Re: Mold

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone, My name is Golden. I joined this group a few

months ago, but have never posted as I'm fairly new to this type of

forum.

I've had fibro for about 8 years now. At least thinking back to all

of my symptoms when I first starting noticing them coming on. I

attribute mine to a horse riding accident that I had, but not sure

after reading everything here and the things that I had learned

before now.

I have appreciated everyone's great information in the group.

Someone sent me an article this morning that I felt, I just had to

share.

I do have to tell you that I am a melaleuca rep....which this article

relates to some of their products. I honestly am not trying to push

their stuff for my own gain, but did want to share this info with

everyone. As I think it relates here. If you feel offended by me

sending this, I am truly sorry....but everyone sends such great info

on other things, that I just felt like I had to share something of my

own. As their products have truly helped me. It is only meant to be

informative.

I hope this helps someone.

____________________________________________________________________

Awareness of Mold in Homes: Horror Stories Increasing

Excerpt from story by Mc, Staff Writer, published in the

Chattanooga Times Free Press, Sunday, September 9, 2001

Mold is not a new problem, but is currently receiving a lot of

attention because of news reports about houses made inhabitable by

the proliferation of toxic mold.

The publicity has focused on toxic mild (mold containing mycotoxins)

and its link to serious health problems and has resulted in a new

awareness of the problem of mold growth in general.

Molds are linked to " everything from asthma to headaches and are

extremely toxic in allergic reactions, " said Dr. Hill Craddock, and

assistant professor of biological and environmental sciences at the

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. " They can cause sudden death

an asthmatic person, " he said, citing Legionnaire's Disease as one

of he most famous toxic diseases caused by mold.

Mold is often discovered during an indoor air quality inspection

that involves the entire house, which costs around $550. Mold can be

hidden behind sheet rock or inside duct work or crawl space.

The most common kinds of molds include stachybotrys, aspergillus,

penicillium and cladosporium. They can grow anywhere there is water

damage, high humidity or dampness. The Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention says considering all molds a potential health risk

and removing mold growth is more important than determining the type

of mold involved.

Houses being built of wood represents the simplest reason for the

existence of mold, Dr. Craddock said. " Wood rots and then we put

things in our houses that are potential sources for mold. " These

sources include wood, wood fiber and cellulose fiber. Things like

draperies, wallpaper, and cellulose insulation provide something for

mold, which is a fungus, to eat.

Humidity is the second most important factor in the development of

mold, he said. " We live in an area that is humid, and humidity in

the air is probably sufficient for these molds. " Additionally, the

area gets a lot of rain. " You've got to absolutely keep the water

out of your house, " Dr. Craddock said. That means keeping the roof

in good repair, caulking around all the windows and openings, making

sure the water in gutters moves away from the house and its

foundations.

Ironically, he said, houses are sealed so well that air doesn't

circulate. " One of the enemies of the house is an ally of mold. You

really need to get the air moving. That helps to dry out and

ventilate. " Mold can be any color. It depends on what it feeds on.

Odor is a clue to the presence of mold, but mold odors differ.

There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores

indoors. [Ed note: using products containing a pure and soluble form

of melaleuca alternifolia oil, particularly when sprayed into the

air and placed in ducts as well as directly onto any mold or mildew

growth, is very effective against all types of fungi and fungus

spores.] " If you suspect a problem, you need somebody who has the

proper credentials to do it, " Dr. Craddock said.

Preventing and Eliminating Mold

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental

Protection Agency

" Routinely inspect for evidence of water damage and visible mold.

" Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent and dry

completely.

" Ceiling tiles or other absorbent materials that are moldy may need

to be replaced. [Ed note: proven mold and mold spore killer is pure

melaleuca alternifolia oil as in the water-soluble form in Sol-U-

Mel, a product of Melaleuca, Inc.]

" Eliminate sources of moisture, such as leaks, that cause mold.

" Keep indoor humidity below 50%

" Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier during humid months. [Ed

note: Use Sol-U-Mel in the humidifier water.]

" Vent bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to

the outside.

" Use exhaust fans when cooking, dishwashing and cleaning. [Ed Note:

This should always be done to remove toxic fumes generated from the

chemical-laden products typically used in homes. An alternative

source of safe, effective products may be purchased directly from

Melaleuca, Inc.]

" When painting, add mold inhibitors. [Ed note: Are these toxic,

too?]

" Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products. [Ed note: ALL home

hygiene products from Melaleuca, Inc. contain mold-killing melaleuca

alternifolia oil.]

" Remove and replace flooded carpets. In areas where there is a

perpetual moisture problem, don't install carpeting.

" Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (windows,

piping, exterior walls, roofs, floors) by adding insulation.

" Clean and dry any damp building materials and furnishings within

24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. [Ed note: Spray diluted Sol-U-

Mel directly on any water-damaged area, then use fans and/or dryers.]

Mold is a very serious matter and you all need to know how to

protect yourselves! REMEMBER -- Chlorine (bleach) will NOT kill this

organism!!!!!

Notes from a conference call with Dr. Graham, a

microbiologist from Knoxville, TN., an authority on mold.

Government agencies have hired him to speak on the hazardous

emissions from mold.

Dr. Graham feels mold is one of the most dangerous elements you can

have in your environment. Of the illnesses today, 65% is directly or

indirectly related to mold. It releases toxins that compromise the

immune system (it has been linked to the death of children in the

Cleveland, Ohio area).

Mold is a major factor in health problems such as cancer, lung

disease, depression, skin diseases, eye infections, rheumatoid

arthritis and more. Dehumidifiers and humidifiers are a great source

of mold growth. Getting carpet wet, whether by cleaning solutions or

water spills is another breeding ground for mold. Mold is a plant-

like form and it seeks a food source and grows into it.

So it doesn't just grow on our food sources (bread, cheese, etc.),

but it grows on dampness -- such as under carpet, in heating/air

conditioning vents, inside walls that have gotten wet and many other

places. If the humidity in the home is over 40-45% there will be

mold. Using household bleach on mold will only remove the color. It

will not kill it.

Through lots of research, Dr. Graham discovered the properties in

Melaleuca alternifolia oil would kill mold. He placed an open bottle

of the pure Melaleuca alternifolia oil along side a lab dish with

mold on it and covered both with a dome cover. In 30 minutes the

mold was killed. Dr. Graham then sprayed Sol U-Mel, a product of

Melaleuca, Inc., into the air conditioning system and placed a dish

of mold on a table - THE MOLD WAS KILLED.

Mold may be a contributing factor in Fibromyalgia and it can be

directly related to ADD. Dr. Graham recommended spraying air filters

with Sol-U-Mel, diluted 5 to 1. Also, spray all your vents. You can

also set an open bottle of T36-C5, an indication of the purity of

the melaleuca alternifolia oil, inside your unit. He recommended

this for your automobile as well.