System and methods for detecting and remediating mold

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems for detecting, treating, comparing and testing for mold, mold spores and mold fragments physically present or in the air of an environment. Methods for remediating the effects of mold are also described herein.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 307,152, filed on Mar. 11, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is generally directed toward systems and methods for remediating mold in an environment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Mold has become a major source of concern related to the health of individuals who live or work in an affected environment. Molds are classified as fungi, and most commonly associated with decomposing organic matter, such as underneath fallen trees and dead leaves. However, approximately 150,000 different types of molds have been identified, and are present everywhere in both indoor and outdoor environments. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores, which will grow where there is sufficient moisture and food (organic materials such as paper, wood, cellulose, etc.). In indoor environments, mold growth is o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present disclosure is a technical solution that improves the efficiency of secure communication between devices. It involves using a special key to encrypt and decrypt data, which is sent over a secure network. This approach ensures that data is not compromised during transmission. The disclosure also includes steps to authenticate and verify the identity of the devices involved in the communication. The technical effect of the present disclosure is to enhance the security of information exchange between devices.

Problems solved by technology

In indoor environments, mold growth is often caused by or at least exacerbated by water and / or moisture problems, which often exist in climates with above-average humidity.

Although difficult to quantify with certainty, experts estimate approximately 70% of households in the United States are affected by mold.

The presence of mold may pose a serious health risk in some cases.

Even small amounts of airborne mold spores may cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, upper respiratory irritation, cough and eye irritation.

Exposure to excessive amounts of mold can also cause an increase in the frequency or severity of asthma symptoms.

Additionally, certain molds produce mycotoxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals.

Exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems and death.

Prolonged exposure (for example, daily exposure) can be particularly harmful.

In addition to health concerns, mold in such environments may cause structural damage by decomposing wood, drywall, carpeting and other porous building materials.

However, mold spores can grow in places invisible to the human eye.

Piping in walls may also be a source of mold, since they may leak (causing moisture and condensation), and the resulting mold is undetectable to those living or working in the environment.

There presently exist certain practices and procedures for addressing mold, although each suffers from disadvantages and / or is ineffective in completely remediating the effects of mold.

Prior mold remediation processes are a time consuming and involve onerous tasks, often involving the removal of all mold-affected cellulosic materials (for example, drywall, wood trim, wallpaper, etc.) in the particular environment.

In addition, personal protection equipment (PPE) is required throughout the process to protect the workers from dermal contact and inhalation of toxigenic bioaerosols produced during the remediation process, which is a further risk caused by the presence of molds.

If not cleared, the process of treating mold is repeated, causing further delays and costs.

This process can take significant time to complete, and often entails significant cost.

In addition, it is not always easy to detect the presence of mold spores, thereby delaying the mold remediation efforts and requiring greater effort to remove and / or treat all affected areas of an indoor environment.

Another major problem in this process is that subjective interpretations of the testing data become subjective protocols, which can and do vary greatly between different mold remediation companies.

As a result, there is no true standardization protocol or “clearance” criteria.

This in turn has resulted in a fragmented mold remediation market, where effective treatment in one locale may not be nearly sufficient to address the negative consequences of mold.

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