just wipe down.

The Simple Answer to the Question

To simplify: Remediation is removing contaminated material and mold. 

Mold removal is the removal of actual mold from surfaces, but not removing the material. 

Sanitization is simply treating the home and the air.  This would be only done when the problem is less than 10 square feet and is not a water type mold.   

Sanitization is more to address the air quality and high spore count, when visible mold colonization is not present.  

The Three Broad Categories of Mold:

There are three categories of mold: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic.

Each of these categories causes their own health concerns, and their presence can pose a threat to you and your home or building.

1) Allergenic molds: The can cause hay fever type reactions, itchy eyes, runny noses, congestion and more.

This can come from even the most common molds, like Cladosporium, that have gotten into the air of your home. 

2) Pathogenic molds:  Molds like Aspergillus have been linked to more serious health issues, impacting the nervous system.

Studies have found a link Pathogenic Molds to Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s and even cancer.

3) Toxic molds: Toxic molds like Stachybotrys can destroy the immune system of even a healthy person if exposed for an extended period of time.   

A simple answer is there aren’t any type of molds that you want in your home, but some molds are worse than others.  

Normal Fungal Ecology

Because these microscopic mold spores are always in your home, it is next to impossible to completely remove all mold. But you can get it to a point of “normal fungal ecology”.

A professional mold inspector, using a certified laboratory can give you the data you need as to whether you are in a safe zone.

So, the purpose of mold remediation is not to completely remove all mold spores in your home.  But more importantly, to get it back to a healthy level for you and your family. 

Fortunately, it is possible to get mold levels down to a harmless state that is safe for your health.

Mold Remediation Services

Mold often grows due to water damage or high humidity in your home. 

A successful mold remediation process will tackle mold spores in every corner of your home—including airborne spores. 

If you’re looking for mold remediation in Clearwater, Florida, Mold Zero can remedy the problem affordably and safely for you and your family.

 

/22 Comments/by

Mold Removal Technology Helps Military Families

They Deserve Better From Negligent Housing Authority In This Black Mold Fiasco

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Similar to other uninformed Floridians, Harbor Bay, a company who manages the housing for Military families stationed at MacDill Airforce Base had not done their due diligence when it came to handling mold issues that were making the families of active military sick.

Commanders at MacDill Airforce Base found Harbor Bay and their parent company, The Michaels Organization of Marlton, New Jersey at fault for a situation that has been making countless families of active military sick. The US Air Force Secretary and a Senate Committee have been asking a lot of questions…

Amie Norquist and her whole family got sick from the mold in their house. Her three year old daughter, who had been in remission, started getting sick not long after they moved into their mold infested home. Her two older kids were coughing, she had a headache and sore throat, and her husband was too sick to deploy. Some kids are having as many as 30 seizures a day because of mold toxicity.

It turns out, Dry Fog Technology has been known about for quite a while. In fact, in 2017 the US Army Corps Of Engineers put out a white paper on this very same patented method of handling mold. It detailed how the dry fog effectively treats the mold spores and with the second part of the process, where an anti-microbial barrier is put in place, how it stops mold from coming back.

It begs the questions: Why the disconnect between Harbor Bay and this technology? Why did so many families have to needlessly suffer from the negative effects of mold toxicity? Why was a less effective treatment used? What would have happened if it hadn’t been brought to the attention of MacDill’s commanders? Would Harbor Bay have continued allowing mold problems to go unhandled? Would Amie and her family – and the others – be even sicker?

One has to wonder what would have happened if local mold remediation companies with this technology had been contacted earlier than now.

Thankfully for Amie and her family, help did eventually arrive. Once this situation was brought to light in the local media, a local Pinellas County company called Mold Zero, reached out to Amie and offered to help her with the problem. Helping Amie and her family represents a care for people that is integral to the core philosophy of the company and its desire to help people live healthy, mold-free lives.

Licensed & Certified mold remediation company Mold Zero brought the patented Dry Fog Technology to bear on the issue and Amie’s living space was expeditiously handled, and her family’s belongings too. All taken care of quickly without harsh chemicals or any demolition, using a non-toxic approach.  Asked about his decision to treat the Norquist home at no cost to the family, Brandon simply shrugged and said, “It was just a meaningful way in which we could say thank you for your service.  That’s all.”

Amie, who has become something of a spokesperson for families affected by mold, says that her home is now totally different: “The air feels cleaner. It gives me hope.” After the Dry Fog was used in her home her three year old got a full night’s sleep for the first time since the mold had affected her, and Amie woke without a headache. Miracles still do happen!

Dry Fog Technology is a EPA approved, pet friendly, non toxic, affordable,effective and very simple process that fills the whole of the mold infested space, and kills the mold spores. The second part of the process puts a microbial barrier in place that means the mold won’t come back. The solution it offers is something that everyone should know about, and something Harbor Bay should definitely have been aware of.

Featured in the Tampa Bay Times

/0 Comments/by

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Solution

Mold can be an unrecognized shadow cast over your health, and the variety of symptoms that present are innumerable. You may have been sick for a while and never thought about how the mold in your house could be at the root of it.

Your heart can be affected in a number of ways ranging from a rapid pulse to low blood pressure, or passing out, and the damage can be chronic or acute, depending on how quickly you handle it. You may have been itching, suffering from hives, swelling or redness. Your throat may be swollen, and you may have been suffering from shortness of breath, or breathing harshly because of your sore throat. If you have had diarrhea, nausea or vomiting it can point to this problem.

 

Schedule a Free Estimate Today! (727) 900-7202

Any of these symptoms can point to an overall condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. A Mast cell is a cell that is responsible for immediate allergic reaction, and they cause allergic reactions by releasing antibodies, which is a normal process, but with MCAS an abnormally high number of cells are triggered and antibodies are released, producing anaphylactic shock. Underlying all this can be mold with the toxins it produces running havoc in someone’s body.

Our proprietary technology can handle the mold and its spores determinedly and the second part of the process puts in bacteriological barrier to prevent the mold from reasserting itself.

Call us today to find out more, or to book an appointment with us.

/1 Comment/by

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Solution

The symptoms you are experiencing with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome may have a cause that you have overlooked – mold spores.

CIRS can lead to shortness of breath, skin infections, pneumonia, and all other kinds of conditions. The high count of spores and the resultant mycotoxins in the blood can have a dramatic effect on your health.

With the the cause not diagnosed, and only the body being treated, may result in the situation not being handled. It is worth investigating whether mold may be playing a role. CIRS is also known as Mold Illness is not the easiest thing to diagnose, because it has similar qualities to Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis and some autoimmune disorders.

 

Schedule a Free Mold Remediation Estimate Today! (727) 900-7202

If you have been feeling fatigue, weakness, or flu-like symptoms, exhaustion, insomnia, digestive problems, breathing issues – a whole host of problems, then the underlying situation could be CIRS, and the cause may be mold.

Our proprietary fog technology is a fast acting and non-toxic solution that will transform your living or work space into a healthy environment again, and if you are suffering the ill-effects of having mold in your home it can change your life. Call us today to find out more.

/1 Comment/by

Mold Removal Town N’ Country

For mold removal Town N’ Country need only know that a call to Mold Zero is what is needed to handle the problem. It doesn’t matter what size the problem – we can deal with your mold issue. Whether it is your home, your office, or a whole building, we can deal with it.

A lot of people don’t know much about mold, beyond the fact that it helps create the blue in their cheese, and that it has something to do with penicillin, and it is true that some molds are beneficial. The kind that we are dealing is uninvited and in no way useful – in fact, as well as causing problems to the structure of your living or work space , it may have been having negative effects on your health.

Are You Looking For A Safe Solution To Mold?

Call Mold Zero on (727) 900-7202 Now!

The list of potential problems that can be caused by mold are surprisingly long, and range from chest infections, to neurological damage, and other long term effects on your health. We want to prevent you from having to deal with those kind ramifications by dealing with mold quickly and effectively, and returning you, and your building, to a top state of health.

Our natural, pet friendly, safe, an effective dry fog technology is the answer you have been looking for. If you have any questions, or you would like schedule an appointment for us to come and help you, please call (727) 900-7202 right away.

/0 Comments/by

Mold Removal Tarpon Springs

We want people to know in Tarpon Springs that mold removal can be totally handled when you call Mold Zero. If you are looking to get rid of the problematic mold situation in your home or office, and make it so that it doesn’t come back, we have the solution that you have been looking for.

We love hearing the wins from our clients when the mold is gone, and that their home not only looks better, but is a healthier environment for them to live in. It is no small thing to remove something that has been making someone ill, perhaps for a long time before it was noticed, or before the connection was made. The change doesn’t take that long to be felt.

Are You In Tarpon Springs With A Mold Problem?

 

Call Mold Zero on (727) 900-7202 Now!

We are passionate about making sure that everyone has clean air that is mold free wherever they have to live or work. We take on jobs of all sizes – from homes to entire buildings. No matter how bad the mold problem, we know that we can handle it with our patented dry fog technology.

Mold Zero services Tarpon Springs and all of Pinellas County, so if you have a mold problem, please call us and schedule appointment. Join the long list of happy clients who are healthy and mold free. We are ready to help you rid yourself of that mold issue.

/2 Comments/by

Pinellas Mold Removal

You live in Pinellas mold removal has been on your mind of late. First off you became aware that you were not feeling well, and your symptoms seemed to get worse when you were hanging out at home, and that whenever you were out of the house you started to feel better. So you started looking for something in and around the house that might be causing the problem.

The mold you found wasn’t exactly what you were expecting, because it wasn’t black, but after you did a little research, you found out that it didn’t need to have a certain color to cause problems.

For Mold Removal In Pinellas,
Call Mold Zero on (727) 900-7202 Today

Finding a company that has a process that is natural and friendly to your pets and yourself, which doesn’t just replace the toxicity of mold with the toxicity of some kind of chemical solution, makes a lot of sense. Mold Zero is the obvious choice.

We use a patented dry fog technology that penetrates all those hard to reach places in your house where mold might have settled in, and we get rid of your unwelcome house guest. Once we have handled the existing mold problem and any mycotoxins and bacteria that came along with it, we make sure that you aren’t going to have mold paying you another unwelcome visit. This is made possible by the secondary part of the process that puts in a screen to keep the spores and the conditions that allow them to get a foothold from occurring again.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.

/0 Comments/by