This is what I call, "a monster post." It is about mold SBS and sick building syndrome in Newark New Jersey, the Bronx, New York and really applies to all other mold susceptible areas accross the USA.

First, I have inserted a portion of a MSNBC news article titled: "Expert seeks proof of ‘sick building syndrome’ – Researcher believes toxic mold may cause illnesses via organic compounds".

Next, a great article about a possible cure, at least major relief from mold exposure through the use of UV or ultra violet lighting.These units are actually used by the US Government to protect their employees and personnel.

This is the exerpt from the MSNBC News Article. You can access the entire sick building news story at msnbc.com

Reuters: updated 4:12 p.m. MT, Tues., Oct. 28, 2008

"Fungus expert Joan Bennett did not believe in so-called toxic mold – the cause of “sick building syndrome” and many lawsuits – until her New Orleans home was flooded during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

When she got a whiff of the foul air that the black goo had created in her home, she decided to change her research focus and try to find out how and if the fungi that took over most of the flooded homes on the Gulf Coast might make people ill.

‘The overwhelming obnoxiousness of the odor and of the enveloping air made me start to believe in something that I had never believed in before – sick building syndrome,’ Bennett, of Rutgers University in New Jersey, told a news conference."

The article continues: "Dr. David Goldman, a pediatrician in the Bronx, New York, said asthma rates in his borough are disproportionately high, and he blames in part Cryptococcus neoformins, a microbe found in pigeon droppings that causes disease in immune-compromised people.

‘We believe this fungus contributes to asthma by modulating the immune response,’ Goldman told the news conference."

The Sick Building Syndrome Natural Cure – Ultraviolet UV Light Air Purifiers

Sick Building Syndrome: SBS: an occurrence in which people in a building suffer from acute symptoms related to time spent in that building. This problem, also known as SBS, is named as the cause of the ailments when no identifiable illness can be diagnosed as their source. While many have never heard of the term sick building syndrome, it is a real concern – one that affects more than 63 million people in America every year.

According to the United Nations World Health Organization, as many as thirty percent of office buildings around the world are afflicted with sick building syndrome. Sufferers may experience mold allergies, headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, dry cough, dry or itchy skin, decreased concentration, and/or eye, nose, and throat irritation. Read more about mold related illness in New Jersey schools. Usually, these symptoms disappear not long after afflicted occupants leave the building – another sign that SBS is the source of the problem.

A number of factors can lead to sick building syndrome. These factors could include chemical contaminants from inside the building itself, chemical pollutants from outdoor sources, and biological toxins, such as mold, bacteria, or viruses. All of the contributors to SBS are an even greater threat when poor ventilation is an issue, especially during colder months when buildings are shut tight against outside air or in buildings which rely heavily on air conditioning rather than natural ventilation.

When sick building syndrome is suspected, a building investigation is usually conducted to determine what sources are causing or contributing to the SBS. During this type of investigation, information is collected regarding the building’s occupants, suspected sources of pollution, and the building’s HVAC (heating, venting, and air conditioning) system. After studying this information, hypotheses can be formed as to what is polluting the air and solutions can be put into action.

Ultimately, the goal is to rid the building of all contaminants, thus creating much cleaner air for breathing. Often, the best way to do this is through air purification along with increasing the building’s ventilation and removing the actual pollutant sources when possible. By utilizing all of these methods, sick building syndrome can be eliminated, allowing relief from symptoms and improved health for suffering occupants.

For air purification, the United States Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommends using an air UV purification system that employs ultraviolet light along with the technology of negative ions and more. In fact, all government buildings rely on UV disinfection to control and eliminate dangerous micro-organisms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture further suggests an air purifier which generates negative ions to assist in eliminating bacteria and dust.

Ultraviolet light has been known for over fifty years to be an effective natural sterilizer of air pollution, and the UV disinfection of an ultraviolet air purification system works in the same way to destroy hazardous micro-organisms such as molds and viruses. As dangerous microbes pass by the lamp of a UV air purifier, their DNA is mutated, leaving them unable to reproduce and rendering them harmless. Air emitted from the ultraviolet air purification system is clean and thus, safe for breathing.

The filter of a UV air purifier aids in the process of air purification by actually removing particulates from the air, including volatile organic compounds such as those emitted by carpets, manufactured wood products, cleaning agents, upholstery, and copy machines. Although these common furnishings seem harmless, the VOC’s (volitile organic compounds) they emit are known to cause both acute and chronic health problems. A filter, as utilized by an ultraviolet air purification system, will capture 99.97% of these particulates as small as three-tenths of a micron in size.

In combination with ultraviolet light, negative ions provide additional protection against fine particles such as bacteria and dust. The negative ions which are released by a UV air purifier attract the positively charged particulates, virtually pulling them from the air and causing them to fall to surfaces where they can be vacuumed or dusted, rather than inhaled. An ultraviolet air purification system which incorporates the benefits of UV disinfection, a HEPA filter, and negative ions offers excellent protection.

While a UV air purifier is important to eliminating SBS, it is essential to remember the significance of proper ventilation along with the removal of pollutant sources whenever possible. For example, HVAC systems should be cleaned regularly, and areas where chemicals are unmistakable, such as copy rooms, should be sufficiently vented to the outdoors. By incorporating UV disinfection with adequate ventilation and a clean environment, sick building syndrome in Newark New Jersey, New York, New Orleans and elsewhere, will be eradicated and afflicted occupants will experience immediate relief.

Watch this video featuring an ABC news report out of New York discussing mold and sick building syndrome. After being diagnosed with various diseases, tenants in a housing complex realize toxic, mold living in their walls, floors and doorways was the cause of their problems.

Additional information, news, blog snippetts and more about SBS and UV lighting:

We Turned Homes From Mold Infected Sick Building Syndrome Structures To Clean And Sanitized Fresh Places To Live
Make sure there were no signs left of any visible mold, thank you. This has saved me a hefty mold inspection and remediation bill of a few thousand dollars. – Steve P., New Jersey.

New Jersey Mold In There Someplace: The Quaker Agitator
The doc recommends, however, that her classroom be checked for mold. This is the same mentality that builds a new school building but which won’t install air conditioning, even though here in Jersey, we can get 90 degree days as early as May and as late as October.

Testing Building Envelope Systems Using Infrared Thermal Imaging
Grouped together as "sick building syndrome," these can stem from inadequate HVAC performance, moisture trapped in walls, mold growth on cold, damp surfaces and inadequate air change rates.

Sustainable Architecture: Volitile Organic Compounds Explained
VOCs have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility and are suspected of causing sick building syndrome type symptoms. This is because many VOCs have been known to cause sensory irritation and central nervous system symptoms.

Mold At The Grand Floridian?! Eww!
From Fears of Sick Building Syndrome Sends Disney Guests Packing According to Dryout Inc : The Grand Floridian Hotel has discovered extensive mold.

By: Mary Coyle

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Clean air with ultra violet offers low-maintenance, energy efficient products that will minimize indoor air pollution.

In an effort to gather as much information as possible, I’ve put together a combination of article snippets, blog news, video and more all about, mold related illness schools in New Jersey.

If you are a concerned parent just trying to learn more about mold in schools, no matter where you live, read on as this is helpful information and applies to many States.

Starting with citing a NJ mold elementary school case back in March of 2007. Then move to an excerpt about mold in schools, both public and private, in New Jersey and across the USA and how they are having serious mold problems. Children are getting sick and in some cases, even dying. Toxic mold poisioning is suspected. Mold remediation in New Jersey schools and in numerous States is being saught after, in some cases.

Mold Related Illness And Schools In New Jersey: A Serious Problem

Mar 29, 2007 8:22 pm US/Eastern
School Of Mold: New N.J. School Faces Demolition

$42 Million School Hadn’t Even Been Opened Yet
by Tanya Rivero
NEPTUNE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS)

"Three years and tens of millions of dollars later, part a brand new elementary school in New Jersey will be torn down before it ever held one class. The reason for this waste of taxpayer’s money: mold.

"Parents were quite frankly shocked. We had been making plans to move over here in the fall," Neptune Township School Superintendent David A. Mooij told CBS 2. "The students and the parents had watched the building go up, and now they must watch it torn down."

Molds in School by Elizabeth Hauge Sword
Children’s Health Environmental Coalition
An excerpt: Please read the entire article here: http://www.checnet.org/healthehouse

"McKinley Elementary School, Fairfield, Connecticut. East Pennsboro High School, Enola, Pennsylvania. Whitaker Middle School, Portland, Oregon. These schools and many others like them have a story to tell — kids getting sick from school are not isolated incidents.

Good Information If You Are Worried About Mold In New Jersey Schools

"Elementary schools in the New Jersey and New York and Philadelphia metro areas can contact Jason Earle at Lab Results LLC, based in Princeton, to handle mold detection — a service that is free of charge and unique in its approach."

Watch this video about a public Elementary School with mold, water damage and more. These are appauling conditions that put children at risk for mold related illness in schools.

Mold New Jersey: Moms Should Be Concerned About Mold

Children, the elderly, and people with depressed immune systems due to cancer, organ transplants, or AIDS, can become very sick when exposed to higher than normal levels of mold. Even some healthy individuals happen to be very sensitive to mold and are unable to tolerate a slight elevation of mold spores.

Mold, scientifically known as fungi (singular: fungus), is not new – it’s been around since the beginning of time and is a normal occurrence. Mold spores are found everywhere, even in Antarctica. The amount of spores in the air fluctuates day to day according to geographical locations, temperature, and the weather. Mold is abundant – there are between 1.3 to 3 millions species of mold, and they come in all kinds of colors. Some are common, and some are rare. Some are known to be toxic.

Mold can be classified into three broad categories as far as health effects are concerned. The first category is allergenic molds, which cause allergic or asthmatic reactions, but do not usually cause permanent health effects in most healthy, active people. There are pathogenic molds, which can cause serious health problems in those who are more susceptible. And finally, there are toxic molds that can cause serious health problems in everybody. The severity of these problems differs depending on age, immune system, and sensitivity.

Mold becomes a problem when it is growing inside our homes. A mold problem is, above all, a water or humidity problem. Without moisture mold spores cannot grow. Thus it behooves homeowners to practice mold prevention through regular maintenance and being vigilant in making prompt repairs when leaks occur. One must remember that within 24 to 48 hours following leaks, mold can start growing.

Mold serves a good purpose in life by breaking down dead organic material, because without it, we would be living in a trash heap. To reproduce itself mold ejects microscopic spores (seeds) into the air. When a spore lands in a good environment with food (dead organic material such as wood or drywall) and water, it starts to grow. It then sends hyphae (tree-root like system) into the material and these hyphae emit enzymes that rot and digest the material it is sitting on. If anyone has tried to “clean up” mold and has seen it coming back, it is due to those hyphae that stay embedded in the material. A few weeks following the cleaning, mold reappears because the root system is still in the material, and similar to a plant, it grows back if moisture continues to be present. Certain types of mold do not even need a leak in order to grow. If the relative humidity of the air (RH) is above 60% some mold can take the humidity from the air and start growing on walls, furniture, and personal effects. Owning a proper dehumidifier can literally suck quarts of water out of the air in your home and get the humidity level down below 60%

Sometimes people have no idea that a problem has taken place until they get sick. Plumbing leaks in showers are notorious for being unnoticed for a long period of time before being discovered. If mold is suspected, call a mold inspector who will be able to detect whether a mold problem exists and if so where it is coming from. Before hiring a professional, it is important to obtain credentials and references. Mold detection is not an exact science, thus experience often equals expertise.

If your child seems to have constant allergies, it might be due to mold. Collecting air samples with mold test kits utilizing a corresponding outside control is the only way to assess the air quality, with respect to mold spores, inside the home. In addition to that, seriously consider this environmental mold reduction protocol kit developed by Dr. Donald P. Dennis, M.D. This package has several components designed to dramatically reduce airborne molds.

In 2005 researchers from the Mayo Clinic found that fungi play a large role in chronic rhinosinusitis. In fact, the findings indicates that chronic rhinosinusitis is a result of a fungal driven inflammation rather than a bacterial infection.

• Indoor air quality problems in schools affect both students and teachers. The following statistics were published on February 2, 2005 by the IEQ Review:
• One in five schools in America has indoor air quality problems.
• Asthma accounts for 14 million missed school days each year.
• The rate of asthma in young children has risen by 160 percent in the past 15 years.
• 1 out of every 13 school-age children has asthma.

The Center for Indoor Environments and Health at the University of Connecticut states “the most common types of illnesses directly related to mold are type I responses of allergic rhinitis and asthma.” They go on to say “… allergic inflammation can trigger bronchospasm, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, leading to either new onset of asthma or asthma exacerbation in sensitized individuals.”

Poor maintenance in schools and lack of money are often cited as excuses for mold problems, but little is done about it. This does not only pertain to public schools; some private schools are just as bad. Many university dorms, regardless of school prestige, are in poor condition and some harbor mold. Students accept these conditions as status quo and fail to complain. This situation does not have to be. If money can be found to modernize a gym and re-sod the school lawn, money can be found to maintain buildings properly. Air quality should be a priority of any institution, and parents and teachers should demand it.

Mold In Schools In Newark, New Jersey – Your Stimulus Dollars At Work
Gilbane Building Co., which also oversaw the recent construction of the new Prudential Center arena in Newark, was fired by the New Jersey Schools Development Authority after officials discovered a mold infestation at a public school.

How Mold And Poor Indoor Air Quality Affects Public Schools
Currently, our schools are under scrutiny. Thanks to recent research, as well as publicized litigation, the students, teachers, and parents becoming well aware about the harmful effects of mold on indoor air quality.

Raising Kids In Public Schools – This School Has A Mold Problem
My husband and I have been praying about removing our kids from their Christian school and sending them to public school next year. Ironically, the decision was fueled by my oldest’s environmental allergies to the carpet and mold.

The Health Effects Of Mold Exposure In Public Schools
The extent of mold contamination and mold related illness in public schools has yet to be fully determined. In each school, a wide range of health problems, from minor to very serious, is attributed to indoor mold exposure.

About the Authors: Danielle and Charles Dobbs are principals of Dobbs Enterprises, Inc., a mold inspection and sampling company based in Maitland, Florida. They are authors of Mold Matters – Solutions and Prevention, and have written many articles. They also founded the International Institute of Professional Mold Inspectors, http://www.iipmi.com where they offer online courses. They give on site or online classes to engineers and maintenance crew to teach water intrusion and mold management. A unique telephone consulting service, a first in the nation, provides homeowners and building owners with an unbiased expert opinion or guidance about their particular mold problem.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Dobbs

Obviously, serious mold problems in New Jersey aren’t unique to the State. Mold has become a serious issue and has had a tremendous impact on people all over the united States.

This article was written at the time of Hurricane Ike and in reference to the concerns of the people of Galveston. Nonetheless, this is a great source of information that features five tips on how to choose reputable mold removal companies in New Jersey should you be in the position where you cannot do the NJ mold remediation yourself.

Learn how to avoid the fly-by-night fakes, find quality certified mold inspection and protect your wallet from unneccessary expenses and costs. I have also posted a video about a quality New Jersey water mold damage company that serves greater Hunterdon County. 

Mold Inspection & Removal Basics: 5 Tips To Help You Avoid Scammers

Due to the recent bad weather and storm surge related to Hurricane Ike, Galveston mold removal services have become one of the most in-demand needs in the area. Unfortunately, those impacted by storm related damage are increasingly prone to further victimization by workers pretending to be mold remediation experts. Learn how to protect your finances, your home and the health of your family when contracting for mold cleanup and removal by following these quick tips:

1. Verify that business license of the company. Make sure the company you are doing business with is fully licensed, bonded and insured – plus certified to perform the work of household mold removal in compliance with recognized standards.

2. Find out how long the company has been in business. Ask what type of warranty or guarantee on work is provided. Mold removal isn’t as easy as it may appear – heavily contaminated areas may require extensive remediation or repair; spores can spread throughout the air vents of a home only to reappear weeks or even months later. Make sure work will be done right the first time – not only will it reduce the long term cost of further repairs and escalating insurance (not to mention declining property values) but it also helps keep your family safe from the potential health risks associated with mold.

3. Get written estimates. Before contracting for certified mold inspection and any major work to be performed, obtain written estimates and an anticipated time for completion in order to avoid unpleasant surprises and costly delays. Don’t’ be afraid to shop around for second opinions especially if a specific estimate seems high or you don’t fully understand what is included in the work.

4. Find a company willing to work with your insurance policy. Chances are you may have a lot of unscheduled expenses ranging from high gasoline and hotel costs to replacing belongings. Dealing with a company willing and able to work directly with your insurance provider is one less thing to worry with.

5. Deal with a company that cares. In addition to fly-by-night vendors that suddenly crop up everywhere, it is essential to understand what is included and what isn’t when contracting for office or house mold removal. Work with a company willing to handle everything from start to finish; mold removal, air vent cleaning to remove spores, upholstery and rug cleaning, disposal, water damage to floors and carpeting etc.

Although it might sound like a tall order, it is possible to have everything done with just one call if you go with a reputable nationwide company like Kiwi Services.
Kiwi offers Mold Removal and Complete home care solutions.

Here’s a video from respected mold remediation company in NJ. Servpro, serving greater Hunterdon County in New Jersey, is a quick response insurance restoration company, ready at an instant to help you. If your home is in need of mold removal, they can be at your door in about an hour.

Related news and information about mold issues: What people are saying 

Stop Black Mold In Your New Jersey House
I was completely torn apart by not knowing what to do with my mold problem. I lost everything […

Buyer Beware Of The Discount Cheap Home Inspections
In New Jersey some of the lower price bottom feeder home inspection companies are teetering on bankruptcy. Consumers may believe they are getting a great deal.

WNYC – The Leonard Lopate Show: Mold & Dangerous Household Chemicals
Mold lives and grows where there is no light, low air movement, and moderate temperatures. Mold is absolutely not going to get near a light bulb if it can help it. 

How To Get Rid Of Structural Mold
Household mold removal of the many different varieties of mold, black or green, that can live in your house, one of them, stachybotrys, throws off spores.

Combating Mold – Home Improvement And Homeowner Advice On Mold
If the affected material is porous, it should be removed and thrown away. If the porous material mold is extensive, you should contact professionals to gather and remove. Lastly, never and I mean never mix household cleaners.

By: Eliz b

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Kiwi provides Galveston Mold Removal services.

At times, you may have an excellent reason to want to conduct quality mold air testing in your home or office. Be aware however, home tests for mold that use either an air sampling method or a surface test with swab (or both) are not always needed. Of course, it will be up to you to make the final decision.

One general rule of thumb is that if you actually see the mold growing, you don’t need a test to tell you it is there. If people in the home are, however, getting sick, and you’re not sure what is causing their illness, a mold testing kit could do much to answer your questions.

This article below will also help in the decision process.

Seven Reasons You Might Need Mold Testing

Think you don’t need mold air testing? You might reconsider after reading about these common mold concerns. Here are the top reasons you might need mold testing and no even know it.

Reason #1: You love antiques! Few people associate mold with art lovers but the fact remains, your love of antiques and heirloom quality rugs, fine furniture or other common tapestry items might put your home or office at risk for mold contamination. That musty odor often associated with age is often mold hidden deep in the fibers of fabrics, furnishing and other fine tapestries or linens. Mold spores are hardy – they can lay dormant for years until the right condition presents itself then viola’ – the spores have spread and you are now at risk.

Reason #2: You found a slow leak. Whether it was a leaky roof or broken pipe, slow leaks may cause a humid environment that makes the perfect breeding ground for mold spores especially if located near organic materials like wood or even carpet padding and fibers. Mold cleanup and a thorough inspection should be conducted to make sure the problem is eliminated.

Reason #3: You had a major flood. Major flooding – whether from burst pipes or storm damage – can result in the growth of mold and mildew in as little as 40 to 72 hours. Time is of the essence when dealing with water related damage – consider home tests for mold that use surface and air testing methods anytime you have experienced major flooding.

Reason #4: You have a humid area of the home. Basements are notorious for high humidity levels so in addition to performing a mold inspection, it is a good idea to consider mold air testing to verify what the naked eye might miss.

Reason #5: You are buying a home that you know little about. Any time you don’t know much about a home or piece of real estate it is a good idea to perform an inspection – unfortunately, most building inspections don’t routinely test for mold. It is usually a separate inspection or test. Take time to have it done anyway – it could save you more money in the long term.

Reason #6: You have unusual allergic or other health symptoms that could be caused by mold. A home test for mold is a good way to rule out potential health related issues stemming from your home. One of our top rated professional home mold test kits comes complete with a lab report letting you know exactly what you’re dealing with. It’s a small price for peace of mind.

Reason #7: You are selling a home. Don’t be caught off-guard by unpleasant surprises – instead, find out about any potential problems in advance then take care of them to make sure you get top price and don’t frighten away would be buyers. Go with a reputable company like Kiwi services that provides home mold testing, New Jersey mold removal services to handle your every need with just one quick call. From mold remediation to floor cleaning, your home will look its best and be ready for sale in no time at all.

This video features a home allergy mold test kit and news story about the effects of indoor air pollution.

Total Household Cleaning Kit Is All Natural 100% Biodegradeable And Environmentally Safe
Powerful enough to prevent mold from amplifying, and helps prevent mold from ever returning.

Home Mold Testing – New Jersey – The Riverhead News
Once they did the mold test [in September], the industrial hygienist, they said get out of the house immediately, that we have unlivable mold contamination throughout our entire home. An attorney representing Westminster Communities, which has overseen impressive residential development projects inNew York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, said the company this week arranged to send an engineer to inspect the colonial-style home.

Video Reveals The importance Of UV Light And Negative Ions For Air Purification
These are now proven, in five different ways, to eliminate harmful dust, mold, allergens, pet odors and even help reduce allergy and asthma symptoms more than any other indoor air purifier

Clearing The Air On Indoor Air Cleaners
Regardless of whether an indoor environment is the product of new construction or renovation, providing good indoor air quality starts during the design and construction phases and continues throughout a building’s life.

EIFS in New Jersey Home Inspection
The trapped water can cause wood rot, and is very conducive to mold growth. As a New Jersey home inspector it is imperative for me to identify this type of siding to my clients. When inspecting a home if I come across EIFS, I always recommend further testing by an EIFS specialist because if water is trapped behind the EIFS it is very expensive to remove all the exterior siding on the home.

By: Eliz b

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Kiwi provides mold testing and mold removal services.