Archive for January, 2010

Water Damage and Mold

Thursday, January 21st, 2010
Whenever you have water damage you are susceptible to mold. If you do not find the source for the water damage you will not be successful in remediating the mold.
If you have roof damage that has leaked for a period of time can cause water damage that can cause mold.This is especially found in humid climates. Make sure when you have had a damaged roof that has caused water damage that the area be checked for mold.
If you find or have found mold in your home or place of business it very important that you do not attempt to clean up with BLEACH ! The bleach has a chemical reaction to mold that can make the mold spores spread though the air.
If you have a leak in your plumbing behind your walls and is fixed by a plumber, the water damage could possibly cause a dangerous mold growing that will need to be remediated.
Once mold is found in your residence or even a business it is important to have a certified company come in to remediate. If you see or hear the word bleach please get a second opinion. Bleach will only make the mold air borne.
When calling a company regarding mold make sure they are certified in mold remediation ask for their certifications and insurance that way you know they are adequate in removing your mold problems correctly.
Mold is known to cause serious health risk and needs to be taken seriously. Risk can include upper respiratory problems, asthma, sinus infections, allergies, difficulty breathing and in extreme cases even death.
Mold can even be caused from condensation, if you are experiencing sinus problems, bronchitis or allergies it might be a good idea to have your place of business or home checked for mold by a licensed and certified mold expert.
Mold is very dangerous and should be removed professionaly. DO NOT attempt to do this on your own. You can not use bleach or cover up with paint the mold will continue to grow and spread.

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Pet Food Recall due to Mold…

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

A pet food company has advised retailers in more than 20 states to stop selling some of its dog and cat food that may be contaminated with toxic fungus. Several dogs have gotten sick and some have died.

The fungus, aspergillus, produces aflatoxin; a known poison and carcinogen. Bur before cancer has time to proliferate; the poison takes its toll on the victims. Symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include lethargy, loss of appetite, yellowish eyes and gums, and severe or bloody diarrhea. This is the same mold that is often found in people’s homes caused from water damage, making them sick, as well.

The 19 varieties of dog and cat food recalled this week were made by Diamond Pet Foods and sold in 23 other states and under the brand names Diamond, Country Value and Professional. The recalled batches have date codes of March 1, 2007, through June 21, 2007, and were made at the company’s plant in Gaston, S.C.

The federal Food and Drug Administration and South Carolina Agriculture Department are investigating the plant, state Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers said.

South Carolina State Veterinarian Tony Caver said that state has five presumed cases linked to aflatoxin - three fatal. One of the deaths was of Scott Brown’s yellow Labrador, Lacy, was the first presumed case in the state.

Really, it’s amazing how fast Lacy went from doing OK to crashing, said veterinarian Eric Rundlett, who works at Wateree Animal Hospital in Camden. They can be on it a couple of weeks or a month, and not show any signs. … We’re not really sure how long it takes to build up.

Seven dogs from the Rochester, N.Y., area were being treated for liver disease and failure at Cornell University Hospital for Animals after eating contaminated food, said university spokeswoman Sabina Lee. An area veterinarian discovered the link after three dogs died in the area, she said.

The pet food was distributed to stores in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Vermont, and Virginia.

Consumers are urged to take unopened containers back to the store where they purchased it for a refund.

Anonymous – Camden, MA

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