Materials are always a hot topic when discussing mold. But any materials-only focus when talking mold avoidance is misguided. Does avoiding bio-based materials ensure a mold-free environment? Commercial buildings are mostly ‘non-organic,’ but more and more steel, concrete and masonry structures are proving to be highly toxic and moldy. Repairs and remediation often costs […]
Moisture control is fundamental to the proper functioning of any building Controlling moisture is critical to protect occupants from adverse health effects and to protect the building, its mechanical systems and its contents from physical or chemical damage. Yet, moisture problems are becoming so common in buildings, that many people consider them inevitable. Excessive moisture […]
NO BLEACH For Cleaning Porous Materials – Including Wood! I noticed an error in advice from the American Wood Council (AWC) regarding mold and mildew on structural wood members, in the FAQ section. It seems there are many, very reputable sources on the internet with poor information related to the cleaning of porous materials such […]
The flooding as a result of Hurricane Harvey has created environmental hazards of catastrophic proportion. Below are three resources that describe potential health effects or exposure to water damage and related mold and bacteria. The health effects for individuals exposed to water damage, mold, and bacteria manifest in both physical and psychological stress and are […]
Buildings and Bodies are Different! I keep seeing medical doctors promoting air filtration systems and other ‘remedies’ for toxic air quality and mold avoidance. This is unfortunate. Buildings are as complicated of a system as the human body. However, today’s buildings are a very different type of system. Medical doctors have no training in building […]
Anyone Can Be Scammed This is an actual picture inside my ductwork AFTER a scammer had cleaned it! I called references and thought I was being very thorough. If it could happen to me, it can happen to anyone. I figured out the scam while they were ‘working’ but not before they blew contaminated dust […]
Look out for these construction and moisture management defects to succeed in buying or renting a healthy, mold free home. Inspect the roof design with an eye towards drainage Water follows gravity. Consider the following: Do valleys come together creating an area that will store water rather than drain it away? Does a roof […]
All about spray foam Spray foam safety comes down to installation. Proper installation should result in good product that does not off-gas, poor installations can have very toxic outcomes. Instructions for proper installation of spray foam Closed cell foam has some excellent characteristics and can provide important air sealing and insulation properties. I have used […]
Humidity Monitors are an excellent tool to help find concealed mold sources. Fortunately, they are also inexpensive, so there is no excuse not to monitor your humidity. Costs start at as low as $9-$11. CHECK humidity levels in each room. Having several monitors might be a good idea. Humidity monitors are readily available through online […]
What’s the #1 myth regarding mold avoidance? Avoid mold problems by living in a home or working in a building on a slab foundation. WRONG! Regarding slab foundations… know that in most parts of the country and the world, slab foundations have foundation walls going down to undisturbed soil and going below the local frost […]