Mold Facts

Over the last several years many homeowners have become aware of the concerns surrounding mold growth in their homes. While we at Nu-View are opposed to using mold fears to frighten customers into purchasing our abatement services, however we do believe that an understanding of mold and it's possible toxic effects is important to all of our customers.

The following is an excerpt from the Center for Disease Control's website. The entire document can be found at:
www.epa.gov/iag/molds/moldguide.html

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?

Magnified mold spores

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold.

How do I get rid of mold?

Molds gradually destroy the things they grow on. You can prevent damage to your home and furnishings, save money, and avoid potential health problems by controlling moisture and eliminating mold growth.

It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors; some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in house dust. The mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

What the CDC, and other public health services agree on is that in order to protect your home from mold, you first must protect it from moisture.

Nu-View will eliminate your mold and moisture concerns with basement waterproofing that eliminates the sources of moisture. Mold spores will be removed or neutralized through a combination of HEPA vacuums, air scrubbers, fungicides and containment techniques which help prevent unwanted spread of existing mold throughout your home.