Allergies - Chlorine Allergy and Salt Water Swimming Pools

There are a lot of individuals with allergies to Chlorine. Most pools are disinfected by the use of chlorine and has been popular for many years because there were no alternatives. Salt Water pools are easier to maintain and require lower expenses. They also have a minimal use of chemical substances. Let's see what the advantages of these types of swimming pools.

1. If you are one of those individuals with an Allergy to Chlorine, salt water pools require fewer chemicals. This is great for those who like to swim frequently. They don't have to deal with chemicals that will affect their health in the long run. These type of pools are also more environmentally friendly and safer. Plus, there is no irritating or chlorine smell.

2. Salt is a healthier alternative. It is also friendlier to the skin and your overall general health. It is easier on the skin and is not known to cause any medical problems. Chlorine will irritate eyes and discolor your hair. You do not suffer from symptoms related to chlorine exposure.

3. They are easier to maintain. Salt swimming pools require less maintenance and fewer chemical expenses. They have the ability to keep the water clean and do not require too much attention. On the other hand, the chlorine pools need a lot of chemicals to maintain hygiene. Water sanitation can be easily achieved in a salt water pool.

4. Dollars are well spent on a salt swimming pool because of the lower maintenance costs. They are definitely much more expensive to build but you will recoup your money within a few years. According to sources, the cost of a salt water swimming pool is almost half the cost of a chlorine pool with maintenance added in.

5. Medical problems are eliminated from organochlorines, which is a known disrupter of human hormones. Organochlorines are also associated with several medical conditions. These conditions can range from infertility, impaired immune system, hormonal imbalances and even cancer. These substances can also affect individuals with Asthma and Respiratory Problems. Pools disinfected with Salt have low levels of chlorine which is not know to cause any of these diseases.

In conclusion, building a salt water swimming pool is definitely a good idea and is beneficial for your health. The initial costs are higher but you save in the long run on maintenance. They help eliminate health problems from organochlorines. If you have health problems such as Asthma, Allergies or an Impaired Immune System, consult with your Doctor before making a decision about a Salt Water Swimming Pool.

Mold and Mildew Removal - Consulting

Those living in a humid climate need to check their attic and basement each time it rains. In case you have a leak there will be a collection of water in a space that does not get enough sunlight or air. Where there is no sun light and air, mold and mildew can settle and begin to grow. Mold is a fungus and also a decomposer. It lives on organic things, so chances are that your drywall may also get infected with mold. Certain molds can also cause lung and liver cancer.

Check the attic and basement walls carefully, look for brown or black discolorations. It is also a good idea to keep everything away from the walls. Make sure no one goes to the attic or the basement with any food or drink, because places infected with mold are not the healthiest of places. In case, you store your old things in the attic or your kids are using it for some reason, it is always a good idea to make it a safe place for them to spend time at.

Most homeowners neglect their basement while others use it in one way or another. It's a good idea to get some basement waterproofing and set it up for usage on a regular basis. Why not move the pool table or the poker tables down in the basement? If it's a large space add some sofas and a TV also.

Illuminate with adequate lights and keep it dry. In towns and cities where the humidity level is high, it is always a good idea to get a de-humidifier. A dehumidifier will prevent mold from forming in your basement. Check your washrooms for mold and mildew and get some experts to remove it for you.

Most Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure

1. Headaches
If you aren't used to headaches and recently began to experience them in your home, you may have a mold problem. If you are experiencing headaches in your home like this, try testing it for a week or so. Keep track of when your headaches begin, when they stop, and where they occur.

2. Coughing and Sneezing
Coughing and sneezing could just as easily be a result of dust in your home as mold, but they are both mold exposure symptoms nonetheless. If there is mold in a certain part of your home, you should experience the coughing and sneezing more in that area of the home. You will most likely also experience a sore throat in that area.

3. Rash
It is a common misconception that you can only get a rash from mold if direct contact is made. However, you can actually get rashes from mold just by being exposed to its pores in the air. If the rash remains for more than an hour and gets worse, you should see a health care professional and call a mold expert in immediately.

4. Drowsiness
You may begin to experience occasional drowsiness for no apparent reason if there is mold in your home. This can be very harmful to your family in the evenings when your children should be paying attention to their homework, and you are feeling out of it.

5. Red Itchy Eyes
This is another mold symptom that is often misconceived. With allergies arriving in the Spring and Autumn, a lot of people experience red, watery, dry, and itchy eyes. However, if you are experiencing these symptoms exclusively in your home, it may be the result of mold exposure, not allergies.

6. Muscle and Joint Stiffness
Feeling sore in your muscles and joints may be more than a tough day at the gym, it could mean mold in your home. Much like drowsiness experienced by mold exposure, you will feel most sore and stiff when in your home around the mold-affected area.

7. Nose Bleeds
Experiencing multiple nosebleeds a month in your home is certainly not normal. If you are getting nosebleeds out o the blue in your home, definitely see a doctor and call a mold specialist. While short-term mold exposure is not usually harmful, mold can go undetected for years, and long-term exposure can be very harmful.

8. Bruising Easily
Bruising or scarring easily could be a symptom of a number of conditions or diseases, but it is also on the long list of mold symptoms. If your skin is bruising from mold exposure, you will probably be experiencing the rash symptom as well, and should see a healthcare professional.

9. Profuse Sweating
Mold exposure may also cause you to sweat even in a room at a reasonable room temperature. This may also mean night sweats, chills, or drooling in your sleep. A combination of these symptoms may also lead to ongoing insomnia, which could lead to other health issues.

House Mold and Dehumidifier

My home is dreadful before I get my first dehumidifier. My area is suffering from mold. It is obvious that something is not right with my home. One feels terrible when the humidity level is forty percent or higher. My friends always ask me why I do not have a dehumidifier. I always tell them the same thing. I do not know why I need one. My friends regularly gave me couple of reasons for that. If you go out and buy a dehumidifier, you can make it a much better place in you apartment. Using a dehumidifier along with an air conditioner, you can get it more than twenty degrees cooler in your home. My body would not feel sticky and clammy, and the air would not feel 'thick' and difficult to breathe in.

Even though most, if not everything, of us hate Mildew. You may want to recognize that Mildew and mold, no matter whether it is good Mildew or bad Mold and/or mildew, is everywhere in your house. A few researchers affirm that mildew can invade several main body systems, let alone immune system, central nervous and the brain and have been the direct cause of some deaths. Studies agree that almost all chronic infections, which can bring to severe health problem, were a result of Mold and mildew. Mildew and mold can trigger allergy and asthma in many different ways. If your apartment is troubled by mold, it can be a very tremendous problem. Mildew can result in loads of problems. Flu-like symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome, memory impairment, migraines, sick building syndrome, dizziness and nosebleeds are commonly seen to a few families in America.

Mildew and/or mold reproduce by generating spores that are released into the air, where they land on moist surfaces. They can be anywhere and everywhere from carpeting to wallpaper. Mold Examination - You may want to retain a certified mold inspection expert to review your home and decide cause of mildew and mold and seriousness of infestation. Isolation - You may need to isolate the non-infested area while you are cleaning up the mold in the infested area. Clean up/remediation - In case you do not take care of the mildew and/or mold problem thoroughly, chances are they will spread into various areas of your home. There are discounted methods in the market to remover successfully. Repair of the Cause- Fix any kind of conceivable that would result in damp problem.

Choosing a Room Air Purifier - Learn The Facts

Air purifiers are marketed primarily for people who suffer from certain types of allergies and those who suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases like asthma, as these devices purify the air by clearing out dust particles, allergens, smoke, and other contaminants. Buying an air purifier for one's home is a good investment, especially for people who live in densely populated areas where smoke, smog, and other pollutants fill the air. If you are in the market for an air purifier, it is best to have an idea of the different types available for home use. Below are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing air purifiers for the home:

Stand-Alone VS Fixed Types

Air purifiers are either designed to be stand-alone units and fixed units. The advantage of stand-alone units is that they can be moved from one area to another where fixed units are installed to an HVAC unit so they can work together with a heater or air conditioning system in purifying the air. Fixed units typically cover larger areas and are ideal for commercial establishments, health facilities, and industrial facilities. Stand-alone units are suitable for home use because they come in different sizes ideal for various room sizes. These units are also cheaper because they are designed for smaller areas.

Type of Filtration System

Air purifiers can cut the amount of allergens from the air including dust particles, the feces of dust mites, mold, and pollen, which is why such units are recommended for allergy sufferers. They also help contain the spread of illnesses and pulmonary infections.

The efficiency of an air purifier in eliminating allergens and contaminants will depend largely on the type of filter it comes with, as different filters are designed to target different airborne particles. The most common types for home use are those that come with HEPA filters. HEPA or High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters can remove 99.97% of particles from the air. Since these filters can target even particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, they are the best option for homes, especially for those who have serious allergies and those who are suffering from asthma. HEPA filters need periodic changing; as they trap allergens like animal dander, mold spores, dust, and pollen. Air purifiers typically come with HEPA filters, as they address most air pollution problems in homes.

If you are looking for a specialized type of air filter designed specifically for killing airborne bacteria and microorganisms, then an Antibacterial and Germicidal filter might be better suited for you. As the name suggests, this type of filters are designed to kill germs and bacteria, preventing the spread of illnesses and viruses. Some types use UV lamps to kill germs where others use a special type of HEPA filter to get rid of airborne bacteria.

Another common type of filtration system is called Ion Generators, Which is the second most used filter in air purifiers next to HEPA filters. These work by releasing ions to the air to collect dust and other allergens. However, instead of sucking in airborne particles, the ions that the unit emits force such particles to stick to nearby surfaces like walls. The disadvantage of this is that it can cause discoloration on walls and can be a terrible sight to look at if not cleaned from time to time. It is also worth noting that this type of filter emits ozone, which can irritate the lungs and as a result, can worsen conditions like asthma and lung disease.

So if you're thinking of buying air purifiers for your home, the best option is to choose one that is equipped with a HEPA filter, as it is the most efficient and the safest available option in the market.

Energy Efficiency and Coverage

When choosing air purifiers, you should also consider how much area it can cover. If you intend to use it for a particular room in your home, then make sure that it is compatible with the room size. To make it convenient for you, choose a unit with a slightly bigger coverage than your room's size so you can move it from room to room when necessary.

As with buying any other appliance, you should make sure that the air purifier you buy has a decent energy efficiency rating. Most units show how much wattage they use so make sure to check out the label to find how much electricity it will use up.

Air purifiers can significantly improve your health and those around you so make sure to choose one that is best suited for you and your family's needs.

What Are Some Common Home Remedies For Allergies?

Hay fever and other forms of seasonal and atmospheric allergies can make life a pure misery, especially during a flare up. Although the irritants may differ from person to person, the results are often the same: itchy watery eyes, sneezing, fluid retention, and swelling. In some extreme cases, sinus congestion and irritation can even result in life threatening infection.

This is perhaps why the allergy industry is a billion dollar one. Every pharmaceutical company has devised their own miracle cure for allergy suffers. The problem is, some of these remedies can cause a host of side effects, including drowsiness, which adds to the allergy symptoms.

Reducing the Irritant

Some experts tell sufferers to simply avoid the irritant, but how feasible is that if the entire world is the culprit? One cannot miss work or fail to pick up the kids because of pollen. Likewise, it may be nearly impossible to reduce other issues, like mold. It would appear that the real solution would be to locate natural remedies that are cost effective and provide lasting results.

Well-Known Home Remedies

Allergies can greatly lower your quality of life and cause you to miss out on important life events. On the flipside, sleep inducing OTC or prescription medicines may be just as bad and lower one's ability to function normally.

With the diverse range of home remedies available today however, a great alternative exists that may enable victims to perform essential tasks even in an environment that would trigger reactions.

Some of the top herbal remedies that provide relief without interfering with routine activities include but are not limited to:

o Chamomile - This sweet smelling and tasting flower is a natural antihistamine and is said to calm frazzled nerves as well. Most people ingest this herbal remedy as a tea, but some can find them in supplement form at a local natural foods store. There is one caveat however-people with ragweed allergies should stay away from chamomile as it belongs to this plant family.

o Garlic and Honey - For decades people have sworn by this home remedy and modern science was able to find out why. Garlic has incredible decongestant properties, while honey effectively combats common, every day allergens. To get the full benefits of these to powerful agents, one should crush a clove of garlic, steep it in a teacup full of hot water, and mix in a teaspoon or two of honey. Drinking the concoction twice a day will open the sinuses and increase resistant to environmental allergens.

o Ginger - Ginger is an all around curative root that has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for centuries. As a natural remedy it can't be beat, especially when it comes to annoying hay fever. Because it is known to boost immunity and reduce the production of histamine, it is the top of the line ingredient for anyone seeking natural remedies for allergies.

o Green Tea - Green tea also possesses a natural histamine blocker. It can therefore provide resistance against the onslaught of irritants that provoke allergy attacks. Mixed with peppermint oil or leaves, one can get the combined effect of a quality decongestant that will not cause drowsiness.

There are even some people swear that eating a tablespoon of raw honey can counteract the effects of allergens. Although this has not been clinically proven, the use of this simple herbal remedy persists to this day.

Be Proactive

Of course, you can make your home allergen proof by vacuuming often, using HEPA air filters, and telling visitors they cannot smoke in you house. If you are a smoker, try reducing cigarette consumption during flare ups. One should also endeavor to shower and wash the hair daily, as outside exposure brings us into contact with triggers that can cause us grief later.

By remaining diligent in the fight against allergens, you may find that the allergy seasons stop affecting you altogether, giving you greater control of your life and destiny.

Do You Need Allergy Air Purifiers to Kill Mold?

Do Allergy Air Purifiers Kill Mold?

Have mold allergies? You can get really miserable if you don't get rid of mold. To live with cough, itchy, watery eyes, skin rash and hives, chest tightness, sinus headaches etc., one can be tired and have a hard time functioning. Allergy air purifiers are recommended to alleviate symptoms. Are they effective in killing mold?

There is mold in every home. What is important is how much? If you do not bring humidity levels below 50% in the basement, there is mold. Mold grows in warm, dark and damp places. It is so important to run a dehumidifier for basement. Lower humidity, stop mold. What is mold? Mold is a microscopic fungi that loves humidity and is invisible in the air. These are the molds that can cause serious health problems to your family: Alternaria, Aspergillus Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium and Stachybotrys. The reactions can be serious respiratory problems like pneumonia, asthma, and even COPD. Other reactions include mental confusion, headaches which can be severe, allergy symptoms. Other serious reactions include: chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, bleeding of the brain, and even death. Take the presence of mold seriously. The bad part is that the invisible mold spores travel the second you open the basement door.

Allergy air purifiers use Hepa filtration to clean the air at a 99.97% of biological contaminants from the air including mold. That is a very effective job of killing mold in the air. Hepa filtration stands for high efficiency particulate air. To be effective they must contain a hepa filter.

There are other features that an allergy air purifier can have such as negative ion generation which literally produces fresh air like Mother Nature. Negative Ion generators produce negative ions which attract to the positive ions and they bind to fall to the ground: fresh air. Nature produces fresh air beneath a waterfall, in a meadow, at the beach where the waves crash. If you want fresh air, make sure negative ion generator is component in your purifier.

Ultraviolet Air purifiers penetrate the cell walls effectively killing the organism. UV-C light destroys: bacteria, germs, viruses and fungi (mold). UV-C light or Ultraviolet Air Purifiers have been used for decades in hospitals and have been effective in disinfecting the air.

Electrostatic Air Purifiers use the "corona Discharge" creating a magnetic field which atoms have to pass through. Depending on which side the atoms pass, the atoms gain either a positive or negative charge. Since opposites attract; they do so and because they are too heavy, they fall to the floor. There, they can be simply swept up by a hepa vacuum. An electrostatic air purifier neutralizes mold, viruses, bacteria, pollen, and cigarette smoke.

It is not just about killing mold in the air but also other biological contaminants that nobody wants in their house: germs, viruses, bacteria and fungi (mold). Everyone should own these allergy air purifiers. The air inside is far more polluted than outside. Kill mold and freshen the air at the same time.

While you killed the mold in the air, you still need to kill mold on surfaces. Wipe all surfaces with Borax. Leave the Borax on the wall. Sweep all that you cleaned with a hepa vacuum. Run a dehumidifier for basement in the humid months. That even means winter when it rains and there is no heat source in the basement.

It is recommended to keep watch of humidity levels by purchasing a hygrometer. They are not expensive. You will have to use air conditioning or a dehumidifier to lessen humidity. Allergy air purifiers not only bring fresh air to your home, they kill mold spores and help to lessen mold allergies and other serious reactions to chronic exposure of mold. If you add activated carbon filter to the allergy air purifier, you trap (VOC) volatile organic compounds which are also harmful.

If you are looking for the #1 air cleaner in the world: Austin Air Allergy Machine. The allergy machine is known for its HEGA: high efficiency gas adsorber. It eliminates pollen, mold germs etc... and also gases, smoke and odors.

An industrial Strength Protection: Allen Air 6,000 Series features Hepa filter, 2 antimicrobial filters and an activated carbon filter. Allen Air removes VOC's, germs, bacteria, chemicals gases, odors, pollen bacteria and mold.

Look for features you desire and within your budget. Live healthy...Be happy.

Allergies and Some Interesting Facts

Allergies are very common disorder that strikes any person. Your body reacts to an outside substance, which it notes as a threat to its well-being. The immune system over reacts to a particular substance and as the body reacts the person suffers from this reaction. Everyone can have allergies because the body is always going to interpret the unknown allergens such as weeds, grass, pollen and even food as it invades into its system.

There are more than 50 Americans who suffer from allergies and the most common is asthma. Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lungs in which the airways are reversibly narrowed. It causes 4,000 deaths yearly in the United States. Inhalers are the best treatment for asthmas. Asthma attacks can be prevented by avoiding triggering factors such as allergens or rapid temperature changes.

5.5% of the US population dies annually because of insect stings. The most common insects that stings are wasps, bees and hornets. The result of an allergic reaction to wasp venom is called anaphylaxis. Venom immunotherapy can prevent systemic reactions to stings in people. You can use creams and home remedies for treatment. But for complete safety, seek for medical advice. Insect stings should be taken seriously because they can be severe and could even cause potential death.

Some individuals who get allergic symptoms during the winter are usually allergic to mold spores. Molds are fungi that are present in most places, outdoors and indoors. They live everywhere and disturbing a mold source can disperse the spores into the air. Once you inhale the spores, it causes allergic reaction to most people. Many molds grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves they can be found on grasses and grains. Unlike pollens, molds do not die with the first killing frost. Most outdoor molds become inactive during the winter. In the spring they grow on plants and killed by the cold.

In the US, allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic diseases that are recurrent. It is estimated that more than 150 people die every year from a severe allergic reaction. Chronic sinusitis is one common disease that most Americans are suffering from. It is the inflammation and swollen of the cavities around nasal passages that interferes with the drainage and causes mucus to build up. If you have this disease, it may be difficult for you to breathe through your nose. It may be caused by an infection but can also be caused by growths in the sinuses or a deviated nasal septum.

Top 10 Cat Allergy Relief Steps for Immediate Relief

Cat allergy relief is not as easy to alleviate as it may seem. When most of us have allergies, we stay away from the things that cause the symptoms. Well, we love our cats and no way are we going to get rid of our cats to get relief from cat allergies! However, there are some things we can do to help alleviate the sneezing, watery eyes, lack of energy and other cat allergy symptoms. Let's take a look at 10 immediate steps we can take to improve our relationship with our feline friends.

1 - Kick your cats out of bed!

I know you love cuddling with them, but no more cats in the bed! Place pillows on your bed when you are not there to keep them off when you are gone.

2 - Improve your diet.

A diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruit and fiber leads to an improved histamine and immunity level. This is one step we all can easily take.

3 - Bar them from your bedroom altogether.

This is a tough one, but if your allergies are intense, this is a very simple move that will give you some much needed relief.

4 - Wash your linens twice a month.

If you are not going to use either of the bedroom tips above, at least wash your linens in 140 degree water twice a month to kill the cat allergens and dust mites cats carry.

5 - HEPA step 1

Get a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. These filters are made specifically for removing microscopic bacteria and allergens and provide IMMEDIATE relief from cat allergies.

6 - HEPA step 2

Purchase a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Just as above, this tool allows you to cleanse your floors and furniture, and gives dramatic and immediate relief from not only allergies, but other hidden nasties.

7 - Steam clean your home.

Steam cleaning your carpets frequently, as well as your furniture and drapes, kills mold spores and bacteria, and provides cat allergy relief by destroying cat dander and allergens.

8 - Relegate your cat to one room of your house.

This is tough if you have a small home or apartment, but it can be a great move after cleansing your home with the above steps.

9 - Clean your cat.

Yes, cats hate baths, but there are options. There are coat treatments for cat allergens, and microfiber cloths that are treated for relief from cat allergies.

10 - Use a natural, herbal cat allergy relief.

Natural allergy remedies are inexpensive, have no side effects, are easy to take in tablet form, and are a fraction of the cost of a Doctor. They also provide a huge bonus by improving overall respiratory and immune system health.

These are 10 ideas you can use to provide you and your loved ones immediate relief from cat allergies, and also improve the cleanliness, and therefore the health, of your home. For more information on these and other remedies, read on.

Remedies For Taking Out The Smell For Mold And Mildew

Do you have a mildew problem, basement mold that is creating a funky musty odor? The odor is very common in your basement, mildew mold is from a warm moist climate. Hence most basements are moist and dark they are great breeding grounds for black mold. It is even familiar when there is a heavy amount of mildew present, that a susceptible individual could acquire allergies and common mold symptoms from the mold settling on the surface. By just having a small amount of basement mildew mold in the house, one could become quite sick just by walking into the small area. This happens because there is no circulation of fresh air and when inhaling the airborne mold spores in a warm musty basement the toxic mold spores will enter into the system and attach into the bodies lungs and nasal cavities.

These will cause some common and very harmful mold symptoms, such as headaches, water eyes, and others. Some common symptoms of mold are coughing, headaches, scratchy throat, and blood in the lungs. Mold symptoms become common in individuals who have lower immunity such as the elderly and infants. We call this immuno comprimised. Having mold in your breathinh space may cause many Mold Symptoms. Scratchy throats are common. An individual may feel their throat to be scratchy almost as if they have to cough. A scratchy throat is a common black mold identifier.

There are a couple of ways to fix a mildew problem in a basement. Since the first problem in the basement is air circulation you want to purify the air and use heppa filters, better air circulation is highly recommendedt. By having new air to circulate keeping the humidity down, the basement and confined area will become a complex place for the spores to thrive and amplify.

A well-known issue that arises in killing mold mildew in a basement is searching through the carpeting. You should always be aware if there ever been a leak inside the basement or some type of water intrusion event, if so black mold may be on the carpet and rather than hiring a carpet cleaning company you may want to replace the entire carpeting. Since the carpeting became extremely damp it will be unfeasible to remove the spores from the old carpet. Even the tack strips below the carpeting would need to be removed. This is very common with basement mildew mold, just be sure to maintain the carpeting and if one is going to rip out the carpets make sure to remove the tack steps below. The wooden tack strips can carry quite a bit of mildew and mold. If you have some amount of mold in the basement and on carpeting and are tired of cleaning it continuously spray it down with a organic mold cleaning product. In order for the removal of use an all natural organic product that is used for killing mold and mildew. If you are planning on killing mold and mildew in the basement it may be a everlasting task unless you try a mold blocking solution that offers mold prevention and mold removal. Most solutions will kill the mold, but not stop it or take away the musty odor. If a mold problem becomes a bigger issue it may be to late to spray it down with an allnatural cleaning product, you need to look into hiring a certified mold inspector. They will create protocols for a mold remediation company and get the ball rolling for your mold problem.

So if you are finding a musty odor in the house, you may have mold or a previous water event that was not taken care of correctly. If ever needing more information on black mold visit a free Mold Removal Website that offers information from a certified microbial consultant.

Tinnitus Treatments - Is The Ringing In Your Ears Caused By A Sinus Or Allergy Problem?

Do you hear are these noises when you get a bad sinus infection?

• Crackling sounds or crunching.


• High-pitched ringing sounds or high-pitched whistling.


• A constant high-pitched beep.


• A ringing or buzzing sound in the affected ear or ears that comes and goes.


• A gurgling, clicking or whirling sound.

A lot of sinus sufferers experience these symptoms. They are frequently called sinusitis induced tinnitus.

Tinnitus is just a medical term for an unusual noise, whether it's a whistle crackle or a gurgle in your ears.

Most sinus and allergy sufferers experience as a result of the thickening of the mucus in the inner ear and inflammation to the small parts of the inner ear that transmits sound to your brain. What's really happening is that your sinuses are so inflamed, infected and clogged up that the infection has moved up the canal to your ear.

Normally what happens is that the wax and mucus drain out of the middle ear through the Eustachian tubes into the throat.

It sounds yucky, I know. But that's what happens.

When everything's working normally you swallow all that stuff and don't even know that. But when you get sick, have allergies or get a sinus infection all of that stuff gets so thick and goopy that it can't drain like it should. And since it can't drain, pressure builds up in your inner ear the same way it builds up in your sinuses.

And since the small and fragile parts of your ear are not used to operating under that kind of pressure, you hear all the strange bells and whistles that we have come to call tinnitus.

And if you don't do something about it, there is a real possibility that permanent hearing damage could result.

So you see the problem is not the ringing in your ears...

The real problem is the UNDERLYING CAUSE. What do I mean by that? What I really mean to say is that you most likely have another problem that is causing your tinnitus.

Look...Nobody knows your body better than you. So the question I want to ask you is...

Do you think your chronic sinus infections, chronic allergies or chronic sinusitis is causing your tinnitus?

I bet you do.

So the real question is... What do you do about it?

What to do about it is a tough question to be sure. But if you've made it far enough to be reading this article, you know that another trip to the doctor and another course of antibiotics is not what you need.

Your "system" is out of balance. What you have to do is find a way to treat the underlying cause. So you can put your "system" back in balance.

You're going to have to be your own advocate and become responsible for your own health.

What's the next step? If you want to learn more about the underlying causes of sinusitis, sinus infection and allergies. I suggest this site--> www.TheSinusInfectionCure.com

I sincerely hope this helps you, and I would love to hear any questions or comments you may have.

Health Benefits Of Clean Carpets And Upholstery

Spring is more often than not the most difficult season for allergy sufferers and many parts of the country are already seeing high levels of tree pollen, the most prevalent springtime pollen. This means more sneezing for people with allergic rhinitis, and more wheezing for people with asthma. Did you know? Carpet and upholstery cleaning can actually have a positive impact on allergies if proper cleaning is performed. Dust mites, mold, mildew, fungi, and allergens are easily and effectively removed with proper carpet cleaning . Prior to removal these allergens are trapped out of the breathing zone within the carpet pile fibres. Other flooring surfaces allow allergens to become airborne with each footstep. With extra attention given to carpet and upholstery during springtime, many allergy symptoms can be greatly reduced. Carpet and upholstery should always be deep cleaned every six months. This will ensure a much happier and healthier home!

It is healthy to keep your carpet and upholstery as clean as possible on a regular basis. Not only do clean carpets, rug and upholstery provide health benefits, but a clean home will also allow you to enjoy your carpet and furniture for a longer period of time providing you considerable savings in the long term. Be aware that dirt in carpet and upholstery is a great deal like the action of a thousand small knives. In other words, whenever you walk or sit on your carpets, any dirt is pressed down further into the deeper layers of the carpet, much like tiny blades and they serve to tear into the carpet fibres and will result in a shorter lifespan for your carpets. By professionally cleaning your carpet, you protect your valuable investment.

You should make sure to always vacuum your carpets and upholstery. It is recommended that you vacuum at least once a week (and more if you have small children or pets) and it is best to choose a vacuum that has an allergen-filtration system. Having your carpets cleaned by professionals such as the experts at Flat Rate Carpet.com in New York and New Jersey at least every 6 months will guarantee that your carpets keep as clean and healthy as possible. With the help of the latest state of the art equipment, the expert technicians from Flat Rate Carpet.com in New York and New Jersey are able to do a much better job than any person could on their own. Clean carpet and upholstery are especially important for those who suffer from respiratory related problems such as asthma or bronchitis. Strict allergy control is a must. It is advised to clean carpets and upholstery as often as possible because clean carpets house less dirt and debris that can be bothersome to a person's lungs. In other words, cleaner carpet and upholstery means less allergies and a higher quality life.

Waft Your Allergies Away

Half of us have thyroid problems, mostly undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. A whacked out thyroid tends to drag down the whole endocrine system, of which it is a part.

In turn, a misbehaving endocrine system can drag along all kinds of stuff. Stuff you'd never in a million years figure out had anything to endocrine issues.

For one instance, allergies get an open invitation to drop by any time. And mercy me, drop by they do. And stay.

So let's talk about some help for airborne allergies. You know, pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, smoke, bacteria, viruses and the like-the stuff that floats around in the air we breathe.

Instead of the obvious, an air purifier that sounds like a diesel engine coming down the tracks whilst you're try to catch some ZZZZs, let's talk about lamps.

Specifically, let's talk about Himalayan Salt Lamps, large, colorful lumps of salt hollowed out and wired for a bulb, that they sell by the pound.

When lighted from within by a small incandescent lightbulb, these lamps create negative ions. And what's the big deal about negative ions? They silently kill airborne allergens, relieving allergies, sinus problems-most environmentally induced health problems, in fact.

And they help with chemotherapy nausea. And diminish ADD/ADHD hyperactivity.

Himalayan salt lamps save us from ourselves by compensating for everything in our surroundings that kills negative ions-such as computers, TVs, fluorescent lights (CFLs, anybody?), air conditioners, plastics, etc.

And there's more! Besides being healthful, the lamps look lovely, especially when lighted. They create a soft, orange-to-pink-to-pale-yellow glow.

What's the downside? When all those airborne particles get hit by negative ions, they kamikaze to the floor, where-dead, powerless and looking like common dirt-they remain until you sweep or mop.

I have four Himalayan salt lamps in my house-and plan to get more for rooms not yet receiving their benefits. My tile floors require more attention than they did before the arrival of the lamps. With my mold allergy, though, a quick once-over with the steamer is a small enough price to pay for breathable air.

Another downside is finding them. Himalayan salt lamps can be tricky to find locally. They're all over the internet, but shipping costs on something you buy by the pound can be steep.

What to look for? The rougher the surface, the more negative ions you get. As for size, the rule of thumb is one pound of lamp for every ten square feet you want to "treat." The lamps range from about five pounds to upwards of forty pounds, but grappling with the big ones takes some doing.

I thought better of buying a forty-pounder when I couldn't lift it from the store shelf. Couldn't even move it, in fact. I can wrestle a fifty-pound bag of dog food, but that lamp got the best of me. No matter. Smaller ones do just fine, thank you.

Finally, besides all the benefits I've already mentioned, the lamps reduce stress. Yup! There's science that says so.

Better get at least a couple. Pronto.

Blue Air Filters - Are They the Best For Allergy Sufferers?

The blue air filters and purifiers are one of the most expensive brands of air purifiers on the market, but they are growing in popularity. But are they the best air purifier for allergy sufferers and asthmatics?

If you suffer from air borne allergies the last place you want to feel sick is in your own own home. Yet still for most allergy sufferers being indoors at home can be a nightmare, why? Because the air inside your home is up to 10 time more polluted and contaminated than the air outside, even in a large city.

The absolute best air filters on the market to day s the true hepa filter. These filters are developed to trap and contain up to 99.97% of all indoor contaminants. I am talking about dust, smoke, dander, pollen, mold, viruses and bacteria. The hepa filters can deal with microscopic particles as small as 0.3 microns that is about the size of a bacteria.

The blue air filters are not true hepa filter and uses a combination of processes to remove small pollutants. Through a system of "hepa like" filters, electrostatic and carbon to remove some negative charged ions, they can get pretty close to the hepa.

The plus is that the blue air purifiers are a lot quieter but the draw back is the negatively charged ions. These ions can have an adverse effect on allergy sufferers especially asthmatics. The other issue with the blue is the price for the units and the filters.

This is why I only recommend air purifiers with true hepa filters, the unit might be a bit more noisy but the air you will breath will be superior.

There are several really good brands of air purifiers that uses hepa filters and are not as noisy. If you are an asthmatic then you should go with a air purifier that uses a hepa filter

Mold: To Test Or Not To Test - That Is The Question

Let me start off by saying that I am not a mold specialist, nor do I test for mold. In fact, home inspectors are not even allowed by the NC Home Inspection Licensure Board to call a substance mold unless they are experts in the field. We can and do use the words mold-like substances even if it's obviously mold. However I did study microbiology in high school and college and my first major was medical lab technician. I am familiar with mold and other micro-organisms and have worked with them extensively. Now as a licensed home inspector I work closely with real estate professionals in the transaction of homes. There is a lot of misconception about mold as it relates to homes and this article is an attempt to clear up the confusion.

My hope is to give you a better understanding of the research on mold; the health effects, what it does to homes and what should be done if it is found. I hope to clear up questions you might have about how moisture, mildew and mold can complicate home sales. I hope to give you enough information from the experts so you can understand how unfair the lawsuits are that have been in the news. To me, the real threat in homes is the long term effects of moisture and mold which is structural issues due to rot.

From my research as well as my personal opinion, mold testing is not necessary. When mold, or mold like substances are found in a home by a home inspector, it shouldn't be a deal breaker even if the inspector/tester thinks it should be. Let me share with you the conclusions of the experts on the subject so you will have a better understanding of what you are facing when you encounter mold or mold like substances or shall we just call it all - fungus.

Here are the basics about mold:

Molds are decomposers of dead organic material such as leaves, wood and plants. Without mold, we would find ourselves wading deep in dead plant matter. And we wouldn't have cheese and some medicines without mold. But mold needs water to grow; without water mold cannot grow. In order to reproduce, molds produce spores, which spread through air, water and by insects. These spores act like seeds and can form new mold growth if the conditions are right. Think of spores as dandelion seeds on a microscopic level. A little air movement and they're everywhere hoping to land where they can grow. It's important to realize that mold spores are present everywhere, in outside air as well as indoor air. They just don't grow unless the conditions are right.

Since mold needs moisture to grow, here are a few things to look for around your house.

• The sprinkler system too close to the house

• Downspouts and the ground sloping toward the house

• A watered garden too close to the house

Then there are less obvious sources of moisture in a house you may not see right away that would be picked up during an inspection.

Things like:

• Moisture movement through exterior walls from things such as:

• Poor caulking and paint

• Poor flashings

• Poor shingles

• Poor thresholds

• Interior rooms excluded from air circulation like closets

• Poor attic ventilation trapping moisture in the attic

• Humid summer air condensing on cooler crawl space surfaces when there is no vapor barrier present

• Moisture wicking up through the slab if the builder didn't provide a vapor barrier

• High humidity from showering, cooking, etc.

• Plumbing leaks

• Any break in the synthetic stucco envelope

Think about this. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to develop. How often do today's homeowners check their crawl space and attic to make sure there are no leaks? Some areas where mold develops, like a broken pipe in a wall or ceiling, are more obvious and are picked up early enough to make repairs before there's much damage. Others like faulty bathroom caulk which allows moisture into the structure over a long period of time, can be so hidden that no one notices until the framing is so rotted the tub falls into the crawl space. Well, maybe not. The likelihood of catching mold before it causes structural damage is less likely than finding rot. We need to be more concerned about rot and structural issues than mold. Mold can be cleaned up but rot must be replaced and can cause significantly more damage. Short term moisture - mold, long term moisture - rot.

Construction methods and building standards have changed to accommodate the increased interest in conserving energy. Houses built prior to the 1930's generally had no effective insulation in either ceilings or walls. In essence they were naturally ventilated and moisture dried out quickly. Roofs were usually steeply pitched and constructed with shingles that had gaps between them which ventilated attics and cooled the roof deck. These homes were, of course, heat wasters. Heat escaped into the attics and natural ventilation kept the attic air moving. Homes today don't dry out as quickly because we insulate better and build tighter. Besides that homes today are built with more moisture-sensitive materials. Paper, like that which is found on drywall is nature's most perfect mold food. Mold likes processed wood more than it likes lumber. Just a little moisture in processed wood like OSB and particle board can affect its stability.

Mold can even be built into new homes. In this age when time is money, contractors may not wait until the house structure dries out after a rain before sealing in the walls, trapping the moisture in the walls. This may not happen often but it can happen; so even new homes should be inspected. If you walk into a brand new house and it smells musty, there's probably a problem.

Now let's see what the experts say about mold.

Most people have no reaction when exposed to molds. The biggest health problem from exposure to mold is allergy and asthma in susceptible people. However exposure to environmental factors other than mold in damp indoor spaces, notably house dust mites, viruses, tobacco smoke, and cockroaches, along with pesticides, volatile organic compounds and fumes from furnishings or construction materials can cause the same health effects. There are no tests to determine whether the symptoms are caused by the mold or something else.

There are more than 100,000 types of mold. Some molds, like Stachybotrys, produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. These molds generally have a higher water requirement than common household molds and tend to thrive only under conditions of chronic and severe water damage. Presently we don't know all that much about the health effects of most mycotoxins on humans. Most of what we know about mycotoxins comes from exposure of farm animals to moldy grain or hay. We don't have any tests that can determine whether mycotoxins are the cause of someone's illness. We can't easily or reliably measure the level of mycotoxins in air samples to determine exposure levels. Currently there are only guidelines and no regulations regarding indoor mold. There may never be any regulations on exposure to mold, because even the lowest levels bother people with severe hypersensitivity. Believe it or not, allergic responses can come from exposure to dead as well as to living mold spores. Therefore, killing mold with bleach and or other disinfectants may not prevent allergic responses.

What about black mold? Stachybotrys is a mycotoxin producing mold and usually associated with black mold. It's one of several that are very unhealthy but gets all the attention. Stachybotrys does not easily grow indoors and requires large amounts of moisture to grow. The known health effects from exposure to Stachybotrys are similar to other common molds, but have been inconclusively associated with more severe health effects in some people. Testing for it is expensive; the results are difficult to interpret and often inconclusive.

From a 2004 report by the Institute of Medicine:

There are no existing effective, reliable measurement processes for mold and that such assessment techniques should be developed. The entire process of fungal-spore aerosolization, transport, deposition, re-suspension, and tracking, all of which determine inhalation exposure, is poorly understood, and methods for assessing human exposure to fungal agents are poorly developed. In clinical medical practice, there is no known dose-response relationship between a specific ambient fungal concentration and any human health effects. There is no significant clinical evidence that humans have adverse effects of immunotoxic, neurologic, respiratory or dermal responses after exposure to mold other than allergic reaction and that, in the clinical medical field, there is no known dose response relationship between a specific ambient fungal concentration and any toxic human health effect. Therefore, there is no valid data available to support sampling since an assessment of risk-relevant exposure cannot be produced.

The following are statements from the Scientific Community:

• The Texas Medical Association's Council on Scientific Affairs released a report in September 2002 stating that there is no significant evidence connecting "black mold" to human disease.

• The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery has reported that there is no convincing evidence of a causal association between the black mold Stachybotrys and human disease.

• The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine states that, except for persons with severely impaired immune systems, indoor mold is not a source of fungal infections. Current scientific evidence does not support the proposition that human health has been adversely affected by inhaled mycotoxins in homes, schools or office environments.

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported July 2003 that in "A Scientific View of the Health Effects of Mold," a team of scientists found that mold can cause reactions for those who are prone to allergies. Infections caused by mold are rare, except for those who are "immune compromised." The study concludes that "there is no sound scientific evidence that mold causes 'toxicity' in doses found in home environments."

• Dr. Gailen Marshall, Jr., Director, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, states that some people do develop allergies and experience symptoms of asthma or hay fever when exposed to some mold spores. "There also are a few mold-related diseases that can be serious, but those are rare. So what about the 'experts' who claim to diagnose all sorts of mold-related illnesses such as memory loss or learning disabilities? There is no proof to support those claims."

• The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, in its report issued in May 2004, failed to find evidence of a causal link with (mold) and a wide variety of other health conditions.

• The National Center for Environmental Health states that at present there is no test that proves an association between Stachybotrys Chartarum and particular health symptoms.

• The Environmental Protection Agency states that the standards or threshold limit values for airborne concentrations of mold or mold spores have not been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.

• The American Industrial Hygiene Association states that some molds produce toxic substances called mycotoxins. Airborne mycotoxins have not been shown to cause health problems for occupants in residential or commercial buildings.

• Drs. Chapman, Terr, Jacobs, Charlesworth and Bardana report the conclusion of their recent study in the September 2003 issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "When mold related symptoms occur, they are likely the result of transient irritation, allergy, or infection. Building-related illness due to mycotoxicosis has never been proved in the medical literature. Prompt remediation of water-damaged material and infrastructure repair should be the primary response to fungal contamination in buildings."

There are several ways to test for mold. In bulk sampling, samples (like sections of drywall, pieces of carpet or air filters) are collected for analysis to determine if molds are actively growing. In surface sampling, a swab or adhesive tape lifts the samples for analysis. Air sampling uses a suction type pump to sample the air. According to the HUD Healthy Homes Issue "air sampling is more technically challenging and has greater opportunity for error than source sampling. Comparative assessments of the performance of the different samplers have been inconclusive, although certain samplers have been observed to perform better for specific purposes."

According to the New York City Department of Health, "air sampling for fungi should not be part of a routine assessment. This is because decisions about appropriate remediation strategies can usually be made on the basis of a visual inspection. In addition, air-sampling methods for some fungi are prone to false negative results and therefore cannot be used to definitively rule out contamination. Microscopic identification of the spores/colonies requires considerable expertise. These services are not routinely available from commercial laboratories."

From another expert, Dr. Yost of the Building Science Corporation, "an increasing number of companies are offering 'air testing for mold.' On the surface this seems like a reasonable thing to do. The problem, however, is that the results of most air sampling for mold are meaningless for two reasons. Air sampling for mold was not developed to determine if an environment was safe or has a dangerous level of mold in the air. Air sampling was developed to help identify the location of a hidden reservoir of mold. If the source of mold is already identified, air sampling does not provide additional meaningful information. Furthermore, safe or toxic levels of airborne mold have not been established. An individual air sample for mold provides a 'snapshot' of what was in the air during the few minutes of sampling. The results may not be indicative of the amount of mold that is in the air during most of the day. The Center for Disease Control, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists do not recommend routine air testing for mold." "The Minnesota Department of Health does not recommend testing for mold. Instead, you should simply assume there is a problem whenever you see mold or smell mold odors. Testing should never take the place of visual inspection and it should never use up resources that are needed to correct moisture problems and remove all visible growth. Mold testing is rarely useful for trying to answer questions about health concerns."

Again according to Dr. Yost, "Don't test for mold. If you see it or smell it you have it. You don't need to know what species it is to deal with it. You should deal with all mold exactly the same way. Fix the water problem that caused it. Replace the water damaged materials. Clean up the mold, dust and mold spores. If for some inexplicable reason you decide to test for mold insist that the report contains only the following things: Who did the test and when? Where were the samples taken and how? How were the samples analyzed? What are the results of the analysis? The report should contain absolutely no interpretation. Too much mold in a home is obvious. If you see mold and you smell mold - you have mold - and if you see it and you smell it you probably have too much of it. If a home has mold and the water problem that led to mold is obvious it is pointless to test for mold. Mold testing is expensive. Any money spent on mold testing will not be available for cleaning up the mold and fixing the water problem that led to the mold. Also, the samples can take days or weeks to be analyzed - time that is lost that could better be spent cleaning up the mold and fixing the water problem. No recognized authoritative public agency recommends mold testing to guide the clean-up or to direct correction of the water problem."

So when is testing advised by the experts? Dr. Yost again: "Biological measurements sometimes provide useful information in finding hidden mold when thorough inspection has not found moisture or mold. The likelihood that airborne samples will provide evidence that inspection does not is very small. Reserve sampling for mystery cases, where things smell moldy or people complain of symptoms that are consistent with mold exposure, but no mold is found upon inspection. If an insurance company or a third party requires 'testing to verify the presence of mold,' simply send a piece of moldy material to a qualified lab for verification of the presence of mold."

Alright, your house has mold or mold-like substances. Now what? Find the cause of the moisture and fix it fast. Begin remediation. Remove damaged material (especially porous materials) that can't be cleaned or is more expensive to clean than replace. Clean the salvaged material (non-porous). Dry out the area before closing in a wall or ceiling. New building materials were mentioned earlier. Again, Dr Yost says, "Materials like lumber, plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), particle board, paper covered gypsum board may or may not be salvageable. The base case test is - has the material lost structural integrity? Mold growing on solid lumber is most likely a surface contamination issue, not a structural issue. It can be cleaned, dried and salvaged. If solid lumber has lost structural integrity, then it has been colonized by wood decay fungi and probably certain bacteria and that portion must be replaced." Who should do the clean-up? "The Institute of Medicine committee studied numerous historical studies and publications on the prevention and remediation of mold. The most recent of these include remediation procedures that are based on the assumption that mold is toxic and should be remediated in a manner similar to remediation of a building with asbestos. The physician panel proposes that until medical science has evidence of mold toxicity, remediation should be based on non-clinical factors and the focus should be on moisture control and structural repair." According to the New York City Department of Health, "there are no special requirements for the disposal of moldy materials."

In summary, above all, when there's a moisture problem, it needs to be fixed - fast. Whether it's a leak or high humidity, time is of the essence. The source needs to be located and repaired. The affected area needs to be either cleaned or replaced and dried thoroughly.

As far as testing goes, research is very specific. It doesn't matter what species of mold is present. The only time testing is useful is to find hidden mold or determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated.

The houses we hear about in the big lawsuits had to be extremely wet for a very long time. Why didn't anyone notice the obvious mold? Were they empty for a long period of time? Didn't they have an inspection before they moved in?

Who is to blame when mold is found in a house - who do you sue? Nature? Father Time when a fifty year old pipe bursts? The sun because the shingles succumbed?

If the experts say that there is no connection to mold and health issues other than allergies, where did the data come from in these lawsuits to say that there is?

I hope this answers at least some of the questions and misconceptions you have about the mysterious mold issue in homes.

Allergies Type 1

Allergies Type 1 is also called contact allergy. It is is when food, mold, animal dander, pollen, or dust can cause an immediate allergy attack. Whey your body responds to the invasion, your body releases histamine from the irritated area such as the skin, nasal and bronchial areas.

A person with Allergies Type 1 is burdened with an overprotective immune system and is forever on guard against everyday things that don't bother the rest of us. It might be a cute puppy, a patch of green grass, to something as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The hypersensitivity allergic reaction to type 1 allergies can vary fjrom mild irritation to sudden death from anaphylactic shock. Any sympton that causes swelling of the toungh or difficulty in breathing requires imeadate treatment by a physicial.

Mild cases of Allergies Type 1 can be treated with common products such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, Antioxidants, Allergy Aid, and Quercitin.

Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.

Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Many find Pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against allergy symptoms. It is another form of nontoxic B vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from allergy symptoms.

Substances called antioxidants can neutralize free radical by pairing up or binding with the free radical elections thus inhibiting them from damaging cells in the human body.

Allergy Aid supplies 9 beneficial Herb's to help provide temporary relief of respiratory allergies. The natural action of these specific Herb's help to open bronchial tubes and ease breathing.

Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Grain Free Diet - Health Benefits

Many people don't realize that they have a sensitivity to grains - they just know they are tired and don't feel well. Here are a few of the health benefits of going on a grain free diet:

Lose Weight

Losing the grains is a great and easy way to lose the weight. Grains are high in carbohydrate, which triggers high insulin levels in your blood when eaten. When your blood insulin levels rise, your fat storage cells are basically locked, meaning you can't get at them to burn off that fat.

In addition, when you eat grains, they tend to trigger cravings for sweets and for more grains. The more you eat, the more you want. The first couple of days without grains are the hardest, but if you eat plenty of protein and non-starchy veggies, your appetite will greatly diminish and you will find yourself dropping pounds and gaining energy quickly.

Stop Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Another problem with having excess insulin produced by eating grains is that it can over stimulate the pancreas. This then can create too much of the hormone Gastrin, which produces acid in the stomach. Too much stomach acid can cause heartburn, GERDS and acid reflux. Thankfully, these symptoms are often the first to be relieved by following a no grain diet.

Relieve Bloating and Gassiness

Consuming grains can often lead to food-related gas and bloating. Gastrointestinal bacteria cause the fermentation of sugar in your gut, leading to gastric discomfort. Chronic diarrhea is also quite a common complaint and can often be relieved successfully by eliminating the grains from your diet.

Stop Headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of wheat allergy or sensitivity. I personally stopped my four to five times a week headaches immediately simply by eliminating wheat from my diet. It is interesting that headaches are also a frequent sign of mold allergy and wheat in the field can develop mold on the grains before harvested.

Relieve Joint Pain

Many people don't even realize that they have joint pain. If you find that your fingers are swollen and tend to ache or that your ankles and knees seem to creak a little when you wake up in the morning, the grains in your diet may be the culprit. Eliminate the grains and within a few days, you may notice that you walk a bit sprightlier and your rings may be a bit looser.

The grain free diet forces variety and creativity. It is an exciting challenge if you enjoy cooking and trying new recipes and the rewards are priceless - an improved quality of life.

Allergies Gone Forever

When the liver becomes disabled it no longer is capable of performing its functions properly and as result we become sensitive from plastic chairs to flowers and grass.

If the bile ducts of the liver are clogged all sorts of issues can arise allergies being only one of them. Sometimes the bile duct is clogged with a sheep liver fluke - it actually lives in the bile duct. If enough are clogging the bile ducts and it spills over into the intestine then you will experience the worst case of allergies you could ever imagine.

The body, in some cases, can take care of theses culprits with its own resources. And when they leave the body they will come out in the bowel. You will see little black threads that are the eggs.
You can kill these flukes with a Rife Digital Zapper, (frequency generator) or the Zapper MHz. Also you must avoid food molds, and remove the dental work that has mercury in them. You also must do the parasite, kidney and liver cleanse.

If you have too many flukes present in the liver then the liver can't do its job, which is to detoxify the chemicals and food taken into the body.

The natural chemicals in food need to be detoxified in addition to the toxins and other things we are exposed to.

There are other flukes in the liver, i.e., human liver fluke, less of a problem. However, anything that is lodged in the bile ducts, cholesterol, whatever it is will cause problems.

Dr. Clark says, "The bile duct system is a gigantic tree with lots of interconnecting branches. Remember how "stringy" liver can be when you buy it in the grocery store. These strings are bile ducts. When one is obstructed, others take over its job. But when a whole section of the liver gets obstructed and it can't detoxify a whole set of chemicals you dare not get those chemicals into you again."

And if you do get some chemicals or toxins in the system and the liver is not healthy enough to deal with it then they will spread throughout the body. They will find their way through to various organs including the brain. Now that they are in the brain they will attach and then you have an "allergic reaction".

Even with the most extreme allergies - if you kill the sheep liver fluke and any other flukes residing in the liver then you will be allergy free.

You can resolve this issue of allergies reasonably easily. Use the parasite cleanse, and the zapper or a frequency generator such as a Rife machine. At the end of this article there will be links for information on the parasite cleanse and the zapper.

Solvents from environmental toxins are also residing in the body it is one of the things that allows the flukes to get into the liver.

So, make sure you remove all solvents, so you don't continue to re-infect yourself and begin by eliminating propyl alcohol and benzene. It is the food processing that can put this into your system. So, in addition to the parasite cleanse and the zapping, go completely organic with your food and drink. Your food will taste better and you will feel better. It's a little more money, but the lack of medical bills and allergy medication should make up for that.

Allergies and Carpeting: Dispelling the Myth

It's common knowledge that if you or someone in your family has allergy or asthma problems, you should stay away from carpeting when redoing your floors; right?

Wrong. Carpeting is actually one of the more practical choices when making changes in the home to boost indoor air quality.

Many different irritants inside the home, such as dust mites, pet dander, mold and pollen, are often triggers of allergies and asthma. With hard surface flooring like hardwood, vinyl and tile, these allergens get kicked around and re-circulated through the air; where as carpeting will act like a large filter in your home, trapping those allergens until they are vacuumed up.

Studies have shown that carpeting in a room will reduce the amount of airborne contaminants that may trigger allergies and asthma. Another study of school children found that students who had carpeting in their bedrooms used less amounts of asthma medication and missed fewer school days than the students who did not have carpeting in their bedrooms.

Bliss carpeting by Beaulieu of America, offers Magic Fresh and Silver Release treatments. The Magic Fresh treatment works the same way as a box of baking soda in your refrigerator does, it absorbs the odors in your home and releases them back into the air, stench free! The Magic Fresh treatment lasts up to 10 years, or for 5 hot extraction cleanings. Silver Release goes one step further, providing protection from the bacteria that causes stains, mold and mildew. Ever heard the phrase "Born with a silver spoon in his mouth"? It has been long known that silver has powerful antimicrobial properties and was once used by the wealthy to prevent disease in their children. The Silver Release treatment uses silver, zinc and copper to protect your family from mold and mildew, and will last for the entire life of the carpet.

Another concern most allergy sufferers have when changing the flooring in their home is exposure to VOC's. A VOC is a carbon based chemical compound and exposure to high levels can cause eye irritation, headaches, fatigue and coughing. Along with most of the major carpet manufactures using less of them in the carpet manufacturing process, studies have shown that there are simply not enough VOC emissions in new carpeting to cause adverse heath effects. The VOC's found in studies were extremely small, in the parts per billion, and were extremely short lived. Some people love the new-carpet smell and that's ok, because it's certainly not harmful to you. For those of you who don't like the smell, open a few windows and vacuum more frequently in those first few days and the smell will dissipate in a quickly.

The key to keeping your home allergen free is to vacuum regularly. Also have your carpets cleaned professionally according to your manufacturer's warranty. Additionally, by removing your shoes at the front door you won't track outside allergens throughout the house.

Are Dirty Air Ducts Contributing to Your Allergy Problems?

Consider the most common airborne allergens: dust mites, pollen, mold, and animal dander. Anyone susceptible to these allergies knows enough to avoid situations where they're in plentiful supply.

Of course, unless you live in a clean room at your neighborhood research lab, that's easier said than done. Allergens are everywhere, so the least you can do is try to make your home a safe haven where you can breathe easy.

That means taking some simple steps: laundering your bedding frequently, vacuuming with a high-efficiency particle air filter, using a dehumidifier, showering at night, keeping pets out of your room, and so on. But if you take these steps and your allergy problems persist, the culprit might lie in your air ducts.

Think about it: Anything that can travel through the air is going through your home's ductwork at some point. Dust and debris can build up in the ducts, and if there's any moisture present, it won't be long before mold is, too. And because air ducts are truly a case of "out of sight, out of mind," the buildup of allergens can go unnoticed for quite some time.

That's why people suffering from allergies or unexplained illnesses should consider having their air ducts cleaned professionally. Many companies specialize in duct cleaning, while a number of HVAC specialists offer it as a logical extension of their existing services. The Environmental Protection Agency offers these tips for selecting a duct cleaning service provider:

• Be wary of those providers who make sweeping health claims, and those who suggest that duct cleaning should be scheduled regularly. Duct cleaning should only be performed on an as-needed basis; anything more frequent is not cost-effective.


• Check references. If your provider is cleaning ducts but leaving a trail of broken furnaces, look elsewhere.


• Make sure the service provider has worked on systems like yours and that the proper steps will be taken to contain all contaminants removed from the ducts. In addition, make sure the provider complies with standards set by the National Air Duct Cleaning Association.


• Get a written agreement outlining the total cost and scope of the project.

Remember too that of all the potential allergens in your ductwork, mold is the most insidious. Even though duct cleaning might remove the problem temporarily, you'll want to find and correct the conditions that caused the mold growth in the first place.

Cheap and Easy Ideas for Basement Mold Removal

Basement mold removal does not have to be expensive, the key is finding cost effective ways and products that can get the job done. Mold is not only unpleasant to look at it also can make you and others in your home very sick, so if you have this problem you should find a solution immediately. Basements are usually very cold and dark which explains why mold is usually found here. One thing you should know about mold is that they like cold, dark areas so this explains a lot.

The problem with many basements is their lack of proper ventilation which is another factor that contributes to mold. Some basements are also wet or damp because pipes, washing machines and air conditioners are usually located in this area. An easy mold removal option for your basement is to keep the doors open for proper ventilation. You should also keep the basement properly lit. The basement is also the coldest part of the house so make sure that you change the room temperature for this area as it requires more heat than other rooms in the house. These simple changes can make a world of difference so if your basement doesn't have mold, follow these tips to keep it that way.

If your basement already has mold all is not lost, there are many things that you can do to remove this unfortunate problem. Basic mold removal doesn't have to be expensive because there are household products that people have been using for centuries to help remove mold. One option is bleach, this household item can work wonders with mold removal. Just add a little to a bucket of water along with detergent and use a brush to properly scrub the affected area. You can also use warm water along with bleach and detergent for tough areas.

If your basement is carpeted it is best to remove it as water can seep under carpets and cause mold. You should then clean the floor with bleach and soap. Another mold removal idea is to buy a basement dehumidifier to keep the area nice and warm. You can also purchase products that are designed for mold removal. These products usually contain chlorine, which is great for removing mold and the best part of all is that they are not very expensive.

Mold is easier to remove from tiles, floors and concrete than other materials such as wood. If you have wooden objects in your basement that have mold, you can first try to scrape the mold from the area, then sand down the wood to remove all traces of the mold. If you have clothes in the basement that also contain mold either throw them out or wash them with hot water. Make sure that you don't wash them with other clothes as you can risk spreading the mold spores to other pieces of clothing. These basement mold removal ideas are fast, easy and effective, so if you have mold grab and bottle of bleach and some water and start cleaning.

Allergies Skin Rash

Skin rashes are many times caused by an allergic reaction to something you touch. Just about anything can be the cause of a skin allergy. Common things many people have reactions to include: poison ivy, oak, sumac and mold. People can even be allergic to dog or cat hair. One of the most common effects of skin allergies is a rash. By getting an allergy test, your doctor will be able to determine exactly what you're allergic to.

Rashes can cause itching, swelling and soreness in the affected area. While there's little that you can do to prevent a rash, there are several treatment options available.

Treatments for itchy skin rashes that are caused by an allergy include:

Bathing in warm water is one of the better treatment options. Be sure that the water is not too hot, because this will irate the affected area. It's best to use unscented soap. Afterwards pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer to the affected area. This will keep your skin hydrated.

Even though the rash may be itchy, try to avoid scratching as much as possible. This may be hard because the rash may itch. In order to do this, you should make sure your finger nails are trimmed. At night you can also wear cotton gloves and socks. This will help prevent scratching in your sleep.

It's also a good idea to try to stay inside air conditioned buildings and use a humidifier while you sleep. This will help keep your skin from drying out.

The good news is that rashes that are caused by skin allergies usually go away in time. The trick is to learn how to deal with the itching and discomfort while you wait.

How Fungus Can Grow in the Sinus Cavities

Did you know that fungus can grow in the sinus cavities? A lot of people are unaware that this is possible. This lack of understanding has the potential to lead to a lot of health problems. Quite often, this fungus is one of the primary causes behind painful sinus infections. Learning how to identify and deal with it can save you from a lot of pain and misery.

Many people have chronic allergies. When that happens, things like pollen, dust, and dander can irritate the sinuses. The debris lodges inside of your sinus cavities. Bacteria begins to grow as a result. Fungus can grow as well. This is frightening to even think about, but fungus can be found everywhere. Some studies show that there is even fungus floating around in the air.

Typically, fungus thrives in dark, moist places. Naturally, your nose and your sinus cavities definitely fit that bill. When fungus gets into the sinus cavities, who knows how quickly it can grow? As it gets bigger, however, it causes more and more fain in the form of a sinus infection.

There are some treatment methods which can help you clear up the fungus which may be causing sinus infections. If you are looking for natural treatment options, you can think about using xylitol, which is often used as a natural sweetener.

Nasal cavity irrigation may help you as well. Basically, you flush out your sinus cavities with a mixture of warm salt water and sodium bicarbonate, which is used to act as a buffer. There are a number of tools available for this method.

Of course, there are plenty of medicinal options available as well. The best thing to do when you get a sinus infection is to go see your doctor. You may actually be able to stop the problem before they start becoming chronic.

Relief From Mold and Mildew Allergies - Can Air Purifiers Help?

I used to start sneezing, sniffling and asthma from mold and mildew exposure (although my allergies also included dust, pollen, and pets). Shots at the allergist and medications were a weekly routine. I began to experiment with air purifiers and air cleaners of all kinds at age 11. When allergic to mold you'll try anything for relief.

Thirty years of experience has given me a lot of experience with air purifiers and mold problems. The following represent the primary types of air purification, with a quick rating on their effectiveness for mold and mildew allergies.

Electrostatic Plates

An electrostatic machine is basically a machine with positive and negatively charged plates. Oreck may call these plates "Truman Cell" (maybe it stands for Harry Truman??) but they're most often called "ionic" or "electrostatic". Works for pollution since carbon from car exhaust is charged, and they are washable but since most pollen and dust carries little charge however they are not effective for pollen or dust or mold FOR MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED POOR

HEPA Filters

The 1st choice for allergies like pollen and dust HEPA traps and holds pollen and dust. Allergists recommend it most. The downside = you have to replace it every year or so. It will remove mold spores to reduce the spread of mold but will not kill mold or mildew. If you include HEPA find affordable replacement filters as some companies can soak you after you own their Hepa air purifier. Avoid the expensive air purifiers like IQAIR ($and Austin Air which are primarily HEPA and forget about them for mold & mildew. They're over-priced for a HEPA filter, and even though they are well made you can find better mold air purifiers for less than $300. MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED FAIR (removes mold spores only)

Ozone Producing Air Purifier Machines

Ozone, which is isimply Oxygen with an added particle of oxygen (o3), works for odor, mold, and mildew, but is not good for gathering pollen and dust. Too much ozone will irritate the lungs, especially in asthmatics. Ozone machines did little for allergies. Today's primary Ozone brand is Ecoquest (formerly Alpine). MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED EXCELLENT FOR MOLD AND MILDEW REMOVAL, BUT DANGEROUS TO LUNGS.

Ionizers Air Purifiers

Ionizers put negative ions into the air. Will kill some forms of mildew, pollution, and odor, but not very good for pollen or dust since there is nothing to collect the pollen in the air. MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED FAIR

Carbon and/or Zeolite

Primarily for smoke, chemicals, odors and fumes since these organic minerals absorb and trap gases. Not effective in any way for mold or mildew. But they do not trap dust and pollen. MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED POOR

Ultraviolet (UV) Air Purifiers

UV (ultraviolet light) and Tio2 ( Titanium dioxide - nanotechnology) are used by hospitals and dentists because they kill bacteria, germs, and mold/mildew. UV light has a frequency which kills micro-organisms and hence is effective for mold, while Tio2 magnifies UV light up to 1000 times MOLD & MILDEW ALLERGIES: RATED EXCELLENT AND SAFE.

So: Should You Buy A "UV ONLY" AIR PURIFIER?

I would avoid UV only air purifiers and get a combination of UV, Tio2, HEPA and Ion. That's because you can find many air purifiers for $200-300 using a combination of these technologies to do an effective job on mold and mildew, plus clean the air completely.

Effective AC Air Filtration Systems Help Reduce Asthmatic and Allergic Reactions

Adequate Air Conditioning Air Filtration May Help Prevent Asthma Induced Breathing Complications

National statistics accumulated via multiple authorized health agencies suggest that nearly 22 million US citizens suffer from asthma related health complications. This chronic illness affects 6.8 million children and causes as many as 13 million annual absences from school. It is also identified as the third-ranking reason that children under fifteen years old are hospitalized.

Likewise with allergies, often considered minor by those unaffected by the effects of this chronic disease. Over 50 million US citizens suffer from allergies. Pollen allergy, hives, swollen throat issues and chronic sinusitis are common throughout the US.

For the unaffected, a bit of dust in the home air conditioning system is rarely noticed. However, the people who suffer from allergies and asthma can quickly identify home cooling systems that lack quality air filtration units. If your current home AC is due for upgrade or replacement, perhaps you can benefit by including additional filtration components.

Understanding the Home AC Air Filtration Process

The technology may vary, but every home air purification system provides an extended set of user-benefits. However, air filtration systems also bear the weight of certain additional complications. To overcome the obstacles, a buyer must learn how to combine technologies in a manner that best resolves a given air filtration problem.

This guild will give you a heads-up when dealing with your local air conditioning installation center. Perhaps you can help assemble the right components to eliminate the disadvantages, accumulate the positives and find new relief for your allergies and asthmatic complications.

1) Air Filters - The Core of Home Air Filtration Systems

The basic high-quality air filter is designed to eliminate contaminates down to 0.3 microns in size. The typical high-quality air filter provides the following advantages:

** Removes some bacteria

** Removes most dust, mold spores and other allergens

** Captures most solid particles.

Shortcomings in the basic high-quality filtration unit include:

** No effects on gases, chemical fumes or smoke odors

** Fails to capture germs, viruses or other ultra-fine contaminates

** Is limited in range and effectiveness

** Can enable enhanced breeding grounds for microorganisms.

2) Technology That Increases The Effectiveness of Basic Air Conditioning Filters

People who suffer from allergies and asthma react differently to different types of "triggers." For some people, dust is the primary "trigger." For others, microorganisms can induce major physical discomfort. When selecting a high-quality air purification unit, consider technologies that enhance and complement basic filtration methods.

You and your doctor are the only people with a clear understanding of what "triggers" your specific allergies. Even if your complication is related more to asthma than allergies, that too has "triggers" that may be specific to you.

Review the following advanced filtration systems. Perhaps one type or another will zoom down on your major "trigger."

Air Ionizer Systems - Designed to change the polarity of airborne particles, air ionizers create negative ions, which cause a magnetic bonding of the affected airborne particles. As a result, even ultra-fine particles become too heavy to remain airborne.

Strengths of Air Ionizer Filtration Include:

** Removes particles up to 0.01 microns

** Neutralizes bacteria, chemical fumes, cigarette smoke and viruses

** Extended range of effect.

Weaknesses include:

** No collection method

** Fails to remove odors

** Captures but does not kill germs, fungi and some viruses

** Limited effect on airborne chemical particles.

Activated Carbon Filter Systems - Primarily purposed to capture odors, this high-quality air filtration system uses highly adsorbent, molecular size pores to create a chemical bond that traps gases, liquid contaminates and other odorous particles.

Strengths of Activated Carbon Air Filter Systems Include:

** Most technologically advanced filter for capturing odors

** Retains captured contaminates

Weaknesses include:

** Poor performance against dust and other common allergens

** Ineffective against microorganisms

** Limited range of effect.

Other Advanced Air Filtration Systems Include:

1) Germicidal UV Lamps designed to destroy bacteria, germs, fungi and viruses

2) Highly reactive oxidant Ozone Generators designed to destroy bacteria and chemical related odors.

Conclusion

Not every air filtration system is right for your needs. But, if you work hand-in-hand with your local HVAC service center, you can possibly put together a package that provides long-term relief - at least while you are enjoying family time at home.

- Disclaimer. The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. The sponsor of this article and any associated subsidiaries or affiliates shall in no event be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or exemplary damages. Use at your own risk.

The Main Purpose of Understanding the Term Mold Allergies

Molds are fungi that cause spoilt food and some diseases as well. Not all of them are hazardous; some even lend a hand in humiliating food and other innate wastes. Other types of mold are also influential in making beverages, food and tablets. These fungi can be seen everywhere in the world and can virtually survive at some of the more extremes temperatures.

Working of Mold Allergies:

Some types of mold produce allergens which in turn can affect humans if the allergens are inhaled. These allergens may cause allergic reactions like a runny nose and watery eyes, along with sneezing. Mold Allergies may also cause an asthma attack or a skin rash on certain highly sensitive individuals. Mold Allergies can also produce a potentially deadly toxin called mycotoxins. This mold product can kill if ingested and it can also affect livestock and poultry through the feeds they consume and still reach humans in a completely different level because the mycotoxins do not easily degrade or decompose.

In total exchange of a lethal role in humans, mold is used to generate penicillin, the antibiotic, to help in some human diseases and sickness. Alexander Fleming was the genius who discovered this medicine that helped save many human lives.

Reckoning of Mold Allergies:

Mold Allergies can in fact causes a number of different things. This is because the mycotoxins that are produced by toxic mold create various environmentally toxic airs that covers the body's myelin, and this results in depleting this important substance that covers the nerves. Because of this the nerves are then exposed without any protection and this will cause them to begin functioning improperly.

Mold Allergy can cause memory loss, which may tend to be less conspicuous at first but which will get much worse as time goes on. Another problem caused by Mold Allergy is anxiety, while others include personality disorders, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath, abdominal pain, hair loss, skin rashes, fatigue, and numbness in extremities, cough, sore throat, rectal bleeding, and even fibromyalgia.

Mold Allergies can include a bad cough, sneezing, jamming, eye watering and a runny nose. Sinus headaches, nose bleeds, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and a bad skin rash can also be symptoms of mold. It can occur in homes where foam board has been used as wall insulation. This is because there is no space to let the walls breathe and as a result, ideal conditions are created for mold to grow.

There are also methods of prevention that you can take in order to try to stop mold allergies from happening in the first place, namely taking proper care of your home and making sure that if there are every any humidity or dampness problems that you take care of them as soon as possible.

How Quick Water Damage Clean Up Is Essential For A Healthy Home

In order to prevent the formation of mold, water damage clean up in a home must be swift if it is to be effective. Water damage is often the unfortunate result of a natural disaster such as rain or a flood. Whether water has entered by way of a roof, windows, doors or a crack in the foundation, the excessive moisture and high humidity that comes with the water damage can create an environment that encourages the growth of mold and mildew. If left to its own devices, this can bring on a host of respiratory related problems for the occupants of a home as well as the destruction it causes to drywall, paint and carpets. Mold can leave a foul and musty odor that can gradually take over a large area of a home and can worsen over time.

Water damage control is essential to prevent the development of mold, which is harmful to health. The most common illnesses that can result from the existence of mold are diseases termed as hypersensitive such as asthma and chronic postnasal drip. People who suffer from immune suppressed diseases are particularly at risk if they are exposed to high levels of mold in a home. For example, this could be an individual who has had a transplanted organ, such as a lung or kidney. The exposure to mold could bring on a lung infection, which could then prove deadly.

The main symptoms of exposure to mold include shortness of breath, a runny nose, a general feeling of malaise and eye irritation. To encourage a healthy home when water damage occurs, regardless of whether it is due to a wind and rainstorm or a burst pipe or something else, take steps to contain, kill, remove and protect your home from the development of mold. The spores from mold will often escape into the air and worsen symptoms of asthma and a variety of allergies. This can lead to the development of even worse respiratory illnesses.

If you are not fast enough with your water damage control on your carpets and discover the presence of mold , take action immediately. It is crucial to use a professional water damage restoration expert to properly dry, sanitize and disinfect the affected areas. The common person is not suitable and not equipped to ensure the complete and permanent removal of mold and mildew .

Whether you live in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or any other city or town in the United States , water damage is often a reality that you will have to deal with at some point in time. Be prepared by getting informed about mold, allergy control and organic methods of carpet cleaning.

Black Mold Removal - 7 Steps to Creating a Healthier House

What is Black Mold?

Black mold is what we all know as mildew. It is greenish-black in color, and it thrives anywhere there is moisture, and I mean anywhere. I found it on the inside of my freezer door!  Usually you will find it in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. As mold grows, it feeds off of the material it is living on, and releases spores to germinate and spread. As it spreads, it releases compounds which produce that nasty, musty smell we are all familiar with. A person who breathes in the air where mold is present can aggravate or elevate asthma or allergy symptoms.

How do I get rid of Black Mold? 

1.    The first thing you should do is assess why the mold was present in the first place. Is your home's moisture level too high? Do you have a leaking faucet? Fix the leak or purchase a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture level. Consider buying a hygrometer which measures your home's moisture level so you know at all times what the level is (should not exceed 50%).

2.    If you do not have the following items, purchase them, a mask, goggles and gloves. The mask should be a particle mask approved by OSHA.

3.    Remove any items that have mold on them that need to be thrown out in a sealed plastic bag.

4.    First clean the affected area with a solution of detergent and water, use a scrub brush.

5.     Let the surface dry, then wipe the surface with a solution of one cup bleach and one gallon water. Repeat this step after 20 minutes.

6.    Finally, mix a solution of detergent containing borate with water and apply it to the affected area. Do not rinse it off. This will prevent reocurrence of the mold.

7.    Throw away the mask and gloves in a sealed plastic bag.

If the affected area is more than 10 square feet or you find it is behind walls or cabinets, it is best to bring in a professional mold remediation service as larger infestations can get tricky and can require special tools and chemicals.

Should I Throw Away My Moldy Mattress?

Mold forming in your mattress is commonplace. If you have spilled liquid on your mattress, the excess moisture that has permeated made your mattress an ideal breeding ground for molds. This type of fungus tends to grow in damp and humid places.

Even if you take good care of your bed, there are still instances when molds grow in it. If the humidity in your room is high it can easily lead to molds formation not only in your mattress but in the rest of your furniture.

Since most molds are poisonous, they do not make up the best companions when we go to sleep. Inhaling them can also lead to allergy attack.

If your mattress is moldy, should you throw it away immediately?

If you have invested in a mattress that costs more than a thousand bucks, it will be difficult to just throw it away. Good mattresses today do not come cheap.

Throwing it away is not the only solution. First, you should inspect your bed. Find out if the molds have already completely spread in your mattress. If the whole mattress is not yet affected, cleaning it can still save the mattress. The best way to get rid of molds is to use white vinegar. It dissolves this type of fungus quickly.

Prepare two cups of white vinegar and one cup of water. Mix them together. Put the vinegar solution in a spray bottle. Now spray the solution on all sides of the bed, especially the moldy areas. Let the solution work on your mattress for at least on hour. Traces of molds should be gone after an hour or so.

Soak clean towel in water. Wring out the excess moisture. Wipe the damp towel on the surface of the mattress to get rid of the vinegar solution. Sprinkle loose baking soda on all sides of the mattress.

Baking soda actually helps reduce bad mattress odor. In addition to that, it helps clean out the mattress and prevent molds from developing. Baking soda can also absorb excess moisture in your furniture. Leave this cleaning ingredient on the surface of the mattress. After an hour, vacuum your bed.

Place your bed in an airy room to dry completely. Molds will not develop if the room is airy and sunny.

Instead of throwing your mattress out, clean it first. If this does not work, that is the only time you should consider getting a new mattress.