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Tag: musty smell

  • Mold in a Car – The Health Risks

    Mold in a Car – The Health Risks

    A number of health risks are associated with exposure to mold. Mold exposure is very common for vehicle owners living in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.  Pacific Decontamination Services remediates mold.

    These effects vary from mild to severe and often affect the sinuses and lungs. Common symptoms include: headache, sore throat, runny nose, skin rash, eye irritation and wheezing.

    People with mold allergies will have severe allergic reactions upon contact with mold spores. Airborne spores can be a significant threat.

    Mold exposure also increases sensitivity in those with asthma or an autoimmune disease.

    Passengers with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, could face infection as well.

    “Aspergillosis” and “chronic pulmonary aspergillosis” have been linked to mold. Aspergillosis causes coughing, wheezing and sinus inflammation.

    Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis is a painful condition that causes cavities in the lungs. These cavities are called “fungus balls” and can lead to future scarring

    Toxic black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is the most dangerous species of mold that you can come into contact with. When inhaled or ingested, toxic black mold spores can cause serious health problems and even deadly diseases.

    Signs of exposure to black mold start with sneezing, coughing, headache, skin rash, mental confusion, memory loss and chronic fatigue. This can then lead to nausea, vomiting, anxiety, muscle cramps, hair loss, and bleeding in the lungs and nose. In severe cases, when a patient is left untreated, black mold exposure may lead to death.

    Here are a few tips on “what not to do” when it comes to dealing with mold in your car, RV or boat.

    Your family doctor will be able to diagnose mold exposure through a blood test or skin prick test.

    We neutralize mold in your car, RV or boat by applying our eco-friendly, safe chemical into the interior and applicable exterior areas. 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 in your car 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 Your Home a Death Trap?

    Is Your Home a Death Trap?

    Is Your Home a Death Trap? How Mold Affects Your Health and Your Home’s Value in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Comox, Courtenay, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.

    If you think your home is mold-free, you’re probably wrong. Mold infestation is very common for home owners living in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.

    How do you sell your home on Vancouver Island when there’s mold? Any kind of major defect discovered during a home inspection can break a deal or have a big impact on negotiations when buying a home, and mold is no exception. Mold will simply continue to devalue your property until the problem becomes so rampant that the home is uninhabitable. Nobody wants to purchase a seller’s mold issues.

    Understanding Mold:

    As a fungus, the mold is in soil and spreads to new locations by releasing spores into the air. It can travel through an open window or follow you inside through the front door.

    Generally speaking, mold only becomes dangerous when it can attach itself to organic material and grow and spread with the right humid conditions.  Black mold is a good example. Moisture allows the mold that’s already there to grow and colonize, and reproduce and spread.  And we all know, moisture on Vancouver Island is like “wetness to water”.

    Airborne mold spores are not visible to the human eye. Mold spores are tiny structures produced by molds for reproduction purposes. They are so small that they can hardly be seen…even when magnified 400 times. One cubic meter of outdoor air may contain as many as 1,000,000 spores. The volume of air we inhale at rest is estimated at 10 litres per minute. Therefore, in an hour we inhale close to 600,000 spores. The air in some working environments including moldy buildings may contain up to 1,000,000,000 spores per cubic meter of air.

    People’s reactions to mold vary depending on individual predispositions to mold and the type of mold growth, from no symptoms to sore throat and itchy eyes, heightened asthma problems, skin rashes, sick building syndrome, and in some cases autoimmune disease from prolonged exposure. Because medical issues can vary so greatly, it doesn’t matter which type of mold may be growing or how you’re feeling, all visible mold growth in your home should be removed, and the source of moisture repaired to ensure growth does not occur again.

    Health concerns are the first reasons to rid a building of mold. The second reason is the resale value and marketability of a property. Nobody wants to purchase a seller’s mold issue.  This is where Pacific Decontamination Services has developed a service that kills the mold and mildew up to 99.99999% and leaves an invisible residual covering to protect the re-growth for up to 3 months.

    Finding the root cause of your mold and mildew problems is critical in the problem-solving process. What is causing the mold and mildew to grow? It could be a leaky pipe, humid basement or a heavy rain storm that flooded your crawl or basement. The size of the problem is less important than your ability to repair the source of moisture. The key is to stop further moisture intrusion. Otherwise, the mold will just grow back.

    Mold growth in a basement, attic or crawl space is relatively common, because residents don’t see these areas often, and they can be very humid. However, there are tell-tale signs you can see and smell in advance of your problem expanding. With mold and musty crawl spaces, basements and attics, there are several warning signs: Click Here for warning signs you can be watching for.

    It is important to note that mold and mildew are both fungi, and they can cause health problems. If it looks like mold or is described as a mold-like substance, considers it mold and have it removed. Do not differentiate between mold and mildew – they both are just as risky as the other.

    How Do We Kill Mold?

    We neutralize your mold and mildew by applying our eco-friendly, safe chemical into your attic, crawlspace, residence, 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.

     

  • Remediating Mold – What not to do in Victoria, Duncan, Cowichan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Port Alberni, Courtenay, Comox and Campbell River

    Remediating Mold – What not to do in Victoria, Duncan, Cowichan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Port Alberni, Courtenay, Comox and Campbell River

    One of the first things people do in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni is to try and scrub mold away.  This will cause the mold spores to become airborne. And, when the spores enter your furnace, or air conditioning system, they will be carried throughout your home.

    Airborne mold spores are dangerous to your health if released into the air.

    Some people pour bleach on the mold or attempt to tear out the affected area on their own.  Bleach is not only hard on the environment but can also cause health issues if one were to breathe in its toxic fumes. And, bleach will only kill mold and the mold spores of the surface that you are treating. Bleach does not penetrate many surfaces and get down to the root level of the mold.

    In time, the mold will simply reappear as it was not effectively killed off at the root level.

    The challenge with do-it-yourself home mold remediation kits… not having the proper experience or tools to remove the mold.  This can allow the transfer of harmful bacteria to other areas of your home. Especially, when cleaning the air ducts in a home furnance.

    Spores that travel through the air can affect the lungs and cause mold growth in other areas that may be moist. This causes an even bigger and more expensive problem.

    Also, not having the right protective gear puts you at risk for respiratory issues, skin rashes, and serious headaches. While it can be tempting to try and do it on your own to save money, the mold elimination cost isn’t always as high as one might think.

    Pacific Decontamination Services can neutralize mildew and mold up to 99.99999% by applying our eco-friendly, safe chemical into your home, air conditioner, shower, faucets, hot tub, spa, or any other item or location. Depending on the job, we apply our formula by spray, mist, foam, or fog.

    Click Here to View Types of Biological Organisms and Chemical Threats that Pacific Decontamination Kills and Neutralizes

    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, mildew and associated health hazards?

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

    We service all of Vancouver Island including Victoria, Duncan, Cowichan, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Port Alberni, Comox, Courtenay, and Campbell River.

  • Musty Smell in Bathroom

    Musty Smell in Bathroom

    Musty smells in the bathroom, laundry room and basements are extremely common, and may impact one in three homeowners in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.

    The musty smell in your bathroom is caused by mold or mildew.

    These fungal growths cause the same musty odor in damp basements, crawl spaces and attics.

    Common locations for mold and mildew in the bathroom include inside the shower, on walls behind towels or picture frames, or on the ceiling.

    Mold and Mildew Explained

    Mold and mildew are both a type of fungus that grow in damp areas. If a room is moist, not very well ventilated, and lacking in natural sunlight, there is a good chance it can develop mold or mildew.

    Mold and mildew have a unique musty scent that is easy to identify.  You cannot always see mold and mildew. Both are dark-colored stains when you can see them. It is important to not that mold and mildew can start to smell before they become visible, and they can also grow inside drawers and closets. Other areas include behind picture frames, on the ceiling, inside the shower, behind decorative hanging towels, and under the sink or behind the toilet.

    The Musty Smell of Mold and Mildew is a Warning

    The musty odor of mold and mildew is a warning. Both these fungal growths are bad for your health if you breathe in the airborne spores. They can cause reactions like headaches, trouble breathing, nosebleeds, and nausea. Young children are particularly prone to breathing problems in homes where there is a lot of mold, and people with asthma can have severe reactions to mold and mildew.

    Mold and Mildew Can Damage Your House

    Mold and mildew can damage your house. Mildew stains grout, paint, and other surfaces.  Mold can eat into drywall and even damage the structural stability of the house frame if left alone long enough. Taking no action against your serious mold infestation could have consequences.  There are examples where some homes, when left with mold for years, had to be condemned due to the overwhelming growth.

    How to Prevent Mold or Mildew

    Airflow and moisture reduction are critical to prevent mold and mildew. If your bathroom does not have a window or fan, then consider putting a small fan or dehumidifier in the room to reduce some of the moisture. Always wipe down the walls and shower curtain after a shower to prevent mold from growing inside this damp area. Hang wet towels, rather than putting them in a hamper, and routinely move anything that hangs permanently to wipe the wall behind.

    Other Causes of Musty Smells

    Other causes of must smells could include your toilet tank. There can be mildew inside the tank, or it could be that lime deposits have left the inside of the tank less than pristine. Check for other areas like this around your bathroom, such as the under-sink plumbing fixtures, or behind a decorative covering on your tub.

    How to Get Rid of Mold or Mildew

    Pacific Decontamination Services can neutralize mildew and mold up to 99.99999% by applying our eco-friendly, safe chemical into your home, air conditioner, shower, faucets, hot tub, spa, or any other item or location. Depending on the job, we apply our formula by spray, mist, foam, or fog.

    Click Here to View Types of Biological Organisms and Chemical Threats that Pacific Decontamination Kills and Neutralizes

    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, mildew 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.

  • Dealing with Mold – Tenants and Renters in British Columbia

    Dealing with Mold – Tenants and Renters in British Columbia

    Mold presents very serious environmental hazards causing concern among renters and tenants in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.  Mold can lead to significant health problems such as rashes, chronic fatigue, nausea, cognitive losses, hemorrhaging, and asthma. Click here to learn more on how vulnerable to mold exposure you may be.

    If you suspect there is mold in your rental unit, contact the Landlord immediately.  Section 32 of the Act, the Landlord “must provide and maintain the residential property in a state of decoration and repair that complies with the health, safety and housing standards required by law.”

    However, the Landlord may also say that you have caused the mold, for example, by leaving damp towels around, not keeping the bathroom fan on long enough, etc…

    As the Tenant, you are responsible to maintain reasonable health, cleanliness and sanitary standards throughout the rental unit and residential property.

    If you’re dealing with mold that you believe is not your fault, take lots of pictures and document everything including conversations with your Landlord.  If you have questions, call the Residential Tenancy Branch at 1-800-665-8779.

    What Else Can You Do? 

    Pacific Decontamination Services can 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.

     

  • 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.

     

  • Eco-Friendly Mold Remediation – Why You Should Go Green

    Eco-Friendly Mold Remediation – Why You Should Go Green

    Residents in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni deserve an eco-friendly, green, mold remediation service. Protecting our environment at the time of eliminating mold and mildew in attics, basements, crawl spaces and buildings is a green approach.  Ensuring safe, cutting-edge chemistry during mold remediation is a must.

    Let the professionals neutralize your mold problem.  Do not try to do this alone.  There are many possible dangers when dealing with mold.  Airborne mold spores can be dangerous to your health.

    What should you do if you notice mold growing in your house?

    Take immediate action, but do not panic! Contact Pacific Decontamination Services. Not all molds are dangerous to health, but no mold should be allowed to grow in our dwellings. Realize that health effects of indoor molds depend on the amount of mold one has been exposed to, length of time of exposure, the types of molds present and individual’s resistance. Therefore, presence of mold does not necessarily mean the occupants have been affected.

    Breathing all molds can be a health concern.

    People have come to believe that black molds are the most dangerous. The truth is, colour does not determine whether a mold is of health concern or not.

    What Else Can You Do Eliminate Mold in a Green, Eco-Friendly Way?

    We neutralize your mold by applying our eco-friendly, safe chemical into your RV, boat, auto, home, basement, attic, or building. 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.

    Go Green

    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.

    Pacific Decontamination Services meets the demands of strict environmental laws and regulatory requirements. Our cutting edge chemical is biodegradable and safe for household use, yet powerful enough to neutralize toxic and deadly chemicals, viruses and bacteria within minutes. It also decomposes to non-potable water in 8 hours. It is also safe for use on all surfaces and fabrics, contains zero VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), and is non-flammable and non-corrosive.

    Our product is registered with the US EPA as environmentally safe and Health Canada as safe for all applications including food handling.

    Our anti-microbial disinfectant and chemical decontaminant have the industry leading 7 log kill performance. It is a mixture of organic and inorganic chemicals that produce simultaneous reactions that can destroy both chemical and biological contaminants. Among the desirable properties of this formula are its effectiveness against vegetative and non-vegetative spores, (gram negative and gram positive) and its ability to destroy spore-forming microorganisms called endospores.

    Our Green Key Benefits

    Our product is EPA registered, decontaminant, disinfectant, sporicidal, anti-bacterial.

    We are Health Canada safe for all applications including food handling.

    We offer versatile liquid formulation with multiple application methods possible.

    Our service kills and neutralizes vegetative and non-vegetative bacteria.

    We are extremely effective removal and decontamination of biofilms.

    We have a proven effective residual barrier on a wide variety of non-porous surfaces that lasts up to 3 months.

    Our treatment is naturally biodegradable, no volatile organic compounds -VOC’s (meaning it is safe to breathe).

    Our treatment is non-corrosive, and environmentally benign (non-toxic/non-corrosive/biodegradable).

     

     

  • 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.

     

  • Airborne Mold Spores: Are They Dangerous To Your Health?

    Airborne Mold Spores: Are They Dangerous To Your Health?

    Airborne mold spores can be dangerous to your health and can impact owners in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.
    Mold spores are tiny structures produced by molds for reproduction purposes. They are so small that we can hardly see some of them even when magnified 400 times. One cubic meter of outdoor air may contain as many as 1,000,000 spores. The volume of air we inhale at rest is estimated at 10 litres per minute. Therefore, in an hour we inhale close to 600,000 spores. The air in some working environments including moldy buildings may contain up to 1,000,000,000 spores per cubic meter of air.
    In indoor environments molds grow on moist surfaces such as the drywall, wallpaper, carpet, baseboards, and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems (HVACs). As these molds grow, a stage is reached when they produce spores. The spores become airborne after drying out or if disturbed.  These spores may be making you sick.

     

    The dangers of airborne mold spores

    About 20% of the population is allergic to mold spores. Apart from being allergenic, spores of some mold species such as Stachybotrys contain toxic compounds called mycotoxins. Symptoms associated with mold spores may include allergy, headache and fatigue, running nose, sneezing, coughing, pneumonia and Asthma among other non-specific symptoms. Young children, the elderly and people undergoing medical treatment are particularly susceptible to mold spores.

     

    How do you control indoor mold spores?

    It is extremely difficult to get rid of spores completely. You can, however, reduce their numbers by controlling mold growth in your house or office. Mold growth is associated with moisture problem as a result of flooding, leaks in roofs or plumbing and condensation in case of poor ventilation or inadequate insulation. The key to controlling mold growth is keeping houses or offices dry by maintaining low relative humidity (below 70%) thus eliminating or slowing the growth of most mold species. Any water leakage should be repaired immediately and the water dried out within 48 hours. Constant monitoring for mold growth in the kitchen, bathrooms, window frames, carpets and baseboards is recommended. The earlier the mold is discovered the cheaper and easier it is to get rid of the problem.

     

    What should you do if you notice mold growing in your house?

    Do not panic! Contact Pacific Decontamination Services. Not all molds are dangerous to health, but no mold should be allowed to grow in our dwellings. Also the health effects of indoor molds depend on the amount of mold one has been exposed to, length of time of exposure, the types of molds present and individual’s resistance. Therefore, presence of mold does not necessarily mean the occupants have been affected.

     

    Are all molds dangerous?

    People have come to believe that black molds are the most dangerous.

    The truth is, colour does not determine whether a mold is of health concern or not.

     

    What Else Can You Do Eliminate Airborne Mold Spores?

    We neutralize your mold by applying our eco-friendly, safe chemical into your RV, boat, auto, home, basement, attic, or building. 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.

     

  • How to Prevent Basement Mold

    How to Prevent Basement Mold

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

    Basement mold is a common problem in homes that have damp, dark basements. Mold is a fungus which grows fast in moist, humid conditions. Once it establishes a presence in your basement, mold is very difficult to eliminate. Mold causes many health problems such as asthma, infections, cough, rashes, congestion and allergies. The best way to prevent mold growth is to control humidity and moisture in your basement.

    Monitor Humidity Levels

    High humidity levels provide the perfect growing environment for mold. You must ensure that humidity levels within your home, especially the basement, are within acceptable levels. Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level. A humidity reading of 45% or more is high and can be conducive to growth of mold. 

    Use a High Quality Dehumidifier

    If you detect high moisture levels in the basement, buy a high quality dehumidifier. This appliance is quite effective at keeping humidity levels under check.

     

    Avoid Growing Plants in Basement

    Plants in the basement provide a good diet for mold and mildew. Only grow plants in sunny, airy locations in your home. Avoid the basement for cultivation of any sorts.

     

    Reduce Clutter in the Basement

    Keep your basement free of clutter. Too many objects and storage items block the free flow of air and reduce ventilation. Items such as clothes and books stored in the basement are food for mold and mildew. Store minimal quantities of such items away from direct contact with the floor or walls.

     

    Do Not Store Wood in the Basement

    Wood is another ideal habitat for mold. Never store wood in the basement. An open, airy location is the best location for storing wood.

     

    Confirm That Water is Directed Away From Your Home

    The boundary around your home must be sloped in such a way that snow and rain are directed away from the house. Otherwise, and moisture will pool around the structure, increasing moisture and leakage problems. In such a situation, mold is almost inevitable.

     

    Deal With Spills and Leaks Immediately

    If there are any leaks in the basement, take care of them immediately. Wipe the water from the area and dry it thoroughly. Use of a dehumidifier and heater to accelerate the drying process.

     

    Insulate Water Pipes in the Basement

    Generally, cold water pipes in the basement show condensation on the exterior. Insulating such pipes reduces the humidity levels in the basement.

     

    Use an Exhaust Fan

    Air out stale, humid air and allow the intake of fresh air with the use of an exhaust fan. Try to open doors and windows to the basement regularly.

     

    Reduce Factors That Cause Humidity

    Avoid drying wet clothes in the basement. Make sure appliances such as dryers, stoves, heaters, and air conditioners exhaust to the outside, or else the humidity can rise significantly. Avoid carpets and wood flooring in the basement.

    What Else Can You Do To Control Mildew and Mold?

    We neutralize your mold by applying our eco-friendly, safe chemical into your RV, boat, auto, or building. 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.