In New York City, real estate is high, rent is high, and luxuries cost an arm and a leg. Most tenants and homeowners can’t afford to take big risk, yet some take the biggest risk with their health. This risk is the constant exposure to mold. Mold grows wherever there is organic material and moisture. When mold spreads throughout the home it can cause many health issues. Mold releases spores that attach to other damp, water logged areas and continues to spread. It is imperative that homeowners and businesses alike make it a priority to have there facilities inspected for mold and if a mold problem is found, for it to be removed immediately.

Mold spores are the reproductive part of mold or fungus that causes allergic reactions. Molds feed off decomposing plant and animal matter and grow by producing filament-like clusters. Mold and fungi reproduce by giving off huge numbers of mold spores into the air, similar to plants releasing pollen. When airborne mold spores settle on organic matter, new mold clusters are grown. When mold spores are inhaled, they may trigger an allergic reaction.
Mold and mildew growth is obvious when it grows in bathrooms along tile grout in shower stalls. However, mold also can grow in: 

• Closets and storerooms.
• Foam pillows.
• Refrigerator door gaskets.
• Self-defrosting refrigerator water pans.
• Refrigerator cooling coils.
• Under-sink cabinets.
• Room air conditioner units.
• Washing machines.
• Dryer vents.
• Garbage cans.
• Basements.
• Carpets.
• Sheetrock and wallboard.

Symptoms of mold allergies include:

• Sneezing.
• Chronic cough.
• Runny nose.
• Nasal congestion.
• Itchy, watery and red eyes.
• Skin rashes and hives.
• Sinus headaches.
• Reduced lung capacity and difficulty breathing.

Scientific evidence links mold and other factor related to damp conditions in homes and buildings to asthma symptoms in some people with the chronic disorder, as well as to coughing, wheezing, and upper respiratory tract symptoms in otherwise healthy people, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. However, the available evidence does not support an association between either indoor dampness or mold and the wide range of other health complaints that have been ascribed to them, the report says. Given the frequent occurrence of moisture problems in buildings and their links to respiratory problems, excessive indoor dampness should be addressed through a broad range of public health initiatives and changes in how buildings are designed, constructed, and maintained, said the committee that wrote the report.

“An exhaustive review of the scientific literature made it clear to us that it can be very hard to tease apart the health effects of exposure to mold from all the other factors that may be influencing health in the typical indoor environment," said committee chair Noreen Clark, dean, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. "That said, we were able to find sufficient evidence that certain respiratory problems, including symptoms in asthmatics who are sensitive to mold, are associated with exposure to mold and damp conditions. Even though the available evidence does not link mold or other factors associated with building moisture to all the serious health problems that some attribute to them, excessive indoor dampness is a widespread problem that warrants action at the local, state, and national levels."

Excessive dampness influences whether mold as well as bacteria, dust mites, and other such agents are present and thrive indoors. Moreover, wetness may cause chemicals and particles to be released from building materials. Many studies of health effects possibly related to indoor dampness do not distinguish the specific health effects of different biological or chemical agents.

Through its careful review of the available scientific studies, the committee found sufficient evidence to conclude that mold and damp conditions are associated with asthma symptoms in asthmatics who are sensitive to mold, and to coughing, wheezing, and upper respiratory tract symptoms in otherwise healthy people. However, the evidence did not meet the strict scientific standards needed to establish a clear, causal relationship. An uncommon ailment known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis also is associated with indoor mold exposure in genetically susceptible people. Damp conditions and all they entail may be associated with the onset of asthma, as well as shortness of breath and lower respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children, although the evidence is less certain in these circumstances. Likewise, the presence of visible mold indoors may be linked to lower respiratory tract illness in children, but the evidence is not as strong in this case.

Through scientific study we can see the harm mold can cause you and your family, this is why you should schedule an inspection as soon as possible as well as continue to have annual inspections every year. With any possibly harmful situation precautionary measures can be taken. The keys to preventing mold growth within your home or business is moisture control. Water and moisture is essential for mold to have any chance of survival. In order to control moisture you must fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the home as soon as possible. Watch for condensation and wet spots. Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture level in the air (humidity). To increase surface temperature, insulate or increase air circulation. To reduce the moisture level in the air, repair leaks, increase ventilation (if outside air is cold and dry), or dehumidify (if outdoor air is warm and humid).Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible. Maintain low indoor humidity, below 60% relative humidity (rh), ideally 30-50%, if possible. With these precautions you can prevent mold from invading your home and threatening the health of your loved ones.

If you are currently feeling any symptoms of mold allergies, you should see medical attention immediately. Allergy testing increases your knowledge about specific allergens and pinpoints the allergens to avoid. Allergy testing may include blood count and several other blood tests, including the IgE allergy antibody, nasal smear, pulmonary function study, chest and sinus X-rays, plus a detailed symptomatic medical history. As many 120 substances may be used in puncture testing on the upper back and arms to pinpoint exactly which allergens affect you. Intradermal tests of substances on the arms and dermatitis patch tests may be used as well, based on the puncture test results.

We at Five Boro have over 15 years of experience in mold remediation and water damage prevention having serviced homeowners as well as businesses in the NYC area in such locations(but not limited to) TriBeCa, SoHo, Chelsea, Upper and Lower East Side as well as Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. We use the latest in mold inspection & remediation technology such as infrared cameras that detect leaks and excess moisture behind the walls. Our certified and experienced staff is extremely knowledgeable in mold inspection and remediation and will provide the necessary process needed to eliminate the mold in your home while preventing future mold growth. Since no two houses are the same you can rest assured that your home will be treated on an individual basis. So if you have a mold problem please don’t wait any longer, contact us for an inspection. What may seem like a insignificant mold problem can result to further contamination not only for your home and may possibly be affecting your health and well-being as well turn into a big problem not only for your home but for your health and well-being as well.