What is Acremonium? 

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With wet conditions, Acremonium grows quite well.. When Acremonium is found indoors, it usually originates either from outdoor air or from contaminated crawl spaces or from contaminated building materials that recently experienced wet conditions like flooding. However, the spores of this fungus are formed in a slimy mass resulting in limited aerosolisation: therefore its prevalence may be low in air samples.

It grows indoors on building materials such as drywall, acoustic and thermal fiberglass insulation and in some cases insulated ducting. Crawl spaces, wet bathrooms with a lack of proper ventilation or exhausting and continuous wet basements are ideal for Acremonium. 

Acremonium has often been associated with contamination by Stachybotrys chartarum, which is often referred to as “Black Mold,” as both fungi is favor very wet circumstances. Allergenic reactions to Acremonium includes hay fever, asthma, hypersensitivity and pneumonitis. Potential opportunist or pathogen effects are known to cause hyalohyphomycosis, keratitis, mycetoma, and onychomycosis. Also known to cause infections in immunodeficient patients and causes infections in persons with wound injuries.

When mold is found in your home, trust the professionals at Mold Solutions & Inspections to properly handle the removal the first time under the guidance of the IICRC protocols.

10 Steps to Cleanup Blood Properly

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OSHA regulations with regard to cleaning up biohazardous substances are a guideline that should be followed. These mandated conditions, which include employee blood borne pathogen training, must be met to comply with government regulations to avoid shut downs and/or fines.  Human blood is a biohazard because it can expose you to a number of pathogens such as HIV, MRSA, Hepatitis B and C, and a plethora of others. Therefore, it is essential to be as thorough and precise as possible with bloodborne pathogen cleanup.

Here are the 10 Steps to Blood Cleanup:

  1. Cleaning Equipment: Being equipped with PPE. Gloves, a gown and protective eye gear can avoid exposure from even splashing, and all gear should be free from holes and tightly fit.
  2. Remove Dangers: Shards of broken glass can cause skin puncture so make sure to pick it up with forceps or by brushing it with a dustpan. Avoid picking up foreign materials with your hand to prevent skin puncture. Place it inside a container before proceeding to clean up the blood spill.
  3. Cleaning Round 1: Cover the spill in durable cloth towels to soak up as much blood as possible. The registered disinfectant product with a broad spectrum kill claim  will not properly disinfect if the surface is still covered in blood. Discard the used towels into a biohazard bag.
  4. Cleaning Round 2: Next, remove the towels and apply EPA registered disinfectant over the spill. Leave this on for at least ten minutes. Once the time has elapsed, scrub the area with a towel working from the outside, inwards towards the center
  5. Final Round: This time, soak a fresh cloth with the disinfectant and work on the affected areas from the outside in once more. This will effectively kill all bacteria and pathogens. Make sure to dispose the cloth inside a biohazard bag to prevent contamination from other items.
  6. Dispose Equipment: Once the cleaning process is completed, now you have to properly dispose of your equipment. All PPE and tools which can not be cleaned should be placed in a labeled biohazard bag for disposal.
  7. Decontaminate: Even if no visible blood splatters are in sight, it’s always important to decontaminate the area around the spillage. Use a disinfectant and clean any reusable equipment for ten to fifteen minutes. Rinse the area with clean, fresh water.
  8. Mandatory Check: Once you’re finished with the procedure, double-check your clothes, skin, and furniture around you for any contamination. If you happen to notice any blood, especially on your body, wash it off with the disinfectant and take a shower after that. It’s strongly recommended that you have a friend or a neighbor by your side for this particular step, just so they can lend you a hand and help you identify contaminated spots if there are any left.
  9. Wash Hands: Thoroughly wash your hands and arms vigorously with a disinfectant soap and warm water twice. Even after that, the use of wet wipes is a recommended next measure to ensure you are clean.
  10. Disposal of Waste: The last step is now the disposal of the contaminated waste.This requires a certified infectious disposal company to pickup your waste unless you’re dropping it off. Proper disposal of materials is a must and hefty fines could be issued if you illegally dispose of blood in regular trash.

Hiring the right company can not only avoid potential health risks, but also expedite the blood cleanup process with minimal effort or worry on your behalf. The risk isn’t worth the reward for attempting to cleanup potentially infectious materials on your own, and that’s why our team at, at MSI is at the ready to assist you in your time of need.

What is Myxomycetes?

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A little known mold which does show up on many mold testing reports is Myxomycetes. This mold is often skipped over by many inspectors not only because they can’tpronounce it, (Mixo-My-Cee-Tees), but also because they don’t know what it is and howit got there. Myxomycetes have an interesting life cycle which includes a wet spore phase and a dry spore phase. When conditions are favorable, they move about like amoebae, resembling primitive animals. When conditions are not favorable they form a resting body (sclerotium) with dry, airborne spores. Myxomycetes are noconsidered to be true fungi.

Health Effects

Myxomycetes are a type 1 allergen and can cause hay fever like symptoms and trigger asthma. Type I hypersensitivity is also known as an immediate reaction and involves immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated release of antibodies against the soluble antigen. This results in mast cell degranulation and release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. 

Type I hypersensitivities include atopic diseases, which are an exaggerated IgE mediated immune responses (i.e., allergic: asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and dermatitis), and allergic diseases, which are immune responses to foreign allergens (i.e., anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, food, and drug allergies). The allergens that result in a type I hypersensitivity may be harmless (i.e., pollen, mites, or foods, drugs, etc.) or more hazardous such as insect venoms. The reaction may be manifested in different areas of the body and may result in instances such as:

  • Nasal allergic rhinitis or hay fever
  • Ocular allergic conjunctivitis, potentially due to seasonal allergens such as pollen or mold spores
  • Dermatological hives, atopic eczema, or erythema
  • Soft tissue angioedema
  • Pulmonary reactions, such as allergic asthma or hypoxiaSystemic reaction, which is a life-threatening medical emergency, and also known as anaphylaxis.

Mold Solutions & Inspections is a full service mold testing and remediation company providing an unmatched level of service since 1998. If you think your home or business has been affected by mold, or are in need of mold testing, call our office or visit our main page for more information.

Does Homeowners Cover Water Damage?

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Homeowners insurance is a must have to protect yourself and your belongings from a catastrophic loss. But most homeowners have never filed a claim, nor do they know what is even covered. Generally, if the cause is sudden and accidental — if an appliance or bathroom fixture springs a leak or a storm blows a tree through your roof and rain pours in — the typical homeowners insurance policy covers resulting water damage. It will not fix the root cause, only the damage sustained from the loss. Example: If your roof leaks and you’re covered for such a loss, it’ll cover the ensuing damage but it won’t cover a new roof or a roof repair. Otherwise no one would ever get a new roof, they would just wait for their old roof to leak.

If the cause is gradual (over a long period of time, or what the insurance company deems as a long period of time), and preventable, including wear and tear or a lack of maintenance, then water damage is generally not covered by home insurance. For example, damage caused by a leak from a rusty old pipe or a roof with missing shingles that’s past its replacement age likely isn’t covered.  

Flooding and sewage backups are usually not covered, unless you have a separate flood and/or backup policy added to your insurance. Sump pumps need to have backup coverage and also need to be noted in your policy to have a claim covered if you have a sump pump failure. There are also coverage limits you’ll need to check as some backup policies can be as little as $5,000. The extra fees in monthly charges may be worth it as most water damage claims for sump pump backups with reconstruction can easily reach $10,000 and even higher for sewer loses.

Regular maintenance of your plumbing and appliances can help eliminate or decrease your chances for a flood. But in the event of water damage in your home or business, it is always better to know what you’ll be covered for and what is not covered. Consult with your agent about your coverage limits. In the event of a water loss, our 24 hour emergency service team at Mold Solutions & Inspections is at the ready and we can work directly with your insurance company if the event of a claim.

How to Inspect a Sump Pump

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How to Inspect a Sump Pump

A sump pump is a key component in your home that helps prevent ground- or rainwater from building up in your basement — pushing water out from under your home and helping to keep it away from the foundation. As with any other system or appliance in your home, a sump pump needs regular maintenance to help make sure its functioning properly.

Here are the five things a professional should examine during an annual inspection of a sump pump, according to InterNACHI:

  1. The alarm. Not all sump pumps have alarms that sound when the device is activated. If a sump pump has one, it should be tested to help ensure it functions.
  2. The check valve. A professional should make certain that there is a check valve on the discharge pipe. The check valve may help prevent water from flowing back down the discharge pipe after it is pumped out.
  3. A backup power source. Sump pumps often need to work during extreme weather conditions that may result in power outages. A professional may confirm there is a backup power source on a sump pump, such as a battery, and that it is working.
  4. The pit. A sump pump sits in a pit which gathers water until the pump removes it. The pit needs to be large enough — at least 24 inches deep and 18 inches wide — for the sump pump to function properly.
  5. The discharge location. The discharge location is recommended to be at least 20 feet from a home to help prevent water from draining onto neighboring properties, into public sewer systems or into a residential septic system.

A sump pump can be an important tool to help prevent excess ground- or rainwater from entering your home resulting in costly water damage and mold. But, as with any appliance or system, a little planning and regular maintenance is required to help ensure proper function.

How to Clean Smoke Damaged Laundry

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When the fire is extinguished and the trucks have left, your home will undoubtedly have significant damage. The flames themselves are responsible for only part of the destruction, as smoke and soot can cause just as much – if not more – damage. Fabric and clothing in your home can quickly take on the smell of smoke and will require professional cleaning and restoration. But there are ways to help mitigate the damage and salvage contents and clothing in the event of a fire.

The first part in every claim is always to document the damage. Maintaining detailed records of the series of events and the damage it has caused can help facilitate your claim. More documentation is better than less, so never feel anxious about collecting a lot of information. But prior to stepping foot in your home, you have to be sure it is safe. Wearing protective gear like masks and gloves will minimize your risk of inhaling or touching contaminants, but also hiring a professional contractor to ensure the structure is free from defects will avoid potential injury when entering the dwelling.

Sorting Through the Fabrics

Sorting through the fabrics is a vital first step in minimizing fire damage to clothes. The process begins with separating the items into two categories: salvageable and non-salvable.

  1. Identify all salvageable items: Many fabrics that aren’t burnt can often be saved, even if they have suffered smoke damage.
  2. Separate the unburnt from scorched items: It’s important to keep these two categories apart to prevent cross-contamination.
  3. Check for color preservation: A priority is ensuring the vibrant hues of your clothes don’t fade during the restoration process.
  4. Take note of fabric type: Different textiles require different cleaning techniques for effective soot removal.
  5. Handle smoke damaged garments with care: These act like VOC and particulate sponges, making them highly susceptible to retaining smoke.
  6. Consider professional help: For severely damaged items, fire restoration professionals who specialize in salvaging scorched textiles may be necessary.

Remove the Soot From Fabrics 

  1. Take the items outside and shake the soot off gently. As soot is oily, it can easily stain fabrics if you don’t shake it off lightly.
  2. Alternatively, use a high-powered vacuum cleaner with a narrow tip. Please keep it one or two inches away from the fabric.
  3. Never use a brush tip attachment – it can force soot particles into the clothing.
  4. It’s strongly recommended to get professional help for soot removal from textiles. One wrong move, and you could stain your fabrics permanently.

Deodorize Clothing

Deodorizing the fabric before they are cleaned will help remove smoke odors from the material. Masking agents should not be used as they will only last for a few days to even a few hours, and then the smoke smell will return. Proper deodorization requires a professionally trained company to use ozone treatments which will break down the smoke molecules and eliminate odor. Misuse of ozone machines can cause serious damage to clothing and even health risks.

Washing Options

Once the clothes have been deodorized, then they can be cleaned. Here are some of your options:

  1. Dry Cleaner – This should be a place where they specialize in smoke damage as not all dry cleaners have been exposed to such a loss.
  2. Washing Machine –  Smoke damaged clothes should be washed separately to avoid cross contamination with clean clothes. Washing in small loads can help clean the clothes better than full ones, and heavy detergent designed for smoke damage should only be used to cut through the smell.
  3. Hand Washing – Delicates or heavily damaged items will need to be hand washed and could take a few rounds to remove odors. Rinsing thoroughly and changing water will also help remove damage as well. Always remember to agitate lightly as not to cause damage to the fabric. Line drying the clothes if available is recommended as the use of a dryer can further damage the fabric due to the high heat.

A fire can be devastating and life altering, so knowing who to call in case of loss is an imperative fire step in the fire damage restoration process. Trusting the wrong company, or “fire chasers,” who only concern themselves with how much they can squeeze out of your claim will make your loss an even greater nightmare. For professional fire damage restoration done right the first time, trust the certified team at MSI. Our fire damage restoration cleanup team is on call 24/7 and ready to get you back to the norm you know in a quick, safe and cost efficient manner because we actually care and take pride in our work. 

Most Common Mold Symptoms

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Mold allergies are easily treatable when properly diagnosed, so it is important for individuals who suspect their symptoms may be related to mold to consult with an allergy specialist or a physician to determine an appropriate course of treatment. Taking steps such as repairing water leaks and installing dehumidifiers in the home can also help to hinder mold growth and relieve mold allergy symptoms. Understanding what causes mold allergies and taking preventative measures to avoid exposure are essential in managing symptoms.

Itching Eyes

Itching eyes are a common allergic symptom that can develop following exposure to mold spores, pet dander and seasonal pollens. Individuals who experience itching eyes during wet or humid weather or when moisture levels are high inside the home may be suffering from mold allergy symptoms.

Stuffy Nose & Post Nasal Drip

Nasal congestion is a common mold allergy symptom that is often triggered after periods of wet weather or when an individual is exposed to mold spores in the home. When nasal stuffiness occurs, it is often accompanied by postnasal drip, a condition in which nasal secretions run down the back of the throat. Additional symptoms of postnasal drip include bad breath and coughing.

Itching Throat

Individuals with mold allergies may also experience an itching sensation in the throat. Itching throat symptoms are typically caused by postnasal drip, but can also be a symptom of a serious allergic reaction that can lead to throat swelling if left untreated. It is important for sufferers to seek medical attention if itching throat symptoms are present to ensure prompt treatment.

Sinus Headaches

Mold spores can cause the sinuses to become congested, which in turn can trigger sinus headaches in individuals with mold allergies. Sinus headaches cause pain and pressure in the forehead and sinus cavities. In certain cases, sinus pressure can also cause tooth and ear pain. Sinus headaches tend to worsen when lying down.

Exacerbated Asthma Symptoms

Individuals with mold allergies who also suffer from asthma may experience exacerbated asthma symptoms when exposed to mold. Asthma symptoms include chest tightness, wheezing and coughing. Anyone experiencing a severe asthma attack following possible mold exposure should seek immediate medical attention.

Long & Short Term Effects of Mold

The type and severity of health effects that result from mold exposure is widely variable among different locations, from person to person and over time. Although difficult to predict, exposure to molds growing indoors is most often associated with the following allergy symptoms:

Nasal and sinus congestion
Cough/sore throat
Chest tightness
Dyspnea (breathing difficulty)
Asthma (or exacerbation of it)
Epistaxis (nosebleed)
Upper respiratory tract infections
Headache
Skin and eye irritation

Long-term exposure to indoor molds is certainly unhealthy to anyone, but some groups will develop more severe symptoms sooner than others, including:

Infants and children
Elderly people
Individuals with respiratory conditions, allergies and/or asthma

Some indoor molds are capable of producing extremely potent toxins (mycotoxins) that are lipid-soluble and readily absorbed by the intestinal lining, airways, and skin. These agents, usually contained in the fungal spores, have toxic effects ranging from short-term irritation to immunosuppression and cancer.

More severe symptoms that could result from continuous human exposure to indoor mycotoxigenic molds include:

Cancer (aflatoxin best characterized as potential human carcinogen)
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis/pulmonary fibrosis
Pulmonary injury/hemosiderosis (bleeding)
Neurotoxicity
Hematologic and immunologic disorders
Hepatic, endocrine and/or renal toxicities
Pregnancy, gastrointestinal and/or cardiac conditions

It is important to notice that the clinical relevance of mycotoxins under realistic airborne exposure levels is not fully established. Further, some or much of the supporting evidence for these other health effects is based on case studies rather than controlled studies, studies that have not yet been reproduced or involve symptoms that are subjective.

How to Check For Water Damage

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Your home protects you from the elements, but heavy rains can weaken that protection. With a little maintenance and a lot of vigilance, it’s not hard to stay safe and dry. Spring rainstorms are a fact of life in many areas of the country, and they help keep things green, even if they keep you inside. But when they get heavy, it’s time to start thinking about the potential impact all that water has on your home. The first step is finding and fixing any immediate problems as soon as it’s safe to do so. Then, you’ll want to take measures to prevent those problems from happening during the next downpour!

Where is all that rain going?

Your roof and gutters form a key line of defense for your home – and in a storm, they’re vulnerable, because so many things can damage them. Trees, hail, and other objects can create weaknesses that might lead to leaks in your roof, so check for missing shingles and other issues. And keep your gutters clear so all that water drains properly.

Are you checking everywhere?

Water dripping from the ceiling is hard to miss. Water in your crawl space, however, can easily go undetected because hardly anyone ever checks there. Don’t forget to look down there after a storm (or have a professional do it) to make sure everything is nice and dry. If you do see moisture, you’ll want to get it out with a sump pump as soon as possible.

And don’t just look up – another place to check is your home’s exterior, whether it’s siding, brick, or another material. Weak spots can be hard to see, so look at various times of the day in different lighting conditions. Of course, you’ll want to make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed to keep the elements out, too.

What about around your property?

Storm water has to go somewhere, and if your property doesn’t drain well, or if runoff goes toward your foundation, you could have problems. So watch for patterns, and grade property so it drains away from your home if possible. Always be wary of hillsides and tilting trees after heavy storms, because the land might not be stable. And don’t forget to keep storm drains clear of leaves and other debris. This can prevent flooding both on the streets and your own property.

What should you do during the storm?

During powerful storms, stay inside. This is not the time to check your roof, your exterior, or your property unless there’s an emergency and you know it’s safe to go out. Monitor your interior, making sure no water is getting in. If it is, do what you can to alleviate the situation in the moment, even if it means just placing something under a leak to collect the water. For more serious problems, though, remember that safety is the most important thing. If your basement is flooding, for example, don’t go down there – you could be trapped and even drown.  And if electric lines are hot and compromised, it could lead to serious injuries.  

If water damage should occur in your home, give us a call today and our experienced and trained technicians will bring your home back to pre-loss conditions safely and quickly. You can also visit our site at WeAreMSI.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKMAN’S COMP

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When home owners go through their process in regards to hiring a contractor, they’ll look at reviews, pictures of previous jobs, and some may even go a bit further and ask for references. But one major item that is often overlooked is insurance. And not just general liability, but workman’s compensation insurance. Liability and workers’ comp are two different types of policies, but each should be carried by nearly every contractor. General liability protects their business and workers if they damage a home owner’s property, cause bodily harm, or advertise injury. Workers’ comp is an insurance policy that protects workers and pays for any harm or injury that comes to them while on the job. As a home or business owner employing the contractor to perform work, it’s up to you to ask and verify if they have proper liability and workers’ comp before signing the contract. Otherwise, you could be held responsible for the alleged wrongdoing or accidents caused by the contractor’s work without insurance.

Many home and business owners fail to realize that the contractor themselves and each of their employees could potentially file a claim against their insurance policy if an accident should occur. Not only does that mean you’re potentially responsible for paying out the appropriate fees and deductibles on such claims, but it guarantees your home insurance rates will go up. Another risk you potentially face when hiring a contractor without proper coverage is that any faulty or defective work they complete will be your financial responsibility to fix. When your contractor has liability and workers’ comp, you have recourse to file a claim against their policy for any repairs. But when they don’t have these coverages, you’re accepting the risk that you’ll be put in the position to pay for future related repairs

For contractors, liability and workers’ comp are like any other insurance policy in that you are paying to protect yourself from potential damages and economic losses that could potentially occur. If an employee should be hurt on the job, workers comp insurance will cover those losses, rather than it being an out of pocket loss.  For homeowners, verifying the contractor you hire is covered could be the difference between having their policy pay for any damages and injuries, versus them looking for your insurance, or even you to pay those costs. Always ask for liability and workman’s comp proof of insurance before signing any contract, and call the carrier to be certain that the coverage is active, up to date and covers the type of project you hired them for.

WHY DOES DUCTWORK “SWEAT?”

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During the summer months when an air conditioning unit is keeping your home cool, you may see water droplets or condensation forming on your ductwork. This can occur when the cold air within the unit is colliding with warmer within the environment, and thus creating these droplets. And even though not all ductwork sweating is harmful, in some cases it very well can be.The sweating can drip onto both drywall and insulation, causing damage to the building material and then leading to mold growth. Excess humidity issues can also lead to widespread mold growth throughout your home, so controlling ductwork sweating can save you thousands of dollars in unwanted repairs. Here are a few ways you can prevent ductwork condensation in your home:

  • Reducing Humidity Levels: An ideal range for humidity is between 40 to 50 percent. A proper sized dehumidifier can assist in controlling humidity spikes and also dry some moisture in your basement which can lead to mold growth.
  • Ductwork Maintenance: If the air ducts in your home are older, adding insulation can significantly reduce and even stop condensation from forming. Insulating your ducts can also help with energy loss as some ductwork may have cool and hot air escapes.
  • Attic Maintenance: When ductwork runs through your attic, having a properly insulated attic can make a huge difference when controlling condensation. Upgrading your attic insulation and improving your attic’s ventilation can prevent condensation on air ducts.
  • Dirty or Blocked Filters: Not having proper air flow to your unit can not only damage the unit itself, but also cause condensation. To ensure proper airflow, replace your air filters every three months, even if you don’t see condensation on AC ducts. Doing so also improves the efficiency of your air conditioner.
  • Repairing Installation Errors: Another common cause for condensation on AC ducts is if they aren’t hung properly or are touching each other. When ducts touch each other, they create cold spots where condensation can occur. Proper installation is also important when your ductwork is installed in the attic since installation can affect how well the insulation performs.

Like anything in your home, proper maintenance can reduce your chances of failure or damage. Controlling ductwork sweating can also limit your chances of mold and water damage causing thousands of dollars in needed repairs and potentially structural issues. Having your unit serviced and your ductwork checked on a yearly basis is money well spent.