• Have a Problem?

    Water damage and high humidity surface mold damage are silently growing in the bathrooms, basements, attics and walls of countless homes and businesses world wide creating mold symptoms, mold illness and other respiratory ailments whose source often goes undetected.  Ahold … more

  • We can help!

    Ahold of Mold Environmental has the expertise and core group of staff  “Environmental Hygienist, Drainage Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Mold Remediation Contractors, Licensed Lead Abatement and Indoor Air Quality Experts” to help assist in any situation large or small.  Ahold Of … more

  • About Ahold of Mold!

    Britt Bridges owner of Ahold of Mold Environmental was first introduced to Mold and Indoor Environmental Assessments in the Navy in 1992 as part of a new training program to assess air quality.  Ironically his father Leland Andrew Bridges had worked in the … more

Advantages of Ahold of Mold

Ahold of Mold is proud to serve Buffalo NY, Williamsville NY, Cheektowaga NY, Amherst NY, Orchard Park NY, West Seneca NY, Clarence NY, Jamestown NY, Ellicottville NY,  Fredonia NY, West Falls NY, Erie PA, Warran PA  in Mold Removal, Air Quality Testing, Basement Waterproofing, Basement Restoration, Fire and Smoke Restoration, Water Damage Restoration.

Water damage and high humidity surface mold damage are silently growing in the bathrooms, basements, attics and walls of countless homes and businesses world wide creating mold symptoms, mold illness and other respiratory ailments whose source often goes undetected. Aside from the health risk, such problems present a growing threat to property value and maintenance. Many who recognize this quiet menace do not know how to test for mold or how to remove mold when it’s found. They ask, “How do I get rid of mold safely and cost effectively?”  While collecting samples on your own for mold may be less costly than hiring a professional experienced mold inspector, you will not be able to collect samples from all of the locations where mold is potentially growing. The professionals at Ahold of Mold Environmental are aware of current  guidelines and practices for testing, including mold that can be hidden within the walls, in your attic, or in your basement. It is important to keep in mind that mold does occur naturally, and only a professional can determine if the indoor levels of mold detected exceed normal levels.

When approaching a mold remediation project, one of the most important considerations is to understand the potential risk from mold exposure. Mold counts in the air can be 10 to 1,000 times higher than normal during a remediation project in the contaminated area. Because of the potential health risks from mold exposure it is advisable, particularly for larger (greater than 10 square feet per Environmental Protection Agency) contamination situations, to contact an experienced and qualified mold remediation contractor.

Individuals who have perineal allergies, asthma , respiratory disease immune compromised, or have other health problems should not take part in a mold remediation project or be in the general area of the project if the area is not properly contained.

We are also Licensed Lead Abatement Contractor

 

What is Mold?

 

Mold is a type of  fungus that is present in our  natural environment.  Mold spores, which  are tiny microscopic ‘seeds’, can be found virtually everywhere, including in  homes, and are a part of the general dust found in homes.  These spores can grow on building materials  and furnishings if conditions are correct.   Excess moisture is the critical factor in any indoor mold problem.  Mold growth should not be tolerated in our  homes.  Eventually, the moisture and mold  will damage what it is growing on, which may include both the building  materials and personal belongings.  The  key to preventing mold growth is to prevent moisture problems.

 

What does mold need to grow?   Moisture & Nutrients (food) most all hygroscopic “abilty to absorb moisture” building material.

Mold only needs a few simple things to grow and multiply:

Of these, controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth.

 

What are the health concerns?

 

Health effects from exposure to mold  can vary greatly depending on the person and the amount of mold in their home. The  type of health symptoms that may occur include coughing, wheezing, nasal and throat  conditions.  People with asthma or  allergies who are sensitive to mold may notice their asthma or allergy symptoms  worsen. Individuals with severely weakened immune system who are exposed to  moldy environments are at risk of developing serious fungal respiratory  infections.

 

Are the risks greater for some people?

 

There is wide variability in how  different people are affected by mold exposures. However, the long term  presence of indoor mold growth may eventually become unhealthy for anyone. The  following types of people may be affected more severely and sooner than others:

 

  • infants and children
  • elderly people
  • individuals with respiratory conditions or  sensitivities such as allergies or asthma
  • persons having severely weakened immune systems  (for example, people with HIV infection, chemotherapy patients, organ  transplant recipients)

 

Those with special health concerns should consult a medical  professional if they feel their health is affected by indoor mold.

 

Are some molds more hazardous than others?

 

Some types of mold can produce chemical compounds called  mycotoxins although they do not always do so. In some circumstances, the toxins  produced by indoor mold may cause health problems. Many, if not most, molds can produce  potentially harmful substances, whether it’s allergens, mycotoxins, or other  compounds. Hence, all indoor mold growth  should be removed promptly, no matter what type(s) of mold is present or  whether it can produce toxins.