During summer, the air you breathe is at even greater a risk of contamination

1. COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM / 305-669-7355 September 12 - 25, 2017 / Page 45 Five back-to-school mold awareness tips With school back in session, parents are vigilant about keeping their kids healthy in and out of the classroom. One way to do that is by reducing their exposure to air- borne contaminants like mold. Microscopic organisms belonging to the fungi family, mold reproduces through air- borne spores, can propagate on almost any surface and is “very common” in buildings and homes, according to the Florida De- partment of Health. Widespread types of mold are associated with health risks including respiratory diffi- culties, fatigue, immune suppression, chronic nasal congestion, eye irritation, rashes, eczema, heightened allergies and sinusitis, according to the Institute of Medicine. Here are five ways you can reduce your exposure to mold: 1. Use your eyes and nose. Mold has a distinctive, musty odor. If you can smell it, a health risk may already be present, ac- cording to the Center for Disease Control. Mold growth can appear in many different colors and often looks like spots. “If you wake up stuffy but your sinuses clear up outside or on vacation, there is probably hidden mold,” said Dr. Gary Rosen, Florida-licensed building contractor and accredited mold remediation instructor. 2. Inspect hotspots for mold growth. Areas where moisture can accumulate are especially susceptible to mold. The Ameri- can Industrial Hygiene Association recom- mends regularly inspecting crawlspaces and attics, behind walls housing plumbing, garages, leaky windows, under carpeting, below sinks and behind or beneath refrig- erators. “Hidden mold, especially in AC and ducting not only causes the well-known sinus problems and itchy eyes, but is a lead- ing cause of Fibromyalgia,” said Rosen. 3. Have your air condi- tioner checked. HVAC units, which circulate air through homes and build- ings, are known as the “lungs of the house.” If an air condi- tioning unit is contaminated with mold, the rest of the property may also quickly become cross-contaminated, according to the Environ- mental Protection Agency. 4. Upgrade your ventila- tion and ductwork. Improper ductwork and faulty ventila- tion can lead to condensation buildup, mold growth, over- heating of the property and fiberglass in the air. Consider upgrading your home with solar-powered soffits that, at zero operational cost and a tax rebate, eject warm, moist air from the home and suppress wood rot. 5. Most importantly, hire state-licensed mold remediation technicians. For more than 25 years, Marty Katz’s Miami Mold Specialist has remained on the cusp of mold remediation technology and solu- tions. In addition to one-of-a-kind, non-in- vasive solar-powered soffits, the company is the only one in South Florida to offer state-of-the-art solutions including Airbi- otics, all-natural probiotic cleaners for the home; ultraviolet light cleaning; and an array of other services. “Our patented, solar-powered soffits, ap- proved for a 30 percent federal tax credit, re- duce humidity, lower your HVAC bill by reducing heat in the house and eliminate moisture and fiberglass particles in the air,” said Abraham Katz, Florida-licensed mold remediator and inspector. “The state of Central A state-licensed mold remediator from Miami Mold Specialist inspects the ventilation of a home contami- nated with harmful mold. Miami Mold Specialist’s patented non-invasive solar-powered soffits can be installed in less than an hour and are approved for a federal tax credit. Florida requires that any renovated home has to be energy efficient. Our product is perfect for this, takes just one hour to install and is the most affordable solution on the market.” For more information, call 305-763-8070 or visit www.MiamiMoldSpecialists.com. KITCHEN, BATHS & More... COMPLETE KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING Certified Kitchen Designers CKD & Licensed Interior Designer on STAFF! Computer Kitchen & Bathroom Designs Complete Home Remodeling GENERAL CONTRACTORS SERVICES AVAILABLE Licensed General Contractors Since 1983 • Trebor Investment Corp. Lic#CGA15738 Visit us at www.TreborGeneralContractors.com We specialize in insurance claims VISIT OUR SHOWROOM OR CALL FOR FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE 12976 SW 89th Ave • Miami, FL 33176 305-254-9222 KITCHEN, BATH & MORE