WHAT WE BELIEVE
Our focus is to help guide those with complex medical issues back to health through the environmental assessment of their homes and buildings. We identify sources of mold, mycotoxins, and other indoor environmental pathogens, then create roadmaps for restoration, continued maintenance, and proper re-build and design.
ALL remediation projects big or small should be performed by a licensed & certified to mold remediation company. They should be using botanical products, proper engineering controls, and building science to ensure that the sources of contaminations are being removed in a manner that will not cause additional damage and cross-contamination to the building.
Mold
Mold, or fungi, exists all around us, both inside our buildings and outside. We are currently aware of more than 100,000 species of mold. There are 1,000+ species of mold that are commonly seen in the United States. Water damage indicator molds such as Stachybotrys, Chaetomium, Ulocladium, and Fusarium can indicate chronic water problems in a building.
Mycotoxins
Mold needs to defend its territory just like you need to defend your home. Mycotoxins are produced by certain molds as a defense mechanism. Some common types include:
- AFLATOXIN M1 (AFM1)
- OCHRATOXIN A (OTA)
- STERIGMATOCYSTIN (STG)
- RORIDIN E
- VERRUCARIN A
- ENNIATIN B
- ZEARALENONE (ZEA)
- GLIOTOXIN*
- MYCOPHENOLIC ACID*
- DIHYDROCITRINONE*
- CHAETOGLOBOSIN A*
ERMI/ HERTSMI 2
The ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) is a study developed by the EPA where approximately 1,100 homes were tested (both water damaged and non-water damaged) to identify 36 mold species that were most present within those homes, and an index scoring system.
Dr. Shoemaker also created the HERTSMI2 scoring system. This scoring system can be derived from the ERMI test results, so there is no need for additional sampling. The difference is that the HERTSMI-2 only uses a panel 5 mold species.
VOCS
Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), such as formaldehyde, are emitted as gases from certain materials. VOC’s include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long-term adverse health effects. VOC’s are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands.
Bacteria
Bacteria are the primary colonizers or first organisms to grow in after a water event occurs in the building. As bacteria dies off, it can produce potent toxins called Endotoxins. The most frequent bacteria species found are called Actinomycetes. This bacteria can produce biotoxins similar to mold and mycotoxins.
Dust
House Dust is a mixture of many substances. Its content varies from home to home and business to business, but the most commonly found is mold spores, insect fragments, dust mites, dead human and animal skin cells, and building materials. Dust can cause allergic reactions such as:
Sneezing, runny nose, itchy red eyes, nasal congestion, itchy nose or throat, postnasal drip, cough, facial pressure or pain, swollen skin under eyes.
Allergen
There are many different influences within a home or office that can produce indoor allergens.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & INFORMATION
ISEAI
The Better Health Guy