The main objective of a low mold diet is to reduce the exposure to mold and mycotoxins, at least in the foods and beverages consumed. This type of diet can be helpful for a number of health issues, especially if they are related to mold. However, just by reducing the amount of toxins the body has to deal with, the low mold diet can be a helpful healing tool. By adopting this approach to eating, you can reduce your risk of mold and biotoxin-related illness. This can be done by choosing fresh, whole foods, and being mindful with food handling and preservation methods.

Basic Guidelines to Eating a Low Mold Diet

• Adopt a Whole-Food Based Diet: Processed foods are more prone to contain mold or mycotoxins due to processing and packaging. Sometimes they may contain preservatives like citric acid which is often now produced using a specific type of mold, instead of lemon juice.
• Avoid Consuming High Mold Foods: Certain foods and food products are prone to mold growth and contamination. These can include wheat, corn, peanuts, coffee, cocoa, leftover rice (eat rice within 24 hours to avoid mold), cultured foods, cheese, etc.
• Avoid Moldy or Spoiled Foods: Quickly discard any moldy food product as soon as mold is evident. Don’t try to just cut out or wash off the mold. Mold spores quickly disperse throughout a food item, so though you might not see the mold once you cut off the moldy spot, the mold roots can move quickly through the surface.
• Store Your Food Properly: Make sure your food items are stored in the right conditions and containers to avoid mold growth. Also note expiration dates and refrigerate leftovers promptly. Make sure to properly handle and wash food items to prevent mold contamination. Make sure to clean food preparation surfaces regularly, such as cutting boards, countertops, etc. It is also a good idea to regularly clean your refrigerator to prevent mold from growing on spills and crumbs.

High and Low Mold Foods

While the guidelines above are helpful, it is good to have a list of the foods that are more ideal on the low-mold diet, and the foods that should be avoided or reduced because of their proneness to testing high in mold contamination. It is important to note that a highly restrictive diet is not usually healthy, at least not for long-term. However, this list of foods to avoid and the ones to include can be helpful in meal planning for a low-mold diet.

Foods to include in a low-mold diet (preferably locally sourced or organic):

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Healthy protein (such as legumes, eggs, fish, and poultry)
• Low-mold whole grains (such as quinoa, oats, fresh rice–no leftovers, millet, etc)
• Raw or dry-roasted nuts and seeds (avoid peanuts and cashews)
• Healthy fats (like coconut oil, avocado, olive oil, etc)
• Fresh herbs and spices
• Low-mold drinks (make sure to only consume mold-free coffee and tea)

Foods to avoid on the low-mold diet:

• Processed and packaged foods
• Fermented foods (like sauerkraut and vinegar products)
• Dairy products
• Mold-contaminated nuts and seeds (like peanuts)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Sugar and refined foods
• Moldy or spoiled food
• High mold grains (such as wheat, barley, and rye)

Benefits of the Low-Mold Diet

There are numerous potential benefits to the low-mold diet and the minimization of exposure to mold and mycotoxins and for those with mold sensitivity:

• Reducing Mold or Mycotoxin Exposure: We are daily bombarded with toxins and potential hazards to our health. By reducing the mold in our diet, our body has the chance to process and function more easily. Individuals on the low-mold diet reduce their risk of developing mold-related health conditions.
• Symptom Management: For those who already have health conditions that may be related or aggravated by mold and mycotoxins, reducing that load or exposure on the body will help improve symptoms related to those conditions. A low-mold diet can help improve symptoms of conditions such as respiratory issues, allergies, fatigue, or cognitive dysfunction.
• Helps Support Immune System: A healthy diet low in toxins can improve immune function. A whole-food based approach will provide many minerals and nutrients needed for the immune system to work well and respond adequately to toxins and be resilient and not run-down.
• Improving Gut Health: Consuming healthy whole foods like fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes will support gut health and a healthy gut microbiome, which also improves immune function and wellness.

The Low-Mold Diet for Mold Testing

It is advised to go on a low-mold diet for a short time before doing a mold test like a mycotoxin urine test. Doing this avoids false positives from the foods you are consuming. By taking the test, you want to know if you have a mold issue within your body, and to get an accurate result for that it is best to adopt a low mold diet to make sure you aren’t just eating high mold foods that is passed through the body and picked up on the test. While you are preparing for your mold test it is also a good idea to avoid leftovers, as those can be prone to have mold.

Other Considerations

With anything, there are challenges to deal with and overcome. The low-mold diet can be restrictive if you aren’t sure to find a diversity of healthy low-mold whole foods and recipes that you will enjoy. You should aim to have a varied, nutrient dense meal plan to make sure you are meeting nutritional needs.

It may take a bit of time to notice improvements in symptoms with any diet. Consistency and dedication are important in case it takes several weeks or months for your body or health conditions to benefit from the reduction in mold and mycotoxins. Some individuals may experience a detox reaction. Any new developing or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a health care practitioner.

The low-mold diet requires careful planning and preparation. It can be difficult to socialize around food and maintain the low-mold approach to eating. It can be helpful to communicate your needs and requirements to those you will be socializing with, as well as planning ahead to accommodate your dietary requirements.

The post The Low Mold Diet appeared first on Mold Blogger.

Mold is a common issue for many homeowners. It is an opportunistic organism that thrives in damp and inadequately ventilated areas. Mold can cause major damage to homes and structures, and also poses a dangerous health risk to those who are continually exposed to mold spores and mycotoxins. These risks are heightened for those with certain genes, like the HLA-DR gene, and those already suffering from respiratory issues, allergies, asthma, or other health conditions.

There are many ways of dealing with mold. Some can be extensive and costly, requiring a professional to safely and effectively tackle, while other avenues can be very inexpensive and effective. The right method will need to be determined by assessing the extent of the mold issue, as well as the surfaces it is growing on. One potentially budget-friendly route for dealing with mold, is using hydrogen peroxide.

The Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a compound of water with an additional oxygen molecule. This extra oxygen atom is what allows for its substantial oxidizing power, which is what makes it such a powerful cleaner and disinfectant.

Hydrogen peroxide can be a great product for effectively cleaning mold on surfaces. It has disinfecting properties that can break down viruses, bacteria, and fungus… basically breaking the microorganisms down on a cellular level and killing them by degrading the cellular membrane. This makes hydrogen peroxide an excellent option for mold remediation. Unlike bleach, hydrogen peroxide penetrates semi-porous surfaces to kill the mold. While breaking down the mold, the hydrogen peroxide lifts particles to the surface, essentially uprooting the mold.

How to Clean Mold with Hydrogen Peroxide

Before you begin, make sure you have the proper safety gear and supplies needed- such as gloves, goggles, and a mask, to protect yourself from mold spores and hydrogen peroxide. Also, test out a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure the hydrogen peroxide will not damage your surface

To clean mold on surfaces with hydrogen peroxide, here are some basic guidelines:

• You will need to choose which concentration of hydrogen peroxide you want to use. Most stores will carry 3% concentration, but you can purchase a stronger concentration if you want to. Ideally use 3-6% for general cleaning. Using a stronger concentration would require more safety precautions for handling.
• First, it is important to maintain good ventilation while cleaning mold and using hydrogen peroxide. Open a window or door to bring in fresh air as you work. Wear a mask, gloves, and eye protection to shield your skin, eyes, and lungs from mold spores and from the hydrogen peroxide.
• You will need a spray bottle to use the hydrogen peroxide. Pour it into a spray bottle and do not dilute it.
• Completely saturate the moldy surface you wish to clean by spraying your concentration with the spray bottle. Let this sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the hydrogen to thoroughly kill the mold. If needed, scrub the surface with a brush or sponge (while wearing protective gloves).
• Next, rinse and wipe the surface clean. You may need to repeat this several times until all the mold is wiped clean and the surface has no remaining residue.
• Dry the area thoroughly. This is important to prevent more mold growth. Ventilation and fans can speed up the drying process.
• When you are done, dispose of any moldy items or items that came in contact with mold carefully, by sealing them in a plastic bag. Make sure to discard your mask, gloves, etc, in the same way.

Safety Precautions with Hydrogen Peroxide

While hydrogen peroxide is considered nontoxic, you don’t want to directly touch it with bare skin, or get it near your eyes. It can also damage some surfaces, so it is a good idea to test a small area that is less visible before proceeding with cleaning the entire surface with it.

Other Benefits to Cleaning Mold with Hydrogen Peroxide

• It is nontoxic, unlike bleach and other common cleaning agents.
• It is inexpensive.
• It also kills bacteria.
• It can penetrate semi-porous surfaces.

Hydrogen peroxide is a relatively safe, effective, and inexpensive way to clean mold. By following the proper steps, you can use it as a cleaning agent to remove mold growth in your home and protect your health. Make sure you take care of any moisture or ventilation issues to prevent the mold from returning. Also, contact a professional mold remediator if the mold issue is too extensive. With proper treatment and maintenance, you can keep your home mold-free and healthy.

The post Does Hydrogen Peroxide Get Rid Of Mold? The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Mold with Hydrogen Peroxide appeared first on Mold Blogger.

Can You Sue If You Get Sick From Mold?

Yes, you may file a lawsuit if you get sick from mold exposure. The likelihood of successful litigation depends on certain factors that should be discussed with a lawyer to see if your case should proceed to court. Some things to take into consideration for a case concerning mold:

• Causation: You need to establish a clear link between your mold exposure and your illness or damage. This can include medical records, tests, dates, photos, etc. You should consider expert testimony to demonstrate the link between the mold and your issues.
• Negligence: If you claim negligence in your mold lawsuit, you need to show that the responsible party (landlord, institution, etc) failed to properly fix any water issues or leaks, failed to properly maintain the property, and/or failed to prevent and remediate mold growth.
• Duty of Care: Landlords and other responsible parties have a duty to provide a habitable and safe dwelling. If they fail to do so, putting residents at risk, they may be able to be held accountable for any resulting harm or damage.
• Landlord-Tenant Laws: You will need to look at your local laws, but tenants may have rights regarding mold issues regarding the condition of the rental property. If those specific local laws are violated by the landlord, the tenant may have grounds for litigation.
• Damages: If you can demonstrate documented damaged suffered from mold or mold-related sickness, you can seek to gain compensation. This compensation may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other relevant costs.

Mold-related lawsuits may be complicated and outcomes will vary based on local laws and specifics. If you believe you have suffered mold-related injury in a case where another is responsible, you should seek legal counsel experienced in personal injury or premises liability law. They will evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.

Lawsuits Won Against Mold

While the success of a mold lawsuit depends on individual circumstances and local laws, it can be helpful to examine successful cases won against mold. Here are some examples of lawsuits resulting in high-dollar awards to those who suffered because of toxic mold:

A Group in California

A group in California was awarded $1.3 million for claims against contractors that performed work so poorly it caused leaks and allowed mold to enter their homes.

Two Women in Delaware

Two women in Delaware were awarded $1.04 million because their landlord failed to fix leaks which led to mold in the residence, as well as claimed health issues as a result.

A Homeowner in California V Allstate

A homeowner in California was awarded $18 million against Allstate Insurance because of their refusal to approve claims for mold damage. The judge lowered the jury’s award down to $3 million.

Celebrity in Los Angeles loses big

In October 2012, former NBA player and coach Rudy Tomjanovich and his wife were ordered by a Los Angeles County Superior Court to pay over $2.7 million in compensatory damages and $250,000 in punitive damages. Plaintiff had purchased the Tomjanovich’s Pacific Palisades home in 2007 and alleged that they failed to disclose the existence of water leaks and mold in the residence during the sales transaction.

Renter in Oregon

On December 9, 2011, an Oregon jury returned a verdict of $103,000, plus attorneys’ fees, against a property management company. The plaintiff, a radiologist, had rented a home managed by the defendant. When a water leak occurred in a stairwell, plaintiff advised the defendant property management company. Despite the complaint, no repairs were made and a strong musty odor developed.

Further Recommended Reading:

• Why Are Mold Lawsuits Rising?
• Mold Allergies: At Home Remedies

The post Examples of Mold Lawsuits appeared first on Mold Blogger.

There are many ways to test for mold, and a lot of the methods of testing can be costly and invasive. Whether you decided to test your home for mold, or test for mycotoxins in your body, it is important to evaluate what tests are right for you, and within your budget. In this blog post we will look at one unique test that is often used by some practitioners to indicate mold-related issues within the body.

The Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test

The VCS test (the Visual Contrast Sensitivity) is an evaluation sometimes used by practitioners to help identify possible mold toxicity in the human body. While the test was not developed to detect mold, it can help measure visual function, which can often be affected by mold exposure. In combination with other methods of testing, the VCS test can be used to help provide information that may point to possible mold-related health issues.

The VCS test measures a person’s ability to distinguish between colors and shades of gray, in low contrast situations. The test evaluates the person’s sensitivity to changes in contrast, which can point to neurological disorders or certain eye conditions or visual impairments. Failing the VCS test can indicate an issue, and further testing should be done.

Dr. Shoemaker and VCS testing

Shoemaker VCS (Visual Contrast Sensitivity) testing was developed by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, a doctor who is known for his extensive work related to mold illness. The Shoemaker VCS utilized a computer-based program to allow an individual select responses based on images with different levels of contrast. The results of the test reveal valuable information about the person’s sensitivity in discerning visual contrast. According to the website where you go to purchase and take the test, the VCS test has 92% accuracy rate in detecting exposure to mold and/or other biotoxins such as Lyme, cyanobacteria, and dinoflagellates.

The theory is that people with mold toxicity, or those exposed to mold toxins or suffering from mold-related illnesses such as CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), will experience issues related to their visual contrast sensitivity. This issue with discerning visual contrast is correlated with mycotoxins impacting the nervous system and causing a decline in the visual contrast acuity.

CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome)

CIRS is a term coined by Dr Shoemaker to to detail the symptoms he was seeing in patients with illness resulting from exposure to biotoxins and mold. The main source of exposure to these toxic compounds are buildings associated with water damage and thus as a results, toxic mold. The common symptoms of CIRS he observed were:

1. Fatigue
2. Cognitive difficulties
3. Respiratory problems
4. Joint pain
5. Headaches
6. Digestive issues
7. Sensitivity to light and noise
8. Neurological symptoms

As you can see from the above list, CIRS is considered a multi-system, multi-symptom illness, and because of this, diagnosis can be difficult and complex. That is why many practitioners start with the simplicity of the VCS test, and continue to explore possibilities from there.

What Does a Positive VCS Test Mean?

A positive VCS test is not a complete picture for diagnosis. The test will not reveal which chronic inflammatory response syndrome you have, but it will indicate that you should likely test for which biotoxin is causing your symptoms. It will reveal with 92% accuracy that your body is responding to some sort of biotoxin. False positives are rare.

The VCS mold test is affordable (at the time of this blog post one test is $15), and the results are immediate, which may be a quick way to determine if you should continue to look at the possibility that you are suffering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome or another mold or biotoxin illness.

While many practitioners use and find the VCS test valuable for determining mycotoxin-related health issues, there are those who refute the reliability of the test, and argue other tests, assessments, and diagnostic tools should be used to determine mold-related conditions.

The post Mold Testing – VCS Test appeared first on Mold Blogger.

A Common Problem

The most common issue we encounter here on MoldBlogger is the situation of mold within a rental unit. The question that comes in the most is usually: How do I get my landlord to remove the mold? This is tough because, from a landlord’s perspective, it is often not seen as a financially productive move on their part, should they remove the mold and ensure it doesn’t reappear. Meaning: it can be quite costly for them and in opposition to their immediate needs and goals. For many landlords there simply isn’t monetary cushion available for them to cover the costs of a severe mold infestation. Personally, I have even seen lease contracts that essentially say, “This climate is moist and mold is something we just have to live with.” Let’s be clear about one thing. Mold is NOT something you or anyone else should ever have to live with.

Leave it Behind

The first question you need to answer is: Am I willing to move?

Moving is the best strategy you have in your power. Most landlords are unwilling, at best, to correctly deal with a mold issue. If you don’t have enough money for moving costs, then I strongly encourage you to save money. Mold is a silent, deadly killer and if you are under the roof of a landlord who cannot—or will not—remove the problem, then you need to take action and remove yourself. Whatever it takes, save the money and move. See if you can legally get out of a rental contract because of the mold problem.

If you’re already saving money and have exhausted all means to save an adequate amount, then start a side income. This could mean you might have to pick up a few extra hours at work, get a second job, do handyman gigs, or develop a passive income online. While you consider your financial options, check out Pat Flynn’s financial and passive income advice, which is an excellent resource for accumulating additional funds.

When you are ready to move, be prepared for the fact that, depending on how serious the mold issue is, you may need to clean and sanitize your household items so that you don’t contaminate the next home. Mold spores are literally in the millions and they can land, grow, and thrive on virtually any surface as long as there is moisture, dead organic material, and limited lighting. On MoldBlogger, there is a vast array of information at your disposal, such as proactive measures to avoid recontamination and general cleaning tips, depending on the severity of your situation. (see Landlord Liability, and the MoldBlogger Archives).

Hard surfaces are easier to clean. Clothing can sometimes be sanitized and salvaged. Use cleaners specific for mold removal, and make sure they are suitable for the surface you are cleaning.

If you decide that staying where you are is your best option, then there are a couple things you can do. First, look into the local and state laws for renter’s rights. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also has some good resources.

Renter Resources

Here are a few places to start when deciding what to do with mold in your rental. Make sure you know the legal responsibilities of the landlord, as well as your rights as a renter. Document everything you can with photos and written communication.

Tenant’s Rights by State

State Health Departments by State

EPA Mold Resources and A Brief Mold Guide

Landlord Authorized DYI

Ask for authorization to deduct remediation expenses from the next months rent. For example, if you need a dehumidifier, ask if they have one you can borrow. If not, ask if you can go buy a dehumidifier for them and deduct it from next month’s rent.

Research the cost of mold remediation and let your landlord know how much it may cost to fix. If you want to stay, see if you can get them to cover the costs.

An Example of Tenants Not Taking NO for an Answer

I recently was involved in some work on a bathroom remodel. Some renters had water damage in the bathroom. The the sub floor had gotten wet from a leak, became soft, and started to mold. The landlord wasn’t willing to fix it, so the renters called the city and told them about the stairs and another bathroom in the rental that weren’t to code. The stairs were too steep and the other bathroom had an access hallway that was too narrow. Code issues can be grandfathered in on a personal residence, but as soon as renters start living there everything needs to be compliant with the current residential building code. So the city contacted the landlord and he was quick to fix the mold and the other issues.

Spread the Word

If you have an experience with a rental that you would like to share with others, there are several places to do so:

http://www.apartmentratings.com/

http://www.rentersvoice.com/

Don’t give up. Find a solution that will work for your situation. Your health is well worth the trouble of not taking NO for an answer and finding a way out, or getting the landlord to properly remediate the mold issue.

The post I Have Mold in my Rental! appeared first on Mold Blogger.

Is it Important to Test a House for Mold Before Buying?

Yes, it is wise to ensure a good investment and test for mold before purchasing a home. Mold can effect real estate value and will be destructive to structures and building materials over time, resulting in damaged property. Mold also can also cause many serious health problems. A professional mold inspection can indicate existing mold issues with the home, and will help you make an informed decision on whether or not the home is right for you, and if it will be a good investment or need major remediation.

Does Mold Lesson the Value of a Home?

The jury is still out on whether mold adversely affects everyone or only those who already have health problems, but one thing is for sure–mold in a home dramatically lessons the value of the home, and if not taken care of, mold will cause serious damage to a home’s structure.

Recent tax liability and insurance issues arising from the presence of black mold in homes has caused people in the real estate industry to heighten their awareness of mold and its role in the selling process. Whether you are buying or selling a home, it makes sense to know a little more about mold and take steps to find out if the home you are buying or selling has mold problems.

Although there are thousands of different mold varieties, most of them are common and thought to be harmless. In fact, in daily life most people encounter several varieties of mold in many different settings. However, there are seriously damaging types of mold that you should know about in a home, and the amount of mold present can also indicate whether or not it is high enough to cause problems.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that reproduces in moist places when its spores land on a mold-friendly, damp surface. One mold to be aware of is called Stachybotrys, or black mold. Black mold, also called toxic mold, produces mycotoxins. These hazardous byproducts are responsible for most of the negative mold reactions in humans.

Although those with respiratory problems such as asthma are particularly sensitive to mold, the mycotoxins released by black mold can affect even those people without a history of respiratory problems. For babies and seniors, mycotoxins are even more serious as some believe that they can adversely affect lung function and result in a loss of memory.

How to Test for Mold When Buying a House

The first step to take when testing a house for mold is to hire a professional mold inspector. It is a good idea to research inspectors in your area and check out the reviews. Find a certified mold inspector with adequate experience testing for mold. Ask them how they test for mold and the tools they utilize in the process.

Schedule a time to have the house inspected for mold. Try to make an appointment that you can attend and coordinate the appointment with the homeowners and realtor.

Types of Inspection

• Visual inspection– The mold inspector will visually examine areas of the home prone to  have mold growth. This can include basements, attics, bathrooms, etc, and will be looking out for water damage, discoloration, and noticeably odors.
• Air Inspection– The inspector will likely take a sampling of the air from throughout the house and send it to be tested at a laboratory for the presence of mold spores.
• Surface Inspection– If there are visible signs of mold a surface sample may be taken to determine the type of mold present. This sample will also be sent to a laboratory for testing. 

Once the inspection is completed and laboratory results have been obtained, a complete mold report will be given by your inspector. This report should detail the types of mold found, as well as the extent of the mold issue, along with recommendation for remediation, if needed. 

Are You Planning to Sell Your Home?

If you are planning to sell your home, have it checked for mold so you can take care of any problems before you have a buyer. All molds should be eliminated from your home. Whether you choose to take care of the mold problem on your own or hire a professional to do it for you, expect to evacuate your home for at least three days while the mold is being removed. Both the disrupted mold spores and the cleaning agents will give off dangerous fumes that you will want to avoid. Once the mold is successfully removed, correct any problems that might have caused the mold to grow in the first place.

Have Your Home Inspected

Have your home repairs inspected by a professional to ensure that everything is taken care of. If you are planning to buy a house, insist that the home be checked for mold. Not all home inspectors routinely test for mold, so make a point of asking your inspector to do so or get a referral to a home inspector who performs mold checks. Your offer to purchase should be dependent on the home passing the mold test, and allow you to refuse to buy the home if a mold problem is uncovered.

No matter which side of the home buying process you are on, it makes sense to check a home for mold before finalizing a sale. You will save yourself a lot of headaches, literally and figuratively, by insisting that a home is free from mold.

The post Should You Test for Mold when Buying a House? appeared first on Mold Blogger.

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a condition that can cause people to experience symptoms while in a building due to experiencing poor air quality or as a reaction to some element in the indoor environment. Symptoms of SBS can include headaches, fatigue, eye and throat irritation, dizziness, respiratory problems, and skin irritation. Usually symptoms will improve or disappear once the person suffering from SBS leaves the building. These issues often affect more than one individual in the building. In this blog post, we will explore some of the common causes of Sick Building Syndrome, the symptoms you should be aware of, as well as preventative measure that can reduce the risk of SBS.

Sick Building Syndrome was identified in the 1970s when similar occurrences were reported detailing health issues happening among residents of certain buildings and offices. The health issues of individuals in these building were similar and seemed to be connected with time spent inside those indoor spaces. No underlying diseases were discovered, which led to the identification of SBS. The actual term Sick Building Syndrome was coined in the 1980s by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Causes of Sick Building Syndrome

The root of SBS is not always fully understood or identified, although there are multiple possible components that can result in the diagnosis of Sick building syndrome.

• Poor ventilation
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Dust
• Synthetic building materials
• Insufficient cleaning
• Allergens due to indoor plants, soil, etc
• Mold
• Cleaning products
• Pesticides

One of the root causes of SBS may be due to poor ventilation. This allows for the air to remain stagnant, and can cause a buildup of pollutants and other irritating factors. Stagnation and moisture levels can also contribute to mold growth, which is a common cause of Sick Building Syndrome.

Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome

There is a range of symptoms and severity of Sick Building Syndrome, which varies within individuals. Some people will have much more severe reactions and symptoms than others. Some of the most common symptoms include headache, fatigue, respiratory issues, dizziness, eye and skin reactions, as well as nausea and brain fog. A list of health issues that you may want to discuss with your health care practitioner and may suggest Sick Building Syndrome are:

• Headache: Recurring headaches, especially while in the building, are very common symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome.
• Fatigue: Unexplained and persistent tiredness may be a factor in SBS.
• Respiratory issues: Respiratory problems are very common in SBS, even for people who do not have any pre-existing respiratory conditions.
• Skin problems: Certain skin issues can present in SBS, such as itching, dryness, and rashes.
• Irritated eyes: Indoor air pollutants can cause eye irritation. This can include redness, dryness, itching, burning sensation, and blurred vision.
• Brain fog: Cognitive issues such as difficulties in focusing, memory problems, and concentration reduction, can result from SBS.
• Nausea: Persistent nausea occurring while in the building may be SBS.
• Dizziness: Mild to severe dizziness can be a symptom of SBS.
• Allergic reactions: Allergies from being in the indoor environment, or allergies worsening within the building, may suggest a connection to Sick Building Syndrome.
• Odor sensitivity: Sick Building Syndrome may cause symptoms of odor sensitivity when the smells in the building are present.

Prevention of Sick Building Syndrome

Air Quality

The best approach when it comes to Sick Building Syndrome is prevention. This starts with proper ventilation and fresh air flow within the building. Employing an air filtration system can help improve air quality. Using low-emission building materials is possible method to improve the indoor air quality. Opening windows is another way to increase the air flow and ventilation.

Cleaning

Adequate cleaning and hygiene is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy building. Maintenance like carpet cleaning, dusting, cleaning and keeping ventilation ducts in good working order, all contribute to reducing risk of sick building syndrome. Additionally, staying away from using materials that are high in VOCs and other harmful items will help keep the air cleaner and safer for humans and animals to inhabit.

Humidity

Humidity control is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Indoor humidity levels should be kept between 30-50 percent, if possible, to keep a comfortable moisture level and to prevent mold and mildew growth. If humidity levels are about 50 percent, a dehumidifier can be used to achieve a lower level.

Water Damage

Water damage can directly contribute to SBS by causing mold growth as well. Making sure the building has no leaks, flooding, or plumbing issues can help prevent mold issues and reduce the chance of SBS. It does not take long for mold to develop once water has intruded into a building, so acting quickly to mitigate any water issues is very important.

Education and Awareness

Many of these maintenance protocols are the responsibility of the owners and employers to implement. Education on Sick Building Syndrome is key to gaining support of employees and others, and putting into practice the methods needed to maintain a healthy indoor environment to work and live in. Proper cleaning and good hygiene promotes a better working and living conditions, thus reducing the risk of Sick Building Syndrome.

Conclusion

Sick Building Syndrome is a common and preventable health concern. Despite it being hard to determine the exact cause, it can cause very serious health complications for those who are in the unhealthy indoor environment. There are many components that can be the cause of Sick Building Syndrome, such as poor ventilation, synthetic materials and off-gassing of VOCs, high humidity levels, water damage, and poor cleaning methods. To reduce the risk of Sick Building Syndrome, education and implementation of regular cleaning and maintenance habits is key.

The post Sick Building Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention appeared first on Mold Blogger.