Toxic Mould

Stachybotrys chartarum, which is also known as the toxic mold. This fungus may produce spores, which are poisonous by inhalation. ‘The common places for mould to grow in houses is wallpaper, flooring, behind wall tiles and on window frames,’ explains Professor Richardson. He adds: ‘It can form in any poorly ventilated house, no matter how grand or ordinary, but it’s especially likely where there is moisture leaking.’ A leaking radiator is often a mould hotspot - you may not even be able to see that a radiator is leaking, but even a small leak can be enough to wet the back wall and the carpet beneath. Professor Roy Watling, an authority on fungi and formerly head of mycology at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, says: 'When you walk around on the damp carpet, mould spores are released into the atmosphere, which you can then inhale. ‘Those most at risk of health problems caused by household moulds are children and babies, the elderly and those in poor health.’ Breathing in mould spores can have one of two effects - it can cause an infection, which usually strikes people with a weakened immune system. Mould can also cause allergic reactions, particularly asthma, as the immune system reacts to the spores when they make their way into the upper airways and sinuses. Symptoms of a mould problem include coughing, constant tiredness, eye and throat irritation, headaches, skin irritation or nausea.

Important Issues About Mould and How It Effects Your Children.

Important Issues About Mould and How It Effects Your Children. By: Jim Corkern Whether it is asthma, the flu, bronchitis, or any other type of illness, all parents are concerned with the long term effects of these conditions and what causes or aggravates them. Mould has somewhat taken centre stage in the list of things in your home that can cause adverse health effects for not only children and the elderly, but anyone else living in your home at the time, as well. Not only can mould cause the aggravation of allergies and respiratory conditions such as asthma and emphysema, but it can also be toxic and cause long term medical conditions that can even end in death in some severe cases. Due to their underdeveloped nature compared to adults, children are much more at risk to face the health effects of mould exposure than their adult counterparts. If your child has allergies, you probably keep an eye on their exposure to them on a daily basis, as well you should, but have you had your home tested for mould? If you have not, then you probably should. Your child's immune system is in development in the early years of its life and you should do what you can to make sure that the natural maturing process is not disturbed. Educate yourself about the different symptoms that can be caused from mould exposure, since many doctors are not particularly aware of the complex symptoms that can come about from the exposure. If you believe that your home has mould and your child is sick, relate this to your child's pediatrician. Infants are the most at risk, obviously, and if you suspect there is mold in your home anywhere, you should remove the child from the environment immediately and have tests done to determine if the mould is cosmetic or not. Hemorrhagic pneumonia can be caused by mould exposure in an infant and deaths have been reported. If your home has been flooded and your child's toys were exposed to flood waters, anything porous needs to be thrown away. This includes stuffed animals, pillows, and other bedding. These are no longer safe for your child to play with. Even mattresses need to be thrown out and replaced, because of the recent link between mould, crib mattresses, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

How do moulds affect people?

How do molds affect people? Some people are sensitive to moulds. For these people, exposure to moulds 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 moulds 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 mould 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. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mould 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.

Household mould may cause people with asthma to develop severe forms of the disease, a study suggests. Researchers in France have found a strong link between people who are sensitive to the type of mould that can sometimes be found on plants and paintwork in the home, and those who have life-threatening asthma attacks. They believe mould, more than any other allergens, including dust mites or cats, may be responsible for triggering severe asthma. Sensitive to allergens Each of the participants was tested to gauge whether their asthma symptoms got worse when exposed to a variety of allergens. These included household mould, dust mites, a type of grass and cats. The study found that three out of four people were sensitive to at least one allergen, with grass and dust mites topping the list. Two out of three people were sensitive to two or more allergens. Almost one in five was allergic to a plant fungus or mould that typically grows on dead plants, damp walls or paintwork and old food. Those who were sensitive to these moulds were much more likely to have a severe form of asthma. There was not a similar link with pollens or cats. Writing in the British Medical Journal, the authors suggested this may be because mould spores are much smaller and can reach the lower airways where they can cause most damage. In addition, these spores were present in the home where people generally spent most of their time. The authors called on doctors to tell patients about the risks. "Those people with asthma who are sensitised to airborne moulds should be educated to pay careful attention to symptoms and comply with treatment," they said. "Patients should be encouraged to decrease exposure by avoiding indoor conditions that facilitate the growth of moulds - for example, by better ventilation and by decreasing dampness." Intervention study Professor Martyn Partridge, chief medical adviser to the National Asthma Campaign, welcomed the study. "This report could be a very important study for people with asthma. What has been demonstrated is an 'association' between mould sensitisation and severe asthma. "We cannot be certain that this is a cause and effect relationship but it might be." "What is now needed is an intervention study and this would need to be in two parts; firstly looking to see if a reduced exposure to moulds prevented those with asthma moving into the severe category, and secondly seeing if reducing exposure to moulds by those with severe asthma improves control of the disease." Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2209415.stm

Researchers at the Institute for Lung Health at the University of Leicester and Glenfield Hospital, examined the impact on asthmatics of a common environmental mould, Aspergillus fumigatus, usually found in soil and compost heaps - their report has been published A report published in the December 2010 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Professor Andy Wardlaw from the University of Leicester said: “Asthma is a very common condition where the breathing tubes (bronchi) can go into spasm making it difficult to breathe. Around a fifth of adults with severe asthma, which they have had for a long time, get permanent (fixed) narrowing of their bronchi. It is known that A. fumigatus can grow in the lungs of some people with asthma and mould allergy, which can cause severe lung damage.
“This problem is thought to only affect a very small number of people with asthma; however, about half of people with severe asthma have evidence of allergy to moulds like A. fumigatus.”

 http://www.horticulture-news.com/common-garden-mould-found-growing-in-asthmati

Fungus and mildew are seen as triggers for asthma

. Ireland already has the fourth highest incidence of asthma in the world and allergies are rising fast. Alarmingly things may be getting worse: recently the World Health Organisation has found that as many as third of Irish children now have asthma. 
Condensation is the formation of liquid water from air when the temperature of the air reaches its dew point.  This is most lightly to occur during winter months when the walls are cold and the internal air is warm especially in locations where the relative humidity of the internal air is high   Bathrooms and kitchens are common locations where this occurs, but also bedrooms in the early hours of the morning

Asthma and Mould

Moulds are types of fungi that grow indoors and outdoors in damp, dark places, and usually have a musty smell. there are different species of mould. Moulds release tiny seeds called spores into the air, which can trigger asthma symptoms in some people. Mould spores are found in any damp place - from piles of autumn leaves and woody areas to bathrooms, kitchens and even piles of damp clothes. The spores that moulds give off may cause allergic reactions throughout the year.

Black mold in the bedroom

We too have serious black mold in the bedroom. It can be caused by warm air touching the cold walls.
Ours has become worse since we got better heating in the house!
From what i have read, the mold likes paper. This seems to be so in our bedroom as the Mold is on the wallpapered wall and the dry-lined wall! The walls that have no paper that are just painted walls, have no mold!
We now have a dehumidifier and I have been told there is something to put into paint that stops the growth of the mold so I am going to research into that this week.
It has been such high humidity this year with all the rain that it is a real problem.
I think moving to somewhere warmer and drier would swing it for me!! :-)

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2012 September 24th – 30th

The dangers associated with carbon monoxide are promoted to the general public every year through television, radio, press, digital and direct mail advertising.  This year, however, in an effort to do something different and to generate greater public engagement on the subject of carbon monoxide, a dedicated Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is being held from September 24th to September 30th.  

Importantly, the week is aimed at all carbon fuel users.

Remember, Remember, Remember
As you can see from this website there are many messages related to the dangers of carbon monoxide that need to be promoted.  For Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, the public are being asked to remember three things that can help protect them against this silent killer using the mnemonic Remember, Remember, Remember;

Remember
the causes – Carbon Monoxide can be produced when ANY fuel is burnt, including oil, gas, wood and coal.
Remember
to service – To prevent Carbon Monoxide, ensure your appliances are installed and serviced annually by a Registered Gas Installer, a Registered Oil Technician, or a qualified service agent for your fuel type.  Also make sure vents, flues and chimneys are kept clear.
Remember
the alarm – Carbon Monoxide is odourless and colourless so for added protection install an audible carbon monoxide alarm.  Make sure the alarm complies with EN 50291, carries a CE mark, has an end of life indicator and carries an independent certification mark.
Fuel customers will receive a Carbon Monoxide information leaflet with their bill in the run up to the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week.

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon Monoxide (also known as CO) is a colourless, odourless poisonous gas and is a common yet preventable cause of death from poisoning worldwide. Approximately half of the deaths from unintentional CO poisonings result from the inhalation of smoke from fires. Other significant causes are vehicle exhausts and deaths in industrial / commercial settings. On average between 1 and 2 people die each year in Ireland from unintentional CO poisoning in the home in incidents related to domestic heating or other fossil fuel installations in the home (i.e. excluding the inhalation of smoke from fires).

The incomplete combustion of organic fossil fuels such as oil, gas or coal is a common environmental source of CO and is responsible for many cases of non-fatal unintentional CO poisoning.
In normal conditions the combustion process (the addition of oxygen) will result in carbon in the fossil fuel, combining with oxygen, in the air, to produce Carbon Dioxide (CO2), the same substance we exhale when we breathe.
However, if there is a lack of air for the combustion process or the heating appliance is faulty, Carbon Monoxide can be produced.
When CO is inhaled into the body it combines with the blood, preventing it from absorbing oxygen. If a person is exposed to CO over a period, it can cause illness and even death.
Carbon Monoxide has no smell, taste or colour. This is why it is sometimes called the "Silent Killer".
Carbon Monoxide alarms can be used as a backup to provide a warning to householders in the event of a dangerous build up of CO. Check that the Carbon Monoxide alarm complies with the EN 50291 standard. Remember that Carbon Monoxide alarms are no substitute for regular inspection and maintenance of appliances, vents, flues and chimneys.

Stop Mould, Testing in Ireland, Dublin. Odour removal, cleaning black mould. Buy on line to stop mould.

www.stopmould.ie    Visit the only dedicated mould store to sort your mould problems

Free property listings www.agentfreeproperty.com

ADVANTAGES TO SELLING WITHOUT AN ESTATE AGENT
By cutting out the estate agent, you can pocket the 1.5% (on average) commission they charge. For example, if you sell your home for €400,000 you would save €7,000 !!!! on commission and VAT.
By selling your property yourself, you have the option of lowering the asking price by up to 1.5% (since you don't have to pay a commission). This will clearly attract more buyers. The buyer will be getting a great deal, while you' are still netting more money than you would have had you used an agent - even if you reduce your house price by the agents full commission, you still save on the VAT that is added to this commission

Aspergillus was found in Dublin houses!!Warning!!!

Aspergillus is the name of the mold associated with a variety of diseases caused by the mold Aspergillosis. The widespread forms are allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis, pulmonary aspergilloma and invasive aspergillosis.
Humans breathe in Aspergillus spores every day. Aspergillosis exploit individuals who have an immune deficiancy system, by disease or from immune assited drugs that keep the immune system in check, and this is a leading cause in death from acute leukaemia. On the other hand, it may also develop as an allergic response. The most common cause is Aspergillus fumigatus.
A fungus nest in the lungs may cause no symptoms and only discovered with a chest X-ray. Repeated coughing up of blood and severe, fatal, bleeding. A rapidly persistent Aspergillus infestation in the lung causes cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

Aspergillosis also impinge on the deeper tissues making a person very ill. Warning signs include fever, chills, shock, disorientation, and blood clots, which also develops into kidney failure, liver failure, and breathing difficulties. Death can occur quickly.

Aspergillosis in the ear canal results in itching and occasionally pain. Fluid leaking from the ear, and sinuses the sense of congestion or pain and discharge.

Aspergillosis kills people with compromised immune systems. Other diseases caused by known pathogenic molds are: Blast mycosis, Candidiasis, Coccidioido mycosis, Cryptococcus, Histoplasmosis, Paracoccidio mycosis, Sporotrichosis, and Zygomycosis, many of these diseases come in more than one form, and they all infect nearly any part of the body.

Visit Online Shop

Stop_Mould_online_shop

New product for bathroom mould has just arrived

Tableau Mould Spray

 

Use Tableau Mould and Mildew Remover Spray for the fast removal of mould and mildew in your kitchen or bathroom. Tableau Mould and Mildew Remover effectively removes black mould and mildew stains from grouting, silicone sealant and marble.

Tableau Mould and Mildew Remover Spray is ideal for damp areas both inside and outside the home, such as, bath and shower rooms, saunas, swimming pool surrounds, garages, utility areas, sheds and toilets.

Please visit Mould Busters Shop for more details

Mould in apartment

Because of the temperature differences between the street and the apartment, there is a high humidity in the room, the livingroom and the bathroom, so I found extremly big black mould smudges under the windows, around the windows, in the corners under the windows area, behind the toilet, behind the bed on the wall, close to the floor, and specially in the bedroom, behind the bed on the floor after few days I found moisture condensation.

Ten things you should know about Mould

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
   
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
   
3. If mould is a problem in your home, you must clean up the mould and eliminate sources of moisture.
   
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mould growth.
   
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mould growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
   
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
   
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
   
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
   
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
   
10. Moulds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are moulds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Mould problems in our homes

Mould is recognised as a potential health hazard and mould growth within the indoor environment has long been linked with poor health and property damage.

The risk of this is assessed according exposure time, species and quantity. Mould spores are the most significant bio-pollutant of the indoor environment and most properties have mould in some form or another, often hidden behind surface finishes in voids and stud partitions.