Health and home may be threatened by mold

Mold exposure can lead to respiratory problems
and other health effects, experts warn.

As extreme weather events become more common, tropical storms, hurricanes and floods can have long-lasting effects on the homes and people in their way.

Tropical storm Irene happened more than 10 months ago, but the flood and subsequent mold problems are still haunting many homeowners.

In the case of one woman in Vermont, a flooded basement led to a toppled oil tank, destroyed books and clothing worth thousands of dollars and caused so much mold that she had to move out of her home and may soon be homeless, as money for emergency housing in a hotel runs out.

Flood insurance only covered structural damage to the stairs and back door, and timing issues and illness have made it next to impossible to get assistance.

The home “turned into my greatest nightmare,” Chandar Hall was quoted in an article in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Mold health effects

Health and state authorities warn about water infiltration and mold growth. It is important to fix water problems promptly, and to dry and/or replace any materials that were affected.

Once mold is growing, it needs to be cleaned up properly. Otherwise, certain kinds of mold (including penicillium mold and aspergillus mold) may affect people’s health and well-being.

Mold has been linked to respiratory problems as well as neurological problems, including headaches, exhaustion, convulsions, lost appetite, kidney pain and more.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Air purifiers for mold and better indoor air

Breathing in high concentrations of mold spores can cause or aggravate health problems. Source control (mold remediation), ventilation and air cleaning are the best ways to minimize the effects of mold.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for mold contain a multistage filtration system to tackle mold on various fronts:

• A HEPA filter to trap mold spores as well as other fine particles
• A deep-bed activated carbon filter to remove musky odors and mold mycotoxins
• An optional UV germicidal lamp to neutralize mold spores and other biological contaminants such as bacteria and viruses

Some of AllerAir’s recommended air purifiers for mold include the AirMedic+ series and the 5000 Exec.

For more information, contact AllerAir at 1-888-852-8247.

Have you ever been affected by mold? Tell us how you got rid of the problem.

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Rainfalls can lead to mold and health problems

Extreme weather events and heavy rains can lead
to mold growth in homes, experts warn.

When heavy rain moves through regions, homeowners need to watch out for water infiltration, which unchecked could lead to mold and health concerns, experts warn.

Allergy and immunology experts say that rainfalls and other extreme weather conditions may turn even small leaks into significant health risks, if mold starts to grow.

Rain can hit clogged gutters, back up under eaves and drip into the home, water can get under crawl spaces or enter a home through tiny leaks that a homeowner may not be aware of or may not have gotten around to fixing.

The water infiltration can lead to structural problems in the home and to mold, which can lead to wheezing and aggravated asthma symptoms as well as nose and throat problems or other allergic-type reactions.

The mold can grow behind walls or in areas that are hidden from view, exposing the home’s residents to spores and mycotoxins.

After heavy rains and other weather events, homeowners should inspect the home and fix any water infiltration problems immediately to prevent mold from growing.

Source: The Augusta Chronicle

Air purifiers for mold can help provide cleaner air

Indoor air quality can be a concern at any time, but once mold becomes an issue, it can quickly turn into a source of irritants and pollutants.

AllerAir has developed air purifiers specifically for mold, which feature

• A deep-bed activated carbon filter for mycotoxins and odors associated with many molds
• A HEPA filter to trap mold spores and particles
• Pre-filters 
• Optional UV germicidal filtration, which neutralizes mold spores and other biological contaminants

The air purifiers remove not only mold spores and toxins, but also airborne chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, allergens, bacteria and viruses.

"In the year 2000 I was diagnosed with multiple allergies (including molds), as well being chemically sensitive. As I suspected mold in my basement, my specialist recommended an air purifier from AllerAir. I placed my unit in my basement, and within 24 hours the moldy, musty smell had disappeared! I was so happy with your product, I purchased a second unit for my bedroom! I believe these air purifiers have improved the air quality in my home."
A. Morton, St. Thomas, Ontario
Read more testimonials

Contact AllerAir for more information.

More floods in our future, report says

Climate change may bring more extreme weather and IAQ challenges

Heavy rainfall and floods can lead to mold
and poor indoor air quality in homes.

We may have to become more used to heavy rainfall and storms, according to a report by two environmental groups.

Heavy rains and severe flooding have already doubled in the Midwest in the last half-century and are part of a growing climate trend.

The research shows that during the past 50 years, the amount of precipitation falling during the heaviest rains increased nearly 20 percent. The largest increases were in the Midwest and the Northeast.

There are more frequent extreme storms and the average time between them has become shorter.

More floods and wetter seasons can mean an increase in mold spores and associated health problems.

The groups called on federal authorities to work on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, support energy efficiency upgrades and green infrastructure techniques.

Source: Des Moines Register

Protect indoor air quality during extreme weather episodes

Wet weather may lead to more mold spores in the air, which can cause or aggravate respiratory conditions.

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers for mold that can help control spores and other pollutants and provide cleaner, more breathable air.

The AirMedic+ series features the most efficient HEPA filters to trap particles and spores, a deep-bed activated carbon filter to remove odors, chemicals and mold mycotoxins and an optional UV light to neutralize mold spores and other biological contaminants.

The 360-degree air intake on AirMedics makes it such an efficient air purifier, it is also a popular choice for those affected by allergies and asthma.

Contact AllerAir for more information
  

How safe are your kids in school?

Many schools have poor indoor air quality that can affect
students as well as teachers and other staff members.

Mold spores drive away elementary school children, deemed a health risk

This is a guest post from Electrocorp Air Filtration Systems

Mold is a serious indoor air quality issue – so much so that an elementary school in Montreal had to send more than 400 students home.

Officials don’t know when the school might reopen, since the mold remediation process may take up to two years.

The elementary school was infested with mold spores that were blamed for an increase in respiratory ailments, runny noses, coughing and other symptoms, according to an article in today’s Montreal Gazette.

These health effects surfaced after months of exposure to mold spores, experts say.

The school board involved the public health department when it received multiple complaints of minor health problems from adults and children.

Air samples from 29 rooms in the school revealed an unhealthy level of mold spores in each one.

As is so often the case when it comes to mold, a burst water pipe incident in November 2010 may be to blame for the high mold count.

Mold spores are ubiquitous in the environment and can start to settle down and actively grow mold if there is enough water or moisture.

The mold can be hidden or visible and for this school, the spores probably became airborne after the school had some masonry work done.

The students moved to an empty school building in Montreal but have to find different accommodations soon.

Source: Montreal Gazette

Keep indoor air healthy in schools

The 5000 and 6000 Series is a popular
choice for individual classrooms.

Mold is one of the most common indoor air quality issues in schools, but students and staff are also affected by particles and dust, allergens, chemicals and odors – especially in older schools where the ventilation system is simply not enough to provide the required fresh air exchanges.

Electrocorp has designed powerful stand-alone air cleaners for schools and universities that can help keep the air clean and healthy.

AllerAir's 5000 Series and 6000 Series are powerful, portable room air purifiers that can be used in individual classrooms and moved around easily, according to need.

The air cleaners can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including chemicals and gases, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses, mold and allergens. They feature a multistage air filtration system with activated carbon, HEPA and UV (optional).

The easy-to-use air cleaners are designed for around-the-clock operation at minimal cost, with a long filter lifespan and easy maneuverability.

For more information and options, please contact an Electrocorp air quality expert.

Related posts:

• Environmental exposures in schools
• IAQ challenge: Keeping schools healthy
• Students need better air quality in schools

Electrocorp is a division of AllerAir.

Dealing with allergies after Hurricane Irene

Allergic reactions are common after
hurricanes and floods.

Residents in the northeastern United Stated, who got pounded with strong winds, heavy rainfalls and widespread flooding when Hurricane Irene hurled through are still feeling the effects.

Many areas in New York state and other regions are still heavily flooded and the water and humid air provide perfect conditions for mold and other pollutants to flourish.

This, coupled with the seasonal ragweed allergies may lead to much stronger allergic reactions to those sensitive to mold, dust mites, ragweed and other allergens.

According to health experts, similar strong allergic reactions were observed after Hurricane Katrina.

The experts recommend taking various steps to mitigate and prevent mold growth, warning that just because you don’t see or smell anything, any surface area that has been wet for more than two days is prone to get moldy.

If that is the case, wet carpet and humid drywall should be thrown out and the area dried thoroughly to prevent any mold from spreading or growing further.

Other tips include

• Drying out the air with an air conditioner or dehumidifier
• Checking the home’s humidity with a hygrometer
• Using a particle mask to avoid exposure to allergens
• Running a HEPA air filter to reduce the allergen count in the indoor space

AllerAir offers air purifiers for mold that contain a HEPA filter for particles and mold spores, a deep bed of activated carbon  for the removal of musty smells, mold mycotoxins and other harmful chemicals and gases in the air as well as a UV lamp (optional), which neutralizes biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, mold spores and mold mycotoxins.

The units are portable and can easily be moved from one area (such as the basement) to the room that is frequented the most (such as the bedroom).

AllerAir recommended air purifiers for mold include:

• 5000 Exec with UV 
• AirMedic+ Exec

Contact AllerAir for more information!

VIDEO: The hidden dangers of mold exposure

Up to 25 percent of homes in the U.S. are affected by mold.

AllerAir has designed powerful portable air purifiers for homes or offices with mold.

Learn more about mold spores and mold mycotoxins, and how AllerAir air purifiers with activated carbon, HEPA and UV can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants in the industry.

Connect with us:

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on Twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247

Moldy homes linked to children's asthma

"Lab studies suggest that being exposed to mold and airborne mold spores can cause airway inflammation."

(PressTV)  Children who live in water-damaged homes with visible mold problems are at a greater risk of developing asthma, wheezing problems or nasal allergies.

A review of 61 international studies showed that children living in homes with visible mold are 49 percent more likely to have asthma compared with their peers that are not exposed to such environments, Reuters reported.

Moreover, these children are 39 times more prone to developing nasal allergies, said the study published in the European Respiratory Journal.

Lab studies suggest that being exposed to mold and airborne mold spores can cause airway inflammation. The findings, however, do not prove that mold is the culprit, said researchers.

Exposure to mold components in house dust, on the other hand, was linked to a lower risk of respiratory disorders, according to researchers at the German Research Center for Environmental Health in Neuherberg.

"Visible mold patches at the walls, or a moldy odor, is indicating that the normal microbial composition is out of kilter, which is most often due to dampness, excessive moisture or building damages," said Christina Tischer, the lead author.

One theory called the "hygiene hypothesis" suggests that the immune system of children, who live in an environment containing normal mix of microbes, are less likely to show allergic reactions.

Removing visible mold "might be a first important step in order to create a healthy environment at home," said Tischer.

Repairing leaky plumbing or other sources of water damage and lowering humidity in the home with better ventilation are among other strategies that can prevent the growth of mold at home, she added.

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Interested in learning more about removing airborne mold and improving your indoor air quality? Connect with us:

Visit our website: http://www.allerair.com/
Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
Follow us on twitter
E-mail or phone 1-888-852-8247