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August 1 - 14, 2017 / Page 45
During summer, the air you breathe is at even greater a risk of contamination We often relegate breathable health risks to the outdoors, but airborne contaminants inside the household can be just as dangerous. During summer, this problem can grow even worse. To beat the heat, South Floridians often shut their windows and doors and crank up their air conditioning. And while it may be cooler inside, the tradeoff is that indoor air quality plummets drastically as the concentration of airborne pollutants like lead, formaldehyde, radon, dust mites and pet dander builds up. Without properly airing out your home, mold may also take hold and grow faster. According to the Center for Disease Control, indoor mold is most often found where humidity levels are high. Such places include air conditioning units, ducts, crawlspaces and attics—areas through which the rest of the house can also become infected. “Ninety percent of our clients, when they complain about mold, find that the most common area where mold grows is in and around the fresh airflow intake by the air conditioning unit’s coils,” said Marty Katz, a state-certified mold inspector and remediator with more than two decades in the field. “We call the air conditioning unit the ‘lungs of the house,’ so if your house’s lungs have mold, its entire body—the entire house—has likely been cross-contaminated.” Microscopic organisms belonging to the fungi family, mold reproduces though airborne spores and can propagate on almost any surface. It is “very common” in buildings and homes, according to the Florida Department of Health. Common types, such as aspergillus, penicillium and stachybotrys (also known as “black mold” and “the silent killer”), are associated with an array of health risks including respiratory difficulties, fatigue, immune suppression, chronic nasal congestion, si-
Technicians removing contaminants from industrial-sized air ducts at a local school.
nusitis, eye irritation, rashes, eczema, enhanced allergy symptoms and, in some cases, even death. “Southeast Florida is the only locale in the U.S. with a tropical climate,” said Dr. Gary Rosen, a Florida-licensed building contractor and accredited mold remediation instructor. “The climate is ideal for hidden mold growth.” Fortunately, steps can be taken to prevent indoor air contamination. A 2011 study published by the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association found that opening several windows for short periods greatly improves your home’s air change rate and can reduce indoor toxins. To mitigate the risk of mold growth, the EPA recommends using dehumidifiers, properly venting appliances that produce moisture, using fans and, as the above study states, regularly opening your doors and
Certified mold remediation technicians using a fiber-optic snake camera check air conditioning vents for mold.
windows to allow clean air in. If you suspect your home may be harming you due to mold and other airborne contaminants, it is recommended you contact a
Certified mold remediation technicians using a fiber-optic snake camera check air conditioning vents for mold.
company with state-licensed mold remediation technicians immediately. For more information, call 305-763-8070 or visit www.MiamiMoldSpecialists.com.
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