Mel P's blog

Mold growth may be the last thing on your mind when you think of threats to your health and your home. However, inhaling or touching household molds - whether its the black spots on your shower curtain or white patches on the basement floor - can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), mold is everywhere. It can enter the home through open doors, vents, windows and other systems. Mold outside can also enter the home by attaching onto clothing, shoes, bags and pets.

While it is impossible to prevent mold exposure, there are a lot of ways to control its growth. One important thing to note is that mold needs moisture, food and warmth to flourish.  That’s why you can see it accumulating around leaks in roofs or pipes or where there has been flooding. It also grows well on organic products such as paper, cardboard or wood. It also thrive in paints, dust, fabric and furniture. 

To control mold growth inside the home, follow these tips:

Eliminate moisture sources

• Check for leaks around pipes, sinks, air conditioning units, refrigerators and other sources of water, especially in the basement. Have them repaired if necessary. 
• Empty and clean refrigerator drip pans promptly.
• Avoid leaving damp clothes in the laundry basket. Wash and dry them promptly.
• Do not carpet bathrooms.
• Most mold need 24-48 hours of moisture to begin to grow. Make sure to dry wet areas within the day to prevent mold growth.

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Asbestos has been banned from use since 1990 due to the many health risks that it was discovered to cause. However, it is still a dangerous substance that yet exists in a number of old yet still utilized homes and buildings today. While it is no longer an active ingredient in household and construction products, the risk for exposure to this harmful substance still exists not only in homes, but also in workplaces.

But what exactly do we need to know about asbestos in the workplace?

1. History of use

Asbestos was widely used in a lot of construction and household products a few decades back – and with good reason. Asbestos fibers are strong and durable, and proven to be resistant to heat and fire, making them good substances for many a building products. It’s a fact well demonstrated by the presence of asbestos in many homes and buildings that were built between the 1950’s to the late 1980’s.... read more

Asbestos was widely used as an additive to quite a number of products in the past for its heat resistant and insulating properties, as well as its ability to strengthen the products that it was added to.... read more

Aside from recycling and reducing your food waste, you can also help the environment by installing the right appliances around your home. Not only do they save mother Earth, they actually save you real money! Here are some ideas for every room inside your house.... read more