ACCORD Restoration
7123 Windsor Mill Rd., Suite 100

Baltimore
, MD 21244

Phone: 888-277-0651
Fax: 410-277-0632
ACCORDrestoration.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACCORD Restoration President Busts Mold Myths

-- Tips from Expert Useful for Preventing and Cleaning Up Mold Fungus --

BALTIMORE, MD. November 11, 2008 – Mold doesn’t discriminate. Even the cleanest environments can support its dangerous growth, according to clean-up and restoration expert Frank Nemshick, president of ACCORD Restoration (ACCORDrestoration.com).                              

Mold, which is a fungus that reproduces from seed-like spores, grows year round and in all types of climates. It usually forms in places that are humid and dark, such as behind walls or in the attic. Other prime locales for mold growth are bathrooms and kitchens; carpeting; pipes, faucets and ductwork; basements; window sills and garages.  

While molds are strong allergens, most people are not allergic to them, Nemshick said. However, those who are allergic to mold, have asthma or have a weakened immune system can get very sick from mold exposure.  

To prevent the noxious fungus from forming and remove it if it’s discovered in a home, Nemshick, who is certified in mold remediation, had five tips.

  1. Use dehumidifiers and run the air conditioning to lower the temperature and the relative humidity to between 30 and 50 percent.

  2. Use exhaust vents in bathrooms, kitchens and any other rooms that produce hot and humid air — the perfect environment for molds to thrive.

  3. Check faucets, pipes and any other sources of water for leaks. Mold needs water to survive and grow, so fixing leaks and cleaning water damage is essential for combating mold growth.

  4. Dry any spills or areas with water damage within 48 hours. The sooner a water problem is addressed, the less likely there will be a mold problem.

  5. Remember that mold is often located in places that can’t be seen, like an attic. A musty odor is a possible indication of mold and its origin should be found and checked for mold growth.

While it would seem logical that hot dry air or sunlight would kill mold, it is not effective. Instead, if a property owner finds small areas of mold, Nemshick said that it can be cleaned with a solution of ½ to 1 cup of chlorine bleach in one gallon of water, and then thoroughly dried. During cleaning, a mask and protective clothing should be worn. For areas with a large amount of mold, it is best to call a professional to tackle the job.  

He cautioned that bleach cannot completely kill mold. It can be used to remove it, but it will only work successfully on hard surfaces. The only sure-fire way to clean up mold is to use strong detergents, which are best left to mold remediation professionals who have the proper safety equipment. Nemshick said that mold never can be completely eliminated, because there will always be mold spores in the air. “The best you can do is stay on the look out for mold problems and take care of them as they crop up,” he said.

About ACCORD Restoration

ACCORD Restoration (ACCORDrestoration.com) specializes in clean-up, repair, restoration and rebuilding after fires, floods, storms or other disaster related property damage. Their extensive list of services includes: 24-hour emergency response, clean-up, board-up, assessments, water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold prevention and remediation, storm and wind damage restoration and rebuilding. Contact by phone at: 888-277-0651, by e-mail at: info@accordrestoration.com or learn more at ACCORDrestoration.com.  MHIC #51366.

Press Contacts:

Frank Nemshick, President
ACCORD Restoration
888-277-0651
info@accordrestoration.com

 

Kris McCurry, Executive Vice President
Brave New Markets
410-902-0801 ext. 307
kmccurry@bravenewmarkets.com

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