Black and Toxic Mold

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Black and Toxic

Here at SERVPRO of Society Hill we want you to learn about common misconceptions about mold. The term "black" mold is misleading at best. First, while the terms "toxic" and "black" mold are commonly used interchangeably, only one is recognized as black mold by most professionals: Stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes called Stachybotrys atra. Other common indoor toxic molds include - but are not limited to - Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Furthermore, Stachybotrys isn't actually black, but a greenish-black color instead. Finally, with more than 100,000 known types of mold, many of them are black. Unless they are Stachybotrys, however, they aren't "black" mold and may not even be toxic.

Mycotoxins

Another misleading term is "toxic." As the Centers for Disease Control explains, the mold itself isn't actually poisonous. Some molds are, instead, "toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins)." These chemical compounds sometimes attach to mold spores - reproductive seeds - and drift away in search of a new home. When they are inhaled, they may cause health effects. Fortunately, mold generally only releases spores when it is disturbed, such as by the breeze of a closing door or the vibration of a pounding hammer. In addition, the mold doesn't release mycotoxins constantly, so even if spores are released, toxins may not. However, any mold is never healthy in a home - much less Stachybotrys - especially for individuals with lung problems, compromised immune systems or simply allergies to mold.

Dealing with Mold after Flooding or Heavy Rain

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

This is the result of not acting quickly after a flood damaged a basement.

After a flood or even just a heavy rain mold can always become an issue!  If you ever find yourself dealing with a water damage that could become mold issue contact SERVPRO of Society Hill.  Responding quickly is the first action to take.  The quicker we can get out there the less damage will occur and more time and money will be saved.  Also it lowers the chance of mold spores spreading throughout the flooded area.  The first action SERVPRO of Society Hill will take is make sure there is good ventilation in the building so that air can circulate.  Water extraction is the next step, making sure to remove as much standing water as possible.  Any items that may have already been affected by mold will be disposed in a sealed back to prevent any spreading.  Affected items that must be kept will be cleaned properly by the experts of SERVPRO of Society Hill.  The two main keys to mold prevention is 1. Keeping everything clean and 2. Keeping everything as dry as possible. Following these steps as well as keeping the number for SERVPRO of Society Hill handy will be great steps in preventing mold.

Mold Remediation vs. Mold Removal

10/26/2018 (Permalink)

Drywall covered in mold.

Many people believe that mold remediation and mold removal mean the same thing however, they are different. Mold remediation is the removal and treatment of the mold, so mold does not regrow in the area. Mold removal is just the removal of mold. Mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours once water gets into your property. Mold spores flourish wherever there is moisture. These spores can rapidly grow into colonies when exposed to water. Sources of moisture or water must therefore be addressed before mold remediation can start, or else the mold may return. Mold remediation is something that SERVPRO Society Hill specialists in. When SERVPRO Society Hill goes out to a mold job, we want to make sure that all the mold is removed and treated properly so it doesn't come back. 

Humidity Causes Mold

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

A basement with mold on the walls.

With another heat wave coming to an end. It raises concern about the mold that is forming in buildings. If the weather's been very humid for a few days in a row you might notice mold starting to grow indoors. Also, if you live where humidity in the air is naturally high, like by the coast or another large body of water, then mold growth indoors can also be a recurring problem. When these damages happen SERVPRO will step in and solve the problem. SERVPRO will get the job done so it looks like it never happened. SERVPRO will also get the job done in a timely manor, so everyone can get back to their daily activities. Here are some tips of areas to find humidity and mold and signs to look for if you have mold.

Location of humidity and mold

• Basement
• Crawl Space

Symptoms of humidity and mold

• A musty odor in your home, basement or crawl space
• Visible mold growth
• Allergy symptoms
• Increase in small insects within your home
• Visible condensation
• Peeling wallpaper and or paint

Mold Testing

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

In this day and age, you can order any testing online. But mold testing isn't something we recommend that you purchase online and start collecting a sample because of the cost and the incorrect readings which can lead to the potential for more growth of mold which is a danger to you and your family health. Let the professional of SERVPRO assist you any mold testing and mold removal. Testing for mold is essential especially after a flood or leak due to a natural disaster or leak within the structure. We want to ensure that your safety and your health is protected when it comes to mold issues so always reconsider hiring a professional when you want to test for mold in your home and business.

Watch For Mold

2/8/2018 (Permalink)

Philadelphia homes are known for their ability to withstand the harsh environments that come through the fall and winter every year. What you may not understand, is that a compromised roof could allow moisture to seep into the attic space from snow or ice on the shingles that have not melted away. When this new moisture is allowed to continue unchecked in your attic space, mold can find plenty of places to grow.Since mold damage to your Philadelphia residence typically happens involving organic materials, you should appreciate the options available in your attic right now. Most construction uses plywood backing against the joists of your roof, and all of these components provide the right base for a mold colony to successfully feed and grow. It is a good idea to get in the habit of periodically checking up in your attic area for the presence or signs of molding, especially if you are not one to typically go into this area of your house.While you should be able to smell the overwhelming musty scent of a thriving colony, sometimes this can be difficult to do if you have a decent ventilation system in place. Visual inspections can also be misleading at times, as newly forming colonies are not often overly noticeable to the naked eye.Our SERVPRO of Society Hill technicians can provide inspections of your attic space to provide assurances that fungus is not currently present and that the conditions of your attic are not likely to create these organisms in the future. If something is found, our technicians begin their remediation work right away.The process is all about preventing the spread of the fungus by neutralizing its spores in the air. The neutralization procedure uses a negative air chamber. Once these spores have been contained, thoroughly cleaning the area is the next step. This process changes based on the type of mold and how deeply it is rooted, but all of the colonies get removed at this time.

Mold Remediation

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

When a home suffers a water damage event, a mold infestation can quickly arise and spread throughout a home in 48-72 hours. Because mold can produce allergens and irritants, you will want a professional that has training and experience to properly resolve the mold infestation. If you suspect that your Stowe home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Society Hill can inspect, assess and perform remediation of your property.

Understanding Mold

Confusion and misunderstanding surround the topic of mold and mold remediation. Some restoration businesses even make claims to remove all mold from a building. This is a fallacy. Mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. These microscopic spores float along in the air and can enter a home or business through windows and HVAC systems. Consider these facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Mold From Heat

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

When temperatures have started to heat up, which means your home is at a greater risk for mold growth. Mold spores can grow in temperatures ranging from 32 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimum temperature range for mold growth is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a common temperature range in our area.

As the winter weather falls further into the rear-view, it is time to be even more cautious of any possible moisture or water damage on your property. In order to reproduce, mold spores require moist or damp areas. Excess moisture in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are prime areas for mold to grow. Also be on the lookout for flooding, leaky pipes/windows/roof, etc., and call a professional right away should any of these problems occur. 

SERVPRO of Society Hill has highly trained and experienced crew members ready to make it "Like it never even happened."

Do You Have a Mold Problem?

1/2/2018 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. You can call SERVPRO of Society Hill to take care of you!

Funeral Directors: SERVPRO can Help Your Business Grow

9/21/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help funeral homes and funeral directors grow their businesses

SERVPRO attends many events throughout or workweek. Next week we have a benefit sponsoring the families of injured or sick emergency workers. This past week, we sponsored an event for funeral homes and funeral directors.

We learned about those businesses and enjoyed meeting many different people who are experts in the funeral industry. We also were able to demonstrate our services that funeral homes often are in need of but don't typically know we offer.

We can offer bio-recovery and cleanup. Last week we provided service to a building where someone who lived alone passed away and was not found until several days later. Situations like that need to be handled specially and we just recently completed a week long training course to be certified in bio-recovery cleanup.

Many families are also faced with the task of moving out their loved ones' possessions. We offer pack out and move out services as well as removal of trash and cleanup of properties.

Funeral homes often find theirselves helping families grieve and get through the process respectfully. Knowing they are able to call on the SERVPRO professionals helps them grow their businesses and provide great service.