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How Do Professionals Remove Mold?

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Hi, I’m Jeremy with MoldStar Remediation and I am a Certified Microbial Consultant. You can find me on the web at moldstarremediation.com You can also call me at 404-989-9981. A question I am often asked is: How do professionals remove mold? DIY Mold Removal For small mold problems, the EPA has recommended guidelines for removing small mold problems. You can read about their recommendations for small mold clean up projects at epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home Wear Protective Equipment When Removing Mold One of the most important precautions is to use a respirator when removing mold so that you do not breathe the mold contaminants when you are removing it. For larger projects, you may need more processional breathing filtration equipment. An N-95 respirator that can be purchased at a hardware store is sufficient for small mold problems. Refer to the EPA’s website for additional precautions to take. Some soapy water, rags, and a scrub brush can go a long way in removing mold c...

Understanding the Signs and Treatment of Mold-Caused Health Problems

How Molds Can Affect Your Health The mold problem is an issue that people have dealt with, whether in your residential property or the commercial premise. We’ve noticed that most of the health problems that affect us come as a result of molds. However, there are different types of molds, and it is through understanding them that we can effectively avoid these problems. What Are Black and White Molds? Black mold is a species of fungus known as  Stachybotrys chartarum . A black or dark green pigment usually characterizes it. On the other hand, white mold is not a specific type of mold but comprises a group of species that include penicillium, aspergillus, and Cladosporium. They mostly appear white in their early stages but turn grey when they grow to maturity. Mostly, molds thrive in moist places or clammy objects. That’s why they are common in the bathroom, kitchen, basement, toilets, and showers. You may also find them growing on decaying wood, dirt, or paper. How Can Mold ...

How Mold Affects Your Property Value

You’re getting ready to move out of your house, on to new opportunities and adventures. As you are preparing to list the property for sale, you discover a patch of mold in your basement. Panic and worry sets in. No one will want to buy the house now. Don’t panic.  MoldStar Remediation  can help educate you about the effects of mold, and you solve your mold problem before you put your house up for sale. How Mold Can Affect Your Property Mold likes to hide in low-traffic, out-of-the-way locations that are prone to moisture buildups like your basement, attic, or crawl spaces. There’s the surface mold that you can immediately see. It is easily identifiable by areas of discoloration on the walls and ceilings in moisture-prone areas. Mold is a tricky thing though. The real problem is the part that you can’t see buried beneath the discolored surfaces directly in the wood and drywall. What Does Mold Do to the Value of Your Property? When showing your home to potential buyers,...

Does Every House Have Mold?

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Hi, I’m Jeremy with MoldStar Remediation and I am a Certified Microbial Consultant. You can find me on the web at https://ift.tt/3kDi3JX You can call me at 404-989-9981. A question I am often asked is: Do most houses have mold? There is some mold in every home. Mold will grow in just a few days anywhere there is excess moisture or humidity above 55%. Mold is most common on materials such as wet tile, tubs, and toilets in living areas. Perhaps there is a small drip under the sink. There is also some mold in all unfinished basements, crawlspaces, and attics. The industry standard is that there is no visible mold present in unfinished spaces. If you do have visible mold growing in your unfinished basement, crawlspace, or attic, it is an indication there is a lot more non-visible mold you can’t see on other building material and the air is contaminated. Visible mold in unfinished spaces indicates a need for mold remediation. I recommend that occupants are able to occupy the indoor ...

What’s The Difference Between Mold Cleanup and Mold Remediation?

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What is the difference between mold removal and mold remediation?   Hi, I’m Jeremy with MoldStar Remediation and I am a Certified Microbial Consultant. You can find me on the web at https://ift.tt/3kDi3JX You can call me at 404-989-9981. What is the difference between mold removal and mold remediation? The terms mold removal and mold remediation refer to the practice of removing mold , cleaning of mold, sanitizing of mold, demolition of mold-contaminated and water-damaged building materials, as well as preventative actions to prevent mold from coming back. The terms mold removal and mold remediation are used interchangeably and refer to the same thing. If you need advice regarding a mold problem or need mold remediation, call MoldStar Remediation for all of your mold remediation needs. The post What’s The Difference Between Mold Cleanup and Mold Remediation? appeared first on MoldStar Remediation . source https://moldstarremediation.com/whats-the-difference-between-mold...

What Happens During a Mold Remediation?

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What Happens During a Mold Remediation?  Hi, I’m Jeremy with MoldStar Remediation and I am a Certified Microbial Consultant . You can find me on the web at moldstarremediation.com You can also call me at 404-989-9981. Mold Remediation & Personal Protective Equipment The mold remediator cleaning the mold where’s personal protective equipment, so they are not exposed to mold contaminants. They wear an N95 protective mask for small projects, so they do not breathe mold contaminants. They wear a full-face respirator for larger projects. Latex gloves are essential. Goggles, ear plugs, and a coverall suit are also recommended. Contain The Mold Infested Area The area where the mold remediation is taking place is sealed off with plastic containment and placed under negative pressure with a fan exhausting air to the outdoors. These steps will prevent mold from spreading to unaffected areas during the mold remediation . Remove,Clean, and Sanitize Water Damaged and Mold Contaminated B...

Should I Test For Mold?

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Should I Test For Mold? About MoldStar Remediation Hi, I’m Jeremy with MoldStar Remediation and I am a Certified Microbial Consultant. You can find me on the web at https://ift.tt/3kDi3JX You can call me at 404-989-9981. Today, I would like to talk with you about a question I am often asked, which is, “Should I test for mold or not? I will describe each of the testing methods we use here at MoldStar Remediation and how testing for mold can be useful. Here at MoldStar Remediation, we collect air samples, Dust Analysis, and swabs. Types of Mold Tests Air Samples The most useful mold test is going to be an air sample. Finding out if the air is contaminated is useful in knowing what you are breathing, identifying if there is a mold problem or not, as well as establishing a cleaning plan if one is needed. When the air is contaminated, there are going to be non-visible mold contaminants on every surface including walls, ceiling, floor, and personal contents. When the air is conta...

Will Mold Come Back After Mold Remediation?

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Will Mold Come Back After Mold Remediation? Hi, I’m Jeremy with MoldStar Remediation and I am a Certified Microbial Consultant. You can find me on the web at moldstarremediation.com You can also call me at 404-989-9981. Today, I would like to talk with you about: Will mold come back after remediation? The first step in making sure that mold doesn’t return is to be certain that it has been remediated properly. In many cases, it can be useful to have an air sample collected, by a professional mold inspector, to make sure the mold has been properly removed. If the air is not contaminated and surfaces have been cleaned, then the mold has been properly removed. After your sure that the mold has been properly remediated, mold will not return unless there is a source of moisture, which can be in the form of high humidity above 55%, or there is water activity. If you keep the humidity below 55% with air conditioning or a dehumidifier and there is no water activity, mold will not return....

How Do Professionals Test For Mold?

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How Do Professionals Test For Mold? Hi, I’m Jeremy with MoldStar Remediation and I am a Certified Microbial Consultant. You can find me on the web at https://ift.tt/3kDi3JX You can call me at 404-989-9981. Today I would like to talk with yo about: How do professionals test for mold. This would depend on what you are trying to find out. Is the Air I’m Breathing Contaminated With Mold? Most people want to know if their air is contaminated. Knowing if the air is contaminated will tell you what you are breathing and help establish a cleaning plan. When the air is contaminated, the spores that are in the air will eventually land on a surface such as the walls, ceiling, floor, as well as the personal contents. When the air is contaminated there is going to be non-visible mold contaminants on every surface in the room that need to be removed. Professional mold inspectors use a spore trap and an air pump such as this…to collect the air sample. The air pump cycles 75 of air in the roo...

1 more killed in deadly spate of shootings in SW Atlanta

1 more killed in deadly spate of shootings in SW Atlanta A man died Sunday after he was found shot in the neck at a southwest Atlanta home. Medics were called to the home in the 1000 block of Cordova Street about 8:15 p.m., but they were unable to save the man, according to police. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Little is known about what led to the deadly shooting, Atlanta police spokesman Officer Jarius Daughertry said Monday. “The homicide unit has taken lead on the investigation and they are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting,” he said in a statement. “The investigation continues.” It is the latest in a spate of violent incidents Atlanta police have investigated in the region this month. Including the victim shot on Cordova Street, 10 people have been killed in southwest Atlanta since Dec. 1. Four men were killed in three separate shootings Dec. 1 along Campbellton and Fairburn roads, and another was discovered dead Dec. 4 on Kimberly Road....

All You Need To Know About Hidden Water Leaks In The Home

What to Look out for When It Comes to Water Leaks Hidden leaks in your home’s water supply system could cost you a fortune in your monthly bills and cause severe damage to your living space. Other than inflated bills and structural damage, undiscovered leaks can lead to other dangers like pest infestation and mold and mildew growth . These are both health risks and can damage items in your house. Fortunately, all this can be avoided with early detection and pinpointing the leak source. Areas Prone To Leaks in The House If you suspect there is a leak in your plumbing system, be sure to check these areas; Faucets- if the rubber washer on a faucet wears out, a leak occurs. They can be easily replaced. Toilets- To detect a toilet leak, put food color in the tank, and avoid flushing. Check the bowl after 30 minutes, if it’s colored, there is a leak. Hot Water Heater-Check if there’s a pool of water on the surrounding floor where your water heater is located. Showerheads and drains...

MoldStar Remediation Announces the Launch of their Mold Related Business Directory

MoldStar Remediation Announces the Launch of their Mold Related Business Directory MoldStar Remediation , an Atlanta based water restoration, and mold cleanup company, has announced its brand-new business directory. The company founded in 2009 by Jeremy Shelton is consistently listed as one of the top-rated mold removal companies in Atlanta, GA . Shelton has dedicated the last 15 years of his life to becoming an expert in mold remediation and indoor air quality. Suffering from severe mold toxicity, after moving into a newly purchased home with extreme mold infestation in the crawlspace, Shelton immersed himself in the industry. Shelton now holds a certification in Water Damage Restoration and a certification for Applied Microbial Remediation through the IICRC. In addition, he also has a certification as a Certified Microbial Consultant through ACAC. When asked to comment on the new resources page, Shelton had this to say “When I was going through my battle with mold and all of the h...

4 Home Projects You Shouldn’t Do Yourself

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4 Home Projects You Shouldn’t Do Yourself By  Nancy Clanton , The Atlanta Journal-Constitution We’re staying at home more than ever during the coronavirus pandemic, and many people have noticed things around the house that need to be fixed or replaced. Some projects — painting walls, adding a backsplash — you can easily do yourself, but others should be left to professionals. Here are four projects and the reasons Roberta Pescow of Financial Fitness says you shouldn’t take them on. Roof replacement Working on the roof can be dangerous. You’ll have to climb a ladder while carrying heavy materials and navigating a steeply pitched surface. The risks, Pescow says, are: Severe injury or death: Roofing work is physically demanding because it involves climbing, bending, kneeling and heavy lifting, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roofers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations, as well as one of the highest rates of occupational fatali...

Residents frustrated with filthy living conditions at SW Atlanta Apartment Complex

ATLANTA – Some people living in a southwest Atlanta apartment complex say they’re fed up with filthy living conditions. Felicia Morris has lived at the Forest Cove Apartment for nearly 20 years. She said she’s tried for years to find a fix to the problems at the complex. Morris said lately, the problems have become worse. “We’ve got empty apartments with trash, we’ve got grass growing high. We’ve got infestation mold ,” Morris said. She also said there are a cockroach and rodent problem as well. “Every time I open my door and go to my apartment, I have a calm space. But it’s sad that I feel like I’m locked up because I come outside and I see this,” said another resident. Morris said she’s tried contacting everything she can think of for help but her requests fall on deaf ears. “I’ve been working on this project almost 20 years now and I haven’t got it resolved. No one comes to do nothing. They need to board the units up,” Morris said. City Councilwoman Carla Smith said she’s ...

The Dangers Of Living With Mold

What Is Mold? Mold might be welcome on fancy cheeses, but it’s certainly far from a treasured guest in our homes. Most homeowners only acknowledge mold when it’s discovered in some dark, dank corner of the basement or damp cabinet. Since the symptoms associated with the presence of mold are often ambiguous, they are easily mistaken for seasonal allergies or a simple cold. Mold spores are ubiquitous, meaning that they’re literally everywhere. In fact, most people breathe in mold spores every day, both indoors and outdoors, without even knowing it. Mold spores are harmful in large doses or over long periods of time, however, and even the healthiest person can be seriously affected. A mold problem in the home is especially dangerous to anyone with preexisting conditions, such as COPD and asthma, to the elderly, and to young children and babies. Common Mold Types According to the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , these four types of mold are the most common: ...

What to Know Before Hiring a Mold Remediation Company

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Important notes to keep in mind when finding a mold remediation company  As a homeowner, mold removal can be an overwhelming task to take on when it is found in your home. You probably have no clue where to begin in the process. Most often, it’s all about finding the right mold professionals to help you through the process.   First things first, if you see mold, you usually do not have to spend time and money testing for it. If you suspect mold but feel like you don’t see it, then you should have a professional come out to perform testing. But, a mold company that insists on spending money to test for mold when it is already visible is often a red flag. In this case, you might want to call another mold company. Of course, there may be circumstances where you will need to test for mold when you already see it, for example, if you are buying a house and need concrete proof in order to negotiate the price of the home.   Like other services performed in your home, t...

What to Know Before Hiring a Mold Remediation Company

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Important notes to keep in mind when finding a mold remediation company  As a homeowner, mold removal can be an overwhelming task to take on when it is found in your home. You probably have no clue where to begin in the process. Most often, it’s all about finding the right mold professionals to help you through the process.   First things first, if you see mold, you usually do not have to spend time and money testing for it. If you suspect mold but feel like you don’t see it, then you should have a professional come out to perform testing. But, a mold company that insists on spending money to test for mold when it is already visible is often a red flag. In this case, you might want to call another mold company. Of course, there may be circumstances where you will need to test for mold when you already see it, for example, if you are buying a house and need concrete proof in order to negotiate the price of the home.   Like other services performed in your home, t...

Get an Efficient AC to Combat Mold

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Your AC Can Actually Help Prevent Mold Growth You see, stagnant air is one of the reasons mold for in your home. First, our houses are made of organic materials, and the designs do not help with air circulation. Matter of fact, they prevent air from flowing freely. Consequently, pockets of stagnant air form, collect humidity, and voila, you have the best conditions for mold. As such, it goes without saying, running your air conditioner is a cheap but efficient way to combat mold . As fresh air moves past a wet spot, it lifts and removes moisture from the surface. Without moisture, mold cannot grow. But more than just having an AC, you need an efficient air conditioner. Why Should Your AC Work Efficiently? Life Saver  – More than 9,000 Americans died from heat between 1979 and 2013. And think again if you believe the number captures the magnitude of the problem. Other than preventing mold growth, effective air conditioning is one of the best ways to prevent heat-related de...

Get an Efficient AC to Combat Mold

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Your AC Can Actually Help Prevent Mold Growth You see, stagnant air is one of the reasons mold for in your home. First, our houses are made of organic materials, and the designs do not help with air circulation. Matter of fact, they prevent air from flowing freely. Consequently, pockets of stagnant air form, collect humidity, and voila, you have the best conditions for mold. As such, it goes without saying, running your air conditioner is a cheap but efficient way to combat mold . As fresh air moves past a wet spot, it lifts and removes moisture from the surface. Without moisture, mold cannot grow. But more than just having an AC, you need an efficient air conditioner. Why Should Your AC Work Efficiently? Life Saver  – More than 9,000 Americans died from heat between 1979 and 2013. And think again if you believe the number captures the magnitude of the problem. Other than preventing mold growth, effective air conditioning is one of the best ways to prevent heat-related de...

How To Get A Job In Crime Scene Cleanup

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Looking for a Job in Crime Scene Cleanup? Specializing in crime scene cleanup is very demanding both physically and mentally. As someone specializing in the aftermath of horrific scenes, you must compose yourself and act professionally in extremely stressful situations. In this post, we’re going to dive into what it takes to be a successful crime scene specialist. Crime Scene Specialist Training While there are not many regulations or licensing requirements around the crime scene cleanup industry, proper training is essential. Here are a few necessary things you must be knowledgeable in, such as appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), bio-recovery, and bloodborne pathogen handling, to name a few. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a series of procedures and standards specific to cleaning a crime scene that you will need to learn. For more information, look to the OSHA Training Requirements Sheet found here: https://www.osha....