Indoor Air Quality & Mold

Air Pollution:

 

“With the decline of indoor air quality and increasing environmental health hazards, it is crucial to focus on the quality of indoor air and preventing toxic mold from growing in moisture-prone areas such as laundry rooms, sinks, tubs, and refrigerators. If you see indicators of mold growth, a thorough inspection and clean up is paramount.

Pollution levels in the United States often exceed national air quality standards for common pollutants. Although levels of particle pollution and ground-level ozone pollution are substantially lower than in the past, these levels remain unhealthy in numerous areas of the country. Both pollutants are the result of emissions from diverse sources, traveling long distances and across state lines.

Scientific evidence from the American Lung Association show that long and short-term exposures to fine particle pollution, also known as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), can lead to premature death, cardiovascular issues, increased hospitalizations for heart attacks and strokes. Evidence also links PM to harmful respiratory problems, like asthma attacks.

Black Mold: “Most molds require humidity levels ranging from 35%-70%, while Stachybotrys prefers general humidity over 90%. The lower humidity range associated with common molds is more representative of what is found throughout the average home. Therefore, it is more likely that Stachybotrys will only reside in high humidity areas, while the other common molds have a higher likelihood of residing throughout the house.”

My Experience:

As a survivor of a severe hidden mold problem, I’ve learned a lot about the heightened toxicity levels of mold toxins exacerbated by mold’s tolerance to fungicides used in cement and paints for many years. Companies like Fresh Environment really helped me understand the consequences of living with mold, often undetected mold hidden behind walls, under linoleum, in air ducts, and in carpets.

This story is to caution others against the nightmare I endured due to hidden mold. In my case, there was no visible mold or evidence. It was completely invisible and came from a minor roof leak from the solar water heating panels that had unsealed holes where it was bolted to the roof. This resulted in a three-inch light brown spot on the ceiling and a couple of drops of water coming through, which really didn’t look like much. Within a few days, I noticed I was coughing a wet cough that felt like drowning and water in my lungs. When the testing results came back, the indoor air mold spore count was 365,800 cts/m3. The healthy range is about 1,500 spores per cts/m3. We had to relocate for about 3 months.

The mold contamination affected my daughter’s health, aggravating her lymphoma symptoms. She was originally diagnosed with black mold from an old apartment building she resided in during college. She complained of choking when the heat was on. We discovered the forced hot air was also loaded with mold as a result. 

After living in the house for 15 years, I later discovered that the insurance job did not get rid of all of the mold issues. Test results showed mold in areas such as the dining room, master bathroom, and office. I was working from home and suffered many health issues like fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis, weight gain, memory loss, mental confusion, and stress. I strongly recommend that you avoid toxic cleaners and use bio-friendly ones, like white vinegar, and conduct regular checks for mold in common areas. There are many companies that can provide assistance.I am finally getting back to normal after six years, suffering from extreme arthritis and inflammation and rebuilding my business after several years of setbacks.

Inspired by my experience, this story was in many ways my inspiration in bringing forth the protective healthy building materials patented by my partner. NanoArchitech focuses on providing healthy building materials for new and existing buildings in an increasingly toxic world. Please make an extra effort to check that you have good air circulation, clean vents, and thorough cleanup from any moisture problems. Replace old rugs, sofas, and fabric items. Keep a healthy air flow. If you would like to know more, visit EPA’s website. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Your home is your temple. Stay safe.”

JAN THOREN