In these trying financial times, there is a strong urge to do everything you can to save money. But cutting too many corners when it comes to mold removal could end up costing you far more in the long run but in some cases, the cost of mold remediation can be quite manageable.

The most economical way of tackling the problem is, of course, to do the job yourself. So long as the mold covers a modestly sized area (no more than about 3 x 3), it is easily accessible and you are able to locate the source of the moisture that allowed the mold to grow in the first place, you should have no problem.

After paying for protective gear including a breathing mask, gloves and goggles, the only other expense is the cost of the cleaning materials that you will use if you dont count the cost of your time that you will spend scrubbing and disinfecting the moldy surfaces.

However, if the amount of mold you can see is more extensive or much of it is located somewhere inaccessible to you, its time to bite the bullet and call in the professionals.

The first stage in accessing the cost of mold remediation for your home is to arrange for your home to be inspected in order to identify the full extent of the problem. While some mold removal companies will offer to do this for free, it is usually contingent upon hiring them to do the subsequent work and many people feel quite rightly uncomfortable with this. If only a small amount of mold is present, the company will lose out financially so the less scrupulous firms will tell you there is a major problem, regardless of whether or not this is actually true.

In order to address these concerns, many companies have sprung up in recent years that specialize in mold inspection and nothing else. Because they are being paid a set fee to examine a home, they are free to report their findings honestly regardless of whether or not theres a fat paycheck coming when the remediation bill gets paid.

A detailed inspection will include the use of specialist equipment which can detect mold spores in the air and detect areas of infestation in cavities or crawl spaces. The cost varies from one city to the next but will usually be in the region of $300. This should include the cost of a follow-up visit after remediation to ensure the problem has been properly dealt with.

The mold remediation cost itself is subject to a number of factors. Moldy crawl spaces can cost anything from a few hundred dollars to several thousand to rectify. If the mold is present in several areas of the house, the cost can easily exceed $5,000. If the mold has been around for some time and caused structural damage to the building, then you could easily be looking at between $10,000 and $30,000 or more.

Although some contractors may offer to do the work more cheaply, this too can be a false economy. Certified remediators have been properly trained in how to ensure the problem does not spread beyond where it already exists. They will also guarantee the work they do. Although they may have good intentions, untrained contractors may be far less competent.

From the outset, it is important to realize that the actual mold removal is only part of the overall cost of mold remediation. For example, in cases where mold in a crawl space is being caused by pools of standing water, additional costs will be incurred to pay to pump out the area, clean it and seal it against future flooding. If the mold has been caused by faulty pipes or poorly maintained air conditioning units, these may have to be repaired or replaced. If tests show that the mold in your home is one of the toxic varieties, then you and your family will have to move out while the remediation process takes place. This may involve a significant additional cost.

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Mold Removal | Mold Removal Resources

Mold Allergies

If your family has allergies like mine does all year round, you could be allergic to mold spores. And unfortunately molds are everywhere, so youll need to take the necessary steps to get rid of mold in your home in order to minimize your familys allergies. The first thing you should do however is identify whether you are dealing with an allergy caused by mold or if its something else.

Mold, also known as fungus, generally causes an allergic reaction when the spores of it are inhaled. Most of us who are allergic to mold often experience allergy symptoms during the summer months. However, if your home has a serious mold problem allergies can occur year round. There are literally thousands of different types of mold growing around us but, there are basically 12 types that can cause allergies. They are, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Helmin thosporium, Penicillium, Mucor, and Rhizopus.

Most people who are allergic to mold are also allergic to other substances like animal dander and pollen. However, there are also people who are only allergic to specific types of mold. And those who experience allergies often have a family history of them. However, you can also be at risk if youve been exposed to mold whether at your work or at home.

Those who are allergic to the fungi may experience symptoms such as dry skin, congestion, itching, nasal discharge, sneezing and watery eyes. Everyones allergy symptoms will vary and they may range from mild to severe. Allergy symptoms may only flare up during certain times of the year or they may be present year-round.

When allergies are severe they may also cause asthma. And in some cases mold may cause a severe asthma attack. But they can also cause a serious illness known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. When an allergy such as this or a severe asthma attack happens, a doctor should be seen immediately.

The allergy symptoms can easily be treated as long as they are not severe. In general allergy sufferers should avoid contact with the mold spores. Always wear some form of protection such as a dust mask and goggles if you must be near mold. For most allergy sufferers a simple decongestant or antihistamine can relieve many of the symptoms. For our household, we use a nasal spray and sometimes an over the counter allergy medication when our symptoms flare up. However, for some allergy sufferers this simply isnt enough.

In order to reduce the allergy symptoms, you need to remove the mold that is causing the problem in your home. If you live in a home that has excess amounts of moisture or you live in an area where the humidity is high you most likely have mold growing somewhere in your home. And just because you cannot see it doesnt mean its not there. This type of fungi can grow almost anywhere including in the attic, behind walls, wallpaper and even under your carpet.

To reduce a mold outbreak, look for sources where growth may occur. Check for leaky faucets, pipes, and other moisture prone areas, and repair them. Remove mold growth from drywall, carpet, crawl space areas, attics and other areas were molds may be a problem. Remove carpet for moisture problem areas such as your bathroom and kitchen. Consider paint in your bathroom and kitchen wall rather than applying wallpaper.

Install exhaust fans whenever possible or open windows when you plan to do a lot of cooking and when showering. Consider investing in dehumidifiers to minimize moisture in the air. A dehumidifier is especially helpful in basements.

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Mold Removal Review

EnviroFry Serves Our Residential and

Commercial Mold and Environmental and

Industrial Hygienist Clients Anywhere

in USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Asia, South

& Central America, and Middle East

EnviroFry provides professional and effective mold and environmental inspection, testing, clearance mold testing, and remediation services, plus effective HVAC air duct cleaning and decontamination service in Southwestern USA (Arizona, California, and Nevada), Midwestern USA (Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin & beyond), Eastern USA (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, New England, & beyond), Southern USA (e.g., Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, & beyond), Ontario Province of Canada, UK, Europe-wide, and Asia-wide. If you suspect you have a mold problem, you should consult a professional mold inspector.----recommends the American Industrial Hygienist Association

Please recent mold and environmental news releases and articles written by Phillip and Divine Fry---

Ebola, Germ, & Mold Building Decontamination Oct. 21, 2014 "Global Do-Your-Own Mould Tests with Scotch Tape Lift Sampling, Pictures, & Lab Report" $200 Special that begins Oct. 6, 2014 Environmental Assessment Association Certifies Phillip and Divine Fry as Environmental Inspectors & Remediation Specialists Oct. 2, 2014 65 Ft. Long Cable Video Camera To Inspect Inside HVAC Ducts and Buildings Sept. 29, 2014 Get Second Opinion or Bid for Toxic Mold Work Sept. 26, 2014 Vehicle Detoxification & Deodorization Sept 7, 2014 10 Ways To Solve Home and Workplace Mould Problems Everywhere in the World Low Cost Bacteria & Mold Killing & Prevention on Per Square Foot Basis Aug. 13, 2014 Enzyme-Based Mold Killer Neutralizes & Prevents Mold & Bacteria Aug. 10, 2014 Does Ozone Kill Mold? Answers To Concerns About Use of High Output Ozone Gas in Mold Remediation Aug. 2, 2014 Medical Lab Testing for Internal Mold Growth June 19, 2014 Flat Roofs Cause Toxic Mold June 8, 2014 Mold Inspection and Remediation for Mansions and Luxury Homes June 8, 2014 Drought Causes Unexpected Mold Problems for Arizona & California Homeowners May 8, 2014 Mold Victims in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tucson May 7, 2014 Dont Wait for Insurance Payment To Start Water Damage & Mold Remediation May 6, 2014 2d Opinion of Mold Inspection, Tests Remediation Reports, and Bids May 3, 2014 Dont Pay Too Much for Toxic Mold Removal April 18, 2014 Dumpster Mold Remediation April 21, 2014 Toxic Mold Causes Multiple Sclerosis April 19, 2014 Read ALL mold diseases with reference footnotes April 18, 2014 Mold Clearance Testing April 15, 2014 Environmental & Industrial Hygienist Training Seminars Available Worldwide April 7, 2014 Sewage Line Leaks and Mold April 4, 2014 Top Six Mold Testing Mistakes To Avoid April 1, 2014 Protocol To Kill & Remove Mold Growth in HVAC Air Ducts & Equipment March 15, 2014 Quarterly Air Duct Cleaning Recommended Feb. 28, 2014 Dont Buy a Home Having Any of Top 12 Toxic Mold Makers Feb. 16, 2014 Turning Off House Water Supply While Away To Prevent Water Break Flooding Feb. 12, 2014 Protect Against and Prevent Fraudulent Mold Testing by Insurance Companies, Sellers, Landlords, & Employers Toxic Mold Public Health Warning Feb. 7, 2014 San Diego Home Seller Fails To Disclose Big Toxic Mold Problems To Texas Buyers Jan. 31, 2014 Top 10 Causes of New Home Built-In Toxic Mold Top 29 Home Health Hazards 10 Proven Ways To Kill and Remove Toxic Mold Clean Up Mold 10 Steps Recommended by Industrial Hygienist Phillip Fry 12 Health Reasons To Get Rid of Carpeting Top 10 Questions that Mold Victims Ask Phillip Fry FREE Mold Advice Hotline, How To Do Your Own Mold Testing Ten Mold Inspection Steps Before Buying a Home or Commercial Building Mold Clearance Testing Top 100 Mold Health Symptoms and Illnesses 10 Things Mold Inspectors Wont Tell You 12 Things Your Mold Removal Company Wont Tell You Ten 2014 New Year's Mold Health Resolutions

Email phil@moldinspector.com or Phone Toll-Free 1-866-300-1616 USA/Canada, or Phil's cell phone is 1-480-310-7970 (also good for your calling internationally from outside of USA/Canada)

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A mold (US) or mould (UK / NZ / AU / ZA / CA) is a fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae.[1][2] In contrast, fungi that can adopt a single celled growth habit are called yeasts.

Molds are a large and taxonomically diverse number of fungal species where the growth of hyphae results in discoloration and a fuzzy appearance, especially on food.[3] The network of these tubular branching hyphae, called a mycelium, is considered a single organism. The hyphae are generally transparent, so the mycelium appears like very fine, fluffy white threads over the surface. Cross-walls (septa) may delimit connected compartments along the hyphae, each containing one or multiple, genetically identical nuclei. The dusty texture of many molds is caused by profuse production of asexual spores (conidia) formed by differentiation at the ends of hyphae. The mode of formation and shape of these spores is traditionally used to classify molds.[4] Many of these spores are colored, making the fungus much more obvious to the human eye at this stage in its life-cycle.

Molds are considered to be microbes and do not form a specific taxonomic or phylogenetic grouping, but can be found in the divisions Zygomycota and Ascomycota. In the past, most molds were classified within the Deuteromycota.[5]

Molds cause biodegradation of natural materials, which can be unwanted when it becomes food spoilage or damage to property. They also play important roles in biotechnology and food science in the production of various foods, beverages, antibiotics, pharmaceuticals and enzymes. Some diseases of animals and humans can be caused by certain molds: disease may result from allergic sensitivity to mold spores, from growth of pathogenic molds within the body, or from the effects of ingested or inhaled toxic compounds (mycotoxins) produced by molds.[1]

There are thousands of known species of molds, which have diverse life-styles including saprotrophs, mesophiles, psychrophiles and thermophiles and a very few opportunistic pathogens of humans.[6] They all require moisture for growth and some live in aquatic environments. Like all fungi, molds derive energy not through photosynthesis but from the organic matter on which they live, utilising heterotrophy. Typically, molds secrete hydrolytic enzymes, mainly from the hyphal tips. These enzymes degrade complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler substances which can be absorbed by the hyphae. In this way molds play a major role in causing decomposition of organic material, enabling the recycling of nutrients throughout ecosystems. Many molds also synthesise mycotoxins and siderophores which, together with lytic enzymes, inhibit the growth of competing microorganisms. Molds can also grow on stored food for animals and humans, making the food unpalatable or toxic and are thus a major source of food losses and illness.[7] Many strategies for food preservation (salting, pickling, jams, bottling, freezing, drying) are to prevent or slow mold growth as well as growth of other microbes.

Molds reproduce by producing large numbers of small spores,[6] which may contain a single nucleus or be multinucleate. Mold spores can be asexual (the products of mitosis) or sexual (the products of meiosis); many species can produce both types. Some molds produce small, hydrophobic spores that are adapted for wind dispersal and may remain airborne for long periods; in some the cell walls are darkly pigmented, providing resistance to damage by ultraviolet radiation. Other mold spores have slimy sheaths and are more suited to water dispersal. Mold spores are often spherical or ovoid single cells, but can be multicellular and variously shaped. Spores may cling to clothing or fur; some are able to survive extremes of temperature and pressure.

Although molds can grow on dead organic matter everywhere in nature, their presence is visible to the unaided eye only when they form large colonies. A mold colony does not consist of discrete organisms but is an interconnected network of hyphae called a mycelium. All growth occurs at hyphal tips, with cytoplasm and organelles flowing forwards as the hyphae advance over or through new food sources. Nutrients are absorbed at the hyphal tip. In artificial environments such as buildings, humidity and temperature are often stable enough to foster the growth of mold colonies, commonly seen as a downy or furry coating growing on food or other surfaces.

Few molds can begin growing at temperatures of 4C (39F) or below, so food is typically refrigerated at this temperature. When conditions do not enable growth to take place, molds may remain alive in a dormant state depending on the species, within a large range of temperatures. The many different mold species vary enormously in their tolerance to temperature and humidity extremes. Certain molds can survive harsh conditions such as the snow-covered soils of Antarctica, refrigeration, highly acidic solvents, anti-bacterial soap and even petroleum products such as jet fuel.[8]:22

Xerophilic molds are able to grow in relatively dry, salty, or sugary environments, where water activity (aw) is less than 0.85; other molds need more moisture.[9]

The Kji (?) molds are a group of Aspergillus species, notably Aspergillus oryzae, and secondarily A. sojae, that have been cultured in eastern Asia for many centuries. They are used to ferment a soybean and wheat mixture to make soybean paste and soy sauce. Koji molds break down the starch in rice, barley, sweet potatoes, etc., a process called saccharification, in the production of sake, shch and other distilled spirits. Koji molds are also used in the preparation of Katsuobushi.

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Mold - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

What are molds?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children. In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould [PDF - 2.52 MB]. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies, but more research is needed in this regard.

Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by controlling humidity levels and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix the water problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with molds. Since the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly either because of the amount or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining your health risk. If you are susceptible to mold and mold is seen or smelled, there is a potential health risk; therefore, no matter what type of mold is present, you should arrange for its removal. Furthermore, reliable sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable or tolerable quantity of mold have not been established.

Standards for judging what is an acceptable, tolerable, or normal quantity of mold have not been established. If you do decide to pay for environmental sampling for molds, before the work starts, you should ask the consultants who will do the work to establish criteria for interpreting the test results. They should tell you in advance what they will do or what recommendations they will make based on the sampling results. The results of samples taken in your unique situation cannot be interpreted without physical inspection of the contaminated area or without considering the buildings characteristics and the factors that led to the present condition.

You should first consult a family or general health care provider who will decide whether you need referral to a specialist. Such specialists might include an allergist who treats patients with mold allergies or an infectious disease physician who treats mold infections. If an infection is in the lungs, a pulmonary physician might be recommended. Patients who have been exposed to molds in their workplace may be referred to an occupational physician. CDC is not a clinical facility. CDC does not see patients, diagnose illness, provide treatment, prescribe medication, or provide referrals to health care providers.

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CDC - Mold - General Information - Basic Facts

Residential Mold Remediation - Mobile, AL Part Three.
via YouTube Capture.

By: Rob Guthans

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Residential Mold Remediation - Mobile, AL Part Three. - Video

Mold Remediation Margate NJ
Kitchen exterior wall moldy. All Sheetrock removes and sheathing treated.

By: iBGreen

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Mold Remediation Margate NJ - Video

A Superior Mold Remediation and Prevention
A Superior Restoration LLC shows the process for Mold Remediation and Prevention in the home environment.

By: A Superior Restoration LLC

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A Superior Mold Remediation and Prevention - Video

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October 23rd, 2014 4:14 pm by Rick Wagner

KINGSPORT Black mold has prompted Sullivan County school officials to close Indian Springs Elementary School Friday for mold remediation.

All of the school except the mold-affected first- and second-grade classroom sections will reopen Monday, the head of the school system said.

The first-graders will be shifted to another section of the school, while the second-graders will attend class at Indian Springs Baptist Church west campus next door to the school.

According to a Thursday afternoon news release from Director of Schools Jubal Yennie, children in the affected classrooms were relocated Thursday to give maintenance personnel the opportunity to investigate and remediate the affected areas.

Yennie said classroom wing will remain closed until school officials "can confidently assure parents that all mold has been eradicated and the roof has been repaired," according to the release.

The maintenance department for the Sullivan County Department of Education recently repaired roof leaks and identified areas of accumulated moisture, Yennie said.

Precautionary air-quality testing revealed elevated mold spore levels that required further investigation, and maintenance personnel identified areas for mold spore growth in the ceiling area of one of the classrooms, Yennie said.

However, Yennie in a phone interview from the school Thursday afternoon said no students, faculty or staff have reported breathing or other health issues that could be related to the mold.

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Mold closes Sullivan County school

KINGSPORT, Tenn. Indian Springs Elementary School will be closed Friday for mold remediation and repairs to the first and second grade classroom wing.

Children in the affected classrooms were relocated today to give maintenance personnel the opportunity to investigate and remediate the affected areas. According to Director of Schools Jubal Yennie, the classroom wing will remain closed until school officials can confidently assure parents that all mold has been eradicated and the roof has been repaired.

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Indian Springs Elementary School closed on Friday for mold remediation