Mold and Illness
by: Ben Hermsen
Molds and fungus are nearby virtually everywhere we go. For the most part these molds are relatively innocuous. Certain molds, however, do pose substantial health risks. According to Berlin D. Nelson, Ph.D., department of plant pathology, North Dakota State University, Stachybotrys Chartarum or ?black mold? is the most prominent and notorious of the toxic molds (1).
Black mold is a heavy producer of mycotoxins (toxins created by a fungus). These mycotoxins cause a wide range of symptoms from headaches to flu-like symptoms, and chronic illnesses. The mycotoxins created by black mold are numerous, but fall into 3 main categories: Macrocyclic Trichothecenes, which inhibit protein synthesis; Phenylspirodrimanes and Cyclsporine, which are strong immunosuppressive agents; and Stachylysin, which can lyse erythrocytes (destroy red blood cells). With all three groups present there is little wonder why mycotoxicosis (mycotoxin poisoning) caused by black mold can lead to severe degradation in human health.
Black mold has also been linked to ?sick building syndrome?, which describes situations in which the health and comfort of people is effected by time spent in a certain building or room, where there is no obvious cause.
Unless you experience symptoms that seem to be location dependant you probably don?t need to worry too much for the time being. However, mold spores, which are benign by themselves and found practically everywhere, can propogate wildly active colonies when exposed to an amply moist environment.
This effect is very common with flooding, which is why it is of pressing importance to ensure that a flooded house is cleaned up and dried out thoroughly before mold is allowed to proliferate. In the case that you are experiencing chronic symptoms in your home or work environment, the best course of action is to contact a professional that knows how to seek and eliminate fungal growth.
Another health concern with mold and fungus stems from foam. Polyurethane foam, which is the type of foam commonly used in cushion and bedding applications, can be broken down by mold into volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are toxic.
Dr T. James Sprott, OBE, Msc, PhD, FNZIC, In New Zealand, discovered that this was a major contributor to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), where used crib mattresses were the culprits (2). Though the effects in adults usually go unidentified you may find that you feel better when you aren?t exposed to them.
The solution for crib mattresses was a simple layer of plastic completely covering the entire thing, not so practical for adults. This is a major reason not to buy used mattresses, which often have mold already growing in them, besides the other obvious factors (what did those previous owners do in that bed?).
To prevent mold from building up in your mattress it is good to use a mattress pad which is washable and will absorb most of the moisture that would be going to perpetuate mold growth. It is best, however, to simply buy a mattress that doesn?t create a suitable environment for mold or other microbes, such as latex.
Latex is a natural product that provides a superb sleep system that will keep your bed free of mold and other harmful microbes. Mold will always be around, and will always be a health concern. It is by familiarizing ourselves with mold, it?s indications, and it?s environment that we are able to minimize the risk that it will effect our lives.
Resources:
(1) http://www.apsnet.org/online/feature/stachybotrys/
(2) http://www.pnc.com.au/~cafmr/sprott/
About The Author
Ben Hermsen is a research engineer for http://www.foamsource.com where he champions the benefits of natural latex bedding for the health of our families and our environment.
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Emma's Not Dreaming
Emma's Not Dreaming
by: Cameron Elliott
Emma could not believe her luck. She walked into the kitchen, and it was spotless. The counter was free of her housemates? dirty, grimy dishes. The oven was sparkling clean, a pristine white. And there was Brad, clad in only sweatpants, flipping blueberry pancakes in one pan, and making eggs in another. The aroma of coffee, baking, eggs, and something? else filled the sunny kitchen.
Brad handed her a full mug of coffee. ?I made breakfast. I hope you don?t mind.? He winked at her.
?Mind?! This is unbelievable. I must be dreaming.?
And that?s when it dawned on her.
Emma woke up with a vague feeling of regret, but mostly, she was satisfied, feeling content. Some might have written it off as ?only? a dream. Emma preferred to focus on the fact that it happened at all.
The exact nature of dreams is still unknown. It?s not entirely clear what dreams ?are.? It is known and it is clear that...
Emma's Not Dreaming
Mattresses > Emma's Not Dreaming
Are YOU Killing Your Baby?
Are YOU Killing Your Baby?
by: Kristine Peterson
Pretty harsh title isn?t it!
Most of us parents make it a daily priority to keep our children safe from all sorts of hazards.
We worry about the food they are eating, the beverages they drink, and if they are warm enough or cool enough.
We teach them about not talking to strangers and how to cross a street safely.
We teach them the hazards of drugs, smoking and drinking.
But, even if you do all this, you could still be killing your child!
A couple very common preservatives found in baby shampoo are imidozliidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.
These can cause dermatitis.
Cosmetic talc is carcinogenic and is found in baby powders.
Talc based powder has been linked to ovarian cancer!
Propylene Glycol is reported to have SEVERE adverse effects on the health; dermatitis, allergies, kidney and liver damage to name a few.
...
Mattresses > Are YOU Killing Your Baby?
Mold and Illness
Mold and Illness
by: Ben Hermsen
Molds and fungus are nearby virtually everywhere we go. For the most part these molds are relatively innocuous. Certain molds, however, do pose substantial health risks. According to Berlin D. Nelson, Ph.D., department of plant pathology, North Dakota State University, Stachybotrys Chartarum or ?black mold? is the most prominent and notorious of the toxic molds (1).
Black mold is a heavy producer of mycotoxins (toxins created by a fungus). These mycotoxins cause a wide range of symptoms from headaches to flu-like symptoms, and chronic illnesses. The mycotoxins created by black mold are numerous, but fall into 3 main categories: Macrocyclic Trichothecenes, which inhibit protein synthesis; Phenylspirodrimanes and Cyclsporine, which are strong immunosuppressive agents; and Stachylysin, which can lyse erythrocytes (destroy red blood cells). With all three groups present there is little wonder why mycotoxicosis (mycotoxin...
Mold and Illness
Mattresses > Mold and Illness
Emma's Not Dreaming
Emma's Not Dreaming
by: Cameron Elliott
Emma could not believe her luck. She walked into the kitchen, and it was spotless. The counter was free of her housemates? dirty, grimy dishes. The oven was sparkling clean, a pristine white. And there was Brad, clad in only sweatpants, flipping blueberry pancakes in one pan, and making eggs in another. The aroma of coffee, baking, eggs, and something? else filled the sunny kitchen.
Brad handed her a full mug of coffee. ?I made breakfast. I hope you don?t mind.? He winked at her.
?Mind?! This is unbelievable. I must be dreaming.?
And that?s when it dawned on her.
Emma woke up with a vague feeling of regret, but mostly, she was satisfied, feeling content. Some might have written it off as ?only? a dream. Emma preferred to focus on the fact that it happened at all.
The exact nature of dreams is still unknown. It?s not entirely clear what dreams ?are.? It is known and it is clear that...
Emma's Not Dreaming
Mattresses > Emma's Not Dreaming
Adjustable Beds - Not Just For the Elderly!
Adjustable Beds - Not Just For the Elderly!
by: Neil Teasdale
In an ever increasing market for the ultimate Sleep System, most people still believe that the Adjustable Bed which was originally used in Hospitals and Homes for the Elderly are still that. A bed that can help the elderly in and out of bed! Although they are extremely helpful in these situations, they can also be very important for anybody in today?s lifestyle.
Now any sincere knowledgeable mattress salesman won?t push the watching TV or reading in bed, it?s not something that we should recommend. But with today?s lifestyles, this has become a normal way of life for some people. Sitting in bed watching TV, working to make the big deadline is OK, if that?s your choice. But propping up two pillows every 3 minutes is probably not doing any good to your back or any other part of your body for that matter. If this sounds like you, maybe your next mattress purchase should have an adjustable...
Adjustable Beds - Not Just For the Elderly!
Mattresses > Adjustable Beds - Not Just For the Elderly!
A Simple Real Estate Investment Plan To Make A Million Dollars or More!
A Simple Real Estate Investment Plan To Make A Million Dollars or More!
by: David Schneider
This is a very simple Real Estate Investment Plan that anyone can do. In fact, because it?s so simple most people won?t do it. There are only three simple steps.
>> STEP 1. Go out and borrow one million dollars.
>> STEP 2. Use the million dollars and buy one million dollars worth of well-selected real estate.
>> STEP 3. Get other people to agree to pay...
Mold and Illness financing
Mattresses > A Simple Real Estate Investment Plan To Make A Million Dollars or More!
Mold and Illness mortgage Mattresses
Understanding the Drive Layouts
Understanding the Drive Layouts
by: Alvin Agomaa
The drive layout is the arrangement of the engine, transmission, and driven axles. The types of drive layouts are Front engine Front wheel drive (FF/ FWD), Front engine Rear wheel drive (FR/RWD), Mid engine Rear wheel drive(MR), Rear engine Rear wheel drive(RR), Four wheel drive (4WD or 4x4) and the All Wheel Drive(AWD). Each of these layouts has their own performance, advantages and disadvantages.
Front...
Mold and Illness tires Understanding the Drive Layouts Mattresses
Mattresses > Understanding the Drive Layouts
Wedding Planning Tips and Tricks
Wedding Planning Tips and Tricks
by: David Chandler
Planning a wedding is an exciting thing, and can be very scary. With some basic tips and tricks, you will be sure to make you day special.
Be sure to setup your honeymoon at the same time as you setup your bridal registry! This will allow your guest to be able to choose the perfect gifts for you and even help you with your honeymoon. We have put together some wedding tips and tricks to help you speed...
Mold and Illness financial planning
Mattresses > Wedding Planning Tips and Tricks
Mattresses
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