water damage...

[anonymous]

Hello everyone,

We recently learned that the home we bought just 2 months ago has extensive water damage. Luckily, the builders are taking care of the problem as the house is still under warranty. We knew there would be a possible mold problem, but we still really don't know to what extent. A forensics expert came the other day to take surface and air samples before construction would begin. She just called and mentioned that the one mold that was slightly elevated (via air) was penicillium aspergillus. I've heard of aspergillus being a problem with CF patients, but I'm really trying to learn more about it. Does anyone have any experience with this? Luckily, no cepacia tested positive. Just thought I'd see what your thoughts were...

Thanks, as always,

Carey

 

[anonymous]

Hi Carey,

We just had a similar experience while completely gutting an older home. We found mold all under the sheetrock in the kitchen and bath areas. We purchased a uv light that zapped all airborne particles especially mold and mildew spores thru out a 2000 square foot house. It is used in hospitals and it was highly recommended by a Mold Insurance specialist. We purchased 2 at home depot for about $130.00 each. If you have to air units you would need 2 lights. It was easy to install and we noticed a HUGE difference in the air quality of our entire home!! The website is www.airhealth.com
Brinly did get the aspergillus psuedomonus bug but we do not know for sure where she got it? She got it before we moved in to our finished house and before we found out about the air+health light. We think it was from a hospital stay?? (Maybe they didn't buy the light heehee)Who knows? It is really worth the money!! And especially if your little one hasn't gotten any bad bugs yet!!

Blythe
mom to Brinly 17 mos w/cf and Birgess 4 w/o

 

[julie]

Yes, aspergillius can be quite harmful to someone with CF. I would definately consult an environmental specialist and the CF doctor. I honestly don't have enough knowledge to compare the severity to cepacia but I do know that aspergillius is more rare/harder to contract.

 

[anonymous]

There are companies out there like "Service Master" that are trained in to repair water damage. Maybe check into your builder hiring a company like this to make sure the water damage was dealt with correctly.

 

[anonymous]

Thanks for your advice/words of wisdom. Luckily, our builder is taking care of the problem because our home is still under warranty. An enviromental company has been hired by the builder that takes care of mold problems and they seem to know what they are doing. We're out of the house until further tests show that it's okay to move back in. I'll keep you posted. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

Thanks again,

Carey