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Reduce Your Allergies

Allergies occur for many reasons. If you are experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, runny, nose, itchy watery eyes, or itchy throat or nose, you may be experiencing allergic reactions to allergens such as mold or mold spores, pet dander, dust or dust mites, insects, fiberglass, home chemicals or other particulates that are found in the air.

Our services can help improve your indoor air quality which may may reduce your allergy symptoms.

 

Microbial Odors

An obvious indicator of microbial growth and contamination is a “musty”, or “moldy” or “mildew” odor that may not necessarily be sensed by everyone. Bacteria and fungi produce a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during active growth on damp or wet building, finishing and furnishing materials. These microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), which are detected through the olfactory senses (smell), are generated by many molds, and also gram-negative and actinomycete bacterial as they rapidly metabolize and amplify.

Air Scrubbers & Negative Air Machines

Air scrubbers help protect the health of workers and building occupants by providing a clean and healthy environment. An air scrubber is a portable filtration system that removes particles, gasses, and/or chemicals from the air within a given area. These machines draw air in from the surrounding environment and pass it through a series of filters to remove contaminants. Air scrubbers are especially important on restoration jobs where airborne contaminants are present or will be created/disturbed during the restoration process, such as mold, dust, asbestos, lead, chemical fumes, etc. These hazardous particles can settle on carpet, upholstery, and furnishings, or be drawn into the HVAC system and contaminate other parts of a building. If these contaminants are not removed, they will have a negative effect on the indoor air quality (IAQ) of the worksite. While naturally occurring particles, such as human skin cells, animal hair, and dirt, are nearly always present, toxic gases released by sewage-borne bacteria and mold spores can cause adverse human health effects when inhaled. In short, these contaminants can compromise the quality of the entire restoration job.

Epidemiologic Studies

A recent review of 61 peer-reviewed articles demonstrates that dampness in buildings is consistently associated with an increased risk for symptoms in respiratory airways, as well as self-reported tiredness, headache and airways infections. Another review of case reports, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies from a 15 year period has concluded that “evidence from an association between respiratory problems and the presence of fungi and dampness is strong”. One recent study of 19 office buildings measured a dose-response effect for dampness and symptoms of eye irritation, cough and lethargy/fatigue, while another study of 231 buildings has determined that dampness and odorous compounds are associated with an increase in symptoms consistent with sick building syndrome (SBS) In these and many other studies involving exposure to damp indoor environments and resultant health effects, the overwhelming evidence points to microbial contamination as the major pollutant.  The Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academics of Science conducted its own exhaustive assessment of the scientific literature regarding the relationship between damp or moldy indoor environments and the manifestation of adverse health effects, particularly respiratory and allergic symptoms. In summary, on the basis of their review, they concluded that “…excessive indoor dampness is a public health problem.” *

*IICRC Reference Guide For Professional Water Damage Restoration (IICRCS500)