ADVANCED CLEANING 

Mold is a simple, tiny living organism that grows wherever it gets enough water to reproduce. It eats the material it grows on. It is able to grow on objects that have small amounts of living material such as dirt, grease and dead skin cells. Some molds can produce an unpleasant odor. Mold will not grow unless water is present. It grows more quickly if there are water leaks, spills, high humidity or condensation. Mold can be any color or texture. Moldy hard surface items can be cleaned, but porous objects may need to be thrown out.

Mold is always present in the air, indoors and outdoors. When visible mold is in your house, you have some sort of water problem or a leak. The sooner you fix the water problem the less mold you will have to clean up and the less it will cost. It is best to fix water problems in 24-48 hours.

Some people have symptoms when they are exposed to mold. However, these symptoms can have other causes. These symptoms can include:

♦ Allergic reactions - About one person out of ten is allergic to mold. Allergic reactions can include cough, congestion, and rash.

♦ Irritation - Sore throat, itchy eyes, runny nose.

♦ For asthmatics - Asthma episodes may happen more often because of allergies or irritation from breathing mold. Respiratory congestion and irritation from mold may lead to more serious conditions such as sinus infections and bronchitis.

Also, there are also types of mold that can cause death if left untreated.  These types of mold are very serious and must be treated immediatley.

People with these special concerns should consult

a physician. These people may be at higher risk for

the health effects of molds:

♦ Infants and children

♦ Elderly persons

♦ Immune compromised people with HIV

infection, cancer, liver disease, organ

transplant, etc.

♦ Pregnant women

♦ People with existing respiratory conditions,

such as allergies, COPD, and asthma.