Ice dams are an accumulation of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof. When interior heat melts the snow, water can run down and refreeze at the roof's edge, where it's much cooler. If the ice builds up and blocks water from draining off the roof, water is forced under the roof covering and into your attic or down the inside walls of your house.
To help reduce the risk of ice dams:
Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris.
Keep the attic well-ventilated so snow doesn't melt and refreeze on the roof's edge.
Make sure the attic floor is well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Is Black Mold Making You Sick?
Types of Toxic Black Mold Symptoms
Toxic black mold causes serious symptoms and health problems such as mental impairment, breathing problems, damage to internal organs and sometimes even death. The main groups of symptoms toxic black mold causes are:
Mental and neurological symptoms
Respiratory symptoms
Circulatory symptoms
Vision and eye problems
Skin problems
Immune system problems
Reproductive system problems
Tiredness and discomfort
Other illnesses and health effects
Mental & Neurological Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold
The trichothecene mycotoxins produced by toxic black mold are neurotoxic. This means they can kill neurons in the brain and impair a person's mental ability. They also cause nervous disorders such as tremors and can cause personality changes such as mood swings and irritability.
Symptoms:
Confusion
Brain fog
Shortened attention span
Difficulty concentrating and paying attention
Slowed reflexes
Disorientation
Dizziness
Memory loss and memory problems
Impaired learning ability
Hallucinations
Shock
Anxiety
Depression
Aggression and other personality changes
Tingling
Trembling
Shaking
Seizure
Numbness
Respiratory Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold
People living in homes with toxic black mold are exposed mainly through breathing in toxic black mold spores and mycotoxins. Toxic black mold mycotoxins create irritation and a burning feeling in a person's air passages such as the nasal cavity, mouth and throat.
The mycotoxins can even become lodged in the mucus membranes, sinuses and the lungs which then causes a burning feeling, breathing problems and bleeding in the lungs.
Symptoms:
Difficulty breathing - breathlessness or shortness of breath
Wheezing
Coughing
Pulmonary edema - swelling of the lungs
Pulmonary hemorrhage - bleeding in the lungs
Sore throat
Burning sensation of the mouth
Bleeding gums
Runny nose
Itchy nose
Stuffy, blocked nose
Nose bleeds
Circulatory Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold
Toxic black mold mycotoxins can be breathed in, ingested, or absorbed through a person's skin or eyes. Eventually the mycotoxins then find their way into the person's blood. This leads to heart damage, problems with blood clotting and internal or external hemorrhaging.
Symptoms:
Irregular heartbeat
Heart inflammation
Damage to heart
Low blood pressure
Bone marrow disruption
Bleeding tendency
Blood not clotting properly
Hemorrhage - internal bleeding
Vomiting up blood
Bleeding in the brain and in other organs
Vision & Eye Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold
Toxic black mold mycotoxins that are in the air can enter a person's eyes. The mycotoxins are cytotoxic (toxic to cells) and when they come into contact with eye cells they cause inflamed and injured eyes and create vision problems.
Symptoms:
Eye inflammation and soreness
Red or bloodshot eyes
Eye damage
Blurry vision and vision worsening
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)
Skin Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold
Through the skin is one of the three main ways that toxic black mold mycotoxins enter the human body. There have been cases in the past where people have handled hay contaminated with toxic black mold and developed severe rashes and skin problems on their body where they touched the hay, as well as on sweaty areas like the armpits.
Symptoms:
Crawling skin
Dermatitis - skin inflammation, rash, blisters, itchiness
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
Immune System Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold
Toxic black mold puts out chemicals which suppress the immune system. In fact many immunosuppressive drugs are actually created from toxic molds. A person who is immunocompromised from being around toxic black mold will more easily get infections and sicknesses.
Symptoms:
Immunosuppression - immune system not functioning properly
Infections reoccurring
Reproductive System Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold
Mycotoxins from toxic black mold are teratogenic. This means they can cause problems in the fetus during pregnancy which then leads to birth defects. Toxic black mold mycotoxins are also cytoxotic and mutagenic (cause cell mutations) and inhibit protein synthesis including DNA and RNA.
Symptoms:
Infertility
Miscarriage
Impotence
Fetal development problems
Tiredness & Discomfort Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold
When a person is around toxic black mold the immune system may release a sedative called Chloral Hydrate. This is used as a defense to try to slow down the effects of toxic black mold. But this also makes a person tired and causes fatigue. Toxic black mold can also cause soreness of the muscles and joints.
Symptoms:
Chronic fatigue
Drowsiness
Weakness
Aches and pains
Muscle pain
Chest pain
Abdominal pain
Joint pain
Malaise - general discomfort
Headaches
Cold or flu type symptoms or recurring colds
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Other Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold
Symptoms:
Hair loss
Weight loss, anorexia
Hearing loss
Liver disease
Coma
Death
Toxic Black Mold Causes Allergic Symptoms
Like other molds, toxic black mold is allergenic. The spores from toxic black mold cause allergic reactions such as breathing problems, sore eyes, runny nose, itchiness, sneezing and a sore throat.
For a more detailed list of allergic reactions caused by mold visit Mold Symptoms and Allergic Reactions.
Differing Toxic Black Mold Symptoms
Toxic black mold affects different people in different ways. Some people won't experience symptoms as severe as what others experience. Children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are usually the worst affected by toxic black mold.
Toxic Black Mold and Cancer
Experts suspect that toxic black mold can cause cancer, although there still needs to be more research. Some other toxic molds, like Aspergillus for example, definitely cause cancer though. The aflatoxin mycotoxins which Aspergillus produce are among the most powerful carcinogens.
Are Toxic Black Mold Symptoms Permanent?
Once a person is no longer around toxic black mold most of their symptoms should gradually decrease. Some of the health problems caused by toxic black mold are permanent though. For example, after a person has lived with toxic black mold their immune system won't be as strong as it used to be and they'll be more sensitive to mold and mycotoxins in the future.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
The Basics Of Water Damage Equipment
When water damage is involved, each situation is unique and requires careful consideration of a number of factors to ensure that the job is not only done quickly, but properly to prevent mold growth and residual moisture that can cause problems down the line. Depending on the size and scope of the flooding, the location and time of the year, different types of equipment can be utilized to dry out the site.
1. Air Movers
Otherwise known simply as fans, air movers are the most common type of water damage restoration equipment in use these days. The concept is simple: water evaporates when dry air absorbs the lingering moisture, so air movers displace humid air in large enough quantities that speed the process up compared to simply opening the windows or turning the air conditioning on. Air drying is easy and inexpensive compared to other methods; unfortunately, it’s also the slowest method.
Most water damage companies will start with air movers as a foundation for their restoration strategy and utilize other devices in conjunction with them.
2. Dehumidifiers
These devices actively remove humidity from the air instead of moving it around like the fans do. By doing so, they accelerate the process even more when used in conjunction with the air movers. The most common type of dehumidifier is the refrigerant, which works by cooling the air until the humidity condenses. Since cooling the air is less destructive than heating, seeing this unit on-site is almost guaranteed on the majority of jobs. The other type is a desiccant, which extracts water by using chemicals that absorb moisture. This is less common as it can cause damage to common materials used in a home due to its strength.
Dehumifidiers are typically placed in strategic locations according to the moisture readings obtained by the technician.
3. Air Scrubbers
An air scrubber is a device that circulates the air in the environment and has a filter installed to trap particles and gasses. These devices are used to clean the air and make it safe for both the inhabitants and the workers. Without an air scrubber, mold spores and asbestos fibers can be disturbed by the air movers and be scattered everywhere, potentially causing health hazards to humans.
Air scrubbers are typically used on larger jobs where airborne impurities are a concern, as the filters they are fitted with are extremely expensive and their application may not always be needed on smaller restoration jobs.
Since water damage comes in all shapes and sizes, not every piece of equipment will be needed at any given time. The water damage technician assigned to the site will take a moisture reading of the affected area, typically using an infrared sensor, and create a moisture map that indicates the level of humidity in each area. From there on, decisions will be made regarding necessary equipment and placement.
1. Air Movers
Otherwise known simply as fans, air movers are the most common type of water damage restoration equipment in use these days. The concept is simple: water evaporates when dry air absorbs the lingering moisture, so air movers displace humid air in large enough quantities that speed the process up compared to simply opening the windows or turning the air conditioning on. Air drying is easy and inexpensive compared to other methods; unfortunately, it’s also the slowest method.
Most water damage companies will start with air movers as a foundation for their restoration strategy and utilize other devices in conjunction with them.
2. Dehumidifiers
These devices actively remove humidity from the air instead of moving it around like the fans do. By doing so, they accelerate the process even more when used in conjunction with the air movers. The most common type of dehumidifier is the refrigerant, which works by cooling the air until the humidity condenses. Since cooling the air is less destructive than heating, seeing this unit on-site is almost guaranteed on the majority of jobs. The other type is a desiccant, which extracts water by using chemicals that absorb moisture. This is less common as it can cause damage to common materials used in a home due to its strength.
Dehumifidiers are typically placed in strategic locations according to the moisture readings obtained by the technician.
3. Air Scrubbers
An air scrubber is a device that circulates the air in the environment and has a filter installed to trap particles and gasses. These devices are used to clean the air and make it safe for both the inhabitants and the workers. Without an air scrubber, mold spores and asbestos fibers can be disturbed by the air movers and be scattered everywhere, potentially causing health hazards to humans.
Air scrubbers are typically used on larger jobs where airborne impurities are a concern, as the filters they are fitted with are extremely expensive and their application may not always be needed on smaller restoration jobs.
Since water damage comes in all shapes and sizes, not every piece of equipment will be needed at any given time. The water damage technician assigned to the site will take a moisture reading of the affected area, typically using an infrared sensor, and create a moisture map that indicates the level of humidity in each area. From there on, decisions will be made regarding necessary equipment and placement.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Servpro and Contents Restoration
SERVPRO Cleanup & Restoration
Contents Restoration
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals specialize in the restoration of contents damaged by fire, water or mold. Their expertise can help you save money on your loss.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have perfected several methods of cleaning property, including:
Dry Cleaning
Used for the removal of light to medium non-grease based soils, or to pre-clean excess residues prior to wet cleaning.
Wet Cleaning
An effective and aggressive cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
Spray and Wipe
Effective for materials that might be damaged if saturated with cleaning product.
Foam Cleaning
The technique is used primarily for upholstery fabrics that might shrink when wet or whose dyes would likely bleed.
Abrasive Cleaning
Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
Immersion Cleaning
Effective for materials that can withstand being completely saturated with the cleaning product. Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will pretest on all losses to determine what can be restored to preloss condition, helping make it “Like it never even happened.”
Contents Restoration
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals specialize in the restoration of contents damaged by fire, water or mold. Their expertise can help you save money on your loss.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have perfected several methods of cleaning property, including:
Dry Cleaning
Used for the removal of light to medium non-grease based soils, or to pre-clean excess residues prior to wet cleaning.
Wet Cleaning
An effective and aggressive cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
Spray and Wipe
Effective for materials that might be damaged if saturated with cleaning product.
Foam Cleaning
The technique is used primarily for upholstery fabrics that might shrink when wet or whose dyes would likely bleed.
Abrasive Cleaning
Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
Immersion Cleaning
Effective for materials that can withstand being completely saturated with the cleaning product. Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals will pretest on all losses to determine what can be restored to preloss condition, helping make it “Like it never even happened.”
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Repost of Star Ledger Article- Mold Warning Post Sandy
Officials warn Hurricane Sandy victims of mold, asbestos, lead paint
MaryAnn Spoto/The Star-Ledger
Published: Dec 18, 2012, 6:30 AM
TRENTON — As residents and business owners start to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy, state and federal officials are trying to get one message out loud and clear: Beware of hidden health hazards.
At a forum Monday to discuss the health impacts the storm can have on New Jerseyans, the representatives said mold, asbestos and lead paint are of particular concern because of all the do-it-yourselfers who don’t know what they’re doing.
"These are issues that can affect workers, residents that are living in homes and tenants, and also volunteers who are graciously donating their time and their energy to clean up their communities," said Judith Enck, regional administrator for the federal Environmental Protection Agency. "We want to make sure that as the clean up is occurring that there are not problems with exposure to mold, exposure to lead, exposure to asbestos."
Exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems, particularly among those who do not wear the appropriate attire when removing moldy wall board.
Enck was one of six panelists who addressed a crowd of about 100 at the Wall Township headquarters of the Local Union 400 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is starting to fine contractors whose failure to adhere to safety regulations puts workers at risk of health dangers, said Robert Kulick, regional administrator for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration..
Kulick said OSHA is enforcing regulations aimed at preventing the four leading causes of fatalities after hurricanes: falling from high elevations, being electrocuted, being struck by objects and being caught between objects, such as heavy equipment.
"Right now we are looking for those four hazards throughout the impacted areas of New Jersey, New York and Long Island," Kulick said. "We are intervening and we’re removing employees from risk, and when appropriate, we’re issuing citations and penalties to employers who are not responsible and not doing what needs to be done to protect their workers.
He said there have been 12 worker deaths — three in New Jersey — in the New York/New Jersey area. All of the New Jersey cases were workers who were crushed while taking down the remnants of fallen trees, he said.
Cecelia Leto, project director for the New Jersey Work Environment Council, said the forum was a chance to get a more coordinated effort from federal and state agencies to get the health and safety information directly to workers.
"We have a good reach but we’re limited. We can’t get to the front lines as good as we should," she said after the forum.
Rita Dentino, director of Casa Freehold, a Freehold-based advocacy group for immigrants, told the panelists she’s seen many poor residents living in their mold-infested homes.
From the flyers found at these homes explaining the health risks associated with storm cleanup, there’s evidence word is trickling down, but there still needs to be direct training, Dentino said.
"We want workers to be trained," she said.
They also caution that airborne mold can cause respiratory problems and that many people are unknowingly using improper safety attire.
MaryAnn Spoto/The Star-Ledger
Published: Dec 18, 2012, 6:30 AM
TRENTON — As residents and business owners start to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy, state and federal officials are trying to get one message out loud and clear: Beware of hidden health hazards.
At a forum Monday to discuss the health impacts the storm can have on New Jerseyans, the representatives said mold, asbestos and lead paint are of particular concern because of all the do-it-yourselfers who don’t know what they’re doing.
"These are issues that can affect workers, residents that are living in homes and tenants, and also volunteers who are graciously donating their time and their energy to clean up their communities," said Judith Enck, regional administrator for the federal Environmental Protection Agency. "We want to make sure that as the clean up is occurring that there are not problems with exposure to mold, exposure to lead, exposure to asbestos."
Exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems, particularly among those who do not wear the appropriate attire when removing moldy wall board.
Enck was one of six panelists who addressed a crowd of about 100 at the Wall Township headquarters of the Local Union 400 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is starting to fine contractors whose failure to adhere to safety regulations puts workers at risk of health dangers, said Robert Kulick, regional administrator for the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration..
Kulick said OSHA is enforcing regulations aimed at preventing the four leading causes of fatalities after hurricanes: falling from high elevations, being electrocuted, being struck by objects and being caught between objects, such as heavy equipment.
"Right now we are looking for those four hazards throughout the impacted areas of New Jersey, New York and Long Island," Kulick said. "We are intervening and we’re removing employees from risk, and when appropriate, we’re issuing citations and penalties to employers who are not responsible and not doing what needs to be done to protect their workers.
He said there have been 12 worker deaths — three in New Jersey — in the New York/New Jersey area. All of the New Jersey cases were workers who were crushed while taking down the remnants of fallen trees, he said.
Cecelia Leto, project director for the New Jersey Work Environment Council, said the forum was a chance to get a more coordinated effort from federal and state agencies to get the health and safety information directly to workers.
"We have a good reach but we’re limited. We can’t get to the front lines as good as we should," she said after the forum.
Rita Dentino, director of Casa Freehold, a Freehold-based advocacy group for immigrants, told the panelists she’s seen many poor residents living in their mold-infested homes.
From the flyers found at these homes explaining the health risks associated with storm cleanup, there’s evidence word is trickling down, but there still needs to be direct training, Dentino said.
"We want workers to be trained," she said.
They also caution that airborne mold can cause respiratory problems and that many people are unknowingly using improper safety attire.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
SERVPRO and Mold
SERVPRO and Mold
SERVPRO Mold Cleanup & Restoration
Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of mold may present health concerns. It is essential for the health of you and your family, as well as the protection of your property, to address the issue and arrange for professionals to conduct mold removal and mold remediation as soon as the presence of mold is identified.
Water damages can cause mold growth in your home or business, therefore it is important to have your water damage cleaned promptly and professionally.
Signs of the presence of excessive mold include:
The presence of visible mold.
Strong, musty odors.
Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
Excessive humidity.
Mold Damage Removal
If you think you might have a mold problem, call SERVPRO at 1-866-361-3400 to schedule an inspection or mold removal.
In most water damage situations, mold growth is not a problem, and SERVPRO can safely restore your home or business to preloss condition. The need to address the mold removal can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection.
Mold Remediation
In some situations an indoor air quality professional will be required to create a restoration plan for your home. SERVPRO is experienced at carrying out the assigned mold remediation plan and working to make it "Like it Never Even Happened."
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Water Damage Can Be Deceptive
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), during a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. But failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the flood.
Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent relative humidity. Between 30 and 50 percent is ideal.
Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. Foul odors will begin to permeate the air, and then damage spreads to materials that become delaminated, shrunken, split and further deteriorated until required repairs become quite costly. Dealing with the moisture and odor first will prevent such extensive damage.
Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent relative humidity. Between 30 and 50 percent is ideal.
Water damage can be deceptive. Water penetrates into structural cavities creating trapped pockets of saturation. Undetected moisture will continue to cause damage. Foul odors will begin to permeate the air, and then damage spreads to materials that become delaminated, shrunken, split and further deteriorated until required repairs become quite costly. Dealing with the moisture and odor first will prevent such extensive damage.
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