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Dear SBS, Thank
you for contacting us and sharing a problem that is very common in many of our
homes and buildings today. Indoor air pollution can be as much as 10 to 100 times
more polluted than outdoor air. Mold is not only an aesthetic problem, but one
that can cause tremendous health problems. Dr. Kenneth Hellevang, of the NDSU
Extension Service comments : “Exposure to mold can cause cold-like symptoms,
respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion, watery eyes, sore throat, coughing
and skin irritations, and can trigger asthma attacks. Because some mold spores
are very small and can easily be breathed deeply into the lungs, it is not safe
to live in houses with high mold levels. Exposure to high mold spore levels can
cause development of an allergy to mold. People can react to mold whether it is
living or dead." As you can see, this is a problem that needs correcting
immediately. We will look at some steps you can take to remove the mold,
and additional recommendations to “keep” the mold from reoccuring. As
mold can cause many health concerns, it is important to wear a protective mask
or respirator while working. Wear rubber gloves, eye protection, and clothing
that can be put right into the laundry. Doesn’t sound very glamorous, but
your health comes first! Clean and remove mold: traditionally a
bleach and water mixture has been used and is very effective in cleaning and disinfecting
the area. I would like to recommend some non toxic healthier products such as
HydroxiPro. When done, rinse the entire area with clean water, and use fans, open
windows, or dehumidifiers to dry as rapidly as possible.
Seal the area: Try
a product such as Safecoat X158 to seal the area of concern.
Repaint: If you
have never used a “green” or healthy paint before, now is the time.
There are many wonderful choices to be found including: Bio Shield, AFM Safecoat,
and Benjamin Moore Eco Spec. These are available in many beautiful colors.
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