Watch "Mold effects on the body" on YouTube
Call AMT Environmental and schedule your certified mold inspection/testing with in home consultation 917-257-3545
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Does your baby have asthma?
Does your baby have asthma? In this country children are sometimes born with asthma, and many times it is result of an unseen danger that parents can overlook.mold as been known to cause symptoms in infants strikingly similar to those of asthma. Mold can affect the human body in several different ways according to Moldsymptoms.org. Lung damage, cancer, and even the occasional death has also been reported due to mold exposure. When mold enters the body, it feeds off of it and starts to grow, duplicating itself on the molecular level. As mold builds a stronger presence in your body it starts the release of a toxin called Mycotoxin. As the mold multiplies so does the mycotoxin output, more mold more toxin and so forth. Different mold strains will release different toxins, all detrimental to your health as none to date have been found harmless. Symptoms of mold exposure can include sneezing, itching, red and irritated skin and sometimes headaches. When mold contamination climbs to that of constant exposure, one's symptoms can intensify as well as breed more problems in the body. Patients with prolonged exposure can experience diarrhea, loss of appetite, hair loss, skin rashes, sexual dysfunction, chronic sinus infections and bronchitis, nose bleeds, nausea, and may even cough up a black or dark blood colored debris. WebMd.com tells us that A study conducted by the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology states that mold doesn't always inevitably cause asthma. It does state that when young children, namely infants, are exposed to mold within the home that they can develop problematic symptoms of asthma. These symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the chest, coughing, and the inflammation of the bronchial tubes on a chronic degree. Professor at the University of Cincinnati, who leads research in this field says that mold can travel throughout a person's home. When children younger then 12 months live in homes with mold, she has determined that this is detrimental to a child respiratory system and can be a precursor to asthma.xperts say that the most potentially dangerous mold is the kind that you cannot see. Damp areas within your home and around your home are not good for anyone, especially children. When checking your home for mold don't forget the attic and basement if you have them, these areas are much less trafficked and in many homes harbor mold. The lack of circulation, and fact that dampness is commonly left to lie in these areas can be a major determining factor in its formation. Expecting mothers and parents of newborn babies should particularly be on high alert as to not expose themselves or their children to something that can present a whole host of problems in your babies' health.
Call AMT Environmemtal at 917-257-3545 and schedule your in home mold inspection/testing and in home consultation.
http://m.voices.yahoo.com/mold-exposure-infants-its-ties-causing-asthma-8921781.html
Monday, April 29, 2013
Mold in your structure!
Mold and Property Values:
Mold in a structure is the concern of landlords as well as homeowners. Lawsuits have been filed over failure to disclose the presence of mold when renting or selling a home. Mold is the cause of many severe health problems, as well as "dry rot" – the shrinking and deterioration of structural wood in a home due to the death and recession of a mold colony. This, as well as indoor air quality concerns, can severely affect a home’s value, and should be taken care of prior to placing a structure on the market.
Call AMT Environmental today 917-257-3545 and set up your appointment
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Thursday, April 25, 2013
Very resourceful mold information!
Molds have several deleterious effects on human health. Pathogenic (disease-causing) molds gain access to the body in several ways, including through the foods we eat, through broken skin and the air we breathe. Molds also emit poisons, called mycotoxins, which can cause a variety of health problems ranging from sinus inflammation and headaches to more serious disease states such as cancer.
RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES
Most respiratory illnesses are caused by inhalation of mold spores in a flooded or moldy environment known as a "sick building," on construction sites or on a farm. Most commonly, inhaling mold causes sinus irritation and respiratory illness with wheezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose and headaches. Sometimes more insidious illness can occur from inhaling mold spores. Farmer's Lung is caused by mold spores that grow in hay, stored grain or silos. The attack usually occurs five to six hours after the exposure. Symptoms include fever, malaise, shortness of breath and pain or tightness in the chest. Chronic conditions of Farmer's Lung include chest colds. Without prompt treatment, permanent damage can be done to the lungs.
GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS
Gastrointestinal problems are most often a result of eating food contaminated with molds. This is not limited to visible mold. Rather, mold toxins called mycotoxins commonly contaminate certain foods and are invisible to the naked eye. More than 400 different types of mycotoxins exist. In 2002, Ruth Etzel, M.D., Ph.D., wrote in the Journal of the American Medical Association, "Mycotoxins are capable of producing illness and death in humans and animals." Corn is one of the foods most commonly contaminated with mycotoxins. Cornell University reports, "Corn is probably the commodity of greatest worldwide concern, because it is grown in climates that are likely to have perennial contamination with aflatoxins (a mycotoxin) and corn is the staple food of many countries." Mycotoxins are not limited to corn. They are also found in grains, peanuts and alcohol. Mycotoxins can cause gastrointestinal problems including vomiting, diarrhea and bleeding. Chronic mold exposure can also lead to candidiasis, or yeast infections, in the stomach.
BIRTH DEFECTS
As mentioned previously, corn is universally contaminated with mold poisons. Corn contains the mycotoxin fumonisin b1. Increased fumonisin b1 intake in corn products, such as corn tortillas, has been linked to neural tube birth defects. Interestingly, taking folic acid decreases the effects of this toxin. The journal Teratology reported in 2002 that "Fumonisin has the potential to inhibit neural tube defects. Folic acid can reverse some of these effects."
NEUROTOXICITY
Mold exposure has also been linked to neurological conditions in humans. Symptoms can range from muscle spasms and hyperirritability to blindness and stupor. Ergot is a mycotoxin found in breads and emitted by indoor molds such as Stachybatrys chartarum. The journal Clinical Microbiology Reviews reported in 2003: "Neurologic or convulsive ergotism is characterized by symptoms including muscle spasms, seizures, and hallucinations, often from compounds produced during the baking of bread using contaminated grain." This neurotoxic phenomenon is not a new concept. In the 1960s and 1970s, many people consumed "magic" mushrooms for their hallucinogenic effects.
CANCER
Mold and mycotoxin exposure is a risk for development of certain cancers. The Colorado Department of Agriculture says, "Aflatoxin is the most potent, naturally occurring carcinogen known to man. Aflatoxins have been detected in corn, peanuts, wheat, rice, cottonseed, tree nuts, milk, eggs, cheese, copra, milo and other foods." The toxic indoor black mold Stachybotrys emits several mycotoxins that are linked with cancer. Besides ergot, the Stachybotrys mycotoxins include aflatoxin, trichotecenes and zearalenone. The journal Clinical Microbiology Reviews reported in 2003: "Penicillium species produce patulin and penicillic acid can cause tumors .... Zearalenone, is among the most widely distributed of the fusarial mycotoxins and is found in 6 to 28 percent of corn samples destined for human consumption. Significant concerns have been raised as a result of its estrogenic activity and thus its potential for stimulating estrogen-sensitive tumors." The best way to avoid exposure to mold and mold toxins is to avoid foods that contain the toxins, and to clean moldy environments as soon as possible while wearing a mask to limit inhalation of spores.
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/extract/287/4/425
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Post remediation mold testing!
Post Remediation Mold Testing:
Whenever you have had Mold Remediation done, post remediation Mold testing after the job is finished should be mandatory by a unbiased testing company. Do not take no for an answer. And if the job fails testing make sure whoever did the job will come back and clean it again at "No Charge". Actually it is advisable not to make your final payment for the Mold Remediation until the Post tests come back acceptable.
AMT Environmental is not affiliated with any remediation companies. You can be assured that you are getting an unbiased test performed.
Call today and schedule your appointment. 917-257-3545
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Eye symptoms from black mold.
Vision and Eye Symptoms From Toxic Black Mold:
Toxic black mold mycotoxins that are in the air can enter a person's eyes. The mycotoxins are cytotoxic (toxic to cells) and when they come into contact with eye cells they cause inflamed and injured eyes and create vision problems.
Symptoms:
Eye inflammation soreness
Red or bloodshot eyes
Eye damage
Blurry vision
Vision worsening
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes)
http://blackmold.awardspace.com
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms call AMT Environmental and schedule your mold inspection, testing and consultation 917-257-3545
Monday, April 22, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Your indoor air quality.
Mold Growing In Ducts! By testing your air quality you can find out if there is any mold or bacteria growing in your air ducts that could be causing you breathing problems. Some people have severe allergies to mold and it can cause quite a few serious health issues for them. If you notice mold around your home or if you notice reoccurring health issues you can not find the source for, this could be the problem. By having a indoor air quality consultant come into your home or business you can discover what might be lurking in those air vents. This is especially important if you have problems with humidity in the home or if it has been closed up for a while. Your family and your health can be affected by the quality of air in your home. When there is a lot of allergens or pollutants lurking through your air vents they are making their way into your lungs. Asthma and allergies are just two ailments that can be affected by there being pollutants in the air. Remember you are constantly breathing these items in and they can make you sick. Other problems include items like legionnaires disease or bacteria in the air. These items lurk in ventilation systems and can cause major health problems. Your entire family can breathe easier when the air is of good quality and allergens and pollutants are reduced or eliminated. When your air is tested it can also tell you what is in the air and you can come up with solutions to get rid of those problems. Peace Of Mind You can rest easy knowing that the air you and your family are breathing in is clean and safe. There's nothing like having mysterious illnesses that can't be figured out. By checking your air quality and fixing the issues there your family can be back to optimal health in no time. You will be glad you checked it when the source of your problems is found. Talk with your indoor air quality consultant if you want to have your air quality tested and make sure your home is safe.
Contact AMT Environmental today and schedule your inspection and testing. 917-257-3545
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Symptoms of mold exposure!
Call AMT Environmental at (917)-257-3545 and schedule a certified mold inspection and testing with consultation.
Why do it yourself mold kits are unreliable.
Can I Use Home Mold Test Kits Instead of A Mold Inspection?
We advise AVOIDING mold test kits. Unfortunately, home mold test kits are a waste of money. Here are several reasons to consider...
5 Reasons Mold Test Kits Waste Your Money
The most important part of a mold inspection is the inspection, not the mold samples.Mold samples can be misleading, are sometimes incorrect with both false positive and false negative results occurring, and can only be accurately interpreted in conjunction with a well thought out sampling plan and visual inspection. The visual inspection requires an understanding of building construction, water sources, and other factors that may not be apparent to many people, such as condensation occurring in a poorly ventilated attic, poor drainage on the exterior of a building, or cracks in the foundation.Mold growth (Aspergillus) on painted wall.
Source: EMLab P&KConsumer Reports rates home mold test kits "Not Recommended".
In 2006, Consumer Reports evaluated four different types of home mold testing kits and rated all of them "Not Recommended," including typical comments like this one for the Pro-Lab MO109 mold test kit:"In some samples, the vials with media leaked over entire kit. In one, an unopened kit was moldy. No expiration dates on the kit; old media could affect the accuracy and reliability of the results. Label claims that kit can identify toxic mold, but the report the lab sends can't tell you this. One unused plate came back positive for mold growth, indicating contamination at some point; not very reassuring for post remediation use."Mold test kits do not provide meaningful answers.The primary issue with these kits is they essentially only test for the presence of mold in the home. The mold testing kits that we are aware of are simply "gravity" or "settling" plates which consists of putting an open Petri dish in the home for some period of time. This is about as useful as setting out a plate of fruit and finding out whether mold will grow on them. Given enough time, of course it will! If you leave moist food on the kitchen counter for a few weeks, no one is surprised when mold forms on that food, and finding mold on that food does not mean that the home has a mold problem.It's important to understand that mold is ubiquitous – it's everywhere. ALL homes have mold in them. Mold is present in homes, buildings, and the outside air. Mold spores are in the air, on surfaces, on the furniture... all over the place. If you open a Petri dish and take a sample, it is likely that you will get mold growing on the Petri dish. That's not helpful information!Hidden mold growth behind wood baseboard.Source: EMLab P&KMold test kits cause fear to make money for mold test kit manufacturers.The question with mold inspections is not: "Are there mold spores in the air?" Unless it is something like a hospital operating theater, we already know the answer. It's "Yes." Setting out a petri dish almost never provides useful information. It merely confirms what we already know – that there are mold spores in the air – and only serve to line the pockets of the companies that produce them and to cause fear in the people who use them, which causes further sampling or work for the companies that produce home mold testing kits.The mold industry advises against home mold test kits.All credible organizations in the indoor air quality community advocate against using these types of samples. In fact, a well-recognized book in the mold industry "Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control" by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) advises against using the types of samples included in these home mold testing kits.The Bottom Line: These mold test kits generate money for the companies selling them and generally, just cause fear in the person taking the sample with no real added value. Further, the most important part of a mold inspection is not the mold sample, but rather the inspection of the building for sources of moisture and evidence of mold.
Call AMT Environmental and schedule your home mold inspection, testing and at home consultation of findings and recommendations for fixing any problems that may be found. (917)-257-3545
http://www.moldreport.com/
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Toxic Mold and Pets!
Toxic mold is a scary thing. We all shudder to think of it in our homes, especially after hearing about the many health risks it can pose to ourselves and our families.
Stories circulate about people dying or coming close to it from having mold spores in their lungs, or having long-term respiratory damage or other health issues.
Mold in the home is extremely dangerous. While we consider the side effects and symptoms that toxic mold might present in humans, many people do not know that toxic mold can hurt or kill pets as well.
If your pet is exhibiting symptoms such as extreme lethargy, breathing problems such as wheezing, coughing or struggling to aspirate, bleeding from the nose and disruption in regular eating habits, your pet may be suffering the symptoms of black mold exposure.
This is very dangerous both for your pet and for you. If you have noticed these behaviors in a dog or cat, think about any symptoms you may be exhibiting as well, check your home for black mold, and take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Mold Can Harm Your Pet
For a long time, it was not entirely clear to veterinarians or scientists whether black mold exposure would have the same detrimental effect on house pets that it does on human beings. Within the past few years though, some specific cases have shed light on the fact that toxic black mold can indeed both harm and kill pets.
Only recently, a vet specialist in Florida was doing a routine procedure on two felines. During the procedure, the specialist observed frothy blood in the tubes with which the anesthetic was administered, therefore stopping the procedure out of concern. Unfortunately, both of these cats passed away. After their deaths, blood was taken from their body to be tested in order to determine the cause of death — toxic black mold had caused both cats to die of pulmonary hemorrhages.
Health Risks
There are quite a few potential risks caused by toxic black mold in the home where pets are concerned.
Respiratory difficulties and illnesses are among the most notable and most concerning side effects of black mold poisoning. Whether the animal is suffering from what seems like a minor respiratory difficulty or serious lung trauma, the capillaries within the lungs are being weakened. The black mold puts these capillaries under duress, causing them to rupture, hemorrhage and eventually lead to the death of the animal.
How to Protect Your Pet
If you are concerned that you have black mold in your home, even if you are not sure, it is important to immediately take all of your pets to the vet if even one begins exhibiting symptoms of toxic black mold poisoning.
If your dog or cat appears to be in any form of respiratory distress, seems lethargic in a way that is out of character for the pet, bleeds from the nose or avoids regular feedings, these symptoms should be taken very seriously.
Be sure to get medical attention for your pets and have your home thoroughly investigated for black mold for the safety of you, your family and your beloved animals.
Call AMT Environmental and schedule your inspection and testing today 917-257-3545
AMT Environmental is offering our services at cost for anyone who suffered water damage from super storm sandyBlack Mold Effects & Pregnancy
Black Mold Effects & Pregnancy
Strachybotrys chartarum know as black mold, is a slimy, black substance that usually grows where it is dark and damp. Black mold exposure during pregnancy may cause harm to the developing fetus.
Birth Defects
Black mold exposure to the fetus can cause birth defects such as paralysis due to spina bifida.
Fetal Development Problems
Exposure to black mold during pregnancy can lead to issues with fetal development. The fetus may not develop at the rate that corresponds to the gestational weeks of pregnancy.
Miscarriage
Miscarriages have been linked to black mold exposure during a woman's pregnancy. A miscarriage occurs when a fetus is expelled from the body before it is viable outside of the womb.
Warnings
Black mold exposure can cause negative health problems in the pregnant woman as well. These include nose bleeds and abdominal pain.
Considerations
There is limited research on what the effects of black mold exposure to the fetus are during pregnancy. There may be more negative side effects to the fetus that haven't been determined yet.
Call AMT Environmental today and schedule your mold inspection and testing 917-257-3545
By Stormy Lee, eHow Contributor
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
11 facts about indoor air pollution.
11 Facts About Indoor Air Pollution | Do Something
Call AMT Environmental today. Schedule your mold inspection and testing 917-257-3545
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Toxic Mold Related Illnesses
Toxic Mold Related Illnesses
Spores are often thought to be the culprits in the illnesses caused by toxic mold. However, they are only the vehicle by which the real toxins are transferred. Toxic molds are named so because of the chemicals that they release. These chemicals can be very harmful to humans and, in many cases, even deadly.The most deadly toxin produced by certain types of mold (including the infamous black mold) is mycotoxin. It is produced by mold that grows indoors and outdoors. Large colonies or collections of spores appear to the human eye as velvety, or slimy, black spots. By the time enough spores accumulate to form a colony, the level of mycotoxin is high enough to cause harm. Mycotoxin can be inhaled through the air, ingested through food and irritate skin – all of which could be the start of a serious illness.Mycotoxins have been linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as liver, kidney and lung infections. It may also cause flu-like symptoms, nosebleeds, asthma, pulmonary edema, and even brain damage. The toxic mold Stachybotrys is notorious for mycotoxin production, which makes this mold the most harmful.Mycotoxin isn't the only deadly chemical produced by toxic molds. The black mold fusarium produces trichothecene toxin, which harms the nervous system and circulatory system. Another toxin produced by fusarium colonies, zearalone, attacks the female reproductive system. Mold may cause infertility, as well as variations in reproductive and hormonal cycles. Twenty-five million Americans suffer from allergic reactions to molds, according to the Mold Homepage, and this doesn't have to be the case, if people are educated about dust. The problem is that mold is everywhere, so it has the ability to hold people hostage, without them even knowing, sometimes.~Prolonged exposure to any indoor mold can lead to serious injuries such as keratitis (severe inflammation of the cornea), internal bleeding, pneumonia, and many types of infection. A connection has even been established between mold and pulmonary hemorrhaging in newborns.Infants, small children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems all are highly susceptible to serious illnesses due to mold contamination. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome has been linked to exposure to toxic mold. Prolonged exposure to any of these molds can result in chronic and even fatal illness. Some of the more significant health issues associated with the presence of toxic mold include: cancer, tuberculosis, lupus, chronic fatigue disorder, fibromyalgia, and the Epstein-Barr virus. Immediate eradication of mold is therefore essential in the homes of the high susceptibility groups. If one's immune system is weak, it is sure to weaken more when a person is in regular contact with mold. There is a decreased resistance to disease and other illnesses as a result of mold infestation.Attention should be paid to the following symptoms, as they may be a sign of more significant health issues: burning eyes, vomiting, nausea, night sweats, chest pains, rest, numbness/tingling, dizziness and abdominal pains – and these are just a few.Some medical professionals contend that there is no concrete connection between toxic mold exposure and serious illness; however, physicians who are familiar with mold cases have been able to prove otherwise. If you suspect a property of being contaminated with toxic molds, immediate action should be taken to rid the property of any type of mold. Those who have had prolonged exposure to the mold should seek medical attention. Only professionals should attempt to clean up a mold colony. The chances of infection and severe illness are great when the colony is agitated, and therefore should not be attempted by nonprofessionals.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Why a certified professional mold inspection and testing is so important.
Nowadays, before you actually buy a house you need to get the whole place inspected. Are you wondering why? Fine, I shall explain that to you. Apart from the electrical as well as plumbing issues, there is one more issue that has to be checked thoroughly.It is called a mold inspection. It is a kind of fungus that actually grows in areas which are wet as well as damp. It is not good for the health of the people living in the place and this is the reason why mold inspections are quite important before you actually occupy a place in order to live.Mold can actually cause quite a lot of health problems. Some of the common problems are headaches, irritation in the eyes, dizziness and other kinds of allergies. Most of the time, it is seen in older buildings. It can grow in any area of a building like basement, bathroom or even the attic. Most of the time, it is commonly found in the walls of the house.Sometimes, you can see it with the naked eye, but you should get the house thoroughly inspected by AMT Environmental If there is moisture, then there are more chances for it to grow and this is the reason why mold inspections are quite important.In order to get rid of the problem, you actually need to eliminate the source. If you keep trying to clean it, you can’t completely stay away from the problem. The mold inspection professionals at AMT Environmental can actually come up with a solution. There is a process of cleaning up the mold once it is the mold detection is over.It is very important to completely eliminate the root cause of the whole problem; otherwise your own building will become a breeding ground for your enemy called mold. Before various objects or furniture in your house get contaminated, it is highly advisable to completely get rid of the problem. Call AMT Environmental and schedule your appointment today at 917-257-3545
Thursday, April 11, 2013
The life cycle of fungi!
The life cycle of fungi
The life cycle of fungi can follow many different patterns. For most of the molds indoors, fungi are considered to go through a four-stage life cycle: spore, germ, hypha, mature mycelium. Brundrett (1990) showed the same cycle pattern using an alternative diagram of the developmental stages of a mould. The majority of mold fungi do not have sexual stages and following this simple life cycle pattern.Other life cycle patterns differ from this four-stage cycle in that different reproduction mechanisms and physiology characteristics are present, esp. for non-moldy fungi (such as wood rots, etc.)Fungi reproduce by releasing airborne spores, which have different shapes and dimensions. Through spore liberation (the process of detachment of spore from the spore-bearing structure) and spore dispersal (the subsequent movement of the spore before settling on a material surface), spores travel through air, water and event on other insects from fungal infesting areas into homes and rest on surfaces and in building envelope. Concentrations of spores in outdoor and indoor air have been the target for much research (Ingold, 1971 and Darrell, 1974).Spore diameters (Unit: micron):Alternaria, 8-75,Aspergillus 2-10,Cladosporium4-20,Epicoccum 20,Penicillium 3-5,Periconia 16-18,Stemphylium 23-75,Spores present in the air settle on surfaces. When conditions are favorable, spores start the growth process. Spores go through four stage of development: maturation, dormancy, activation, and germination (Burnett, 1976). The combined process is usually referred to as germination, and will be discussed in more detail in the next section.Once activated and germinated, the resulting germ tube is ready to grow into hyphae, then a cluster mycelium when conditions are favorable. In this (vegetative) growth stage, fungi produce microscopic, cylindrical filaments, the thread-like cellular strands called hyphae, into the food sources (material). These hyphae produce and excrete digestive enzymes in the food and take up nutrients in watery form (Figure 4), and transport them to the growing hyphal tips. The hyphae grow by extending itself on the tip or by branching out new threads at the tip and in the older parts. The total quantities of hyphae produced by a fungus are collectively termed as a mycelium. Figure 5 shows images of some mycelia.The mycelium grows into the material (substrate), consumes its organic components in the process, wakens the structure of the material, and eventually destroys the structure and renders the material incapable to fulfil its function.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Companies that test and remediate mold!
AMT Environmental is offering mold testing and complete in home consultation for anyone who had water damage from super storm sandy. We are offering our services at cost. We are not affiliated with any remediation companies so you can be assured you are getting a true unbiased certified report. If you are using a company that does testing and remediation it is in that companies favor to report findings that are in the favor of that company so they can get the contract for remediation. Don't let these companies pray on the vulnerable in a time of need. I have come across this many times and can honestly say that the victims of super storm sandy are being taken advantage of when it comes to mold remediation and testing. AMT Environmental is dedicated in giving you a unbiased certified report/testing and necessary steps for remediation if needed. Call us today at 917-257-3545
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
The dangers of mold in your home!
The Dangers of Mold & Mildew in your Home or Office | Natural Health & Organic Living Blog
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Mold health issues.
Mold health issues - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Call AMT Environmental at 917-257-3545 and set up an appointment for mold and indoor air quality testing.
Most commonly found molds in flooded homes with testing.
Mold Types And Causes - LegalInfo.com
Call AMT Environmental at 917-257-3545 and schedule your indoor air quality testing today.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Already renovated your flooded home?
Having a indoor air quality test for mold spores in your indoor environment is your next step. Testing the indoor air quality can give you the proper documentation about the levels of mold spores floating around in your indoor environment. Having the proper documents can eliminate problems in the future with selling or refinancing your home. AMT Environmental can help you with this documentation. We are not affiliated with any mold remediation companies and will give you a unbiased report and lab analysis of your indoor air quality. Call us today at 917-257-3545
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
A great representation of how mold spores spread in the air.
It is known that high levels of mold spore exposure can have severe health effects on people. Here is a diagram showing how mold spores detach themselves from the mold itself and become part of your indoor air quality. Call AMT Environmental and have a CERTIFIED mold inspection and testing performed. 917-257-3545
Post remediation testing!
If you have recently rebuilt from sandy make sure you have a certified mold and indoor air quality inspection performed. Levels inside homes can be 5 times higher indoors then outdoors. AMT Environmental is performing CERTIFIED indoor air quality checks at cost. Call today! 917-257-3545
Make sure that when you are at home you know what you are breathing in your indoor air.
Most adults and older children have several respiratory infections each year. Respiratory problems can be as minor as the common cold or as serious as pneumonia. They may affect the upper respiratory system (nose, mouth, sinuses, and throat) or the lower bronchial tubes and lungs. See a picture of the respiratory system.
Upper respiratory system
The upper respiratory system includes the nose, mouth, sinuses, and throat. When you have an upper respiratory infection, you may feel uncomfortable, have a stuffy nose, and sound very congested. Other symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include:Facial pain or pressure.A runny or stuffy nose, which may lead to blockage of the nasal passages and cause you to breathe through your mouth.A sore throat.Irritability, restlessness, poor appetite, and decreased activity level.Coughing, especially when lying down.Fever that occurs suddenly and may reach 103°F (39°C) or higher.
Lower respiratory system
The lower respiratory system includes the bronchial tubes and lungs. Respiratory problems are less common in the lower respiratory system than upper respiratory system.
Controlling your indoor air quality can help in reducing problems like these. Call AMT Environmental at 917-257-3545 for a complete indoor air quality analysis.
http://www.m.webmd.com
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Call AMT Environmental 917-257-3545
All of our certified inspections include indoor air quality check, bulk sampling, shipping of samples, lab analysis of mold and densities, common health effects of the identified mold and certified inspector report with summary of findings and recommendations for fixing any problems that may arise.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Children with asthma and indoor air quality.
http://indoorrestore.com/resources/pages/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/girl-using-asthma-breathing-machine.jpg
Living in an industrialized world poses a great many health threats to ourselves and our children, from a depleted ozone layer causing increased risk of melanoma to hydrogenated oils in our foods leading to greater instances of heart disease. At the moment, one of the fastest growing health problems in industrialized countries is asthma. The increase in asthma diagnoses can be due to a number of different variables, from increased pollution caused by car or power plant exhaust, to smoke in the air brought about by the burning of charcoal or cigarettes.
As of 2007, approximately 34.1 million Americans had been diagnosed with asthma at some point during their lifetime. The prevalence of asthma increased a full 75% from 1980 to 1994. As these statistics come in, we are discovering there is an asthma epidemic, and it’s up to all of us to educate ourselves on the dangers of asthma, including any possible causes or triggers for an asthma attack.
Asthma is a chronic disease which affects the respiratory system of those who suffer from it. During an asthmatic attack, the sufferers may experience such symptoms as constricted airways, a tightness in the chest, coughing and wheezing, high heart rate, and difficulty getting oxygen. Without proper health or medication, such as in the form of a fast-acting inhaler, an asthma attack can sometimes lead to respiratory arrest and even death.
Of the 34.1 million Americans living with asthma, 10.2 million of those are children. Asthma is the number one chronic health problem in children. It is a disease with no known cure. Often, an entire childhood can be spent going through many different forms of asthma treatment, just trying to get the symptoms under control and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Much of the process of getting asthma under control involves determining what environmental triggers can prompt an asthma attack, and actively taking steps to avoid them.
For example, the presence of an allergy and asthma go hand-in-hand. As allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma, affecting over 50% of asthma sufferers, it’s important for those who struggle with asthma to also control airborne allergens, such as mold.
Mold, like many indoor contaminants, such as dust mites or pet dander; contains allergens, which can of course exacerbate asthma symptoms. On top of seeing allergy and asthma specialists, or going to an allergy and asthma clinic, if you or your child has been diagnosed with asthma, you may want to consider meeting with a professional environmental company that specializes in testing the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of buildings, and which is able to clean up any allergens or pollutants from your home.
Emerging studies are showing more and more examples supporting the theory that mold can be a big factor in negatively affecting those who suffer from asthma. A recent study conducted by Cardiff University in the UK makes a clear connection between mold and asthma. In the study, a group of houses in South Wales with confirmed mold growth were split in half at random. One half of the houses not only had the mold removed from the homes, but also had ventilation increased in order to prevent future mold growth. In the other half of the houses, the mold was left for another 12 months. The residents of the houses that were cleared of mold reported a dramatic decrease in the need for inhalers, as well as great improvements in symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny noses, and irritated eyes.
Another study conducted by professor Jouni Jaakkola, MD, DSc, PhD, and colleagues of the Institute for Occupational and Environmental Medicine at England’s University of Birmingham, showed that household mold odor increased children’s asthma risk 2.5 times.
If a musty odor is present in a household, it is an indication that the air has already been contaminated with mold spores. And since more than 65 million spores can fit in a space the size of a postage stamp, this can be a serious concern for those who struggle with asthma on a daily basis. The study concluded that you don’t even have to see mold in your home for it to necessarily be damaging to your health. Airborne mold, whether or not a scent is detected, can cause irritation to the nose, eyes, throat, and lungs.
According to studies, the air inside your home can be 2-5 times more polluted than the air outdoors. For this reason, it’s crucial that parents of children with asthma have their homes professionally tested by a company specializing in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing
Indoor Air Quality and children. This is a must read article!
http://www.greenguard.org/images/subIAQ3.jpg
Facts You Should Know
Children breathe in a greater volume of air than adults relative to their body size.
Children's organs and respiratory, immune and neurological systems are still developing.
Children are much closer to the ground, and as a result, breathe in more of the heavier airborne chemicals than do adults.
Infants and young children breathe through their mouths, more so than do adults, which increases their risk of pulmonary exposure to particulates and fibers, that would otherwise be filtered out in the nose.
Children have a higher heart rate than adults, which allows substances that are absorbed into the blood to permeate tissues faster.
Water intrusion from top of window.
Water intrusion from the top of this window created lots of mold inside the wall between the sheetrock and the foundation. Indoor air levels are at 400% of outside levels. Indoor air quality should be a priority and must be tested. Mold spores in high doses create many health problems and should be eradicated. Call AMT Environmental for testing. we are certified in indoor air quality testing and mold testing. 917-257-3545 CALL TODAY!
we will come up with a plan of action helping you breath Better and safer.
Wearing protective gear while working in your mold infested home
Wearing protective gear while working in your home should always be a priority. The mold in this home is spreading toxic mold spores thought the air. Tyvek suits and respirators and gloves should always be worn when working around mold. Get your levels tested by AMT Environmental at 917-257-3545. We are a local Staten island company and we are offering deep discounts for anyone effected by super storm sandy.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Mold on a floor joist.
Just this small amount of mold created over 1000% higher levels of mold spores in the indoor air quality then outside. Call AMT Environmental today and have a certified mold inspection performed.
Mold spores are a environmental hazard in your indoor air quality.
Watch "Hurricane Sandy leaves behind mold-infested homes" on YouTube
Call AMT Environmental today at 917-257-3545
Check out Amt Environmental face book page
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