Mold around windows is a common problem in the Bucks Co. area. This is a mold removal in Bristol PA.,we were called out on. After we determined the type of mold and the cause, PDR re-mediated problem. Moving forward this homeowner will not have to worry about having any mold around windowsills in the future.

This was a recent job regarding mold clean up in Levittown PA. This was someone's basement that had a water leak.

This is a great article on mold and its effects on humans. If you are concerned about mold clean up in Philadelphia PA
please feel free to call us with any questions.Mold in the home: How big a health problem is it?

• What is mold?
• Types
• How does it get into a house?
• Mold and health
• Prevention
• Outlook

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Whether it is a cold, damp winter or a warm, humid summer, activities at home can result in moisture indoors and the appearance of mold.
Mold can grow on walls, clothes, books, toys, and even CDs. It can turn prized possessions into musty relics that only look fit for the garbage.
But is it also a health hazard? What effects can mold have on a person’s body?
This article looks at what mold is, why it grows, its impact on a person’s health, and how to stop it.

What is mold?
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Indoor mold growth is most likely to occur during the fall and winter months.Molds are a form of fungus. There are many different types, and they can occur both indoors and outdoors.
Molds produce spores, which spread by floating around in the air. Mold spores are present in all indoor environments. There is no way to prevent spores, and they can persist in conditions where mold itself cannot grow.
Mold spores thrive in environments that are moist and warm, so when they land on a damp spot, they begin to grow.
Molds can grow on a variety of different surfaces, including fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. As they grow, they may digest the material they are growing on.

Types of moldNobody knows how many kinds of mold there are, but experts estimate that there may be 300,000 or more different types. Some are more likely than others to appear in the home.
Common indoor molds include:
Alternaria: This occurs in damp places indoors, such as showers or under leaky sinks.
Aspergillus: This often grows indoors, on dust, powdery food items, and building materials, such as drywall.
Cladosporium: This can grow in either cool or warm areas. It tends to appear on fabrics and wood surfaces.
Penicillium: This tends to grow on materials with water damage. It often has a blue or green appearance.
Molds take a variety of forms and textures. They can be white, black, yellow, blue, or green and often look like discoloration or stain to a surface.
They can also have a velvety, fuzzy, or rough appearance, depending on the type of mold and where it is growing.

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How does mold get into a house?
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Mold can attach itself to pets.Mold spores are everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, but they are not visible to the naked eye.
Spores can enter the home:
Through the air: They can enter through open windows, doorways, and ventilation systems.
By attaching to objects or people: Vehicles include clothing, shoes, and pets.
Mold will only flourish if spores land somewhere that has the ideal conditions for growing, such as moisture and a supply of suitable nutrients. If the environment is unsuitable for the spores, they do not usually develop or cause a problem.
Places where mold often appears include:

• areas where leakages and flooding have occurred
• windows where condensation builds up
• places where the air does not circulate, for example, behind a closet

Wet cellulose materials are most supportive of mold growth.
Examples include:

• paper products, including wallpaper
• cardboard
• ceiling tiles
• wood products
• insulation materials
• upholstery and other fabrics

Mold growth is usually visible and often produces a musty odor. It can damage household items, and it can also have an impact on health.



Mold and healthMold can pose a health problem, especially for people with an allergy, an existing respiratory problem, or a weakened immune system.
Breathing problemsAs mold grows, spores, cells, fragments, and unstable organic compounds can enter the air. They can produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins. Some of these can be toxic, especially to individuals who have a sensitivity to them.
Also, dampness encourages materials to break down, increasing the volume of particles, or dust, in the air.
These particles can irritate the lungs, nose, and throat, especially in a person who already has a breathing problem, asthma, or a chronic lung condition.
AllergyA person with a sensitivity or allergy to any mold-related particles may react.
Mold allergies can produce similar symptoms to other allergies, such as hay fever, or seasonal allergy. In these, too, airborne substances can affect the upper respiratory tract.
Symptoms include:

• a blocked or runny nose
• an itchy nose
• an itchy throat
• sneezing
• watery eyes

People with a mold allergy as well as asthma have a higher chance of having an asthma attack when there is mold in the environment.
A higher volume of dust can increase the risk of dust mites, which can also trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
AspergillosisSome types of mold, such as Aspergillus, can cause a serious health problem, known as aspergillosis, in some people.
Most people can breathe in the spores of this fungus without becoming sick, but people who have a weakened immune system or an existing lung disease can have a severe reaction.
There are different types of aspergillosis:
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): This affects the lungs and can cause breathing problems.
Allergic aspergillus sinusitis: This affects the nose and can involve a headache.
Aspergilloma, or fungus ball: This can cause a cough, which may produce blood, as well as breathing problems.
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: Symptoms include breathing problems, a cough, and weight loss.
Other conditionsMold can also trigger the production of microbes and bacteria. Exposure to these bacteria may trigger an inflammatory response in some people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO also note that mold and the microbial agents it produces may increase the risk of bronchial and fungal infections.
There is some evidence that it might lead to:

• hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• bronchitis
• allergic alveolitis
• chronic rhinosinusitis
• allergic fungal sinusitis
• lower respiratory tract problems in previously healthy children

Some evidence from the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that people have experienced the following symptoms after spending time in an environment where mold is present:

• skin and eye irritation
• wheezing
• fever
• fatigue
• nausea
• headache
• insomnia
• mucous membrane irritation
• sick-building syndrome

Factors affecting the likelihood of having health problems due to mold include:

• the person’s immune or respiratory health
• how much mold is present

Mold can trigger bronchitis in some people. Which home remedies can help treat bronchitis?

Protection and preventionControlling moisture is the key to preventing mold from growing indoors. It is also important to keep the home clean and well ventilated.
Causes of humidity in the home include:

• the breath of people and pets
• use of water for washing and cooking
• moisture in the air, for example, on rainy or humid days
• water leaks
• living in a building with tightly-sealed windows and doors

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advise people to aim for a humidity level of below 60%.
Reducing humidityPeople can reduce the risk of a buildup of moisture and mold by:

• acting quickly if a leak or spillage occurs
• using a dehumidifier to reduce indoor moisture
• leaving windows open when possible, to allow air to circulate
• using extractor fans to remove moisture during cooking
• avoiding indoor activities that produce moisture, such as drying clothes or using kerosene heaters
• ensuring that all fabrics are thoroughly dry before storing them
• emptying and airing rarely used drawers and closets from time to time
• regularly cleaning so that mold cannot build up on surfaces, dust, or other matter
• using mold-killing products when cleaning the bathroom
• avoiding laying carpets in bathrooms and basements
• maintaining buildings, facilities, gutters, and drains to reduce the risk of leaks

It is not always possible to prevent mold from growing, but regular cleaning and wiping can reduce the risk of it appearing or getting worse.
Removing moldShare on Pinterest
There are a number of commercial products available to help remove mold.To clean or remove mold:
Wipe hard surfaces with a suitable commercial product, soap and water, or a heavily diluted bleach solution. Always dry the surfaces after use to prevent mold from reappearing.
Wash or wipe porous surfaces and check regularly to see if mold has returned, as it can infiltrate these materials. If mold continues to reappear, consider disposing of these items.
Ask at the local hardware store about antifungal paints and other products that can help prevent mold from developing.
Call in a professional to tackle large areas of mold.
See a doctor if you believe mold is causing a health problem.
A range of items to help deal with mold are available for purchase online.
These include:

• dehumidifiers
• humidity gauges
• cleaning and other products

OutlookAll indoor environments have some mold spores in them, but this does not affect most people.
However, people with a compromised immune system may have a higher risk of illness, and especially lung problems, if there are mold spores and mold in the environment. Others may experience allergic reactions.
Keeping an indoor space clean, dry, and well ventilated is the best ways to prevent mold from developing.
Anyone who has concerns about mold in the home, the workplace, or an educational or other setting should ask their healthcare provider or state health department for advice.
Q:

There is black mold growing on the back of the drapes in my rented apartment. Will it make me sick?


A:

In short, yes.
Exposure to black mold can be harmful in the long term, particularly in people with respiratory conditions and other risk factors. Black mold can be one of several different species of fungus, including Stachybotrys chartarum.
These molds are not dangerous in themselves, but they can release harmful toxins into the surrounding environment. Inhaling these toxins may lead to certain health effects and symptoms.
It generally takes long term and consistent exposure to black mold for symptoms to develop. Short term exposure to black mold is unlikely to cause harm in healthy people. For more information about black mold, check out this article.


Vincent J. Tavella, MPHAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

• Allergy
• Public Health
• Respiratory
• Biology / Biochemistry

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If your concerned about black mold in Philadelphia PA or mold testing in Philadelphia PA please call us. 
​Credit for this article goes to Medical News Today

This is how we do testing in Northeast Philadelphia PA. This also is a very informative article on mold testing from the epa. https://www.epa.gov/mold

This how we test regarding mold testing in Philadelphia PA

Here we did a job where water damage from a leaking roof in Huntingdon Valley, Pa., was discovered by a homeowner packing her things to move. 

New and exciting stuff concerning Mold removal in Philadelphia. No matter what your concern is regarding mold in your home, we are here to help. If you need help with mold testing in Philadelphia PA or mold clean up in Philadelphia PA please call our 24 hr hot line.... We are here to answer all your questions and  concerns.

How to Clean Mold:
Mistakes to avoid concerning mold removal Bensalem PA  
What you can’t see can hurt you: Learn what to use, and which materials are good candidates for DIY mold cleanup.Nobody wants mold.
If you don’t know how to clean mold, trying to remove it on your own could make the problem worse and cause potential health hazards. But if you’re going to go the DIY route with mold cleanup, you at least want to do it right. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when removing mold.

Don't use bleach for mold cleanup
Does bleach kill mold? 

This is a widely believed myth. We get so many customers inquiring about why the bleach treatment didn't work and their mold came back. 
Bleach will change the color of your mold to a clear and/or white shade (just as it does to your clothing). Unfortunately, all you have done is to create an environment for the mold’s continued growth. You also may have possibly ingested bleach fumes and airborne mold spores (which is not a healthy thing to do). 
Usually, within three to four months of bleaching, the mold will return — and do so with a vengeance.
What DIY mold cleaning products to use instead
The only cleanser that Comprehensive Mold Management recommends is borax, a white powder you can purchase at most groceries in the laundry/detergent section. 
For cleaning mold, mix, one cup of borax with 1 gallon of hot water. Apply the borax solution to the area with mold. 
Do not apply the solution to a porous material, such as drywall. These types of surfaces absorb water easily, which will only exacerbate the mold problem by keeping the area moist. 
After you apply the borax solution, scrub the area with a rag or a wire brush until the mold is gone. Wipe the area off and make sure it dries thoroughly. You can repeat the application of the solution. Borax prevents new mold from growing, so you don’t need to fully rinse it away. 
Once this is complete, run a dehumidifier or a fan to dry out the area within 24-48 hours. 


Should I Clean or Pitch Belongings After Mold Removal?After water damage or mold remediation, homeowners frequently ask, “What happens to my stuff?”

Mold-resistant paint.
You may think that painting an area with mold-killing paint will solve the problem. It seems like a quick fix. But it’s not the solution to eradicating mold. 
If mold is still present, it can continue to grow beneath the coat of paint, and sooner or later will make itself visible again. While the area may look better temporarily, painting can make mold removal more difficult.
In addition, any health problems caused by mold will continue, because the mold is still there. 
The first job is to get rid of the mold. Properly clean the surface. Rectify any moisture issues to ensure mold growth will not return. Once the area is dry and mold-free, you can apply a mold-resistant paint.

How do you know the mold is gone?
For homeowners, concerning mold removal in Bensalem PA. the big challenge of DIY mold cleanup is not knowing if you’ve completely eradicated the mold. 
•  If you haven’t eliminated the root of the moisture problem that led to mold growth, it’s inevitable that the mold will return. 
•  Mold spores are small and can spread easily. When cleaning, if you don’t set up the proper containment, mold can spread to another area of your home.
Related Article

How to Plan a Deep Clean of Your Home 
Most homes can use a deep cleaning at least twice a year. Follow these tips to remove dirt and grime, or hire a house cleaning pro.
Cross-contamination and proper attire. - When cleaning mold, homeowners often don’t realize the importance of setting up the proper containment to prevent spores from spreading. Once you begin scrubbing or wiping off the mold, the spores will become airborne and can contaminate other parts of your house.
To avoid spreading spores, professionals set up the proper containment and negative air flow environment, and dispose of materials correctly to ensure that the mold problem will not spread. Professionals have members of their crews wear protective coverall suits and high-grade respirators. (Purchasing a paint suit and dust mask from the hardware store does not provide the proper protection.)
​
Best options for DIY mold cleanup in Bensalem PA
Where small amounts are involved, it’s possible for the do-it-yourselfer to do a good of removing mold from non-porous items such as metal, tile or glass, using a borax cleaning solution. 
However, for cleaning porous materials such as wood, carpeting, drywall or insulation, it’s best to call in a mold professional. A reputable company can clean most items; however, sometimes it’s best to discard the material.
Also, for larger-scale mold problems, state or municipal regulations may require that a licensed mold remediation contractor handle the removal.
This article originally appeared on the Comprehensive Mold Management blog. The credit goes to Comprehensive Mold Management..

The is a recent job we did in Philadelphia, concerning Water damage clean up Philadelphia PA. The total basement was flooded do to a broken washer line. We pumped the water out and set up drying equipment. So if you have an emergency regarding water damage in Philadelphia, please call PDR.

We recently did a mold clean up in Feasterville, Pa. This is a before and after.

Mold clean up in Feasterville, Pa.