It depends on the situation and the person. This question is difficult to answer in the same way it's hard to say how much sun causes a sunburn: the amount varies from person to person. What one person can tolerate with little or no effect may cause symptoms in another individual.The long-term presence of indoor mold may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. Those with special health concerns should consult a medical doctor if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold. The following types of people may be affected sooner and more severely than others: Babies and children Elderly persons Individuals with chronic respiratory conditions or allergies or asthma Persons having weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV or AIDS, chemotherapy patients, or organ transplant r... 09/11/2023

BLACK MOLD?Stachybotrys needs two main ingredients to thrive: a high-cellulose surface, and a near-constant water supply. Cellulose is a fiber found in the cell walls of plants and especially concentrated in processed, plant-derived building materials. Paper, drywall (which is coated with paper), and fiberboard are especially high in cellulose and make great locations for Stachybotrys to thrive. The second ingredient, a constant water source, can result from a myriad of causes. One-time issues like water damage and flooding can provide ideal conditions for toxic mold. Continuous issues can prove especially troublesome, since they supply a consistent source of water that facilitates mold growth. Homeowners should always look out for water leaks or infiltration. Leaky plumbing is often th... 09/07/2023

Mold growth is a common problem, a leak or water intrusion can easily result in a mold issue. Mold can be the cause of numerous respiratory ailments, as well as causing extensive property damage. Some individuals may not even be aware of any water damage, but suspect mold growth due to the musty odor that mold gives off. If you have recently experienced any form of water damage or suspect mold, you need to have mold testing and mold inspection completed by a professional testing group like INDOOR MICROBIAL SPECIALIST (IMS) as a first step to determine if remediation and removal is necessary. IMS stringent standards allow only experts in the field of mold testing and mold remediation to be considered for our network. Our team of environmental consultants has provided mold testing and mo... 08/26/2023

Mold is the term given to different types of fungi which reproduce by forming tiny spores, so small that they cannot be seen by the naked eye. These spores travel through the air until they find a habitat which is moist and then they start to grow. That is when the various types of mold can become visible. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. However, because more than 200 species of mold are toxin-producing, this means that they are potentially poisonous and the health dangers from them are many. The molds which can cause health dangers are usually found indoors and can be white or greenish in color or, in the case of Stachybotrys atra, black which gives it the more commonly-used ... 08/21/2023

How Does Indoor Microbial Specialist (IMS) Perform Mold Testing?The easy part is, believe it or not, determining that there is mold present in the home. The value of the testing lies in the experience of the tester and how thorough they are. All of our mold testing samples are sent to an IAHA accredited laboratory for extensive review analysis. This allows us to determine specific types and levels of contaminants that may be affecting your indoor environment. IMS mold test involves collecting samples in order to:      Identify the types of mold present      Quantify the levels of molds present  The three most common types of samples used in our mold inspection are:      Surface samples (testing mold growth on surfaces)      Air samples (testing airborne mold spores)      Dust samples (m... 06/20/2023

Is mold in your home got you worried? Indoor Microbial Specialist is here to help. We have a team of experts that will help you confirm if mold is present at home! We are The Villages Mold Inspection and Mold Assessment company of choice. The presence of mold in homes, schools, and businesses is of mounting concern in Florida. Mold grows on virtually any organic material, be it in food, carpet, wood or paper. To grow, mold only needs three main ingredients: food, moisture, and optimum temperature. So anytime there is a water intrusion, be it a minor plumbing leak or a major flood that wasn’t dried, there is a high chance of mold growth.   Mold can cause serious health problems that range from:      Coughing      Sneezing      Itchy eyes      Serious allergic reactions      Asthma attack... 03/01/2023

Don't Just Hire Anyone!! Ask for references and credentials. Highly important.Not all Mold Assessors have the same education, training, experience, and expertise. Many companies have a great and effective website for marketing purposes. Many pay Google by the click to be in the first page on top, however, when checking the people doing the project, they lack the correct credentials. How do you select the best medical caretaker in your area? Most likely you spend time doing your research and asking questions and reference. The same applies when selecting your Mold Inspector / Assessor. Do your due diligence so you will not be surprised when receiving your mold assessment report.  Is the selected Mold Assessor has a college degree (Engineering, Chemistry, Biology…). Is he properly License... 02/25/2023

When unwanted molds appear in ventilating systems or in other spaces within occupied buildings, exposures of occupants to those molds can lead to serious problems. In general, the types and concentrations of mold that affect IAQ are like those found in outdoor air. However, background mold numbers may shift whenever water accumulates in buildings. Damage caused by floods, plumbing leaks and roof leaks results in mold developing and formation of mold colonies.Moisture is the principal determinant of mold growth indoors. Different levels of moisture are needed for growth of different molds. For instance, Aspergillus and Penicillium require little available moisture and often are found along drier areas of water damaged materials. Other molds that require damp buildings where mold and bact... 11/03/2022

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold: 1) Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems. 2) There is no practical way to completely eliminate mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. 3) If mold is a problem in your home or building, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. 4) To prevent mold growth any source of a water problem or leak must be repaired. 5) Indoor humidity must be reduced (generally below 60%) to reduce the chances of mold growth by: adequately venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and ... 07/19/2022

Chemically speaking, chlorine bleach is a water solution of sodium hypochlorite. Common household laundry bleach, used to whiten and disinfect laundry, is typically 5.25 percent (“regular strength”). OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was one of the first federal agencies to STOP recommending the use of liquid bleach for mold remediation. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has since edited their “A brief guide to mold and moisture and your home” to exclude their once suggested use of bleach to kill mold. So, what is mold? Let’s go over the basics to gets a better understanding of how it works and how it should be properly treated.  NO ONE KNOWS HOW MANY SPECIES OF FUNGI EXIST BUT ESTIMATES RANGE FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS TO THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND OR MORE. - CDC.GOV... 02/06/2022

The Vilages in north Central Florida is known for its endless recreation, golf carts instead of cars, and as a paradise for senior citizens.  What it doesn't like to be known for is all the sinkholes that continue to happen there.  It is on the northern end of an area north of Tampa Bay known as "sinkhole alley" .  While the alley is mostly considered in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties, there are still quite a few sinkholes north up into the Villages and Ocala as well. Over the weekend 3 such sinkholes opened up near the Moyer Recreation Center in the Villages.  Here is a Villages-News article about it.  Massive sinkhole opens up in the Villages FloridaIf you are having sinkhole or foundation troubles, please call me for a free consulation.  We buy sinkhole damaged homes and ... 07/13/2021

The presence of mold growth indoors is not normal and may pose health and/or comfort risks to some exposed occupants. Mold growth requires spores (“seeds”), favorable temperatures, a food supply, and moisture. Like plants, mold grows by spreading, and the release of spores. Mold easily spreads outward under favorable conditions. However, if conditions are unfavorable for growth, mold will go dormant and release spores into the air so they can find a suitable environment for survival. Moisture, nutrients, and favorable temperatures can lead to mold growth in water-damaged materials in 24 to 48 hours. Affected materials should be dried promptly to prevent germination and subsequent mold growth. Relative humidity levels less than 30% yield little growth. Humidity levels greater than 70% yi... 04/01/2021

How To Determine Mold Health Effects Establishing a connection between your health and environment is not a difficult process with the correct testing and expertise. To achieve a definitive connection, you will need 3 factors. Environmental mold or bacteria testing designed to identify toxic pathogens like endotoxins or mycotoxins. Medical testing designed to detect the presence of those same environmental toxins in the human body. Collaboration with qualified environmentalists and medical professionals to identify the pathogenic connection. How to connect your health to mold sickness. The top row is mycotoxins produced by mold and the left column is the subspecies of mold that commonly produce unique mycotoxins. With specific medical testing you can identify these toxins in your body a... 02/14/2021

 There is no doubt that there is so much to do in the villages. But you might be wondering what it's like to live in The Villages? Lots Of Facilities For Sports And Leisure Activities Each of the districts of The Villages has its own leisure facility. However, residents can use any of the recreational facilities outside of their neighborhood.So, what is it like to live in the neighborhoods of the Villages? Well, it's definitely going to be action-packed. You can start your day playing pickleball or maybe even tennis. If you are not in the mood for certain sports activities, you can check out the various social and learning activities. You will never run out of things to do, in or outside the Village districts.There are about 17 recreational centers in The Villages So, in case the reside... 02/04/2021

Lots of Homes for Sale in The Villages in Florida  Why Retirees Choose The VillagesThe Villages in Florida is more than just a beautiful neighborhood ... it's a friendly hometown for baby boomers. Everything you need is in The Villages. When it comes to home options, there are about 80,000 homes to choose from. There are villas and single-family home units to choose from. All the houses have been updated recently. Get To Know More About The Homes In The Villages Interested in finding homes for sale in The Villages? Click that link to find all the currently available homes in this area. What Are The Homes Like?There are designer homes in The Villages. These are the most popular in the community. They are very spacious and have different floor plans. If you're the type who likes to enter... 02/04/2021

If there’s one active adult community that offers a ton of exciting things to do, it’s The Villages in Florida. Shopping is one of the fun things to do in The Villages Florida The Villages Florida provides a laid-back atmosphere so that you can enjoy all the activities it has to offer. Yes, shopping is one of the fun things to do in The Villages Florida.   Click here to view all homes for sale in On Top of the World. You definitely have a lot of shopping options in The Villages. As a matter of fact, Shopping in The Villages Florida is one of the most popular activities. The Villages boasts three massive town squares where you can shop ‘til you drop. You can meet up with your friends in the town squares to have a good time. The best part of it all is that you don’t have to go far to do ... 02/03/2021

Indoor Air Quality Testing    Let us give you peace of mind in knowing that you, your family or your business is safe from unhealthy living and working conditions.  Here are some more facts about indoor air quality you should know: 1. Schools have some of the worst air qualitySchools have more occupants than an office building and have the same floor space. In a closed space where children breathe more air in relation to their body weight, there can be many allergens that float around. 2. Asthma is on the riseAsthma occurrences has been on the rise. Your indoor air quality may be contributing to your allergies and asthma. Which in turn may lead to a poor quality of life. 3. Candles are more dangerous than you thinkUnknown to many, most candles contain unhealthy chemicals. Two known type... 11/24/2020

Beautifully detailed inside and out, this 3/2 Avondale model single story home is ready and waiting for you to make it your own! On a corner lot, lush landscapes surround the entire home creating a retreat like sensation while relaxing in your glass enclosed large L shaped Lanai 25’ x 15’ and 16’ x 8’ with A/C, electric window coverings and stone pattern flooring. The yard also reveals two covered pergolas, landscape lighting, stone waterfall, fire pit, wooden swing and privacy fence. Upgraded interior features include tile flooring throughout except for two bedrooms with wood laminate, wood crown moldings throughout, 3 stained glass ceiling fixtures in hallways, Nest doorbell, Plantation shutters throughout except for one window, stainless appliances including new dishwasher plus new d... 10/30/2020

MOLD TESTING in The Villages, Florida   Water leaks at home or office? Got Mold? Musty smell? Getting sick?   Mold problems in your Florida home are typically from water leaks or water intrusion in some part of the home. The key is to identify the source so that the mold growth can be properly remediated. Once on site we will be able to assist in locating the source as well as identify any of the mold spores or other air-borne contaminants in your environment. Whether the conclusion of our mold inspection on your Florida residence shows signs of toxic or non-toxic mold spores, having these results will give you a better understanding of what you and your family may be up against as well as provide you peace of mind.   INDOOR MICROBIAL SPECIALIST (IMS) offers the professionally administ... 10/09/2020

How To Determine Mold Health EffectsEstablishing a connection between your health and environment is not a difficult process with the correct testing and expertise. To achieve a definitive connection, you will need 3 factors. Environmental mold or bacteria testing designed to identify toxic pathogens like endotoxins or mycotoxins. Medical testing designed to detect the presence of those same environmental toxins in the human body. Collaboration with qualified environmentalists and medical professionals to identify the pathogenic connection.    We have created this toxin chart to simplify just one example of how to connect your health to mold sickness. The top row is mycotoxins produced by mold and the left column is the subspecies of mold that commonly produce unique mycotoxins. With sp... 09/15/2020