Just the idea of mold can make a homeowner panic. But how do you even know if you have mold, and how should you deal with it if you do? Mold is naturally found in nature, and there is no way to completely eliminate mold spores. However, unhealthy levels of mold growth inside your home could harm your family's health. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "Mold can cause fungal allergy and respiratory infections or worsen certain illnesses such as asthma." Unchecked mold that colonizes in your house over years can lead to decay and rot in the wood and other cellulose-based elements of your structure, causing expensive damage and even lowering your property value.

The EPA states that if you have a visible mold problem, testing is usually not necessary, as the problem is already evident. You may pay to have professional mold testing done if you have experienced a flood, leak or ongoing dampness, and you can smell mold inside your home. You may also get professional mold testing done if anyone in your home or office is experiencing potentially mold-related illnesses. When you have your home or building tested, at least a minimal level of mold will always be found, as mold is virtually everywhere. Hiring an independent third-party mold testing company that does not also provide mold cleanup services can help you get an unbiased explanation of your test results and advice on the next steps to take.

Mold remediation is the treatment and removal of mold colonies by a mold removal specialist (also called a mold remediation specialist). When mold spores connect with moisture, they have the opportunity to colonize and grow. Indoor mold colonies that multiply unchecked can lead to health problems and cause major financial damage. Professional mold remediation companies identify mold colonies both those visible to the naked eye and those lurking behind drywall, in ductwork or HVAC and air conditioning systems, or in other hidden locations and provide solutions for safe mold removal. Mold inspection and mold removal services are available for homes, multiunit buildings, commercial spaces and offices. Mold inspection and mold removal are frequently requested in tandem, although they are two separate services. Common requests for mold services include inspections and testing for mold, mold removal, fabric restoration after mold damage and other related tasks. Sometimes mold has no effect on a property's inhabitants. Sometimes there is visible mold or just the odor of mold, and sometimes inhabitants report a persistent cough or sore throat. Mold loves wet areas and is commonly found in bathrooms, basements, air ducts and vents, attics, and other damp locations.

If you are ready to handle the mold problem at your home or office, here are the factors that affect the average cost of mold inspection and what you can also expect for mold removal costs.

If you are concerned that unhealthy levels of mold might be present in your home, but you don't have visible proof, mold testing can help you assess the problem. Costs for mold testing can vary based on the type of mold testing you want done. Companies may offer swab (or surface) testing of small areas of your home, air cell or air quality testing, and/or bulk testing. There will always be some level of mold spores present in your home, so don't be alarmed when mold _is _found. Testing professionals are looking for abnormally high levels of mold that could be detrimental to human health or cause property damage. Mold testing prices can vary depending on the size of your home, the number of surface areas to be tested and the extent of the mold infestation. Testing can also tell you what type of mold you have, such as black mold. Rite Way in Zionsville, Indiana, charges the following average prices for the two most common types of mold testing:

Mold can colonize and spread quickly, and it often travels wherever there is dampness or moisture. This might mean your entire basement becomes infiltrated with mold, or the drywall surrounding your guest bathroom develops mold as a result of an untreated water leak. Generally, the larger the area of a home that is affected by mold, the more it will cost cost to treat it. Basic mold remediation costs for easy-to-access areas like basements and bathroom interiors could be roughly $2 per square foot. On the other end of the spectrum, mold remediation costs that require demolition could start anywhere from $4 to $6 per square foot. Prices will vary widely depending on the accessibility of the area, the level of the mold infestation and the process required for treatment. In the examples from Rite Way below, both homes had approximately the same size floor plan, but had different amounts of mold to be treated. The higher-priced project had more surface area to be treated, and the mold was more difficult to access. Both prices cited below included the cost of testing:

The location of mold in the home affects the cost of mold remediation (treatment and removal). Treating mold in an easily accessible area, such as on the basement wall, requires less labor and time than accessing mold inside a home's walls which could require demolition, electrical precautions and more.. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends cleaning inside your air ducts if there is "substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface ducts." If any kind of major demolition work is recommended as part of a mold remediation project, it is highly recommended to get multiple quotes from reputable mold remediation companies before starting work. You don't need to rush on mold work. Yes, it's a bad idea to wait months or years, but waiting an extra week or two so that you can get more quotes is not unsafe.

The mold remediation or mold removal process involves three things: Killing the fungi, removing the dead mold, and protecting against future mold growth and colonization. Here's a typical multi-step process for professional mold removal:

Does insurance cover mold removal? It depends on the type of coverage you have and the cause of the mold. If your negligence led to the growth of the mold, it is unlikely your insurance company will pay for its remediation. Mold colonizes when there is excessive moisture or standing water where it can grow and multiply. Water leaks, pipe problems and natural disasters can all cause excess moisture. For water leaks, the question is who or what is responsible. If you have a slow leak in your master bathroom shower that's obviously been going on for ages and you just haven't dealt with it, your insurance company might deny your claim for treating the resulting mold on the grounds of negligence. On the other hand, if a pipe bursts in your laundry room and you call for help immediately, the insurance company will more likely cover the cost of plumbing repair and any necessary mold remediation. Floods are a major problem in some parts of the country. If you have a special insurance rider that provides flood coverage for your home or property, mold damage that results from a flood will likely be covered by insurance. Unfortunately, most standard homeowners insurance does not provide coverage for mold problems due to flooding, so it is very important to act fast if you have flooding in your home. Remove any excess water and clean and dry everything to the best of your ability to prevent mold colonization.

The best way to deal with mold is to prevent it from colonizing in your home. Mold spores flourish in moisture, so be vigilant about water leaks, excessive dampness and spills. Try to keep the humidity levels in your house between 30 percent and 60 percent. Make sure your bathrooms, laundry room and other moisture-rich rooms have adequate ventilation. If you have a basement, consider installing a dehumidifier and be sure to address any drainage issues from groundwater seeping through your foundation. If you have a water spill, a pipe leak or a flood, quick cleanup is critical. Standing water is a paradise for mold spores looking to colonize. The EPA recommends these DIY cleaning tips to prevent home mold:

The EPA states that for mold problems of less than 10 square feet, homeowners should be able to clean it themselves if they can access all the impacted areas thoroughly and safely. Anything larger than 10 square feet should be turned over to the pros, according to the health experts. However, if you have health challenges that prevent you from working around mold, or you just dislike the idea of scrubbing mold out of your attic or crawl spaces, you can hire a mold remediation team. Mold removal experts may charge a minimum fee for their services, no matter how small the job. This minimum service fee ensures that the company's business overhead and operating costs are met when they accept a job, even if it is only 2 square feet.

Because many homeowners are alarmed by the possible health risks and damage that mold exposure can cause, there are a small number of untrustworthy companies that take advantage of people's fears. They may exaggerate the results of mold tests or claim that more demolition and construction work are required than is really the case, so that unwitting customers spend more than is necessary on remediation. To protect yourself, always use an independent third party to do the mold testing and a different company to do the mold removal or remediation. This prevents any conflict of interest because the company reporting your mold test results does not stand to benefit financially from the outcome. It is also important to read customer reviews and cross-check mold remediation companies with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau. Finally, for larger projects, get several quotes before signing a contract.

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Average Mold Inspection and Removal Cost (with Price Factors)

Let's say you're a neat freak. You've got your natural cleaning solutions always at the ready. Your organized cabinets are the talk of the town. Your housekeeping skills are basically the stuff of legend. Even so, black mold can still make an appearance in a bathroom or basement, sprout up in the HVAC or attic, or really any part of the home where water accumulates and dampness exists. When you suspect a mold invasion, you might want to invest in a mold testing kit to see what type of mold spores youre working with, and call in an expert. But in the short-term, here are some natural home remedies (made with things you likely have on hand) that will help murder that mold.

Not only can tea tree oil be used to keep spiders away, it's also one of the safer options for getting rid of black mold. It's a natural fungicide that can work as a cleaning product, and it has the strength to prevent mold spores from coming back.

Combine 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil to 1 cup of water and increase the quantity ratio from there. Shake it up and pour it into a spray bottle to maximize coverage. (You can also use a dampened towel if you dont have a spray bottle.) Once applied to the moldy area, leave it to dry for an hour, and then wipe away with a microfiber cloth or dry towel. Be sure to wear protective gloves, as even though it is a natural solution, it can still irritate your skin.

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Grapefruit seed extract is great to have on hand for various healthcare remedies and also cleaning solutions and potions. What makes it good at battling black mold? Its main compounds are polyphenols, known as limonoids, and naringenin, which help when killing bacteria in laundry, cleaning carpet spills (that could lead to mold growth!), and for disinfecting and sterilizing spaces. When the extract is used to fight black mold, the acids continue penetrating growth and prevent mold spores from returning.

Mix about 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract oil to every 1 cup of water you use. Once again, the best way to saturate the affected area is to use a spray bottle. Let the solution sit for as short as 10 minutes or as long as an hour, depending on how bad the situation is, and then wipe away any remaining residue.

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Baking soda is one of the greats. It's a safe substance to have around your kids and pets, and it's also effective at preventing mold and absorbing mildew odors.

Stir together a mixture of 50/50 baking soda and water until it forms a paste. This concoction is best used to remove lighter mold stains and prevent future growth. After applying it to the problem area, use a small brush to scrape away any mold-stained spots. (You know the spray bottle is coming, so you might as well buy one if you don't already have it.) Next, combine 2 tablespoons baking soda with 2 cups of water, mix it up, and pour it into that trusty spray bottle. Give it one more shake before spraying it over the area you just cleaned. Let it dry into a protective layer to prevent future mold growth.

White distilled vinegar is an affordable, natural solution to removing black mold. Its antibacterial acidic characteristics are exactly what you need to get the job done.

Poor the undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle to apply to the area, or just go for it and pour that vinegar right onto the mold stains. Use a disposable towel and wipe away the mold from the area. If that doesnt work, grab an old toothbrush and go to town on the problem zone. Allow time for this to dry, and then use a damp towel to wipe the area clean one more time.

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Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water and in a spray bottle. If you really want to avoid purchasing a spray bottle (though seriously, get the bottle!), you can also soak a towel in this solution and wipe it directly over mold growth. Let the solution sit for up to 10 minutes, and then scrub the area with a small brush or toothbrush. Wipe any remaining mold away with a towel and let the area dry.

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Although this might not be the strongest weapon against black mold, it's probably something you have in the fridge. Its also totally natural, and who doesnt like the smell of freshly squeezed lemons? It will definitely smell better than the mildew/mold growing in your showerbut then again, what doesn't?

Juice 3 to 5 lemons and pour over affected area. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then wipe it away with a damp towel. As with some of the above methods, you can use a toothbrush to scrub at the problem zone if you feel like the towel isn't working well enough. For optimal cleaning, mix lemon juice with any dish or hand soap you have in your home plus a little water. The soap will add a little extra heft to the mold-removal process.

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Black Mold Removal - Natural Ways to Get Rid of Black Mold

When mold finds an opportunity to grow in homes and businesses, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is a trusted provider to remediate and resolve the problem. Mold can produce allergens and irritants which affect each person differently. Typically excess moisture needs to be removed or controlled to provide a long-term solution for the property. If you suspect that your Fox Point, Bayside, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood or Brown Deer property has a mold problem; our franchise will schedule a FREE INSPECTION to answer your individual concerns.

An economical solution to controlling excess moisture comes from using a residential dehumidifier (70 pint capacity) in the property. Mold spores are found throughout the environment thus controlling the food source and moisture needed for life is the only feasible option. Dehumidifiers work to achieve this goal 24 hours a day and often are the recommendation our technicians provide customers. Enjoying a remodeled basement or removing musty odors from items stored downstairs is no problem when moisture levels are controlled.

Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by reviewing thesemold damage tips.

Some restoration companies advertise mold removal and may even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy because removing all mold from a house or business is impossible; microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Here are the facts:

In as little as 48 hours, a minor mold issue can quickly spread through a home or business. Once you contact us, were dedicated to starting the remediation process quickly. This fast response lessens the mold damage, limits additional damage, and reduces the remediation cost.

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We specialize in water and mold damage restoration, with advance training in restoration techniques and the experience and specialized equipment to quickly restore your property.

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We invest in the latest equipment and ongoing mold remediation training because it helps us restore your home or business quickly and effectively. We will isolate the affected area using physical barriers and a negative air pressure chamber.

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Every mold damage scenario is different, and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our typical process:

Its easy to understand why many people struggle to grasp the facts and issues surrounding indoor mold because sensational news stories and advertising cloud and obscure the real issues. Educate yourself with the facts about mold and learn about the mold remediation process.

SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is locally owned and operatedso we live and work here too and are proud to be part of the Milwaukee community. When you have a water or mold damage issue, were already nearby and ready to help.

We are also part of a national network of over 1,700 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to large scale disasters.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

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The crawl space isnt really inviting. You dont go down there very often. Still, the wholehouse smells musty, and youve looked everywhere else. You grab a flashlight and take a peek. Right away, you can see the source of that unpleasant odor. Its there in the crawl space.

You know how to deal with the stuff under a sink. Do you know how to get rid of mold in a crawl space?

As a DIY project, crawl space mold remediation is usually manageable, but you have to be very careful. You need personal protection gear, the right cleaning products and plenty of patience.

When you tackle mold in crawl spaces, its dangerous for the same reasons mold thrives under your homes first floor. The area is dark, humid and badly ventilated. The conditions are ideal for a mold outbreak that can pose serious health hazards in a compact space.

Mold type is another health consideration.White moldin a crawl space is easier to remove than toxic Stachybotrys chartarum. DIY removal of this strain of black mold in a crawl space can be very dangerous to your health. Before starting your cleanup job, think abouttesting the moldso that you know exactly what youre dealing with.

When were asked about how to get rid of mold in crawl spaces, we always stress the importance of personal protection. Before you begin any DIY mold removal project, protect your health with an OSHA-ratedrespirator or face mask, non-vented goggles, heavy gloves and throw-away coveralls.

Wearing your protective gear, assess the extent of mold in the crawl space. Set up lights, and lay down plastic sheets to catch mold as its cleaned from surfaces. If the job seems too big, contact a mold remediation company right away.

Spray affected areas with afoaming cleaning productspecially formulated for mold removal. Allow it to expand and loosen mold, and then begin carefully cleaning surfaces.

Soak any remaining thin coats of mold with a homemademold-killing mixtureor mold-removal cleaner. Commercial products are usually more effective, and they often remove mold stains too.

Let affected areas dry, and then use a stiff bristle brush to scrub away any remaining mold. This can be a time-consuming process, but you want to remove as much mold residue as possible.

Carefully fold up your plastic sheeting, and seal it in a heavy trash bag. Dispose of coveralls, brushes and any other contaminated gear the same way. Keep bagged items stored outside until trash pickup.

There areseveral different waysto address crawl space climate, but a dehumidifier is usually the most effective and affordable solution. Consider installing a model designed to operate in tight places. Make crawl space inspection a part of spring and fall home maintenance.

As sure as you are of your DIY talents, dont risk taking on a job thats too big or too dangerous. We strongly recommend calling in a mold remediation service if:

Affected areas include damaged or rotted wood. Mold covers multiple areas larger than 3 square feet. You or any family members deal with allergies or respiratory problems.

Bringing in a mold remediation specialist also addresses issues like identifying and eliminating mold sources and repairing and replacing affected materials.

If you decide to take on mold in the crawl space, removal techniques are very important, so please follow our guidelines carefully. We want you to stay safe. Wear protective gear, and take your time. Let us know how your DIY mold removal project turns out by sharing your experiences with our online community through our Comments Section.

Dont hesitate to call us if you have any second thoughts about doing it yourself. We have years of experience withcrawl space mold remediationin Chicago and the suburbs. Our services cover residential and commercial properties, and our team members are industry certified in mold removal and remediation. When the job makes you think twice, call us first here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

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How to Get Rid of Mold in Crawl Spaces Like a Pro in 6 Steps

At a special meeting, Chris Arnold, the districts buildings and grounds director, told board members about high levels of mold found in certain areas of West Elementary, which make evacuation of all students and staff necessary.

The air quality in the school is safe, but mold in a tunnel and library at the school exceeded acceptable limits, Arnold said.

About 90 students in kindergarten through grade 5 and about 30 school staff members will likely be relocated to a local church building.

School district administrators have talked with pastors and priests about available space and have visited two of three preferred sites. They plan to visit the third one Thursday, Feb. 13, said Associate Superintendent Jody Thompson, who declined to name the churches because their councils have not been consulted and one site has not yet been visited.

It is unclear at this point if the roughly 40 students in the early childhood special education program at West will be moved to the same location as the other West students or to one of the districts other schools, Thompson said.

A meeting with West parents is planned for 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at West Elementary School, he said. At that time, he hopes to identify the new location the West students and staff will occupy, he said.

How long they will be in the new space is not known yet, because the extent of the remediation work that needs to be done is not yet known. It could be weeks or extend through the end of the school year, Thompson said.

Members of the West staff were informed of the situation at a meeting with Arnold and his colleagues on Wednesday afternoon, just before the School Board meeting.

The boards vote for a declaration of an emergency situation allows the school district to contract on a project without seeking bids, in keeping with the North Dakota Century Code.

All reports of building inspections are available on the school district website, Arnold said.

The cost of the mold remediation project is not yet known; it will depend on what workers find when walls are opened, Arnold said.

Similar work is needed in some other schools that have been damaged by extensive rains last fall.

In the recent past, two such emergency declarations have been approved by the School Board -- one in September for the repair of an elevator shaft at Red River High School and the other in December 2018 for the repair and replacement of boilers at Grand Forks Central High School and Schroeder Middle School.

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West students, staff to be evacuated for mold remediation - Grand Forks Herald

The School Board voted at a special meeting Wednesday, Feb. 12, to declare an emergency for mold remediation at West, which will be evacuated as a result. Neither the date for evacuation nor the new location have been announced. School district administrators and School Board members plan to meet with West parents at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at the school to discuss details regarding the evacuation plan.

The boards decision to deal with this situation as an emergency was the right one, Radha Panini, who heads the schools PTO, said in an email to the Herald. We are thankful that the School Board is addressing this and taking the action needed to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for the kids.

I am glad that at West they are taking preventive measures and evacuating students during the removal process to ensure that students are not exposed to any mold, Panini said. However, this is going to cause a significant disruption to the children and staff of West, and adjusting to a new environment in the middle of the school year will not be easy.

The boards emergency declaration, which covers mold remediation at any Grand Forks public school, allows the school district to contract with service providers without going through the bidding process.

Some have speculated that the emergency vote signals an underlying intent on the part of the school district or the School Board to eventually close the school. It's a notion Superintendent Terry Brenner emphatically denied at Wednesdays meeting.

There is no conspiracy theory, no undermining, Brenner said, noting that the evacuation is simply a necessary response to damage caused by excessive rains last fall.

We are pleased with the decision of the School Board about West, he said.

West Elementary was considered for closure earlier this year, but was saved by the boards unanimous vote to keep it open and include it -- on an equal footing with other schools -- in the overall study of the districts facilities.

Another West parent, Amanda Walker, said Grand Forks residents need to remember that West is an older building, and this is why were looking to pass a referendum.

The schools age, 71 years, however, doesnt take away from the quality education that the children are receiving, she said.

It is great that the district listened to its community and working on the (deferred maintenance), Walker said, but it is manageable to get the school back to where it needs to be.

Evacuation of West is necessary because exposure to mold can cause asthma problems and other issues, Chris Arnold, director of buildings and grounds for Grand Forks Public Schools, told the board Wednesday.

Also, steam lines at West are very old, very brittle," Arnold said, noting that workers could be burned if steam leaked. He intends to shut down the heating system and bring in supplemental heat during the project.

Air quality and mold inspections have been conducted by Lars Knobloch of Nordic Home Inspection, a Fargo-based business, with assistance from school district buildings and grounds staff.

Knobloch is very thorough, Arnold said. So far, testing has been done in eight schools, starting in November with Twining Elementary and Middle School at Grand Forks Air Force Base.

We focused on schools that got wet, said Arnold, noting that they are mainly those with crawl space or a garden view.

Because of their construction design, the citys three high schools and Discovery Elementary were not affected, he said.

An inspection at West, which was postponed twice due to snowstorms in December and January, was completed Feb. 3. After three lift tests were done, extremely high levels of mold were found in the library and in a tunnel near classroom 2, Arnold said.

Those areas were closed off Wednesday, he said.

The tops of library books will be wiped with a bleach solution to get rid of any mold spores, he said.

At other schools, the levels we found were far less, so they do not need to be evacuated, Arnold said. Century (Elementary) was barely over the threshold in one area.

The cost of removing moldy pipes at Century will likely cost more than $40,000, he said. A spray product will be used to neutralize mold; the product doesnt destroy mold but keeps it from growing.

Some School Board members questioned the cost of mold remediation, and the costs that come with it -- on top of other deferred costs that are adding up at the school.

At the school districts public forum Monday, Feb. 10, I heard from some who were not pleased with the boards decision about keeping West open, said Cynthia Shabb, School Board member. How far do we go with the cost of this (since) youre not sure how much (mold) youre going to find?

But, for West, the work must go forward, said Doug Carpenter, board member.

Whether or not we use it as a school, we need to get rid of the mold, he said. We need to take care of the first step.

The temporary location for West students and staff should include from five to eight classrooms, a kitchen and lunchroom, library, music room, space for physical activity, a small break-out room for groups to meet and an office, said Jody Thompson, associate superintendent for elementary education.

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West School parents see evacuation as necessary; they hope disruption at the Grand Forks school is minimal - Grand Forks Herald

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Rand Memorial Hospital on Grand Bahama is expected be ready for move-in by the end of next month, Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands said yesterday.

When Hurricane Dorian barreled its way through Grand Bahama and Abaco in early September, the monstrous Category 5 storm debilitated the governments ability to deliver health care services in the storm-ravaged areas.

As a result, 75 percent of the square footage of the Rand had to be taken out of commission, due to blackwater intrusion water mixed with stool or sewage and subsequent mold overgrowth.

In November, the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Carnival Corporation for the remediation of the Rand Memorial Hospital, which has been shuttered since the passage of Hurricane Dorian.

Work continues at an impressive pace at the Rand Memorial Hospital, Sands said.

He noted that Ministry of Health toured the construction on Thursday alongside Public Hospitals Authority staff.

He noted that the construction showed considerable progress on the remediation which is expected to be ready for move-in by the end of next month.

In the aftermath of the storm, several international organizations,including Samaritans Purse, sent volunteers to assist with the deliveryof health care.

The Rand Memorial Hospital, the High Rock Clinic, health facilities inMcCleans Town and a number of east Grand Bahama facilities were lostduring the storm.

In the interim, there were Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) providingservice to a number of areas on the island.

Samaritans Purse extended its engagement until March. The hospital is expected to be prepared by its departure.

Sands also noted yesterday that efforts are being made to ease the overcrowding venue experienced at the Princes Margaret Hospital on New Providence.

The old Operating Theatre is being renovated to create a comfortable 22 bed unit, Sands said.

We expect that this newly repurposed space will ease the overcrowding at our nations primary healthcare facility.

There has been an ongoing bed shortage at the facility which has resulted in the suspension of elective surgeries on a number of occasions.

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GB hospital to reopen by the end of March - EyeWitness News

Eventually, even the best-laid carpets must be replaced. While regular upkeep can increase your carpets lifespan, most manufacturers estimate youll need a full replacement after about 10 years. And the signs you need to start shopping around arent always obvious. Here are a few ways you can tell your carpet is reaching the end.

Stains wont come out

Whether its from spilled wine or a new puppy, there are some stubborn stains that even professional cleaning cant get rid of. If theyre minor, you can typically hide them with area rugs or furniture. But if the damage is permanent and unsightly, its probably time to look for new carpeting. Homeowners typically pay between $760 and $2,540 to replace a carpet, according to the Angies List Pricing Guide. Per square foot, carpet materials usually cost an average of $2 to $7, though price can fluctuate depending on quality.

Foul odors wont go away

If you notice that deep cleans just arent banishing the bad smells, that likely means the issue isnt in your carpet alone it could be in the padding or floor beneath the carpet. How you handle the problem depends on the type of smell. If your pet is the root cause of the issue, youll likely need a full replacement. If you notice a musty smell, that could mean you have a water or mold problem. In that case, carpet replacement may be necessary after a mold remediation specialist takes a look at things.

Theres visible damage

Carpet damage can range from smaller issues, like a burn mark or two, to extensive problems like the mold damage mentioned above. If theres just a small area where the carpet is frayed, its possible for a flooring pro to help you patch it up. If your entire carpet was flooded with dirty water, or clean water flooding has taken a long time to dry out, replacement is the best course of action. A pro can also let you know if the damage extends to the floor beneath your carpet, and how to fix the problem before it creates bigger problems.

You have increased allergy symptoms

It can be difficult to remove dust, pet dander and pollen that embeds in carpet fibers over time. If you or your loved ones notice more sneezing, itchy eyes or coughing, it may be that the problem is beneath your feet. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or opting for linoleum or hardwood if youre truly concerned. It costs about $180 for carpet cleaning, via the Angies List Pricing Guide, and its worth a try before replacing the carpet.

The carpet is old

At a certain point, patching and deep-cleaning your carpet isnt going to do the trick. If you notice matting, fading color or that the padding just doesnt feel like its there anymore, its probably time to move on. If you see ripples or wrinkles, it is possible to have your carpet re-stretched. This is a more expensive repair, so discuss with a carpet pro whether or not it makes sense to fix the issue or get a complete replacement.

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Ask Angie's List: When is it time to replace my carpet? - WV News

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Hampden County Courthouse in Springfield is one of the oldest trial court buildings in the Commonwealth. Some employees say the building is making people sick.

The 22News I-Team was sent a copy of an eight-page report created by an unknown number of employees at the Hampden County Courthouse. Inside, it details serious illnesses that they say other people got while working at the courthouse.

The Hampden County Courthouse, also known as the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse, in downtown Springfield is nearly five decades old. For the past 15 years, employees have raised concerns about the health risks that allegedly come with working in the building.

This began in 2005 when it was discovered that four employees died from pancreatic cancer within a 10-year span. Then in 2018, these concerns were renewed when Judge William Boyle was diagnosed with ALS, just five years after Judge Robert Kumor died of the same disease. Both worked in the same office, one right after the other, and died of the disease.

The report says its like hitting Powerball, having two people in the same room, in the same building, coming down with the same dreadful disease, State Representative Angelo Puppolo said. Coincidences are one thing, but this is highly coincidental.

A third long-time courthouse employee also was diagnosed with ALS and died in 2017, according to the employee report.

According to The ALS Association, ALS is discovered in about two people per every 100,000. There is no known cause of the rare disease, but 10 percent of cases are inherited through a mutated gene, according to ALSA.

The employee report cites a Harvard University study from 2018 that found that people who were exposed to diesel fumes were more likely to get ALS. The employee report says that both judges and the third long-time worker had offices over what was, at the time of their employment, the entrance to the underground parking garage where diesel vehicles entered and idled. About a quarter of employees reported smelling diesel or gasoline-like odors throughout the building at some point.

The courthouse windows do not open but are known to be poorly sealed, allowing in moisture on rainy days. These poorly sealed windows make it likely that fumes from the garage entrance below also entered the offices of the person who had ALS.

Rep. Puppolo was a good friend of Judge Boyle and has been advocating for a new courthouse in Springfield for years.

Theres a ton of people that go in there, either work there or utilize, Rep. Puppolo said. My main concern is public safety and the safety of the people who work there. If there wasnt a case to build a new courthouse, I think this document outlines a solid foundation that the Trial Court needs to start doing it.

In 2018 after meeting with Hampden County Courthouse employees, the State Trial Court hired an environmental consultant, Environmental Health & Engineering, to test the air and water quality in the building. John Williams, Massachusetts Trial Court Administrator, told the 22News I-Team that these tests were run day and night for six weeks. They were testing for things that could be tied to the symptoms employees were reporting.

In a newly released draft report of those results, EH&E did not identify conditions that would support an environmental work-related cause for the cases of chronic health conditions reported in the buildings, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or cancer.

The draft report does say, though, that the building has mold issues, water damage, and dirty air ducts.

We tested the air quality, the mold is not in the air, Williams said. In fact, the mold inside the building is lower than the mold in the air outside.

The 22News I-Team asked Williams if the building was safe.

Theres nothing in the evidence that we collected that shows anything of concern, except we need to do better jobs of cleaning, Williams explained. There are some areas of mold, things like that. We need to get rid of moisture sources. We need to clean that up, and there are some better ways for us to do business.

Both Rep. Puppolo and Sen. Welch say they are concerned about what will happen to the day-to-day business at the courthouse when the clean-up projects begin.

If they do mold remediation, are they going to remove the employees from the building and put them in another? Sen. Welch questioned.

Employees still need to work, so we need to have some sort of temporary facility, and then look at either putting in another building right on that footprint or looking somewhere else, Puppolo said.

The state Trial Courts Capital Master Plan, issued in 2018 did not include the Hampden County Courthouse in Phase 1 of $3 billion in work planned for courts statewide.

If this issue was happening in Boston, they would have built two courthouses, State Senator James Welch said. We should be able to, as a Commonwealth, ensure that when we ask people to show up to work in a state building, its safe and its healthy.

As we prioritized things, health issues were among the major concerns, and at the time, we didnt have those things sort of front and center in what was found for immediate action, Williams said.

According to Williams, the Trial Court will be investing more than $300 million into the Hampden County Courthouse, mostly in Phase 2 of the Master Plan, which will begin several years from now.

Its Springfields time right now, Rep. Puppolo said. This building certainly has outlived its usefulness and, more importantly, outlived its safeness.

The employee report mentions physically testing people who work in the courthouse for heavy metals. Williams said the trial court is working to coordinate blood and urine tests for all employees.

One of the recommendations is to have an occupational health professional to coordinate counseling employees on next steps, Williams explained. We think blood and urine samples should be done in that framework. Then, we can have a health professional receive those results, aggregate them, and tell if there are patterns.

Still, employees say their health concerns are serious, and they are being minimized or ignored by the State Trial Court.

Representative Puppulo is now calling for a meeting between Springfield lawmakers, and the States Trial Court officials to discuss these health concerns. As of this publishing, a date for this meeting has not been set.

I dont think they (The Trial Court) are trying to brush anything under the rug. I think they realize its a significant problem, but its also a significant problem to deal with, Puppolo said.

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I-Team: Health concerns at the Hampden County Courthouse - WWLP.com

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