Is Your Workplace Making You Sick? (NAPSA)—Whenpeople get sick, it is easy to blame a change in the weather, but weather may only be contributing to the real problem. The warmth and humidity characteristic of this time of year creates a perfect environmentfor the proliferation of microorganisms, including toxic mold. Toxic mold is becoming a silent but widespread problem in buildings across the United States as a result of flooding, water damage, careless contracting in renova- tions, leaking pipes, poor ventilation systemsor poor construction. While mold has always been around, toxic mold has recently been identified as a silent health threat, attacking people through ventilation systems, behind walls and in pipes, preying on the innocent while they are at work, at school, or just relaxing at home on a hot summer day. Researchers and doctors are only now beginning to understand the health consequences ofthis living enemy. It may be hard to knowif you are a victim of toxic mold since manyof the ailments associated with mold exposure are also symptomatic of other commonillnesses. Mold can provokeallergic reactions, watery eyes, sore throats, headaches,fatigue and, in more severe cases, memory loss and even death. In somecases, people suffer for months and go from doctor to doctor seeking cures for their mysterious ailments. However, doctors are also just becoming aware of the dangers associated with toxic mold exposure. So, if you suspect that you are suffering from exposure to toxic mold spores, it is imperative that you consult a physician and educate yourself, your friends, your family, and your co-workers on the possibility of risk, the warnings, and the solutions that can only be achieved from companies that are experienced and equipped to clean-up mold. Many people who suffer from allergy-type symptoms may actu- ally have been exposed to toxic mold. Companies such as LVI Services (www.moldstoppers.com), the nation’s leading environmen- tal services firm, have been around for years, making it their business to safely rehabilitate sick buildings, while also educating building owners and occupants of the dangers of contaminants like asbestos, lead paint and, today, toxic mold—even anthrax—while providing important remediation and decontamination services. For example, steps that LVI’s specialists will take after finding toxic mold (microbial) contamination are identifying the source of the water; repairing the source (a pipe, roof leak, condensation drip); makingsureall affected areas are identified; cleaning surfaces that can be effectively cleaned; and removing damaged materials (i.e. sheetrock/wallboard). “Even though it cannot be ‘killed,’ toxic mold must be contained and removed as soon as it is discovered,” says Burton Fried, President of LVI. “Just like with any contaminant, from lead to asbestos, it is essential that experts be brought in to treat and control the problem and to ensure the health and safety of the building residents.”
