Mold and Mildew
Everyone is exposed to mold in the outdoor air. When mold grows indoors exposure is greater, which is unhealthy for anyone. People with breathing difficulties, immune system problems or allergies, are more likely to be the first to have ill effects. Infants and children, pregnant women, and the elderly can be more sensitive to the effects of mold exposure than healthy adults.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic report that they have identified mold as the leading cause of most chronic sinus infections. More than 37 million people in the United States are affected by this condition.
Some of the symptoms due to exposure to mold may include:
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Sinusitis
- Burning, watery, or reddened eyes
- Blurry vision
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Nose and throat irritation
- Shortness of breath
- Skin irritation
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Moodiness
- Aches and Pains
- Fever
If you or anyone in your family is suffering from any of the above symptoms, please see a doctor.
Some of the health effects due to exposure to mold may include:
- Extrinsic asthma
- Edema and bronchiospasms
- Pulmonary emphysema
- Infections of the eyes and ears
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Loss of hearing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dermatitis
- Internal bleeding
- Infection or hemorrhage of the brain, thymus, spleen, intestine, lungs, heart, lymph node, liver, or kidney
- Fever
We suggest that if you suspect or are concerned that you may have a mold problem, that you call us and discuss the situation with one of our Certified Professionals.
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Allergens
The signs and symptoms of airborne allergies are all too familiar to many people.
<< Slide of Pet Dander.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Sneezing (often accompanied by a runny or clogged nose)
- Coughing
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
- Watery eyes
- Conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed, swollen eyes, and rubbing of the eyelids)
- "Allergic Shiners" (dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses)
- "Allergic Salute" (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose)
Some people with allergies develop asthma, which can be a very serious condition.
Symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
The shortness of breath is due to a narrowing of the airways in the lungs and excess mucus production and inflammation. Asthma "attacks" can be disabling and sometimes fatal.
If you or anyone in your family is suffering from any of the above symptoms, please see a doctor.
We suggest that if you are concerned about having allergens in your home that you call us to discuss the situation with one of our Certified Professionals.
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Bacteria
The environment is literally teeming with bacteria, many of which are innocuous and not associated with human disease.
Our concern is the potentially pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria that can proliferate in homes and offices.
Clinically-relevant bacteria from environmental sources may cause the following:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cutaneous infection (skin, eye)
- Rashes
- Burning eyes
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- Chest Pain
- Respiratory disease
If you or anyone in your family is suffering from any of the above symptoms, please see a doctor.
We suggest that if you are concerned about bacteria in your home or workplace that you call us to discuss the situation with one of our Certified Professionals.
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Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Each Volatile Organic Compound has its own list of symptoms and health effects.
We are normally testing to an EPA specific 63 compound list of regulated compounds and perhaps some non-targeted compounds as well.
In general, many of the symptoms are the same as or similar to mold and allergens.
We suggest that if you suspect exposure from VOCs that you call us and discuss the situation with one of our Certified Professionals.
See "Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - Services"
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