Knowledge is Power

01.05.12 Where to Launch the Attack?

“Houston, we have a problem.” No. no, it’s --> Lompoc, we have a problem.” Denial will not work.  Acceptance and moving forward.  Daunting. Where to begin? We live in the age of instant information, gobs of information, more information than can ever be absorbed, conflicting information, good news, bad news, take your pick. I know my punctuation is all wrong but who cares now. This is already 12 days late. Hey but I am catching up, no? So why can I continue? Well, an aching back, numb arms, tingling fingers, need a break. From what? You ask. Digging, digging, digging, and more digging to come. Here does all the soil come from? How did it get here? Oh must you must wait 12 more days to hear today’s story. Or, am I allowed to tell it out of order? I don’t know. Who sets the rules? Is it me? Can I be in charge of my own writing? Can I use punctuation any old way I wish? Let’s try it on for size. Who knows?

Have you figured out yet that this is not just an Ascomycota Assault? I battle my own inner demon, the incessant voice ever grumbling in my ear. Don’t expect a style out of this. I know not where it leads. Free-writing…I first learned of this idea from Chris who was also my inspiration for this blog, truly talented and committed educator in every sense of the word. Check out the blog Blue Ice.

So what do we do now? Read, read read, and the best information at this point? The EPA, gotta love’em. http://www.epa.gov/mold/index.html is a good place to start with downloadable PDF files, including, but of course not limited to, "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home", Mold Checklist EPA, Mold Remediation EPA, Mold Airducts EPA, Mold Image Library, Prevention and Control… And ever the overachiever with a desperate need to deeply understand I embarked on The Mold Course http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcourse/index.html. Naturally, like any solid education program it started off with a Pre-Test. Can you fill in the blanks?

?         The most important factor influencing mold growth is: 
?         True or False: Molds have the potential to cause health effects such as allergic reactions. 
?         Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn in order to limit mold exposure. Minimum PPE for mold remediation includes: 
?         True or False: Water-damaged furnishings and building components should be dried within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. 
?         True or False: Mold cannot be eliminated from indoor environments. Some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in dust; however, they will not grow if moisture is not present.

And thus the battles began.

Moisture Issue: A lawn sprinkler is located near the outside wall of a building; the sprinkler sprays the wall directly, and water leaks through wall into the building.

Ascomycota species love inaccessible hiding places that meet the 4 critical requirements for mold growth – available mold spores, available mold food, appropriate temperatures and considerable moisture.

Dark Unventilated Closet

Over Crowded Room

Light may enter but Ascomycota finds the inaccessible hiding places