Health Effects

Mold & 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.



  • Symptoms of mold & mildew exposure:

    • - 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


  • Health effects due to mold & mildew exposure 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
    • - Fever
    • - Infection or hemorrhage of the brain, thymus, spleen, intestine, lungs, heart, lymph node, liver, or kidney


Allergens


The signs and symptoms of airborne allergies are all too familiar to many people.


  • 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)

    Effects include but are not limited to:

    • - Coughing
    • - Wheezing
    • - Shortness of breath
    • - Some people with allergies develop asthma, which can be a very serious condition.

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.


  • Symptoms include but are not limited to:

    • - Lightheadedness or fainting
    • - Confusion, agitation or extreme drowsiness
    • - Severe headache and/or neck stiffness
    • - Cold, pale or dusky skin
    • - Excessive sweating
    • - Rapid or pounding heart rate

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.

Our concern is the potentially pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria that can proliferate in homes and offices.


  • Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include:

    • - Conjunctival Irritation
    • - Nose and Throat Discomfort
    • - Headache
    • - Allergic Skin Reaction
    • - Dyspnea
    • - Declines in Serum Cholinesterase Levels
    • - Nausea
    • - Emesis
    • - Epistaxis
    • - Fatigue
    • - Dizziness

      • 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.


  • Health effects may include but are not limited to:

    • - Eye, nose and throat irritation
    • - Headaches, loss of coordination and nausea
    • - Damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system
    • - Some organics can cause cancer in animals, some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.


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