IAQ Singapore professionals offer mold check, testing and abatement services in indoor environment

March 9, 2009 - PRLog -- Molds are types of fungi, which are not plants or animals. They feed on dead, organic materials. They reproduce through spores, which become airborne. These are microscopic and are inhaled into our lungs along with pollen, dust and other tiny particles in the air. Molds produce mycotoxins (toxin produced by fungus). For mold to grow, it needs a food source with a high organic content e.g. wood, paper, cotton, wicker, and other plant-derived materials. Mold also needs moisture to grow. This moisture can come from leaks, floods, condensation, steam, or from high humidity.


Health effects of mold

Inhalation of fungal spores, fragmentals (parts), or metabolites (e.g. mycotoxins and volatile organic compounds) from a variety of fungi may lead to exacerbate immunologic (allergic) reactions, cause toxic effects or cause infections. The ability of the body to fight off infectious diseases may be weakened resulting in opportunistic infections.

Allergic reactions:

Dermatitis- red itchy skin and/or rash

Asthma-- May be aggravated or caused by exposure to mold, resulting in acute attacks of coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Reactions usually occur within minutes of exposure, and may repeat 6-10 hours later.

Hypersensitivty pneumontis (extrinstic allergic alveolitis)-- involves the lungs and body. Symptoms include tightness in chest, difficulty breathing, cough, fever and muscle aches. Reactions occurs 6-8 hours after exposure.

Allergic rhinitis or sinusitis-- Similar to hay fever ot the common cold, but over an extended period of time. Symptoms includes runny nose, nasal or sinus congestion, irritated or scratchy throat, and cough. Reactions occur quickly after exposure to molds.

Fungal Infection:

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis-- only occurs in the severely immunocom promised. Symptoms include pneumonia plus fever, bone pain, chills, headache, and weight loss.

Aspergilloma—(formed in a pre-existing healed lung abscess)-symptoms include cough, coughing up blood, and weight loss

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Apergillosis (ABPA)—worsening of underlying condition (asthma or cystic fibrosis) plus coughing up blood and weight loss.

Other effects include fatigue, headache, fever, muscle ache, difficult concentration and mood change


For more information on mold check, testing and abatement services in indoor environment, please visits http://www.iaqsg.com/index.html; http://www.iaqsg.com/moldcheck-testing-abatement.html



Need Professional Assistance?

Please feel free to contact Mr Charn @ Tel: 6241 9443/ Hp: 9321 9321, Mr. Moshood Hp: 93225506 or email mof@iaqsg.com if you need professional services on Mold check and testing services in indoor environment.

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IAQ provides assessment and consultancy services in the fields of science and environmental through testing, inspection, remediation and application of technology with the aim of achieving a better indoor environmental quality for your environment.