Mold Myths

When it comes to mold there is an abundance of misinformation available out there. Which can prove costly for homeowners in terms of their health, wellness and finances.  Below you will find a list of mold myths that lead to the common misconception.

1. MYTH: Bleach and other retail products remove mold.

FACT: Most retail products only discolour mold and are not recommended for porous surfaces like drywall, carpet, ceiling tiles  and wood.  There are some specialty products that do work, but experts say that the only way to properly remove a mold problem is to remove the items that contain the mold.

2. MYTH: Black mold is not hazardous to your health .

FACT:   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say black mold is known to cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems and other infectious diseases.

3. MYTH: Dead mold cannot cause health issues.

FACT: Mold goes dormant until the conditions in the environment allow for regrowth.  Even in dormant mold spores can be released, allowing it to reappear or reproduce.  Especially if it is in an environment with ventilation and moisture intrusion issues.

4. MYTH: Mold is the only problem associated with water damage.

FACT: When water is present in an environment it should not be, a host of problems could arise including structureal and cosmetic damage, the promotion of bacteria and viral growth.  In addition mold can begin to show signs of presence with 24 to 48 hours depending on the nature of the water intrusion.

Trained professionals can help you to look for the signs of a possible mold problem. Environmental professionals can help you to investigate the air quality within your home and identify any mold or moisture intrusion problems that may be hiding within.   Calling a reputable disaster restoration professional who has experience with water related damages as soon as a flood has happenned can be helpful in avoiding any long term problems and help get life back in order for you as quickly as possible.

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Could Air Pollution Contribute to Premature Birth?

Could air pollution contribute to premature birth? A new study suggests that thousands of premature births in the U. S. could be linked to air pollution.

Researchers have been looking into the severity of exposure to particulate matter on the economy and our health. Particulate matter are tiny particles released in to the air by factories, traffic and other industrial operations.

Previous research has indicated that exposure to particulate matter is linked to sever health conditions, such as cardiovascular and respiratory problems and even premature death. This new study performed by New York University indicates that air pollution  contributes to premature birth.

Researchers analyzed air pollution data from the Environmental Protection agency and the preterm birth data from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Using existing data to estimate how many premature births were caused by exposure in 2010.  The results indicate air pollution could contribute to more than 15,000 of all premature births in 2010.

Economically speaking, using a report from the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine. Researchers indicate that the U. S. spent approximately $760 million on medical costs pertaining to premature births.

Researches also looked at the cost of lost economic productivity, with past studies that linked premature birth to decreased IQ. In terms of economic loss, not only does that cost negatively impact the economy, but so does the loss of productivity, as those born premature often have cognitive or developmental disabilities which impede on their ability to work later in life.

Researchers estimate that because of the health risks and negative impact on economic productivity, the U.S. lost $3.57 billion in 2010. In total, $4.3 million in total cost from air pollution related premature deaths.

Air pollution is not only a problem in the U.S. but has become a global problem especially where air pollution is a more substantial problems.  This is the time for women and families to advocate for the protection of the economy and their families health

Results from this research can be found in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal.

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Go green

Before reading deep into this article, I invite you to look around. View your surroundings.  Now stop for a minute and think to yourself, how much of this could be a risk to your health?  Perhaps it is important to consider, what going green not only does for the environment.  But what it does for you and your family’s health.

The floor beneath your feet may be off gassing formaldehyde, the carpeting other volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) that can irritate the throat and cause headaches. Your furniture may be flame retardant, which chemical compound has been linked to memory loss and infertility.

As scary as the picture may be, it is extremely important that you look at it in the grand scheme of things. It seems as though if you want to live a happy, healthy if you may need to spend the majority of it inside away from the elements.  Additionally, the products you use for cleaning and decorating indoors likely contain chemicals that  the manufacturers don’t even comprehend in terms of the negative impacts they may have on your health and indoor air quality.

Thankfully, The WELL Building Standard ®has been introduced as the world’s first building standard focusing on human health and wellness. WELL combines expert design and construction practices with proven medical and scientific research.  A culmination of research with leading scientists, architects, doctors and wellness experts, WELL sets performance standards in seven different categories to enable built environment to improve nutrition, exercise, mood and sleep.  These categories are air, water, nourishment light, fitness, mind and comfort.

There are more than 20 million square feet worth of real estate in twelve different countries across five continents that have been WELL certified, and it is now being embraced by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the Canada Green Building Council (CGBC) and the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).

Green buildings are built to be as airtight as possible and not just simply causing less harm then their non green counterparts. The focus in on energy use, water efficiency and lower utility bills. What better place to start actively and intentionally protecting and restoring our health than buildings where we spend most of our time.

Rick Fedrizzi USGBC’s CEO believes that “erecting sustainable, profitable green buildings are no longer enough, buildings also need to contribute to our overall health and well being of the people who live work and learn inside them. Healthy building will become the new green.”   He also states, “Green buildings are healthier for their inhabitants, but until now we didn’t have an aggressive system looking at wellness and human condition.  The WELL rating system will bring a better understanding of what it means to be healthy- and the ability to achieve wellness through technology and design -to the front burner”

An efficient house will have to be a healthy house according to WELL. While it may be difficult to determine if fresh food is available, if your house is driving you crazy  or if your home gives you the ability to exercise, they will re-certify every 3 years, by checking the contents of the fridge and mileage on the treadmill.

While we can never be 100 percent sure we are living a green, sustainable, healthy lifestyle. Having a WELL built home is definitely a great start to improving your indoor air quality by reducing and even avoiding culprits such as VOC’s, formaldehyde, mold and other fungal particulates that put a burden on our air quality.

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It’s time we start thinking of air pollution as something that has a huge impact in how long we live. Air pollution, believe it or not, it the 4th leading killer after high blood pressure, dietary risks and smoking.  In fact, more people die from air pollution than from alcohol and drug abuse and unsafe sex.  Surprisingly, Air Pollution, kills 5.5 million annually with diseases such as cardiovascular disease and stroke.

More than 85 percent of the world’s population are living in highly polluted areas according to the World Health Organization Guidelines. Power plants, industrial manufacturing, vehicle exhaust and burning coal and wood all release harmful chemicals (VOC’s)  into the air that are harmful to your health.

While the study found that indoor and outdoor air pollution in India and China account for 3 million of those 5.5 million. It also determined that more deaths from air pollution caused diseases are expected over the next two decades unless stricter limits on carbon emission are imposed.

The Global Burden of Disease study is an international collaboration of individuals looking to determine all causes of disability, disease, death and ill health across the world. Researchers at the University of British Columbia and the not for profit  organization, Health Effect Institute out of Boston have analyzed data from 188 countries between 1990 and 2013.

“It’s no wonder that people will overlook air pollution as an obvious health risk factor,” says Michael Brauer, a professor at the University of British Columbia’s School of Population and Public Health. “Air pollution is not that potent to an individual, but everyone is susceptible”.

Of course breathing air is riskier depending on where you live. Monitors installed have shown that air quality has improved in some areas and where it has, there is also an improvement  in health.  In the past 50 years, North America, Western Europe and Japan have made great strides in combating air pollution by using cleaner fuels, more efficient vehicles and limiting the burning of fuels.

We have come a very long way, but also have so much further to go to ensure the best air quality for the future generations.

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New Bacteria Linked To Lyme Disease

According to a U.S health agency, there is a new bacteria linked to Lyme disease in humans. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention worked along with the Mayo Clinic and found that the bacteria called Borellia mayonii may also contribute to Lyme disease.

Up until now the only bacteria known to be responsible for the contraction of Lyme disease by humans was Borellia burgdorferi the type contracted from black legged deer ticks. This new bacteria has only been found in the Upper Midwest region of the U.S. According to the CDC.

According to the CDC, researchers discovered Borellia mayonii after studying blood samples of patients who were suspected of having lyme disease in 2012 -2014. Six out of 9000 samples showed irregular results, which prompted a more thorough investigation.

The newly discovered bacteria is similar to Borellia burgdorferi in that it causes fever, headache, rash and neck pain and later arthritis associated with Lyme disease, the CDC said. However, Borellia mayonii adds nausea, vomiting, a widespread rash and causes a higher concentration of bacteria in the blood.

According to the CDC there are an estimated 300,000 cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. annually. The disease is rarely fatal and most patients recover after a few with antibiotic treatment. The 6 patients infected with the new bacteria were treated successfully with use of antibiotics used to treat Borellia burgdorferi.

Jeannine Petersen a microbiologist with the CDC states that “It is too early to say whether or not the new bacteria will be more or less dangerous than Borellia burgdorferi.”. She claims that they have very limited information because they only tested six patients, they would require more patient testing in order to capture a full spectrum of those with less or more severe symptoms.

Petersen claims “It is likely a recently emerged organism”, since it did not show up in previous extensive testing of blood samples of patients who are suspected of having Lyme disease.

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How To Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide  is a colourless odorless gas that lurks around homes and can cause serious illness or even dealth. A significant indoor air quality culprit and contributing factor to a toxic home, know how to protect yourself from Carbon monoxide poisioning and how to prevent a sick home.

A power outage, generator, propane, gas grill or even a furnace that is improperly installed can cause the potential for near fatal exposure to Carbon Monoxide within in your home.  Early symptoms to carbon monoxide poisioning can cause you to feel dizzy, nauseous and even give you  a headache.

Here are some ways in which you can prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning:

• Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home;
• Install a Carbon Monoxide detector, changing the batteries at least once a year;
• Avoid using generators, gas grills, camp stoves. lanterns and other gas burning devices within your home. If you must use them, use them outside and at least 30 feet away from your home;
• Never run a motor vehicle, generator or other gas powered item near an open window, where the fumes have opportunity to enter the home;
• Park your car outside. Never let your car heat up in the garage;
• Never leave your car running in an enclosed garage. The exhaust fumes contain Carbon Monoxide and can expose you to deadly levels within minutes;
• Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi or lantern in a tent or trailer; and
• Ensure you check your furnace, dryer and hot water vents regularly to ensure there are no blockages causing the fumes to re enter your home.

Carbon Monoxide is very difficult to detect, however, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is completely preventable if you follow these simple suggestions to reducing Carbon Monoxide Exposure. If  you do suspect Carbon Monoxide exposure and are experiencing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion it is recommended that you leave the area immediately  contact your poison control centre and seek medical attention and pay special attention to family members in the home that may be sleeping or under the influence of alcohol as they can die from Carbon Monoxide poisoning before ever having symptoms.

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Decorating Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Believe it or not, but decorating choices during a construction or a renovation project within your home could be compromising your indoor air quality.

Recent studies indicate that your decor choices could be negatively impacting the indoor air quality in your home, thus impacting the health and well being of your family.  There are, however, choices that can help to reduce any negative effects.

Things like the texture of materials you touch, materials used, and colour choices, can be harmful to your health. These potentially toxic products should be eliminated from your dream home design as much as possible.  Here are a few suggestions and decorating tips to improve indoor air quality and help create a safe, healthy space…. In addition to some things that should be avoided at all costs.

Countertops: When deciding on the countertops you wish to install in your kitchen and bathroom, consider using Quartz instead of Granite. Granite countertops have been known to contain Radon, a radioactive gas that is formed by the breakdown of uranium rock and water in the soil. Cambria quartz, which is mined in Canada, as well as other quartz is usually certified with Green Guard for clean indoor air quality. Natural quartz stone has twice the strength as Granit, making it virtually impossible to harbour bacteria, it is ultimately maintenance free, and is a safe choice when looking for something that won’t compromise your indoor air quality.

Paint: Paint can contain VOC’s, which are harmful chemicals that can turn to toxic vapours at room temperature. It is important to look for paints that do not contain VOC’s. Low VOC, or NO VOC are the best options.  An alternative could also be using water based paints which are easily cleaned up without using harmful chemicals.

Carpet: Carpeting throughout your home traps allergens. Many carpets contain an abundance of harmful chemicals. It is highly recommended that you use a non air quality impacting wood instead.

Flooring: Laminate and even some engineered and true hardwood can contain harmful chemicals that can emit gases throughout your living space.  Formaldehyde has also become a concern of late, particularly in laminate flooring.  Look for product labels and check with manufacturers to ensure the product has low VOC release and has not been a known formaldehyde culprit.

Cabinetry: The only way to ensure cabinets do not impact your indoor air qualtiy is to ensure you are using wood that not only contain a low VOC finish, but is also absent of formadehyde release.   According to the Canadian Lung Association, pressed wood cupboards contain the proven carcinogen formaldehyde and can off-gass pretty substantial levels into our indoor air.  Always look to ensure the cabinetry you are looking to install eco-friendly, and is certified for indoor air quality.

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Formaldehyde Exposure Risks & Your Health

The 12th report released by the National Toxicology Program featured a discussion on Formaldehyde as a Carcinogen that could be found in quiet annoying quantities in indoor spaces. As a potential carcinogen, it’s important to take note of formaldehyde exposure risks and how they may impact your health and well-being.

Formaldehyde is considered an organic chemical which is now very common in our environment. It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, which can be very annoying to the lungs, eyes and nose. It could be traced to the aldehydes gas family and it can be used as a preservative in medical mortuaries and laboratories. It is a natural occurring gas that can be discharged into the air via off-gassing from a variety of items and products easily found within most homes and offices that contain formaldehyde in their formulas. Other sources that can facilitate the release of Formaldehyde into the air are cigarettes, automobiles, burning wood, natural gas and kerosene.

Should you be worried?

Exposure or long term exposure to Formaldehyde has been know to result in many symptoms and unfavorable health effects. These symptoms can include nose, eye, throat and skin irritation, wheezing, allergic reaction and coughing. Long term exposure to Formaldehyde has also been linked with an increased cancer risk. Formaldehyde exposure affects individuals very differently as some people are more sensitive to Formaldehyde exposure while others do not have these same sensitivities.

High levels of formaldehyde exposure has been known to trigger asthma attacks in children and in adult asthmatics, and a recent article in the Journal of Occcupational and Environmental Medicine has reported that fertility can also be affected by formaldehyde exposure. Studies showed that Formaldehyde levels are typically around 0.03 parts per million {ppm} in the air (indoor and outdoor air). In rural areas, outdoor levels have a lower concentration while that of urban areas have a higher concentration.

The level of Formaldehyde in indoor air depends on some influencing factors like humidity, air exchange rates and temperature levels. The level of Formaldehyde in indoor air can also change at any time. It can change day to night, day to day, and season to season, and levels could be low on a dry, breezy day, while quite high on a humid and hot day with breathing difficulties being experienced at elevated levels above 0.1 ppm.

Historical Sources of Formaldehyde in Indoor Air

The most common historical source of formaldehyde exposure is via Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI).  UFFI was typically installed to save energy in homes and the levels of Formaldehyde within the home would increase right after the installation of this energy saver, until it has completed the off-gassing process. Durable press fabrics, coated paper and drapery products are also some historical sources of formaldehyde. Early 1960, allergic reactions to Formaldehyde exposure were also recorded. This was attributed to the use of Durable press fabrics, coated paper and drapery products within the space.

Major Sources of Formaldehyde in Indoor Air

Some products have been discovered to have the capability of trapping and releasing Formaldehyde within the home. These products are most likely to be the major contributor to Formaldehyde levels in indoor air.

• Wood floor finishes
• Pressed wood products: plywood, particle board, kitchen cabinetry, fiberboard, paneling
• Paints and wallpaper
• Combustion
• Paper products, glues & adhesives
• Stiffeners & water repellants

Other minor sources include shampoos, hair care paroducts (particularly hair smoothing products), baby wipes & soaps, nair polish, disinfectants, fabric dyes, deodorants, cosmetics, and plastic grocery bags just to name a few. Formaldehyde has also been observed to be formed in indoor air through the chemical reaction of the air and volatile organic compounds when computers, photocopiers and laser printers are put to use in the home.

Manufacturers have gotten very savy in hiding formaldehyde within their products.  Many have removed formaldehyde as an acutal ingredient (so it is not listed on the product) and replaced it with something called a formaldhyde releaser.  These formaldehyde releasers will break down and form formaldehyde after they are formulated.  So just because it’s not listed on your product doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t any formaldehyde exposure risks.

Health Effects of Formaldehyde Exposure

Eye: the health effects on the eye can include stinging, itching and burning.

Throat and Nose: adverse health effects of being exposed to formaldehyde include burning, itching, and sore throat, sneezing, running nose, and an increased risk of cancer.

Respiratory System: the health effect of being exposed to formaldehyde on the respiratory system of the body includes chest tightness, asthma and wheezing.

Skin: flaky dry skin, rashes and contact dermatitis are some of the more common dermatological symptoms of exposure to formaldehyde

Neurological System: Some neurological health effects of formaldehyde exposure can include headache, nausea, insomnia, and impairments in memory and dexterity.

Individuals that have been exposed to formaldehyde for a long time will likely experience some of the symptoms noted above. If you are concerned or unsure of formaldehyde levels within your home, or if some family members have been experiencing health related symptoms typically associated with formaldehyde exposure risks, consider having an air quality inspection completed.  This will offer a great return on your testing investments and start the process to ensure your indoor levels of formaldehyde exposure is within recommended guidelines.

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Sick Building Syndrome: Is Your Home Sick?

How clean is the air in your home? Our indoor air quality can be compromised by a wide variety of different airborne contaminants hiding with our home.  From radon, VOC’s, formaldehyde, mold and dust mites, the air in our homes might be making us sick? But how do you know if your indoor air is polluted? Learn about Sick Building Syndrome and some tips to help breathe safe in your home!
Minimize Home Humidity Levels – By managing high home humidity levels, you can greatly reduce the risk of mold growth and dust mites.  Lower humidity levels can also help control the spread of other contaminants, like dust and pollen, as well.  Measure humidity levels regularly.  Levels between 30-50% are idea! If any areas within your home exceed 60% humidity, consider adding a dehumidifier to your heating and air conditioning system or a stand-alone system for smaller spaces.

Improve Ventilation – Open a window and let the fresh air in! If weather doesn’t permit….consider using a fan to move airflow throughout your home.  By increasing the ventilation within your home you can help dilute contaminant levels and push them out of your space.  Improved ventilation also helps prevent a home from getting that stuffy feeling when get when things have been closed up for too long.

Change Filters Regularly – Change the filters in your home at least annually.  By using high quality air filters in your HVAC system you can help reduce and remove some contaminants from your indoor.  This can help you breathe a little easier and improve your overall indoor air quality.

Use “Green” or Natural Products – Whenever possible, try to reduce your households’ use of harsh chemicals or synthetic cleaners in an effort to minimize your families exposure to unhealthy VOC levels.  Many natural or “green” alternatives are available which offer lower VOC levels that are just as effective at cleaning.  Natural everyday products, such as vinegar and lemon, act as great disinfectants and can really help in your efforts to minimize harsh chemical use within your home.

Have Your Air Quality Tested – A scientific air quality inspection can be very helpful and informative.  Testing for mold, radon, VOC’s and other potential contaminants within your home is the first step in helping to remove these unwanted contaminants from your environment.  A company specializing in indoor air quality testing can offer a great deal of information on the types of contaminants polluting your air and wreaking havoc on your health, andoffer solutions on how to best improve the air quality within your home.  If you have an indoor or outdoor spa or hot tub, specialized legionella testing services can help to uncover potentially health hazardous bacteria that may be inhaled via the mist in the air immediately surrounding the tub. Both testing services offer an excellent return on your investment when you consider the potential health impact airborne contaminants can play on our health.

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Do I Need Mold Testing?

Have you or a member of your family been experiencing allergies, recurring congestion, runny nose, sneezing or frequent headaches?  If so, there is a very good likelyhood that you may have a mold contamination lurking somewhere hidden within you home that may be contributing to Sick Building Syndrome.

Even if it is not visible, the presence of mold within a home can have the ability to wreak havoc on the health of building occupants, causing mild to severe, and even debilitating symptoms and much more. But, how do you know if you have an unwanted mold guest taking up residency in your home? If you have ever considered the question of “do I need mold testing?” as a result of symptoms, visible mold present within you home, or a moldy smell, than the likely answer is: Yes, you do!

In may cases, the appearance of unwanted health symptoms, experienced by one or multiple family members, is often the first indication that there may be a mold problem creeping the walls.  Often, these symptoms ease up upon leaving your residence and reappear again upon your return.  In many cases, a moldy smell or musty odor is often a clue that there may be a hidden issue.  The sudden or recurring appearance of visible mold is also a tell tale sign that should never be ignored.  Cleaning up visible mold in a specific area, only to have it re-appear shorly after is an excellent indicator that there may be a more serious issue hiding in areas we can’t see.

If your home has experienced a flood, water intrusion, roofing leaks, chronic moisture problems or even a humidity or condensation issue, there may be a very good chance that a mold contamination could be inevitable.  The presence of any of these indicators can create a perfect environment to foster mold growth, and allow it to proliferate and even spread to other areas of your home.  But how do you know for sure? That’s where a mold assessment with mold testing can help.

Hiring the servcices of a specialized mold inspection and testing provider can be an excellent return on your investment and can quickly and easily provide you with the information needed to determine what potential mold growth may be occuring within your home….particularly in areas, like your building envelope, that are not visible with the naked eye. Typically, an assessment is comprised of both a visual inspection of your residence, with the use of thermal imaging equiptment (to look for  underlying conditions that may be present and would give rise to mold growth), as well as air sampling/testing for the presence of airborne fungal particulates.

Often, a basic, or a more thorough assessment can be performed, with the basic testing determining the type and level of particulates that are present in representative areas within your home, and a more thorough assessment allowing for the isolation of a contamination to a specific location so that it can be properly removed from the environment. It is also very important to remember that it is not generally enough to simply “get rid of the mold”.  It is also very important to resolve the underlying condition that allowed for the mold growth to develop in the first place.  If this underlying condition is not resolved, you will have a cyclical pattern of mold growth, clean up, and then return growth shortly thereafter.

When choosing a company to work with, it is important to ensure that they are specialized environmental assessment and testing experts.  Look for someone who offers “conflict of interest free” assessment services, meaning they do the inspection and testing only, and do not perform any mold removal or remediation services.  This is in your best interest to help protect you from companies that are out to sell you costly mold removal services that you may not need, or that are not required, and are looking to get a foot in the door by offering “free inspections” with little or insufficient testing conducted.  Once results are recieved, you will be in a much better position to seek out a professional mold remediation provider.  So, if you or a family member are experiencing any of the symptoms or maintenance issues noted above, and are pondering the question “Do I need mold testing”?, the answer is likely “YES”.

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