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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Manhattan, New York City, NYC Five boros - Toxic Mold removal and inspection companies help tenants!

It’s the beginning of the spring season in New York City. The weather is getting hotter and the flowers and trees are in bloom. With the new season coming in there is a growing concern for homeowners and businesses, Mold. Humidity rises to a season high, perfect for the growth of mold and other parasitic beings. Many types of mold and fungi are harmful to our bodies and are completely invisible to the naked eye. Mold can grow anywhere where there is enough humidity and organic food sources; this is why it is important to get your home or business inspected immediately.

www.FiveBoroMoldSpecialist.com

Mold can damage the structural support of a building or dwelling and more importantly mold can adversely affect the health of those in contact with their spores. Mold eats away at any substance it grows on; causing it to weaken it till it is completely destroyed. Some forms of mold are extremely toxic and can cause significant damage to your respiratory system. Some of these forms like Aspergillus, Fusarium, Stachybotrys can cause serious health issues. Professional inspection and remediation is the key to protecting your friends, family, co-workers, and investments.

Not only can mold cause damage to your property but it can make you sick as well. Some of the health risks include: respiratory problems, nasal congestion, eye irritation, dry cough, throat irritation, skin rashes and even miscarriage. Furthermore, exposure to mold has also been linked to cancer. High mold counts account for the suffering of people allergic to the spores molds release when trying to reproduce. Those tiny spores enter the body through the nose, mouth and skin, causing runny noses, headaches, watery eyes and skin rashes. Some species of mold, such as Stachybotrys also referred to as toxic black mold, can cause severe problems such as memory loss, lung diseases and even brain damage.

One way you can tell if you have mold is by two key factors sight and/or smell. If you notice discoloration on your walls and/or ceilings or if you noticed that your paint is peeling it could be a sign of mold growth. Most people consider mold having an earthy or musty smell. If you see or smell mold, you should have an inspection of your home immediately, to identify & rectify the source of the mold growth

Mold has been an issue for homeowners since the biblical days. In Leviticus 14:33-45, the Lord tells Moses and Aaron how to rid a house of mold. First ask a priest to inspect it. Then scrape the inside walls and throw all contaminated materials in an unclean part of town. If that doesn't work, the house ''must be torn down -- its stones, timbers and all the plaster.'' Mold is a serious matter and always will be this is why it is suggested that you have your home inspected immediately by a trained professional.

source: FPR


The keys to preventing mold growth within your home or business is moisture control. Water and moisture is essential for mold to have any chance of survival. In order to control moisture you must fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the home as soon as possible. Watch for condensation and wet spots. Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible. Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity (rh), ideally 30-50%, if possible. Perform regular building HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled. Make sure you clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours. Don't let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation. These preventative measures will help to avoid mold growth, but you should always have an annual inspection to make sure there is no mold or water damage you can not see.

www.nymoldinspections.com

At Hamilton County's Department of Environmental Services (DES), a machine captures mold spores out of the air each weekday. Those spores are then counted under a microscope - about 250,000 spores can fit on the head of a pin - to come up with the daily mold count, published on the Enquirer weather page. Harry St. Clair is in charge of DES's air quality division. He says his data show the mold count was up about 15 percent this summer (cited from Enquirer 2003). Spores are mold's means of reproduction, released into the air to land on a surface suitable for growth. “About 20 percent of the population is sensitive to the chemicals released by spores,” says Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati who also runs the Bernstein Allergy Group Inc. “Those chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are produced when the spores feed on flesh, plants or other organic material. That musty smell represents VOCs being released," Bernstein explains. "It's very bothersome for some people." A 1999 Mayo Clinic study blames molds for most of the chronic sinus infections that afflict 37 million Americans each year. More recent studies associate mold with allergies, asthma attacks and an increased susceptibility to colds and flu.
Source:

www.reliablemoldremoval.com

We at Environmental Specialist are trained in inspecting, identifying and remediating mold issues within any building. We pride ourselves on helping hundreds of families overcome their mold situations for over a decade. Our certified technicians can give you a peace of mind with their thorough evaluation in order to determine the most effective way to get rid of mold in your property. Our inspections consist of the extraction of air cassette samples from both inside and outside your property for comparison of higher or abnormal mold levels as well as swab samples from surfaces in your home. With these samples, the lab then determines the type of mold as well as the severity of the growth present. We use state of the art technology such as infrared cameras and moisture readers to detect any areas of excess moisture that may have resulted in mold growth. Our technicians will be able to provide you with a fully detailed report explaining the lab results, interpreting the moisture readings and providing a treatment process necessary to eliminate the mold in your home as well as prevent any future growth. Our staff is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in mold remediation and treats each home on a unique basis, providing you and your loved ones with a clean and healthy environment.

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Friday, May 1, 2009


What is mold? How can I tell if I have it in my home or workplace? What are some of the common places for mold growth? Is mold a serious problem? What are the health risks associated with mold exposure? What should I do if I suspect mold growth in my residence? These are some of the questions that most homeowners today ask when dealing with mold. Here at Five Boro we want to help our customers understand mold and the potential risk that come with it and what they can do about it. Here are some facts about mold so you can grasp a better understanding of our company and what we do.

Mold is a fungus that appears in areas of a property that have been exposed to water. Mold only needs three things to grow: moisture, warmth and an organic material to feed on such as wood or dirt. Mold grows by feeding on the material and in the process destroys it. Mold travels by releasing countless spores through the air that we breathe, thereby causing various health risk in both humans and animals when exposed in high quantities.

One way you can tell if you have mold’s by two key factors sight and/or smell. If you notice discoloration on your walls and/or ceilings or if you noticed that your paint is peeling it could be a sign of mold growth. Most people consider mold having an earthy or musty smell. If you see or smell mold, you should have an inspection of your home immediately, to identify & rectify the source of the mold growth.
Mold can grow wherever there is moisture present. For mold growth include common places such as basements or cellars that have been flooded, underneath kitchen or bathroom sinks, underneath or behind refrigerators, anywhere that has plumbing, around air conditioning units, even under wet carpet.
Mold can be a serious problem. Untreated, mold can damage your furniture and even your clothes can be soiled with mold. If not treated mold can cause severe structural damage to your home and the contents in it.
Not only can mold cause damage to your property but it can make you sick as well. Some of the health risks include: respiratory problems, nasal congestion, eye irritation, dry cough, throat irritation, skin rashes and even miscarriage. Furthermore, exposure to mold has also been linked to cancer. High mold counts account for the suffering of people allergic to the spores molds release when trying to reproduce. Those tiny spores enter the body through the nose, mouth and skin, causing runny noses, headaches, watery eyes and skin rashes. Some species of mold, such as Stachybotrys also referred to as toxic black mold, can cause severe problems such as memory loss, lung diseases and even brain damage.

At Hamilton County's Department of Environmental Services (DES), a machine captures mold spores out of the air each weekday. Those spores are then counted under a microscope - about 250,000 spores can fit on the head of a pin - to come up with the daily mold count, published on the Enquirer weather page. Harry St. Clair is in charge of DES's air quality division. He says his data show the mold count was up about 15 percent this summer (cited from Enquirer 2003). Spores are mold's means of reproduction, released into the air to land on a surface suitable for growth. “About 20 percent of the population is sensitive to the chemicals released by spores,” says Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati who also runs the Bernstein Allergy Group Inc. “Those chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are produced when the spores feed on flesh, plants or other organic material. That musty smell represents VOCs being released," Bernstein explains. "It's very bothersome for some people." A 1999 Mayo Clinic study blames molds for most of the chronic sinus infections that afflict 37 million Americans each year. More recent studies associate mold with allergies, asthma attacks and an increased susceptibility to colds and flu.
Source: http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2003/08/24/loc_wwwloc1amold24.html

In the case of mold growth you should contact a professional immediately. We at Five Boro have over 15 years of experience in mold remediation and water damage prevention having serviced homeowners as well as businesses in the NYC area in such locations(but not limited to) TriBeCa, SoHo, Chelsea, Upper and Lower East Side as well as Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. We use the latest in mold inspection & remediation technology such as infrared cameras that detect leaks and excess moisture behind the walls. Our certified and experienced staff is extremely knowledgeable in mold inspection and remediation and will provide the necessary process needed to eliminate the mold in your home while preventing future mold growth. Since no two houses are the same you can rest assured that your home will be treated on an individual basis. So if you have a mold problem please don’t wait any longer, contact us for an inspection. What may seem like a insignificant mold problem can result to further contamination not only for your home and may possibly be affecting your health and well-being as well turn into a big problem not only for your home but for your health and well-being as well.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

The 6 Step Process For Mold Inspection


We at East Coast Mold Specialist have a 6 step process for Mold Inspection in your home. This process will help us inspect your house with the highest quality of accuracy and standards. The process entails;

1) We send down two certified technicians to the property to do a full house inspection.

2) They take air samples-to check if there is mold in the air, and swab samples off the actual surface itself.

3) In addition to that, they take infrared cameras to show clearly what is growing behind the walls, and moisture readers to see if there is any excess moisture or condensation behind the walls to determine the source of the mold growth-such as any moisture interference etc.

4) We also use particle counters in the home as well as outside to determine the amount of negative particles that are in elevated levels compared to outside.

5) Within 2-3 business days we receive the lab results and submit them to you, along with a full report from our company detailing the findings of the technician-A. If there is mold. B. How severe the growth is. C. The process necessary to remove the mold. D. How to prevent the mold from reoccurring, along with the infrared pictures pertaining to your home.

6) The cost for the inspection is $550 and that includes air testing, swab sampling, infrared technology and moisture readings and a detailed report clarifying the type of mold present, if it is toxic or non-toxic, how severe the growth is, how fast it is growing as well as the health symptoms relating to this form of mold. If the mold growth has escalated to another floor, additional tests are required at a cost of $100/test. If mold removal is necessary, the $550 gets applied towards the fee of the mold removal.

We use State of the art equipment, including infrared cameras, moisture readers, air tests, tape lifts and swab samples to offer the most detailed home inspection, as well as prevention and removal processes. Providing you with the highest air quality standards is our goal. We are proud to inform our community that all our technicians are New York State and City Certified.

Call East Coast Mold Specialist today for your full environmental home inspection and removal services! Call Toll free at : 1-888-526-7691


Wednesday, April 15, 2009

What is Aspergillus?


Aspergillus has close to 200 species and varieties. This mold is widely distributed from the arctic region to the tropics and is frequently found in air, soil, and stored agricultural products. Aspergillus was first catalogued in 1729 by the Italian priest and biologist Pier Antonio Micheli. After viewing the fungi under a microscope, Micheli was reminded of the shape of an aspergillum (holy water sprinkler), and named the genus accordingly.

Harmful effects of Aspergillus to our lives

Many species can cause infection in humans and other animals. Some infections found in animals have been studied for years. Some species found in animals have been described as new and specific to the investigated disease and others have been known as names already in use for organisms such as saprophytes. For humans there is a range of diseases such as infection to the external ear, skin lesions, and ulcers classed as mycetomas. Some of this species of mold can cause serious health issues in humans and animals, and can be pathogenic. The most common causing mold types are Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Aspergillus flavus produces aflatoxin which is both a toxin and a carcinogen, and which can potentially contaminate foods such as nuts. The most common species causing allergic disease is Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus clavatus.

Species of Aspergillus produce dry, hydrophobic spores that are easily inhaled. Inhaling spores of Aspergillus, particularly those of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus frequently cause pulmonary aspergillosis, either allergic, or invasive or a combination of the two. Aspergillus flavus produces the highly potent mycotoxin called aflatoxin which over the years has been reported as the cause of death in humans and animals. In 2004 aflatoxin killed over 100 people in an East African country who consumed grains infested by Aspergillus flavus. Many other species of Aspergillus such as Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus versicolor are also known to be toxigenic or allergenic. Instant action is required when growth of these molds appear in occupied indoor environment.

Because of their ability to produce a large number of enzymes, species of Aspergillus are capable of utilizing an enormous variety of organic material for food. Therefore, under humid conditions, Aspergillus species grow on leather, cloth fabrics and books reducing their value and imparting musty odor to these items. Several species are frequently found on grains and exposed foodstuffs where they cause decay and subsequent loss of food.

Aspergillosis is the group of diseases caused by Aspergillus. The most common subtype among paranasal sinus infections associated with aspergillosis is aspergillus fumigatus. The symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain or breathlessness, which also occur in many other illnesses so diagnosis can be difficult. Usually, only patients with already weakened immune systems or who suffer other lung conditions are susceptible.

Occurrence of Aspergillus species in indoor environmentSpecies of Aspergillus have been isolated from damp walls, wallpaper, PVC/paper wall covering, gypsum board, floor, carpet and mattress dust, upholstered-furniture dust , acrylic paint, UFFI, leather, HVAC insulations, filters and fans, humidifier water, shoes, leather, bird droppings, potted plant soil, plastic and decomposing wood.Aspergillus fumigatus is frequently found in kitchens and bathrooms while in mattresses and carpets, Aspergillus versicolor and Aspergillus repens are common. Asperillus versicolor and Aspergillus fumigatus are also common in basements. Species of Aspergillus frequently found in flower pot soil are Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus.Generally the amount of airborne spores of Aspergillus in indoor air is higher than outdoors at any given time. In the home, the amount of airborne spores is significantly increased when cleaning is carried out mechanically, for example, when carpets are vacuum cleaned.

It is important to make sure your home is free of this damaging and life threatening mold. We at East Coast Mold Specialist are professionals and have over a decade of experience in handling inspection and mold remediation. We use the most advance technologies in order to detect mold, from infrared imaging, swab sampling, air sampling, all laboratory tested.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Molds affect on me


What is Mold? 
Molds are simple microscopic organisms that are virtually everywhere. Mold, mushrooms, yeast and fungi break down dead decaying material and recycle nutrients in the environment. In order for mold to grow and reproduce they need organic materials like wood, paper, leaves and moisture to thrive on. Sometimes new mold colonies grow on top of old mold colonies and you can visibly see the mold growth. Infected materials can often be seen discolored, most times green, gray, brown, black or many other colors. Molds release tiny spores throughout the air that spread mold to other areas, also known as cross-contamination.

How does Mold affect me?

Everyday people are exposed to normal levels of mold and seem not to be negatively affected. Most times these spores come from the outdoor sources that most people are unaware of. Mold becomes an issue when large quantities are inside of the home. According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency "All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma in people allergic to mold." When living under these conditions mold can damage your and your family in multiple ways:


  • Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath

  • Nasal & sinus congestion

  • Eye irritation (burning, watery, or reddened eyes)

  • Dry, Hacking cough

  • Nose or throat irritation

  • Skin rashes or irritation

  • Miscarriage
Mold can affect anyone; mold can also do extensive damage to those with existing health problems:

  • Individuals with existing respiratory conditions, such as allergies, chemical sensitivities, or asthma

  • Persons with weakened immune systems (such as people with cancer on chemotherapy, and so forth)

  • Infants and young children

  • The elderly

  • Pregnant Women

Anyone with health problems they believe has been casued by and/or related to mold growth should consult a medical professional.

How much Mold could make me sick?
It depends. For some, a very small amount of mold spores can trigger asthma attacks and other health issues. For others it might take a higher amount of exposure to trigger negative health affects. Nonetheless indoor mold is unsanitary and harmful when in high quantities. If you smell or see mold inside of your home take steps to identify and eliminate any excess moisture,causing the growth, by contacting a certified professional to accurately diagnose and treat the condition.
Where can I find mold?
Mold grows and multiplies in the right conditions; when sufficient moisture and organic material are present. Be on the lookout in your home for these common sources of indoor moisture that may cause an infestation:

  • Flooding

  • Leaky roofs

  • Sprinkler spray hitting the house

  • Plumbing leaks

  • Humidifiers

  • Overflow from sinks or sewers

  • Damp basement or crawl spaces

  • Steam from showers or cooking

  • Wet clothes drying indoors or clothes dryers exhausting indoors

How we can help.
East Coast Mold Specialist provide many services to help you combat Mold. We have over a decade of experience in mold remediation and water damage prevention for the New York Metropolitan area. Our company has serviced homeowners, landlords, tenants, businesses, schools, municipal buildings and more with complete eradication and prevention of mold. We use state of the art equipment and technology to eliminate health threating mold, both toxic and non-toxic. Our highly experienced staff are professionally trained and are dedicated to serving your needs and providing excellent results.

Some of the services we provide are:


  • Mold, Lead, & Abestos Inspections Including:
    - Full Visual Evaluation of the property
    - Inspection of air ducts, A/C units and ventilation systems
    - Full infared technology inspection to access water damage
    - Air Sampling
    - Surface sampling ( Swab and/or Tape Lifts)

  • Comprehensive Inspection Report Including:- Information gathered upon visual inspection
    - Infrared pictures along with a full explanation of all images,ascertaining all points of water damge
    - Lab results from samples obtained
    - Technicians' recommendations based on inspection and lab results
    - Scope of work for mold Remediation (Removal)

  • Complete mold remediation plans Including:- Proper Sealing of Contaminated Areas
    - use of negative air pressure units
    - Decontamination
    - Fumigation
    - Air filtration via hepa/vac and air scrubbing
    - A/C Duct Cleaning
    - Pressure Washing
    - Deodorizing
    - Debris removal from premises
    - Dry Icing

Water Damage Consulting and structural engineers are available.

East Coast Mold Specialist staff are extremely knowledgable in mold remediation and treats each property and an individual basis, always proving you with a clean healthy environment. In fact, we are so confident in our services that we offer our trademark satisfaction guarentee on all projects to effectively rid your property with all mold and water damage contaminants. It's no wonder we have a repuation as NYC's pioneer and leader in effective mold inspection, remediation, and water damage restoration.

You can also reach use by phone at: 718-677-6653

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