During the fall 2017 semester, I vividly remember the early August mornings when the hallways of Brumby were fragrant and thick with hairspray. Girls were awake no later than 4 a.m., perfectly styling their hair and putting on a full face of makeup, primping themselves for the long days of sorority recruitment in the sweltering Georgia heat. Panhellenic sororities at the University of Georgia promote a culture in which its easy to get your worth mistaken for your ability to stand uncomfortably sweaty while engaging in repetitively draining small talk all day.

Other than my inability to apply eyeshadow, I seemed to fit right in with all the other naive freshmen, unable to see anything inherently wrong with this scenario. Now that Im a senior, its clear the standards required to assimilate into a prestigious sorority force women to embody a certain level of commercialized femininity to feel welcome. Despite the progressive changes of today, Greek life continues to reinforce and institutionalize this single-sided femininity, as well as toxic notions of masculinity.

Sororities and fraternities, especially at UGA and other large Southeastern Conference schools, perpetuate the extremities of traditional, outdated gender stereotypes to the point of stunting our current generations social progress. These binary environments are uncomfortable, unfavorable and exclusive to an entire group of UGA students who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.

Anna Houser, a senior environmental economics major at UGA, is lesbian. She recently stepped away from her sorority membership this past fall.

At the time, being a part of Greek life and the LGBTQ+ community felt like I had one foot in the door of each place, but like I was never wholeheartedly in either, Houser said.

From the maltreatment during pledgeship to the excessive encouragement of hook-up culture, fraternities have a reputation for embracing destructive practices and ideologies in attempts to promote manliness. Fraternities and sororities perpetuate this contrived gender dichotomy by prioritizing fraternity-sorority relations through formals, date nights and socials.

Fraternity events have far fewer rules than any sorority gathering, and Greek life has shaped an environment where men tend to get away with more reckless behavior than women, enforcing the detrimental boys will be boys trope. These institutionalized customs not only instigate a gender double standard, but also excuse men for actions they desperately need to be held accountable for.

We know Greek life has roots in racist, sexist and homophobic practices. It is problematic and destructive to our community that UGA turns a blind eye and allows these unacceptable and outdated practices to continue especially when Greek life makes up quite a large presence on UGAs campus.

UGA and other universities cannot continue on with disingenuous concern about the exclusive, discriminatory environments their own students foster in these institutions. Greek councils, including the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils, recently made diversity initiatives, but with the severity of these problems, the initiatives seem to lack the appropriate level of remediation necessary.

Furthermore, it is unclear how adamantly these initiatives will address issues surrounding homophobia, sexism and the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. The ambiguity surrounding their plan is unnerving and their reliance on desultory statements offers little hope for tangible change.

A lot of things need to change in order for Greek life to be a more accepting community, Houser said. Its like the cookie cutter type of girl and guy for sororities and fraternities who fit perfectly into that mold, but it refuses to acknowledge all the other individuals who may not fit so perfectly.

Fraternities must dismantle their own harmful ideas and expectations of masculinity and work to redefine what the actual meaning of brotherhood is. Sororities need to acknowledge that the notion of femininity does not look or act a certain way it is a concept that cannot be celebrated in full unless it is intersectional.

With institutional accountability, a shift in mindset, a change in recruitment policies and practices that uphold stereotypes, we could lay the foundation for Greek life to become a more constructive environment and follow our generations progressive path toward inclusivity and social equality.

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OPINION: Greek life reinforces gender stereotypes and stunts social progress - Red and Black

What a difference a week can make.

Last Tuesday,Mizzou Hoops was the toast of the town. Coming off a white-knuckler over Alabama, the conversation around the Tigers appeared to have shifted into a new gear. Once we were arguing about how good they actually were now we were wondering just how high they could climb.

Two losses and one notable absence later, and Missouris season trajectory has taken a sharp 180.

There was always a chance the Tigers would drop both of last weeks games, but the manor in which it did was discouraging to say the least. The Ole Miss disaster might have been the Tigers most uninspired effort yet, and the loss to Arkansas, while not a gut-punch in and of itself, raised the question of how long the Tigers will have to stay afloat without their potentially all-conference big man. As Monday rolled around, we learned quickly that it will be for at least another game.

If youre an optimist, the next few weeks present a glimmer of hope. After all, the Tigers are entering the squishier part of the schedule. Georgia, South Carolina, Texas A&M, potentially Vanderbilt; these are what we wouldve considered chalk just one week ago. Even now, in the face of two consecutive losses and sinking bracketology momentum, the next few weeks offer a chance for Missouri to weather the storm and hit their stride in March, when it all matters.

However, the loss of Tilmon and Missouris continuing defensive struggles also offer fuel to the pessimists. At this point, the Tigers are likely facing an uphill battle to reclaim a protected seed in the NCAA Tournament. Theyd need to beat Florida in the scheduled season finale and get LSU back on the schedule to add two more Quad 1 wins to the resume.

Even with those potential wins, though, Missouri faces a number of potholes ahead. The Tigers face two consecutive road games against decidedly non-NCAA teams, followed by a rematch with a Mississippi team that thoroughly whipped them in Oxford. Its easy to see the Tigers holding serve, but its just as easy to see how a 1-2 stretch could drop the Tigers even further, possibly into the 8 or 9 seed range where their metrics currently place them.

As games tend to feel in mid-February when your team is still in the thick of it, Tuesday nights trip to Athens looms large for the Tigers. A win would put the Tigers back on the right trajectory, one that would see them finish with a flourish and high seed in both of the upcoming tournaments. A loss could turn last weeks stumbles into a full-on slide.

Again: What a difference a week can make.

Note: These starting lineups are projected.

Anthony Edwards departure after last season left a chasm in the Bulldogs lineup, and Tom Crean has spent the better part of a year trying to find ways to piece together that production.

The Bulldogs one of the countrys shorter teams rely heavily on their trio of starting guards, especially Sahvir Wheeler and Justin Kier. Both play over three-fourths of the available minutes. Wheeler is a high-risk, high-reward play driver who has team-high turnover and assist rates. Hes not much of a scorer in his own right, but he no doubt drives the Bulldogs offensive play. Kier is a much more efficient shooter and can beat you from deep, but he also ranks as the Bulldogs most aggressive defender. Tye Fagan completes the trio as Georgias best offensive thread from the back court hes a 64.5 percent shooter from two-point range and thats almost exclusively where he focuses his shot selection. He too is a pesky defender, though not as productive as Kier.

Despite not having any bigs that can challenge the tallest in the SEC, Georgia is well-stocked with large wings and combo forwards. PJ Horne leads the way for this group, and the senior may be the Bulldogs biggest offensive threat. Hes excellent on that end of the glass and shoots well from all three areas 69.4 from two, 83 percent from the line and 35 percent from deep, where he chooses to take most of his looks. Sophomore Toumani Camara also gets starters minutes and may be the teams best player around the edges. He boasts the Bulldogs best block percentage and a high steal rate as well as being the teams leading rebounder overall and an efficient two-point shooter. Andrew Garcia is Creans preferred option off the bench, and hell even get some starting assignments here and there. Hes likely the teams most aggressive driver and is able to bank a lot of high-percentage looks but hes prone to foul trouble.

From there, a large number of players get looks off the bench. Freshman KD Johnson serves as a spark plug scorer for the back court. He fouls a lot and is loose with the ball, but he can shoot from deep (42.5 percent.) Christian Brown follows the Andrew Garcia mold of getting to the rim and looking for contact with his big frame, though hes not nearly the scorer Garcia is. Tyron McMillan is the teams tallest player, but doesnt factor too heavily into areas like rebounding or interior defense; hes mostly just a clean-up man. Sophomore Jaxon Etter also gets some mop-up minutes in the guard position, where hes been incredibly efficient, logging an 82.7 true shooting percentage. Mikal Starks will also get the call if necessary, though he doesnt contribute enough offensively to justify the turnovers he gives up.

This admittedly sounds a bit strange coming off of Missouris best three-point performance of the season, but Georgia offers Missouri another opportunity to do what it does best get to the rim. Even without Jeremiah Tilmon, Missouri should still have plenty of opportunities in the paint. Georgia is dreadful in both eFG defense and defensive rebounding. Not only that, but Missouri has a distinct size advantage. Dont overthink it pound away near the bucket and make Georgia defend like it hasnt all season.

Missouri has played a lot of fast teams this year, but few play faster than Georgia, who rank 15th in adjusted tempo on the season. Theyre decent shooters from two-point range and they crash the offensive glass effectively. But if theres one way Missouri could turn this into a boat-race, it would be with turnovers. The Tigers arent particularly adept at forcing turnovers on the season, but Georgias fast and loose style means theyll be there for the taking. If Missouri can take advantage of UGAs poor ball-handling, the transition opportunities that follow will be a boon to the Tigers offensive health.

Missouri 79, Georgia 76 | Theres no way to put it nicely Missouri is fading a little bit and needs a good stretch of games to pick itself up. A return to protected seed territory isnt off the table, but itll start with taking care of business in winnable games, something Missouri didnt do at all last week. Georgia isnt great theyre not even good, honestly but theyre more than capable of beating Missouri on a bad night, of which the Tigers have had a few lately. Given that theyll once again be without Tilmon, it should be a tense night as Missouri looks to get back in the win column.

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Hoops Preview: Mizzou will have to beat a tenacious Georgia team without Jeremiah Tilmon - Rock M Nation

In part 1 of this two-part article series, we discussed sanitation and preventative practices to deter pests and diseases in propagation (see Greenhouse Canada, December 2020). In this second installment, we consider what biological management options are available through to flowering and harvest. With proactive steps taken in propagation, your cannabis crop should be growing healthily, but dont take your foot off the gas just yet! It is important to maintain good practices through the next phases in the crops life to ensure you reach the plants full production potential.

Vegetative to early floweringDuring these stages, the threat of crop loss to root diseases remains and biofungicides should be reapplied when young plants are potted up. But now, there is the added challenge of dealing with foliar diseases.

BCA releases and bioinsecticide sprays should continue. You may be tempted to cut back as pests seem to be under control, but we have seen resurgences in broad mites and thrips when predators have been removed from the program at this stage. Major remediation efforts with biopesticide sprays were then required, and significant crop losses incurred.

Foliar diseasesCultural practices like pruning and air circulation help keep powdery mildew in check, but the disease invariably shows up. Crop scouting will allow signs of infection to be detected early on, and regular preventative treatments will help contain the disease.

Potassium bicarbonate products such as MilStop can be used in a preventative or curative manner. K-bicarbonate brings a physical mode of action to bear and will desiccate mildew spores, destroy cell membranes and, by altering the pH at the leafs surface, create conditions that impede powdery mildew growth. The adjuvants in the formulation can be harsh on soft-bodied biocontrol agents (BCAs), but will not harm predators in sachets. Once spray residues are dry, they are harmless to BCAs.

Also BCA-friendly is Regalia MAXX biofungicide, a liquid concentrate based on an extract from the giant knotweed. When applied to plants, it induces a resistance response which helps protect it against powdery mildew. Regalia and MilStop are compatible with each other and can be sprayed in rotation. Spray oils, such as Suffoil-X and PureSpray FX, will also help in controlling powdery mildew and are good options closer to harvest.

Pest managementThe same list of suspects encountered in propagation are likely to continue through this stage of plant development, notably mites, root aphids, and thrips. Whiteflies are generally not a problem in northern US and Canadian greenhouses.

The control options for these pests are essentially the same as described before, (i.e. Beauveria-based biopesticides, BCAs see previous article for details). However, specific use practices and release rates will change as plants are now larger and the substrate volume is greater. A second release of the soil-dwelling predators Stratiolaelaps and Dalotia at potting up should ensure they become established for the remainder of the cropping cycle.

One addition to the BCA arsenal at this stage is the generalist predator Orius insidiosus. If released into hot spots, it can become established for an extended period from the first treatment or release. However, it is unlikely to persist for several generations in indoor grow facilities under artificial lights and is prone to diapause during the shorter daylight months (Nov to Feb).

For predatory mites (cucumeris, swirskii, californicus), mini sachets remain the preferred method of delivery into the crop. At this stage of production, however, sachets can now be hung in the canopy of the growing plant. Phytoseiulus persimilis is another valuable player at this stage of crop development and it can be used to clean up two-spotted spider mite (TSSM) hot spots if needed. Again, scouting is an important part of the program to ensure TSSM are detected before the webbing appears.

Foliar aphids now present a significant challenge. Biopesticide options include horticultural oils such as SuffOil-X and PureSpray FX, and insecticidal soaps such as Kopa and Opal. A wide variety of sprayers can be used to apply these and microbial biopesticides. While makes and models vary, they essentially fall into two types: hydraulic sprayers and low volume sprayers, and they use different methods to produce and deliver spray droplets onto the plant.

For all biopesticides though, achieving good spray coverage is critical to efficacy. As most pests occur on the undersides of leaves, sprays must target that area to ensure sufficient contact with the pest. Investment in quality, reliable spray equipment, correct selection of nozzles and spray pressure, sprayer maintenance and calibration, and attention to applicator training, all help to achieve better efficacy from each spray application. Incorrect timing and poor coverage are primary causes of biopesticide failure.

On the BCA front, different aphid parasitoids are recommended for targeting different aphid pests, and correct identification is necessary to select the appropriate parasitoid for release. Notable foliar aphid pests include those categorized as small species (i.e. green peach aphid, cotton/melon aphid), and those considered to be large species (i.e. cannabis aphid, potato aphid, foxglove aphid). Aphidius colemani or A. matricariae are the best options for small aphids; A. ervi for large species. Predators are less discriminating, and Aphidoletes and Chrysoperla (lacewings) eat everything; as such, they often do an excellent job of cleaning up infestations. However, Aphidoletes will not establish under artificial lights. Orius will feed on aphids as well, and when established, will help keep several other pests in check.

Rice root aphid infestations can become problematic at this stage unless regular, preventative measures are taken. Drenching the root ball with entomopathogenic fungi is one of the few approved ways to manage aphid forms that feed on roots. The fungal suspensions must be applied in sufficient volumes to saturate the root ball and growing medium to ensure contact with aphids on the roots. Root drenches are best combined with other measures targeting winged adults (i.e., biopesticide sprays) as aphids move from the soil and into the foliage. Targeting both life stages delivers a one-two punch for greater overall efficacy.

Its important to continue preventative practices throughout the vegetative and early flower stages, building on the clean start established during propagation. There is now also the added challenge of foliar diseases. Photo credit: Plateresca / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Trichome sensitivity has been a key factor in determining the pest and disease management options available. Photo credit: Gleti / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Flowering to harvestThe final three weeks of production can be a nail-biting period. Given the sensitivity of the trichomes and the need to consider microbial loadings in flowers (owing to mandatory microbial testing requirements), there are few pest and disease management options available. For example, it is strongly recommended that growers halt microbial sprays within three weeks of harvest, which means that Beauveria-based products should not be used. Potassium bicarbonate sprays should also be halted three weeks prior to harvest to avoid potential damage to the trichomes. SuffOil-X sprays (at the 1% rate) can generally be continued up to one week prior to harvest, but different cannabis varieties show different sensitivities. Pay close attention to the plants to see if there is evidence of phytotoxicity; test first on a small batch if unsure. BCAs can still be used, but if the earlier measures have been taken and maintained, pest numbers should remain low through the final three weeks.

One of the biggest challenges at flowering is Botrytis. With the recent Health Canada decision to allow sprayable nutrients to be applied in cannabis, use of such materials can help promote plant health. Use of sprayable nutrients like ON-Gard or ON-Gard Calcium can enhance uptake of elements like calcium which is an essential component of plant cell walls. The bottom line is that stronger cells, especially in flowers, can reduce susceptibility to diseases like Botrytis. This has been demonstrated in petunia whose flowers are very susceptible to grey mold; susceptibility in this instance is linked to poor movement of calcium into flowers resulting in deficiencies, which translates to weaker cell walls, and increased susceptibility to Botrytis. Although this link has not been definitively established in hemp or cannabis, it seems to hold a lot of promise for the future as another tool to prevent infection. In the interim, there are a few sprayable materials that can help suppress the disease. These include Regalia MAXX biofungicide, which can be applied up to harvest (as a plant extract, it contains no living organisms); RootShield HC and PreStop, which can be applied as foliar sprays up until three weeks before harvest; and MilStop, which may be applied through the early flowering stages. All may be rotated within the same program to bring different modes of action to bear.

Foliar sprays of hydrogen peroxide (e.g. ZeroTol) may be one of the most valuable tools at this time. Peroxide can be integrated into a preventative phytosanitation strategy through the vegetative growth phase and may be continued for the last two weeks through flowering to harvest. The peroxide helps reduce microbial contamination on the flowers and helps to suppress pathogens.

Some take-homesNo two locations are the same, so it is impossible to provide a single plant management blueprint that can be applied everywhere. The information shared in this two-part article series has considered many of the common challenges and some possible solutions that will help you through the production cycle.

Remember, there are many lessons that have been learned in other horticultural crops (particularly floriculture) and techniques that may be transferred easily into cannabis production. Commitment to continued education and discourse will help the industry as a whole to move forward.

We have discussed many preventative strategies that have been shown to work. Putting together a successful program requires planning (before the crop, not during!) and good record-keeping. There is always a lot to learn from previous crops: when pests/diseases appeared, what worked, what did not (and why), and what happened in different varieties. Good planning is fundamental to success.

Some key points to remember

Michael Brownbridge, PhD, is a biological program manager at BioWorks Inc. He can be reached at mbrownbridge@bioworksinc.com.

For more, watch the accompanying webinar of the same title at greenhousecanada.com/webinars and revisit part 1 of the article series on propagation in the December 2020 issue of Greenhouse Canada.

Originally posted here:
Taking on pests and diseases in cannabis: Vegetative to flowering - Greenhouse Canada

When it comes to remediating mold it's always best to hire a professional mold removal and remediation service.

However, if the mold in your home is not toxic and the area of mold growth is small (less than 10 square feet, or the equivalent of roughly a 3 by 3 foot patch) then you can perform the mold remediation yourself if you wish.

This is why you should wear protective clothing and equipment while performing mold remediation.

Protective equipment for mold remediation includes:

You also need to minimize dust as mold spores often stick to dust and are then transported around your home by the dust particles.

After this use a solution to remove the mold from the surface. Different solutions will work better for different surfaces.

The Mold Removal page describes how to kill mold with several solutions such as:

For porous materials (eg drywall, carpet, books) that have had mold growing on them you should decide whether they are salvageable on a case by case basis depending on how severe the mold growth is and how valuable the item is to you. If the item is not highly valuable to you and the mold growth is extensive so that the item is beyond repair then the best option is to dispose of it and replace it.

You should clean each room one at a time, completely finishing the mold removal process before moving onto any other rooms with mold growth and re-sealing and repeating the process.

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Mold Remediation Process, Abatement, Clean up

What are the 5 levels of Mold Remediation?

According to Vicki Lankarge in her book What Every Home Owner Needs to Know About Mold & What to Do About It, mold remediation can be broken up into 5 levels: level one being the least contamination, level four being the most, and level five HVAC and air conditioning systems.

When dealing with mold contamination in your home it can be difficult to decide when a mold remediator is needed or what you can take care of yourself.

In the following 5 levels, you will have a guideline to go by when removing mold from your home :

5 Levels of Mold Remediation

Smaller infestations categorized in level I is mostly found on ceilings or baseboards. Level I mold contamination may be cleaned without hiring a mold remediator, but there are several important safety precautions that you need to know :

1. Do not attempt cleaning mold if you suffer from asthma, allergies, or immune disorders

2. Wear gloves, eye protection, and an N95 disposable respirator

3. Vacate from your work area any infants less than 12 months old, individuals recovering from recent surgery, anyone with a suppressed immune system, or people with chronic lung diseases such as asthma, sever allergies, emphysema, etc.

4. Contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned should be removed from your home in a sealed plastic bag to prevent an infestation in another part of your home.

5. Clean your work area when youre done with a damp cloth or mop.

6. Make sure all areas are left dry and visibly free of mold contamination.

To remove mold from an area category the size of level II (probably one wall panel), the same precautions used in level I should be taken as well as the following :

1. Moldy materials should be covered with plastic sheets and sealed with tape before any handling or removal of materials. This will contain dust and debris. It may be wise to double wrap in plastic before escorting the moldy material from your home.

2. WHen the mold removal is finished, vacuum the work area with a HEPA vacujum. Clean the area with a damp cloth or mop.

Mold contamination this size (patches of mold on several wall panels), should still be handled with the same precautions as level I and II as well as the following added measures :

1. Seal ventilation ducts/grills in the work area and areas directly adjacent with plastic sheeting.

2. Vacate everyone from your work area until work is completed. Further vacate adjacent work areas of any infants less than 12 months old, individuals recovering from recent surgery, anyone with a suppressed immune system, or people with chronic lung diseases such as astma, sever allergies, emphysema, etc.

An infestation depending on how much greater than 100 square feet may require the assistance of a mold remediator. If not, the same requirements should be followed as were needed in levels I, II, and III along with the following :

1. Every worker must be trained in the handling of hazardous materials and equipped with full face respirators with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cartridges, with disposable protective clothing covering both head and shoes.

2. Make sure workers completely isolate hteir work area from the rest of your home with sheeting sealed with duct tape, including ventilation ducts/grills, fixtures, and any other openings.

3. Make sure workers set up and use a decontamination room, or a chamber taped off with plastic sheeting. The outside of sealed bags containing contaminated material should be wiped down with a damp cloth or HEPA vacuumed in the decontamination chamber prior to their removal.

4. Air monitoring should be conducted prior to moving back into your home to determine if it is fit to reoccupy.

If there is a small area of mold growth beneath your air conditioning system it would be safe to apply precautions from levels I and II to remediate the mold contamination. However, all remediation procedures for air conditioning units and HVAC systems should be left to professionals. Procedures for level V remediation for areas larger than 10 square feet are the same for all previous levels with the following precautionary measures added :

1. Shut down the HVAC system prior to remediation.

2. Growth-supporting materials that are contaminated, such as the patper on the insulation of interior lined ducts and filters, should be removed and sealed in plastic bags.

3. A variety of biocides broad spectrum antimicrobial agents designed to prevent the growth of microorganisms are recommended by HVAC manufacturers for use with HVAC components, such as cooling coils and condensation pans. HVAC manufacturers should be consulted for the prodcuts they recommend for use in their systems.

Further Recommended Reading :

Joslyn from the MoldBlogger team

Source: Lankarge, Vicki. What Every Home Owner Needs to Know About Mold & What to Do About It. 52-58.

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5 Levels of Mold Remediation Mold Blogger

Local and state laws may require a specific inspection and documentation protocol based on the size of the affected area. We can advise you on this process, providing guidance based on your unique situation.

With mold being a constant staple to every environment we encounter throughout the day, it is no surprise that heightened humidity or exposure to moisture can allow colonization to occur. With the potential health effects and detrimental degradation that could result in hosting materials and exposed structural elements, it is essential to get effective remediation work started immediately.

We have multiple members of our team certified through the IICRC as Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians, giving every customer experienced technicians and professionals to address the mold colonization in their homes, businesses, vehicles, and other areas where growth could occur. We can even work to reduce the presence of moisture for the future through the use of equipment like the hygrometer and thermal imagery for moisture detection and monitoring during necessary drying efforts.

No matter where mold grows in a property from Bridgewater to Easton, our dedicated SERVPRO team can make these effects Like it never even happened.

Microscopic mold spores exist almost everywhere, outdoors and indoors, making it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Some restoration businesses advertise mold removal and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold spreads quickly, so a minor mold infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem. Were dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces 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:

With sensational news stories and misleading advertising, you can easily understand why so many people are misinformed about indoor mold. Learn the facts about mold and the mold remediation process.

SERVPRO of The Bridgewaters is locally owned and operatedso we live and work here too and are proud to be part of this community. We are proud to provide mold remediation services in our local communities:

We are proud to serve our local communities:

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Bridgewater, MA Mold Removal and Mold Remediation ...

Vinegar is a bold mold killer. According to ServiceMaster Restoration and Cleaning, the mild acid in vinegar kills about 82% of known molds and can help prevent future outbreaks.

You can clean small amounts of mold with vinegar yourself, but know when to call professionals. Besides a crisis, such as a flooded home, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises hiring professionals when the moldy patch covers about 10 square feet or larger.

In this video, learn more about mold remediation from out senior editor, Brad Holden.

Vinegar truly is better than bleach at killing mold. The EPA does not recommend using bleach to kill or remove mold, except in special circumstances. In most cases, a background level of mold spores will remain after the application of bleach.

Bleach only kills surface mold, not the membrane underneath, according to ServiceMaster. That means the mold will grow back. In fact, recognizing the bleach as a threat, the mold will grow back even stronger. When bleach is used on porous surfaces like drywall or wood, mold membranes will move deeper into the surface to avoid the chemical.

First, save the apple cider vinegar for salad dressing. To clean mold, use regular white distilled vinegar, typically sold with five percent acidity. You can also use cleaning vinegar with its six percent acidity. Both are effective at killing mold. Generic brands are as effective as name brands. Cleaning vinegar is sold online and at many home improvement, discount and grocery stores.

Depending on the amount of mold, let the vinegar sit on the mold at least 60 minutes before wiping or scrubbing.

To safely and effectively clean a small area of mold, ServiceMaster advises the following:

To protect yourself from mold and its spores, wear gloves, a mask and goggles. Gloves also prevent any skin irritation from the vinegar.

Because of vinegars acidity, it can damage some surfaces. We dont recommended using vinegar on natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron or aluminum.

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What to Know About Cleaning Mold with Vinegar

1. Call MoldRemediation.io

Mold Remediation connects homeowners and businesses with the best certified local remediation companies in their area. Our partners understand the science behind mold growth, cleanup, remediation and removal. Mold Remediations partners have the training and expertise to address any type of mold issue you may be confronted with.

Mold inspections and assessments are the first step of mold remediation. Properties are searched meticulously for any visible signs of mold. Air samples are also taken by remediation experts to determine the type and toxicity of the mold. These samples show what the spore count is, which is an indicating factor for level of contamination. Depending on the type and extent of the mold problem, experts put together a plan on how to stop outbreak.

Securing, sealing and containing areas with mold prevents the spread into any other areas. There are a number of ways to contain mold. Certain containment areas include physical barriers with negative air chambers and air pressure. All fans, air conditioners and heaters in the subject property are simultaneously turned off. This prevents mold spores from moving around, which stops the mold from growing and multiplying.

Negative air machines with high efficiency particulate air filtration (HEPA) are sealed to an opening in the containment area to allow proper ventilation and filtration. As a result, mold spores and other contaminants are unable to escape and affect other parts of the building during cleanup. Once the air filter is properly secured to the contentment area, we are ready for the next step mold cleanup.

The cleanup process involves removing the mold problem while limiting exposure. The method of cleanup depends on the extent of the problem and where the mold is growing. Protective equipment should always be worn to protect ones eyes, mouth, skin and nose. All non-porous materials and surfaces are cleaned. Level 1 mold is typically cleaned using a damp cloth or mop with a detergent solution, whereas Level 2 requires a HEPA vacuum to be used on all surfaces prior to cleaning with a damp cloth or mop with detergent.The mold and residue is then disposed of using a double-bag and tie closed.

Download the CDCs infographic: 8 Tips to Cleanup Mold

Once mold remediation is complete the sanitization process begins. Sanitization involves natural and environmentally friendly techniques to bring the indoor air quality back to normal levels, while also deodorizing materials and belongings. MoldRemediation.io supports the protection of the environment and the health of the occupants by recommending and providing natural and holistic solutions during sanitation.

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Mold Remediation

Molds are simple organisms (fungi) that grow on almost any organic substance as long as there's oxygen and moisture. Small amounts of indoor mold are normal, but large quantities can cause odors, health problems[1] and, in some cases, structural damage to wood. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"[2] .Typical costs:

Before doing any mold remediation, hire an environmental company for testing the type of mold and especially if the mold is alive.

The guys working really did a great job. It's been agreat experience having them do the mold removal!

April 2015 (drop down box does not give 2015 as an option)I bought a 1600+ sq ft ranch house that needed mold remediation in the attic. My best guess of why the mold was there is perhaps when the previous owner replaced the roof, they forgot to properly ventilate the three bathrooms and they covered the soffit vents with insulation to save money on heating bill. The roof is about 7-10 years old, so I'm guessing this was how long the house had improper ventilation.The company I hired for mold remediation in my attic used mostly bleach. I didn't do much research beforehand, but in the documents that I signed, the contractor said they would use Microban, ShockWave, SurfaceShield, and bleachIt is too early to determine the quality of the job they did. If you're reading this at a later date, please email me if you'd like an update.

If you have or suspect mold in your house, basement, attic or crawl space; then I strongly suggest hiring a professional to inspect and remediate the problem. Ask for certifications. And not just GL insurance but also Environmental & Pollution (EP) insurance. If one doesn't have EP insurance then any damage from the remediation will not be covered by just their GL. EP covers mold & water intrusions and is very expensive to have. "trust me" Also, the use of bleach is not recommended as it will cause an allergic reaction with some types of molds releasing harmful spores into the air. An antimicrobial solution should be used to remediate the mold. This type of product cost about $25-$35 more a gallon than bleach. That's why "unprofessional" contractors have taken jobs away from me because they were cheaper. They also used bleach in which the home owners had no idea of the risk. If your in VA and have ?'s about mold, please feel free to contact me. Hope this helps. D. Nixon 804.437.0870

If you are willing to buy a house with mold or one that has flooded in the past (whether or not the seller allegedly clean it out), the best thing that you can do is to hire an environmental specialist to inspect the damage first (this is not covered in the initial inspection of the home as this is not part of their job description). They will be able inform you how much damage there really is and give you an estimate of how much it will cost to repair the damages. If there is visible damage, there is a definite possibly that the mold spead to the structure of the house as well. If there is no visible damage, there may be damage under the paneling or wall that you can not see. This also has the possiblity of causing structural damage. Weighing the results from the environmental specialist's views will help you to determine if the house is worth it in the end. If you choose not to use an environmental specialist due to costs, you are better off finding another house because the damages are could be higher than hiring a professional only for an estimate. Especiially seeing that many of them will do the estimate for free.

I am hoping that this mold problem can be a do-it-yourself fix...otherwise I really don't feel comfortable purchasing this home knowing that it will triggar an asthmatic rx in myself and possibly my boys. I believe it is due to bad drainage outside and can be fixed, but at what cost?

Well, I was looking in purcharing this house when I readed on it, it's SOLD AS IS an I read in the clause that it has mold in the house but I don't know how bad it is. I really like the house but I'm not to sure should I get the house since I have three small children an my finacee is like really back out the deal cause he thinking about the saftey for my kids. I'm not to sure should I go head an buy it an spend more money on the house or should I keep looking for something else?

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2021 Cost of Mold Remediation - Estimates and Prices Paid

WATER DAMAGE Floods, leaks, water intrusions...They not only cause structural damage, but create the moist environment that mold thrives on. Read More MOLD & WATER DAMAGE Rapid response flood damage restoration and mold removal services using latest technology Read More OUR SERVICES INCLUDE Water Damage Mold Remediation Fire Damage Restoration Leak Detection And More ...Read More

From the childrens room to high-rises, we take on projects both small and large. Residential, commercial, municipal, storage, government, and industrial mold remediation projects areall covered and treated with uncompromisingdetermination to create purified spaces. Flood damage, flooded basements, water cleanup, water damage restoration, home flood restoration, repairing water damage, mold inspection, prevention, evaluation, and black mold abatement are just some of our specialties.

With our mold cleanup mold removal services, fire and flood restoration services, we strictly adhere to Environmental Protection Agencys policies to ensure the safety of you, your property, and our shared environments.

From the way we approach, document, and address your concerns; to action plans tailored uniquely to your issue; to providing full remediation conducted by highly skilled technicians We are a full professional service that is with you each step of the way.

What We Do

We all share the Earth and Dry Ease is dedicated to its conservation, which is why our removal treatments rehabilitatewithout harming your environment.

Moisture can get deep inside the property, collecting in unseen places or even compromising the structure itself. We dont stop our remediation process with the mold you can only see.

Our mold inspection and testing procedures are designed to help clients discover, document, and understand mold related issues through professional investigation, testing, and analysis methods in conjunction with proven sampling strategies.

Mold decontamination is one of our highest priorities. We take extensive measures to ensure your property is clean. If one area is of concern, we seal off the rest of the property to avoid cross contamination to properly complete our mold removal

Your mold problem combinedour solution will guarantee a purified property.

In addition to a long record of purifying homes, we've helped businesses of all types. Our clientele continues to grow!

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One of the biggest causes ofmold growth is previous water damage.

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Dry Ease Mold Removal NYC

459 Columbus Ave #322

New York, NY 10024

212-518-7577

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