PacificDecon

Tag: germs

  • How To Eliminate Old House Smell:

    How To Eliminate Old House Smell:

    Homeowners in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni Home are particularly prone to old house smell, mold and mildew as a result of living on the west coast of British Columbia. Not every restoration company is thorough in their elimination, remediation, cleaning and decontamination techniques etc.

    Old house smell is that musty odor that creeps up and greets you the instant you set foot inside an older home. What is this mysterious stench, anyway? And most importantly: Is there a way to get rid of it?

    What causes that old home smell

    Three things that musty old houses have in common: little ventilation, high humidity, and darkness,

    How to remove old house smell:

    Dry the place out. Opening up the windows and airing the place out.

    Fix any leaks. If your house is humid and you’re sure you don’t have any leaks. Keep your air-conditioner or a dehumidifier running.

    Light, especially sunlight with its ultraviolet component, is a good disinfectant.

    Clean your furniture. Soft stuff absorbs ambient moisture, which can lead to mold growth.

    Deep-clean the guts of your house. Example: Furnaces and air ducts can have a tremendous amount of mold that can grow in them when they’re not being used.

    Declutter under every sink

    Wash your walls

    Neutralize all spores, bacteria and fungi utilizing the experts at Pacific Decontamination Services


    Additional areas that Pacific Decontamination Services treat to remove old house smells and odors.

    Water and pipes

    The most common source of that old house smell is mold and mildew. Over the years, water eventually gets into a house, no matter how well-built it might be. Pipes leak. Roofs get damaged. Water gets splashed onto floors. It creeps into the soil underneath the house. Overall, it combines to create a musty smell.

    Walls

    Another common reason is right in front of you: the walls themselves. Over time, the walls absorb the odors that they are subject to on a regular basis. If anyone ever smoked in the house, the walls might be holding that smoky odor. Does your kitchen smell like old cooking oil? That’s probably just what it is, right there in the walls.

    Floors

    The floors have seen their share of everything, from dust to water to spills of completely indeterminate origin. They might have also seen their share of pets. And where there are pets, sometimes there are odorous accidents. When the scent of pet urine gets into the floors, almost nothing works to get it out.

    The air itself

    Don’t forget that ductwork is subject to the same odors the walls experience. It never fails: Old ductwork is a grimy, dusty mess on the inside. In some cases, filters haven’t been changed often enough, and registers have never had a good scrubbing. The scent might also be coming from the heating units in the home.

    Ductwork and Furnace (HVAC).

    Rodents – Rats and Mice – Those unwelcome visitors

    One of the more unfortunate sources of old house smells is the death of a little critter or two. Old houses are notorious for small open areas that allow various wildlife and pests to roam as they please. They get up into the attic or enjoy the crawlspace for a while, and sometimes that’s where they die. When that happens, the unpleasant odors are quite evident.

    Mold – Don’t Forget the Dangers and Warning Signs of Mold

    How Can You Neutralize Mold In Your Crawl, Attic, Home or Vehicle?

    We neutralize your mold by applying our eco-friendly, safe chemical into your attic, crawlspace, or basement. Depending on the job, we apply our formula by spray, mist, foam, or fog. We do not use a tent. The average time of our on-site service is approximately one hour. An additional four hours is required to achieve maximum effectiveness. We ask that you stay out of the premise for approximately 5 hours in total. Read more about how we work.

    Pacific Decontamination Services uses the world’s strongest, most effective and safe antimicrobial disinfectant, deodorization and chemical decontaminate. Our professional application will eliminate up to 99.99999% of any allergen, germ, bacteria or fungus that it touches. AND as powerful as it is, it is also completely safe.

    What do you do next? How do you solve the challenge of mold and associated health hazards?

    Call Pacific Decontamination Services at 778-269-0208 or email us!

    Serving All of Vancouver Island: Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.

     

  • Mold Exposure – How Vulnerable Are You?

    Mold Exposure – How Vulnerable Are You?

    Mold exposure can be dangerous to your health and can impact residents in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.

    Inhaling or touching mold or mildew may have hazardous health effects. But, not everyone may be adversely affected by molds. Those who have other allergies or existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, or other lung diseases are more susceptible to the effects of mold exposure.

    People with an impaired or weakened immune system will have severe reactions to molds. Pregnancy, autoimmune disease, AIDS, or diabetes are medical conditions that can weaken your immune system. Infants, small children, and elderly people are also vulnerable to mold contamination.

    The Effects 0f Breathing Mold Or Mildew

    Allergy Effects of Breathing Mold or Mildew

    Mold exposure may sometimes cause allergic reactions. You may have a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, or a sore throat. You may also suffer from a headache, fatigue, or have skin irritations such as red itchy skin or rash.

    Even other airborne allergens like pollen or dust mites may trigger these symptoms. It can be difficult to identify the specific cause behind the allergic reactions.

    Airborne mold spores can be dangerous to your health.

    Allergic Asthma Effects of Breathing Mold or Mildew

    Fungal allergen exposure through molds may cause asthma. Research has identified a relationship between severity of asthma and total dampness and mold growth.

    There are with mold. The role of home dampness and molds as the cause of respiratory symptoms have also been studied. In asthma patients, thus, molds may aggravate the disease. However, there is inadequate evidence to determine the association between fungal exposure and the development of asthma.

    Infections Effects of Breathing Mold Or Mildew

    Pacific Decontamination Services offer a safe alternative.  If you are immunocompromised, you may be a victim of fungal infections and other sicknesses. Pulmonary aspergillosis is an infection that happens in lung cavities.  And its symptoms are pneumonia, headache, bone pain, and weight loss.

    Another infection is Aspergilloma, and it can happen with symptoms such as cough and weight loss.  It is a growth that develops in an area of past lung disease or lung scarring such as tuberculosis.  Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) happens when the immune system overreacts to the fungus. It happens very rarely in people with a normal immune system. The condition may worsen underlying health conditions like asthma or cystic fibrosis. It may also result in weight loss.

    Toxin-Mediated Conditions

    Black mold is toxic. Mycotoxins are chemicals produced by molds. The ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact of mycotoxins can be toxic under some circumstances.  At high doses, they may affect a variety of metabolic processes. There are serious side effects when breathing mold. But, there is no compelling evidence that exposure at levels expected in most mold-contaminated indoor environments is likely to result in measurable health effects.  Hence, more research is needed to explain the health implications of mycotoxin exposure in indoor environments.

    How Can You Neutralize Mold?

    We neutralize your mold by applying our eco-friendly, safe chemical into your home, attic, crawlspace, or basement. Depending on the job, we apply our formula by spray, mist, foam, or fog. We do not use a tent. The average time of our on-site service is approximately one hour. An additional four hours is required to achieve maximum effectiveness. We ask that you stay out of the premise for approximately 5 hours in total. Read more about how we work.

    Pacific Decontamination Services uses the world’s strongest, most effective and safe antimicrobial disinfectant, deodorization and chemical decontaminate. Our professional application will eliminate up to 99.99999% of any allergen, germ, bacteria or fungus that it touches. AND as powerful as it is, it is also completely safe.

    What do you do next? How do you solve the challenge of mold and associated health hazards?

    Call Pacific Decontamination Services at 778-269-0208 or email us!

    Serving All of Vancouver Island: Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.

     

  • Is Mold in Your Crawlspace, Basement, or Attic Making You Sick?

    Is Mold in Your Crawlspace, Basement, or Attic Making You Sick?

    Mold in crawlspaces, basements and attics are extremely common, and may impact one in three homeowners in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.

    Crawlspaces and attics are dark, dingy and sometimes damp: all ideal conditions for mold, fungus, and other germs to flourish.  Basements can also be at risk.

    It’s usually the result of increased humidity and moisture in the crawlspace, typically from the ground in the crawlspace, a leak, or inadequate ventilation.

    In attics, meanwhile, mold often forms as the result of inadequate ventilation. Warm moist air, created from the people living below, rises toward the ceiling and enters the attic around light fixtures and other openings. If the attic is well-ventilated, the moisture will pass outside, but if the warm air has nowhere to go, the moisture will accumulate.

    Both attics and crawlspaces are also rich in the organic materials that molds, fungi and other microbes need to feed on.

    According to Health Canada, “Common household materials mold can live on include drywall, wood, such as window sills, wall framing and firewood, paper products such as cardboard boxes, damp materials such as carpeting or furniture.”

    In short, it can grow almost anywhere, as long as moisture is present.

    In fact, according to studies, 30 percent to 50 percent of all structures have damp conditions that could encourage the growth and spread of biological pollutants like mold. And that’s just for average climates; in warm, moist climates, this percentage is likely much higher.

    What’s Dangerous About Mold?

    Mold is a microscopic, living organism whose purpose is to break down dead materials. This is why, over time, it will destroy whatever it is growing on, including your carpets, furniture and cabinets, and even structural elements of your home.

    If left untreated, mold will gradually destroy whatever it is growing on — including structural elements of your home.

    However, this is only a part of what makes mold dangerous. Molds release thousands of microscopic spores into the air, and they are easily carried around your home, where you may breathe them in.

    It is through this inhalation that mold can cause health problems to you and your family.

    What Types of Health Problems do Molds Cause?

    All molds have the potential to cause health effects. Molds can produce allergens that can trigger allergic reactions or even asthma attacks in people allergic to mold. Others are known to produce potent toxins and/or irritants.

    Homeowners with mold often report:
    Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath.

    Sneezing and/or nasal congestion.

    Eye irritation (itching, burning, watery, or reddened eyes).

    Coughing or throat irritation.

    Skin rashes or irritation.

    Headaches.

    Fatigue.

    Among people who have existing respiratory conditions (such as allergies or asthma) or weakened immune systems, as well as children and the elderly, molds can be particularly dangerous. People in this group may experience more severe reactions or even serious lung infections when exposed to mold.

    Read our report on mold exposure and health hazards.

    Preventing a Mold Problem in Your Crawlspace, Basement, or Attic

    If you suspect mold is in your home (some indications include stained ceilings, a musty or earthy smell, black, pink, orange or green spots on walls, flood or hurricane damage, damp basement, crawlspace or attic) you should seek out a professional to decontaminate your mold or mildew situation.

    Decontaminate your attic, basement or crawlspace using the experts at Pacific Decontamination Services. Our tailored services protect your home or business from devastating effects of a biological occurrence by killing and validating the destruction of up to 99.9999% of harmful bacteria, viruses, spores, germs, and fungi.

    Other steps you can do after having your attic, crawlspace, or basement decontaminated by Pacific Decontamination Services include:

    Fix any leaky plumbing or other leaks immediately.

    Prevent moisture due to condensation. To reduce moisture levels in your air, increase ventilation (if the outdoor air is cool and dry) or use a dehumidifier (if the outdoor air is warm and humid).

    Don’t let your home’s foundation stay wet. Make sure there’s proper drainage and that the ground slopes away from the foundation.

    Keep furniture and floors dusted. Mold spores can collect in your household dust, so dusting often is highly recommended.

    Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning drip pans clean and flowing properly.

    Make sure moisture-generating appliances, like your dryer, and your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are vented outside.

    Keep indoor humidity levels below 60%, and preferably between 30-50%.

    Change your home’s air filters regularly.

    If necessary, add insulation to reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces, such as windows, piping, exterior walls, roof or flooring.

    Make sure any damp or wet spots are cleaned and dried within 48 hours.

    How Can You Neutralize Mold?

    We neutralize your mold by applying our eco-friendly, safe chemical into your attic, crawlspace, or basement. Depending on the job, we apply our formula by spray, mist, foam, or fog. We do not use a tent. The average time of our on-site service is approximately one hour. An additional four hours is required to achieve maximum effectiveness. We ask that you stay out of the premise for approximately 5 hours in total. Read more about how we work.

    Pacific Decontamination Services uses the world’s strongest, most effective and safe antimicrobial disinfectant, deodorization and chemical decontaminate. Our professional application will eliminate up to 99.99999% of any allergen, germ, bacteria or fungus that it touches. AND as powerful as it is, it is also completely safe.

    What do you do next? How do you solve the challenge of mold and associated health hazards?

    Call Pacific Decontamination Services at 778-269-0208 or email us!

    Serving All of Vancouver Island: Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.

  • Flu-Proof Your Home or Office

    Flu-Proof Your Home or Office

    Homeowners in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni Home are particularly prone to the flu and other airborne germs. Not every cleaning company is thorough in their disinfection, elimination, and decontamination techniques, etc.

    Pacific Decontamination is Canada’s most effective decontamination service available. In as little as 10 minutes to a maximum of 8 hours it can kill and neutralize most bacteria, viruses, spores, moulds, multi-strain forming biofilms, odours, VOC’s and chemical and biological hazards including, but not exclusive to:
    Avian Influenza H1N5
    Hepatitis B & C virus
    Influenza A H1N1
    HIV
    Norovirus
    Herpes Simplex
    Salmonella
    Tuberculosis
    SARS
    Vibrio
    Cholera
    C.difficile
    Listeria
    Enterococcus faecalis
    Clostridium difficile
    Legionella pneumonia
    Escherichia coli
    Bedbugs, mites, ticks

    Decontamination can be conducted in automobiles, RV’s. boats, residences, work place offices, day care centers and nurseries, sick rooms, elder care centers, kindergartens, preschools, acute care institutions, alternate care institutions, home healthcare institutions, life care retirement communities, and elder care facilities to name a few.

    Following application by Pacific Decontamination Services, they leave a PH neutral barrier that prevents regrowth.

    Our product is registered with the US EPA as environmentally safe, and Health Canada, as safe for all applications including food handling. It is also biodegradable and safe for household use, decomposes to non-potable water in 8 hours, and is safe for use on all surfaces and fabrics. It contains zero VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), and is non-flammable and non-corrosive

    What’s do you do next? How do you solve the challenge of preventing the flu and other airborne germs?

    Call Pacific Decontamination Services at 778-269-0208

    Visit us at www.PacificDecontamination.com

    Or email us at contact@pacificdecon.com

    Serving All of Vancouver Island: Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.