School may be the cause of a child’s illness. In 2011, Lincoln Middle School, in Elmhurst, Illinois, found extensive mold damage caused by water damage from several floods. Although the areas in question had been remodeled with new carpet and some drywall repairs , there had been no environmental testing or addressing of systemic flooding and mold that should be conducted as a precautionary measure after flooding.

According to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fact sheet, Mold in Schools, “When mold grows in school buildings and portable classrooms, some staff and students, particularly those with allergies or respiratory problems, may report adverse health effects. Mold requires oxygen, water and a source of food to grow. Controlling moisture is the key to managing mold in schools and our homes.”

Inhalation exposure to fungi in indoor environments can cause health effects in some people. Molds produce allergens, irritants and in some cases, potentially toxic substances known as mycotoxins. Mold exposure can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma that are allergic to mold. In addition, molds can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of individuals, whether they are allergic to mold or not.

“When mold does grow indoors, the occupants of a building may begin to report odors and a variety of symptoms, including headaches, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, allergic reactions and aggravated asthma symptoms,” advises Julie Hurst, president of American Mold Experts, a leading provider of mold inspections, testing and “green” removal. “Young children are often more susceptible to problems that result from mold exposure, so it’s imperative that we ensure that the indoor air quality in schools and our homes is not a health threat and that the air quality provides for an optimal learning environment.”

American Mold Experts, with offices in central Indiana and Naples, can remove all traces of mold through their 100 percent organic non-destructive mold remediation process. “For 30 years, our industry had pretty much the same standards and protocols for mold treatment, but we knew that the industry standard experts weren’t telling people about the inherent problems in those traditional methods. So, we decided we wanted to be different. In 2008, we took a hard look at those problems and created a much more thorough process. I call it ‘mold cleaning on steroids’. Our process is much more labor intensive and much more expanded regarding the surfaces and the areas that we clean and touch. We physically clean the surfaces, versus simply spraying a solution on them. This unique process allows us to give a 100 percent money-back guarantee and warranty.”

American Mold Experts is located at 999 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Ste. 200, in Naples. For residential and commercial mold inspections, testing, safe removal or assessments in Estero, Bonita, Naple, or Marco Island, call 239-572-2216 or visit AMEswf.com.