Mold and chemical allergies: From mild symptoms to serious life impact

Debilitating mold allergies and chemical sensitivities
are on the rise, numbers show.

Allergies to mold spores and chemicals are on the rise - and they are driving some sufferers to stay in tents or on balconies year round.

Even tiny amounts of mold spores or low levels of chemical exposure can cause reactions in these people, leading to symptoms such as disabling pain, numbness, bleeding of the mouth, headaches and more.

In some cities, health officials have started taking notice and are trying to find solutions to these "mold refugees".

In many cases, living or working in a mold-infested environment for a prolonged period of time caused the allergies or sensitivities to appear, and in extreme cases, people can lose their jobs, homes and belongings trying to manage the condition.

Treatments and assistance are hard to come by, since the medical community has not yet acknowledged the existence of such a condition and make an official diagnosis possible
    
Those suffering from mold allergies and chemical sensitivities blame construction methods and exposure to chemicals, which makes the mold spores produce toxins that triggers their reactions.
          
Source: Helsingin Sanomat

Air purifiers for mold, allergies and multiple chemical sensitivities

Good indoor air quality can make a major difference in the health and well-being of those who are sensitive to mold and chemicals.

AllerAir has designed highly efficient air purifiers for multiple chemical sensitivities that come with the a wide range of options and features to bring some relief to people affected by MCS.

AllerAir's
5000 D MCS Supreme

The air purifiers feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter for chemicals, gases, odors and even mold mycotoxins, a medical-grade, micro- or Super-HEPA for airborne particles, dust and allergens as well as unbleached organic cotton pre-filters.

A carbon test kit helps MCS sufferers determine which type of activated carbon is the most tolerable for them, and other inert materials include all-metal housing, powder-coated finish on the housing and carbon filter canisters, a burnt-in motor and more.

AllerAir's air purifiers for mold and allergies (especially the AirMedic series) also features inert materials and the most customizable options for maximum protection from indoor air pollutants, including mold spores, particles and allergens.

Contact AllerAir for more information and options.

The home checklist for mold

Homeowners should take steps to prevent or remove
mold from their homes to avoid health problems.

Mold spores are a natural part of the environment, but when mold is allowed to grow in the home, the inhalation of high levels of mold spores can lead to respiratory problems and other health effects.

Mold exposure has been linked to aggravated asthma, allergies, respiratory infections, skin rashes and more.
The home itself can also suffer from mold infestations, leading to wood rot and structural damage.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to mold:

Identify common areas of mold problems in the home.
Since mold needs water or high humidity to grow asses the home and make a list if the most probable areas where mold can be found:

• Crawl spaces
• Basement
• Attic

A musty odor can be a sign for mold growth.

Fix water infiltration problems immediately. 
The window for mold growth is 24-48 hours, so acting quickly, taking care of the problem and drying or replacing all affected materials can prevent a mold infestation in the first place.

Test for mold if needed. 
Mold testing can be very expensive, but if you suspect mold and want to know before you take any action, call a reputable company.

Remove the mold safely and effectively. 
Small patches of mold can be removed by the homeowner (follow established guidelines by health authorities) – larger mold growth areas should be treated by mold remediation professionals.  It’s more important to spend the money on professional cleanup than on testing, experts say.

Prevent mold in the first place
Help prevent mold by ventilating the home properly, monitoring humidity, keeping clutter and storage spaces under control, fixing foundation cracks and small leaks right away and regularly cleaning the HVAC system.

Source: Angie’s List on ABC News

Controlling mold with air purifiers

A high quality air purifier with the right air filters can help with many aspects of mold:

• A HEPA filter can trap mold spores (and other particles)
• A UV lamp can neutralize mold spores
• An activated carbon filter can remove musty odors and mycotoxins associated with some molds

The AirMedic+ Series features
360-degree air intake for
quick and efficient air cleaning.

AllerAir has developed portable and powerful air purifiers for mold that contain these filtration technologies and along with the above-mentioned tips can help provide a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.

AllerAir’s AirMedic+ Exec is one of the most efficient air purifiers when it comes to particles and mold spores, featuring an 18 pound carbon filter (or more), a medical-grade HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, other pre-filters and the option of UV germicidal filtration.

For more information, contact AllerAir to speak to an IAQ expert.

The health hazards of household mold

It's not a good idea to ignore mold, it needs to be
removed safely and the problem needs to be fixed.

Mold spores are everywhere and we are breathing them in all the time – but it’s the concentration that can lead to health concerns, experts say. A mold-infested home can lead to serious repercussions for its residents.

According to the EPA, exposure to mold can cause a variety of health problems, such as headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravation of asthma symptoms.

A 2007 US study found a link between damp, moldy homes and depression, while Harvard University researchers found babies growing up in damp homes where mold and mildew are present develop more respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, croup and bronchitis.

Mold thrives in damp and humid conditions and in places that lack ventilation.

Once mold takes over a home, it can quickly spread across floors and materials, unless it is being mitigated.

Mold is a growing problem in the United States; some industry experts call it the “asbestos of the new generation.”

Homeowners can do the following to prevent or mitigate mold:

• Monitor the home’s level of humidity and not let it get over 50%
• Ensure good ventilation in all parts of the home
• Inspect the home regularly and keep it well maintained.
• Fix water infiltration problems promptly.
• Dry and/or replace all affected materials
• Enlist the help of professionals in severe cases of mold

Source: Body and Soul

Mold air purifiers can help reduce exposure

While prevention and mitigation are most important when it comes to mold, the right air filtration system can also help prevent problems and provide cleaner air.

AllerAir has developed portable air purifiers for mold that feature deep-bed activated carbon and HEPA filters plus optional UV germicidal filtration to help keep mold under control.

The UV lamp helps neutralize mold spores so that they won’t grow new mold colonies. The HEPA filter  traps mold spores (as well as other particles) and the activated carbon filter removes mold odors and mycotoxins that are released by some molds.

For more information and products, contact AllerAir today: 1-888-852-8247.

Black mold may lead to poor health symptoms

WWE Smackdown host and recording artist Lilian Garcia fights the effects of black mold

Lilian Garcia still suffers from the
effects of black mold exposure.

She may be famous in certain circles, but that doesn’t mean she is immune to the effects of black mold exposure.

Lilian Garcia began feeling sick and dizzy when she lived in a lake house in South Carolina for two and a half years.

The home had black mold, and Garcia reacted badly to it. Still, it took years before she was diagnosed with mold allergies brought on by that exposure.

Even after she moved away, she was still suffering after-effects of black mold, including infections and other ailments.

Garcia has launched a campaign to raise awareness about mold allergies and help sufferers.

Chronic symptoms related to mold allergies include

• Sinus pain
• Respiratory illness
• Wheezing
• Headaches
• Lethargy
• Memory loss
• And more

Garcia also champions a new way of eating, as in her experience certain foods can aggravate the symptoms of mold allergies. These foods include cheeses, dairy, pickled foods, dried fruits and more.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Use air filters to reduce exposure to mold

While it is important to take care of the living environment and to prevent and mitigate mold from growing, mold spores are still a natural part of the environment and cannot be eliminated.

However, using powerful air purifiers with the right filters in the home can help keep the air clean and easier to breathe.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for the Home and Office feature many pounds of activated carbon to remove irritating chemicals, gases, odors and mold mycotoxins, HEPA filter to trap tiny particles and pathogens, pre-filters and optional UV germicidal filtration to neutralize biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria and viruses.

Read more about AllerAir’s air purifiers for mold, or speak to someone by contacting AllerAir today.

Mold in your home – causes, risks, removal tips

Mold can grow in any home or building if there is
enough moisture and a surface to grow on.

Mold problems are some of the most common air quality concerns in homes.

Mold spores are a natural part of the environment, and all they need is enough humidity or water and a surface to grow on. Experts say mold will grow on wet material in 24-48 hours.

Many homes feature damp basements in the summer, when the ground water level rises, or high humidity in the winter due to condensation. Other problem areas in the home include utility rooms, water heaters, sinks, washing machines and bathtubs – pretty much any area where water might drain.

Homeowners should make sure that downspouts are angled away from the home, and that the home’s humidity readings stay at a healthy level.

Other causes for mold:

• Flooding
• Sump pump failure
• Condensation on windows
• Soap scum in showers
• Firewood stored indoors
• Line drying clothes indoors
• Leaky or poorly ventilated attic
• Damp closets

Health effects of mold

Some people might not know that they have a mold problem until they start not feeling well. That’s because mold often grows in areas that are hidden – behind drywall or underneath the carpet, for example.

While some people may experience symptoms related to mold, others may not be feeling any effects whatsoever.

However, the number of people sensitive to mold is growing steadily.

Sneezing is one of the possible health
effects of mold.

Health effects can include

• Allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, cough, itchy eyes, nose and throat, watery eyes
• Aggravated asthma
• Infections such as skin infections or pneumonia
• Headaches
• Flu-like symptoms, trouble breathing, nervousness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, extreme fatigue

Mold removal tips

When there is a lot of mold in the home, professional remediation services may be needed.

If the mold growth is small, homeowners can remove it themselves by scrubbing with a soap or detergent. Bleach and water may not be enough to kill the mold.

Porous surfaces like paper, insulation, sheetrock and carpet padding that are moldy should be thrown out because you won’t be able to remove the mold completely.

Always wear protective equipment when working around mold.

Source: InForum

Musty odors? Improve indoor air quality with powerful air purifiers

While prevention and source control is very important when it comes to the avoidance of mold, an air purifier with a carbon and HEPA filter can also help remove mold spores and mold mycotoxins – the disease-causing toxins some molds can spread.

Air purifier can help keep the air
clean and healthy.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for mold can also get rid of unwanted musty odors and stale air. Opt for UV germicidal filtration for extra protection.

Recommended units:

5000 Exec - Efficient general purpose air purifier with 18 lb. carbon filter, medical-grade HEPA, optional UV filtration

AirMedic+ Exec - Superior particle and allergen control with 18 lb. carbon filter, medical-grade HEPA and optional UV filtration.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

Half of US homes suffer from mold: Doctor (Video)

Mold and other indoor air quality issues are very common, doctor says, and may contribute to the rising asthma rates across the country.


 
Source: WTKR-TV

Concerned about the indoor air quality in your home?

A safe and effective air purifier with a proven multistage filtration system containing activated carbon, HEPA and UV filters can help reduce indoor air pollution, including mold spores. 

Contact AllerAir for more information.