As most people know, many molds can create allergens that can affect some of the population,
but some molds can also cause toxins, which can affect everyone, depending on the length of
exposure. Approximately 25 million Americans suffer from allergic reactions to molds yet most of
them don’t even realize that when they’re sneezing and sniffling the cause could be from fungi.
The molds that produce airborne toxins that can cause serious symptoms, such as breathing
difficulties, memory and hearing loss, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and acid reflux. Common
ailments from toxigenic mold - including allergies (hypersensitivity after initial toxicity), and
excessive bruising - usually can be treated and reduced after people leave their contaminated
environment. Often medication, diet and other treatment protocols are necessary. But other
health problems may remain permanently, such as brain damage and weakened immune
systems. Eyesight, memory, coordination/balance, and hearing are generally the most common
residual effects that often do not improve after treatment in most cases. Repairs in and around
your chimney and fireplace by a professional chimney sweep can help remedy this problem.
Molds grow in our homes in moist warm areas like damp basements, closets, and bathrooms,
even after the moisture has dried up. The worst place that molds can grow, however, is inside
wall cavities and flooring of our homes, wherever there may be cellulose materials they can feed
on, such as wood, ceiling tiles, or plasterboard, even if they are not visible, and they have
sustained water damage at one time or another. This is very common if there has been a
plumbing leak or an inadequate roof, especially around chimneys and fireplaces.
Many people are either unaware, ignorant, or in denial about the severe health hazards involved
with some types of indoor household molds. Molds come in thousands of different varieties, here
are a few who are some of the offenders that invade our homes.
Alternaria and Cladosporium are the molds most commonly found both indoors and outdoors
throughout the United States. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Helminthosporium, Epicoccum Fusarium,
Mucor, Rhizopus and Aureobasidium are also common. One of the mycotoxins, aflatoxin, is
produced by the fungi Penicillium, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Four different
aflatoxins, B1, B2, G1 and G2, have been identified with B1 being the most toxic, carcinogenic
and prevalent. Another very dangerous family of toxin producers is Fusarium. The toxins
zearalenone, trichothecenes or moniliformin can be formed by various types of Fusarium
including F. moniliforme, F. oxysporum, F. culmorum, F. avenaceum, F. equiseti, F. roseum, and
F. nivale.
trichothecenes are potent inhibitors of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, and have been well
studied in animal models because of concern about their potential misuse as agents of biological
The disturbing factor about airborne mycotoxins is that it is impossible to know how much damage
they have caused to one's health until it is too late. Therefore, It is imperative to not knowingly
expose oneself even for brief periods of time in any place that smells moldy or has an
appearance of mold or mildew.
Some molds are cryophytes (these adapt to low temperatures), some are thermo tolerant (they
adapt to a wide range of temperatures) and some are thermophiles (they adapt to high
temperatures). Depending on the species, these microbes will grow just about anywhere. Not
even a fire in excess of 500 degrees Fahrenheit has been able to destroy some molds such as
Stachybotrys. Mold requires a compatible temperature for each species. Environmental factors
(temperature, nitrogen, oxygen, etc. ) are necessary compounds for indoor molds to thrive.
Mold also needs an organic source of food. People might be confused as mold can grow on
glass, tile, stainless steel, cookware, etc., but it is generally feeding off of some organic source
deposited on this material (oils, film, dirt, skin cells, etc. ). Mold also grows on things such as
wood, fabric, leather, gypsum, fiberboard, drywall, stucco, and many fibrous insulation materials.
All molds require some form of moisture to grow, however, like temperature, the amount of
moisture varies for different species. Some are xerophillic (colonize under very dry conditions)
some are xerotolerant (colonize under a wide range of moisture levels) and some are hydrophilic
(colonize at high moisture levels). It does not have to be a leak. . . Humidity or moisture content of
the substrate can often be sufficient (relative humidity of 50% starts becoming problematic in
many indoor cases). Mold can spread very easily through any HVAC system.
Mycotoxins are examples of chemical substances that molds create generally as secondary
metabolites, thought to possibly play a role in either helping to prepare the substrate on which
they exist for digestion, as defense mechanisms, and some have suggested that they may be
produced when the organisms are under stress, which could be related to competition/defense,
or simply due to inhospitable environmental conditions. The mycotoxins, which are also
neurotoxins (a toxin that is determined to cause neurological damage), most commonly reach
people from the air, via spores from the molds in question. They are also found in small
particulates at times which may often represent mold dust, small particles of mold that has dried
and turned to dust. Spores, when inhaled, can begin to colonize in the sinuses and throughout
the body, including the brain, lung and gut after a period of time.
Sick buildings are one of the major causes of fungal illness, primarily mycotoxicosis, in
industrialized nations today. The United States is the least developed in fungal illness research
and assistance to the community due to the high costs and fear of reprisals, so sadly, most
American physicians have little or no education in treating this health crisis. The average
American physician knows only how to identify a mold hyphae under a microscope, at best.
Mycotoxicosis, often mistakenly called "Toxic Mold Syndrome" out of ignorance, has reached
epidemic proportions at a national level in the United States due to defective construction, lack of
regular maintenance, shoddy and inappropriate building materials, ignorance, and lack of
government involvement; all or in part due to the high costs of standard and substandard
remediation.
FYI - The area in and around your chimney is prime area for water infiltration. Water infiltration
can cause water damage and potentially dangerous mold infestation including TOXIC MOLD.
Protect yourself and your family and get a chimney cleaning, inspection and maintainance by a
professional chimney sweep.
but some molds can also cause toxins, which can affect everyone, depending on the length of
exposure. Approximately 25 million Americans suffer from allergic reactions to molds yet most of
them don’t even realize that when they’re sneezing and sniffling the cause could be from fungi.
The molds that produce airborne toxins that can cause serious symptoms, such as breathing
difficulties, memory and hearing loss, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and acid reflux. Common
ailments from toxigenic mold - including allergies (hypersensitivity after initial toxicity), and
excessive bruising - usually can be treated and reduced after people leave their contaminated
environment. Often medication, diet and other treatment protocols are necessary. But other
health problems may remain permanently, such as brain damage and weakened immune
systems. Eyesight, memory, coordination/balance, and hearing are generally the most common
residual effects that often do not improve after treatment in most cases. Repairs in and around
your chimney and fireplace by a professional chimney sweep can help remedy this problem.
Molds grow in our homes in moist warm areas like damp basements, closets, and bathrooms,
even after the moisture has dried up. The worst place that molds can grow, however, is inside
wall cavities and flooring of our homes, wherever there may be cellulose materials they can feed
on, such as wood, ceiling tiles, or plasterboard, even if they are not visible, and they have
sustained water damage at one time or another. This is very common if there has been a
plumbing leak or an inadequate roof, especially around chimneys and fireplaces.
Many people are either unaware, ignorant, or in denial about the severe health hazards involved
with some types of indoor household molds. Molds come in thousands of different varieties, here
are a few who are some of the offenders that invade our homes.
Alternaria and Cladosporium are the molds most commonly found both indoors and outdoors
throughout the United States. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Helminthosporium, Epicoccum Fusarium,
Mucor, Rhizopus and Aureobasidium are also common. One of the mycotoxins, aflatoxin, is
produced by the fungi Penicillium, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Four different
aflatoxins, B1, B2, G1 and G2, have been identified with B1 being the most toxic, carcinogenic
and prevalent. Another very dangerous family of toxin producers is Fusarium. The toxins
zearalenone, trichothecenes or moniliformin can be formed by various types of Fusarium
including F. moniliforme, F. oxysporum, F. culmorum, F. avenaceum, F. equiseti, F. roseum, and
F. nivale.
trichothecenes are potent inhibitors of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, and have been well
studied in animal models because of concern about their potential misuse as agents of biological
The disturbing factor about airborne mycotoxins is that it is impossible to know how much damage
they have caused to one's health until it is too late. Therefore, It is imperative to not knowingly
expose oneself even for brief periods of time in any place that smells moldy or has an
appearance of mold or mildew.
Some molds are cryophytes (these adapt to low temperatures), some are thermo tolerant (they
adapt to a wide range of temperatures) and some are thermophiles (they adapt to high
temperatures). Depending on the species, these microbes will grow just about anywhere. Not
even a fire in excess of 500 degrees Fahrenheit has been able to destroy some molds such as
Stachybotrys. Mold requires a compatible temperature for each species. Environmental factors
(temperature, nitrogen, oxygen, etc. ) are necessary compounds for indoor molds to thrive.
Mold also needs an organic source of food. People might be confused as mold can grow on
glass, tile, stainless steel, cookware, etc., but it is generally feeding off of some organic source
deposited on this material (oils, film, dirt, skin cells, etc. ). Mold also grows on things such as
wood, fabric, leather, gypsum, fiberboard, drywall, stucco, and many fibrous insulation materials.
All molds require some form of moisture to grow, however, like temperature, the amount of
moisture varies for different species. Some are xerophillic (colonize under very dry conditions)
some are xerotolerant (colonize under a wide range of moisture levels) and some are hydrophilic
(colonize at high moisture levels). It does not have to be a leak. . . Humidity or moisture content of
the substrate can often be sufficient (relative humidity of 50% starts becoming problematic in
many indoor cases). Mold can spread very easily through any HVAC system.
Mycotoxins are examples of chemical substances that molds create generally as secondary
metabolites, thought to possibly play a role in either helping to prepare the substrate on which
they exist for digestion, as defense mechanisms, and some have suggested that they may be
produced when the organisms are under stress, which could be related to competition/defense,
or simply due to inhospitable environmental conditions. The mycotoxins, which are also
neurotoxins (a toxin that is determined to cause neurological damage), most commonly reach
people from the air, via spores from the molds in question. They are also found in small
particulates at times which may often represent mold dust, small particles of mold that has dried
and turned to dust. Spores, when inhaled, can begin to colonize in the sinuses and throughout
the body, including the brain, lung and gut after a period of time.
Sick buildings are one of the major causes of fungal illness, primarily mycotoxicosis, in
industrialized nations today. The United States is the least developed in fungal illness research
and assistance to the community due to the high costs and fear of reprisals, so sadly, most
American physicians have little or no education in treating this health crisis. The average
American physician knows only how to identify a mold hyphae under a microscope, at best.
Mycotoxicosis, often mistakenly called "Toxic Mold Syndrome" out of ignorance, has reached
epidemic proportions at a national level in the United States due to defective construction, lack of
regular maintenance, shoddy and inappropriate building materials, ignorance, and lack of
government involvement; all or in part due to the high costs of standard and substandard
remediation.
FYI - The area in and around your chimney is prime area for water infiltration. Water infiltration
can cause water damage and potentially dangerous mold infestation including TOXIC MOLD.
Protect yourself and your family and get a chimney cleaning, inspection and maintainance by a
professional chimney sweep.
OUR CHIMNEY SWEEP LOCATION IS: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
AREAS SERVED:
IN AND AROUND THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY INCLUDING:
STUDIO CITY, SHERMAN OAKS, ENCINO, TARZANA, WOODLAND HILLS, CALABASAS, HIDDEN HILLS, WEST HILLS,
WINNETKA, CANOGA PARK, CHATSWORTH, PORTER RANCH, GRANADA HILLS, NORTHRIDGE, NORTH HILLS, LAKE VIEW
TERRACE, SHADOW HILLS, SUN VALLEY, VERDUGO CITY, RESEDA, VAN NUYS, SAN FERNANDO, NORTH HOLLYWOOD,
VALLEY VILLAGE, MISSION HILLS, PACOIMA, ARLETA, PANORAMA CITY, AND SYLMAR, over through SUNLAND, TUJUNGA,
MONTROSE, LA CRESCENTA, AND LA CANADA/FLINTRIDGE.
ADDITIONAL CITIES GOING EAST INCLUDING:
BURBANK, GLENDALE, PASADENA, SOUTH PASADENA, SAN MARINO, TEMPLE CITY, SIERRA MADRE, ARCADIA,
MONROVIA, DUARTE, AZUSA, CHARTER OAK, COVINA, WEST COVINA, IRWINDALE, GLENDORA, SAN DIMAS, LA VERNE,
POMONA, CLAREMONT, UPLAND, SAN ANTONIO HEIGHTS, ONTARIO, SAN GABRIEL, EAGLE ROCK, GLASSEL PARK,
HIGHLAND PARK, ATWATER VILLAGE, ALHAMBRA, EL MONTE, BALDWIN PARK, MONTCLAIR, HACIENDA HEIGHTS,
ROWLAND HEIGHTS, LA PUENTE, DIAMOND BAR, PHILLIPS RANCH, CHINO, CHINO HILLS, RANCHO CUCAMONGA AND
SURROUNDING AREAS
WE ALSO WORK IN:
HOLLYWOOD, HOLLYWOOD HILLS AND WEST HOLLYWOOD, AS WELL AS SILVER LAKE, LOS FELIZ, ATWATER AND
NORTH LOS ANGELES NEAR THE HOLLYWOOD BEVERLY HILLS AREA
IF YOU NEED CHIMNEY CLEANING, CHIMNEY REPAIR, FIREPLACE REPAIR, CHIMNEY INSPECTION OR FIREPLACE
INSPECTION PLEASE GIVE US A CALL.
AREAS SERVED:
IN AND AROUND THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY INCLUDING:
STUDIO CITY, SHERMAN OAKS, ENCINO, TARZANA, WOODLAND HILLS, CALABASAS, HIDDEN HILLS, WEST HILLS,
WINNETKA, CANOGA PARK, CHATSWORTH, PORTER RANCH, GRANADA HILLS, NORTHRIDGE, NORTH HILLS, LAKE VIEW
TERRACE, SHADOW HILLS, SUN VALLEY, VERDUGO CITY, RESEDA, VAN NUYS, SAN FERNANDO, NORTH HOLLYWOOD,
VALLEY VILLAGE, MISSION HILLS, PACOIMA, ARLETA, PANORAMA CITY, AND SYLMAR, over through SUNLAND, TUJUNGA,
MONTROSE, LA CRESCENTA, AND LA CANADA/FLINTRIDGE.
ADDITIONAL CITIES GOING EAST INCLUDING:
BURBANK, GLENDALE, PASADENA, SOUTH PASADENA, SAN MARINO, TEMPLE CITY, SIERRA MADRE, ARCADIA,
MONROVIA, DUARTE, AZUSA, CHARTER OAK, COVINA, WEST COVINA, IRWINDALE, GLENDORA, SAN DIMAS, LA VERNE,
POMONA, CLAREMONT, UPLAND, SAN ANTONIO HEIGHTS, ONTARIO, SAN GABRIEL, EAGLE ROCK, GLASSEL PARK,
HIGHLAND PARK, ATWATER VILLAGE, ALHAMBRA, EL MONTE, BALDWIN PARK, MONTCLAIR, HACIENDA HEIGHTS,
ROWLAND HEIGHTS, LA PUENTE, DIAMOND BAR, PHILLIPS RANCH, CHINO, CHINO HILLS, RANCHO CUCAMONGA AND
SURROUNDING AREAS
WE ALSO WORK IN:
HOLLYWOOD, HOLLYWOOD HILLS AND WEST HOLLYWOOD, AS WELL AS SILVER LAKE, LOS FELIZ, ATWATER AND
NORTH LOS ANGELES NEAR THE HOLLYWOOD BEVERLY HILLS AREA
IF YOU NEED CHIMNEY CLEANING, CHIMNEY REPAIR, FIREPLACE REPAIR, CHIMNEY INSPECTION OR FIREPLACE
INSPECTION PLEASE GIVE US A CALL.
TOXIC MOLD
SAVE UP TO $500 PER YEAR ON ENERGY COSTS click here
SERVING GREATER LOS ANGELES
CHIMNEY SWEEP TO THE STARS - THAT WOULD BE YOU OF COURSE
$79 Cleaning
Plus Free Inspection
877- 33 SWEEP
877- 337- 9337
Plus Free Inspection
877- 33 SWEEP
877- 337- 9337
T H E L. A. S W E E P
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