Mold & Your Health

 

At Stover’s Restoration in Wichita, we believe in being well-informed on issues like this that could affect our customers. That includes an understanding of how important proper mold removal and remediation is the first time – every time.

Until recent years, it was unclear really how much mold in a home can affect someone’s health. Sure, it’s a well-known fact that mold and mildew could cause allergy flare-ups, but as medical researchers dig deeper into the issue, there could be a lot more to it than just allergies.

“Sick Building Syndrome”

The idea of people getting sick from their environment is not a new concept. In the 1980’s, the World Health Organization adopted the term “Sick Building Syndrome.” At the time, it was believed people grew ill because of indoor air quality issues in water-damaged buildings. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that a mold expert told the World Health Organization those illnesses were more likely the result of toxic mold in a structure.

A Documentary Points to Truth

Now, keep in mind, not all mold is toxic mold. However, some is. Now, let’s fast forward to 2015. It wasn’t until the documentary MOLDY was released that the medical community really started talking about people they’ve treated who have experienced physical and mental health issues from living in a moldy home.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

 Today, there is an actual name for this mold-related illness: Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, or CIRS. Wonder Makers Environmental in Kalamazoo, Mich., has done extensive research on mold illness and building testing. There is a test available now, the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index, of which the score can help determine whether or not a mold-tainted building could make the people inside sick.

Now, just because the mold within a building could make someone sick does not mean it will. Genetics actually has a lot to do with whether or not a moldy building will make someone sick. According to medical research, up to 25 percent of the population is susceptible to mold illness. So while one person in a home is completely healthy, another could fall very ill.

There are 37 symptoms tied to CIRS. We won’t list them all here, but most are similar to symptoms of many other illnesses so CIRS can be difficult to diagnose.

Worried about Mold

Mold can be both seen and unseen. And, mold in one part of your home could get carried elsewhere via air ducts and vents. While you may see visible mold on a basement wall, there could also be mold hidden in a wall cavity where your shower has been leaking unbeknownst to you.

The good news is, mold remediation and removal techniques have come a long way! Gone are the days when you could throw some bleach on it thinking all is well. Bleach does not reach deep into the surface like a professional grade disinfectant like those used by Stover’s Restoration. However, proper remediation and attention to overall indoor air quality can have your home cozy and safe in no time.

Want to know more about mold illness? Visit www.moldsensitized.com.