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Certified Mold Inspectors
Indoor Air Quality Specialist
Qualified Sampling Tech
Certified Lead Specialist
LEED
PO Box 191
Keyport, WA 98345
360-689-2352
800-972-0389
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Please feel free to browse the library of resources we have assembled.
Most people have no reaction when exposed to molds. Allergic reactions, similar to common pollen or animal allergies, and irritation are the most common health effects for individuals sensitive to molds. Flu-like symptoms and skin rash may occur. Molds may also aggravate asthma. In rare cases, fungal infections from building-associated molds may occur in people with serious immune disease. Most symptoms are temporary and eliminated by correcting the mold problem.
Symptoms:
o Cough
o Nasal and sinus congestion
o Wheezing and breathing conditions
o Sore throat
o Skin and eye irritation
o Upper respiratory infections
There is a wide variability in how people are affected by mold exposure. People who may be affected more severely and quickly than others include:
o Infants and children
o Elderly people
o Pregnant women
o Individuals with respiratory conditions, allergies or asthma
o Persons with weakened immune systems (for example, chemotherapy patients, organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, and people with HIV infections or autoimmune diseases)
Those with special health concerns should consult their doctor if they are concerned about mold exposure. Symptoms that may seem to occur from mold exposure may be due to other causes, such as bacterial or viral infections or other allergies.
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The number 2 complaint as evidenced in a J.D. Powers survey received by homebuilders is the HVAC system.
When asked what drives their dissatisfaction
with the HVAC system, 40% of respondents indicated that it is driven by the need for air purification.
In fact, when homeowners are given the option to upgrade their HVAC systems, 40% choose some form of air purification product.
ActivTek offers total solutions to all air and water quality issues in commercial buildings and in new construction. www.Activtek.net
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for Mold: Definition: Mold is parasitic, microscopic fungus that float ... Full definition
About Crawl Spaces
Problems:
Traditional crawl spaces with dirt floors and vented foundations provide an endless source of moisture in a home. Moisture can destroy a home by providing an environment for mold and insects that destroy wood products. Crawl space moisture affects not only the floor system directly above, but also the entire house.
As warm air in a heated building rises, replacement air is drawn in at the lowest part of the house-your house is actually sucking the ground. This natural upward air movement is called the stack effect- - it's how chimneys work. Consequently, whatever is in the air in your crawl space eventually flows up into the living sections - - up to 40% of the air we breath on the first floor was once in the crawl space.
The Myth of Foundation Vents
New research indicates that foundation vents do not always expel moisture or keep the crawl space dry. Rather than removing crawl space moisture, venting can make the problem worse.
Building scientists have found that when warm, moist outside air enters a crawl space through vents, the air cools and dramatically increases the relative humidity of the crawl space.
When the relative humidity goes over 100%, condensation accumulates on the walls, floors and building components.
Just 100 cfm of 70°F dew point air entering a crawl space would require the removal of about 10 gallons of water per day!
Solution
To avoid moisture's negative affects, a crawl space vapor barrier should be installed, isolating the home from the ground and the humid outside air. Then the crawl space should be dehumidified.
All crawl space vents should be covered making the crawl space as air tight as possible.
Call Mold Solutions, Inc. for consultation on your particular needs and custom tailored pricing.
What About Existing Mold?
Don't let anybody fool you mold must be removed from joists, sub-floor, piers, foundation walls and insulation before you can consider long term maintenance for the crawl space. Remember the stack effect we talked about earlier? It applies to mold spores as well. All professional remediation protocols will require mold removal.
Last Updated: 2008-07-25 16:52:07
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