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Zap Mold, Inc. is a chemical manufacturer that has developed antimicrobial technologies that deliver unmatched performance, durability and efficacy. The technology includes antimicrobials, anti-bacterial, disinfectants and specialty chemicals. Through the process of molecular nanotechnology manufacturing. The innovative properties of Zap Mold’s technology offers and environmentally safe antimicrobial that does not leach or wash off, is easy to apply and offers virtual permanent protection on most surfaces.

The primary antimicrobial technology of Zap Mold Defender contains no heavy metals, formaldehyde or phenol groups, and is the only essentially non-toxic antimicrobial. Unlike other antimicrobial products, Zap Molds antimicrobial has never been shown to allow or cause microbial adaptations, resistance, mutation, diffusion, or migration. It is significantly different from conventional sanitizers, disinfectants, or biocides that are extremely toxic and contaminate the environment with undesirable chemicals. Some of the differences are in its chemical nature, effectiveness, durability and safety. The Zap Mold technology has a unique advantage over all previously know methods and applications: the antimicrobial component material is bonded to the cell or surface. Microorganisms are then destroyed by simple contact with the surface. Zap Mold antimicrobial products bond to almost any surface, creating unlimited applications for this breakthrough technology.

Unlike most other biocides, Zap Mold Defender is effective against single-celled organisms. Since it does not dissipate, it minimizes or eliminates the potential for microorganisms to adapt, build up tolerance, or become resistant. It acts by rupturing the cell membrane, not by poisoning the cell. By contrast, most other antimicrobials, sanitizers and disinfectants are designed to diffuse and be absorbed. Once absorbed, the act by poisoning the microorganisms or causing fatal mutations. However, as the diffuse, the lose strength, and adaptation can and usually does occur. Unlike conventional biocides and anti-viral drugs that are designed to volatilize and be absorbed by organisms, Zap Mold antimicrobial is a durable, broad spectrum antimicrobial that chemically bonds to, and literally becomes part of, the application surface. Most surfaces remain antimicrobial for an extended period of time. Zap Mold antimicrobial act as microorganisms come into direct contact with it. Since the antimicrobial is not absorbed by organisms, but remains a part of each application surface, it, in effect, transforms conventional surfaces and material into active antimicrobial surfaces. These surfaces will remain effective for extended periods, which will result in a significant reduction of some viruses and infections cause by air-borne microbial contaminants.
All antimicrobial agents necessarily function by interacting with some component of the target cell. For instance, penicillin kills bacteria by shutting down a protein responsible for cell wall synthesis, thus interfering with its ability to synthesize the cell wall. The affected bacteria lengthen, but cannot divide. Eventually, the weak cell wall ruptures, resulting in the death of the cell. Today antimicrobial agents are more effective and can be delivered in a variety of ways. However, each is still dependent upon the principle of chemical reactivity with the cell of its components. And each requires dissociation of individual molecules and intimate involvement with one or more components of the life processes of the cell. Thus, even newer antimicrobial agents share the same limitations. The agent must leach or diffuse into the surrounding environment for association with a cell. This diffusion ultimately reduces the concentration below the effective dose, leading to resistance and adaptation. Moreover, the diffusion results in exposure consequences for humans and the environment.
Brief Background: During early 1970, researchers were in the midst of a large-scale screening project with the objective of indentifying silicone and silence compound that exhibited durable antimicrobial activity. A “problem” developed during the studies; everything the researchers tested seemed to be active. Even pure water showed potent antimicrobial activity. The source of the false positives was soon traced to the vessels in which the tests were being run. It seemed that the vessels had become “contaminated” by something that imparted antimicrobial activity to the vessel itself. Even extensive washing couldn’t remove the antimicrobial activity. Through a series of subsequent tests with new vessel, the source of the activity was found to be coming from a particular silane-quaternary ammonium compound that had bonded to the surface of the vessel. This residual coating was unexpectedly potent, durable and effective against numerous microorganisms including bacteria, yeast, algae, fungi, protozoa, molds, and some viruses.

Alternaria

Spores of Alternaria can be formed singly, but most often in chains. They are typically club-shaped and are highly septate, having divisions in both vertical and horizontal directions. The spore surfaces are usually smooth, but may have small rounded warts creating a slightly rough surface. A beak of varying length is distinctive for this genus.

Atmospheric Prevalence:
The concentration of Alternaria spores in the air generally peaks during the summer and early fall seasons of the year in temperate areas. Next to Cladosporium, Alternaria represents one of the most prevalent contributors to the dry air spora in the atmosphere.

Allergenic Activity:
The spores are known to be prevalent sources of allergens in the atmosphere, generally causing symptoms associated with respiratory problems. Such symptoms include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Several studies have shown associations between Alternaria and severe asthma.

Viability:
Alternaria species are known to be resistant to changes in the amount of water available, as they have been observed to resume growth after extended periods of drying.


Source: Aerobiology Lab at The University of Tulsa

Penicillium

Penicillium species are common contaminants on various substances. This organism causes food spoilage, colonizes leather objects and is an indicator organism for dampness indoors. Some species are known to produce mycotoxins. The health of occupants may be adversely affected in an environment that has an amplification of Penicillium.

Penicilliumis characterized by rapidly growing colonies having conidial structures resembling brushes. It commonly produces a strong musty odor. Penicillium marneffei is the only species of the genus that has a yeast-like phase induced by temperature. This can make it more difficult in irradiating it when an infection incurs, but not always impossible.


Commonly found in soil, food, cellulose and grains. It is also found in paint and compost piles. It is also commonly found in carpet, wall paper, and in organic substances inside interior fiberglass duct insulation (NC). Some species can produce mycotoxins.common cause of extrinsic asthma (immediate-type hypersensitivity: type I). Acute symptoms include edema and bronchi spasms, chronic cases may develop pulmonary emphysema. Many patients complain of a suffocating or gasping sensation when suffering from the effects of penicillium toxicity. But unfortunately, these are also the after effects of many other toxigenic molds.

Penicillium is one of the first fungi to grow on water-damaged materials and has been implicated in causing allergic reactions, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and a variety of severe lung complications. It may cause sarcoidosis, fibrosis, or allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals, or patients who have been exposed over long periods of time, depending on the strain.

Source mold-help.org
Contact Zapmold for more information regarding mold removal

Cladosporium

Cladosporium is a genus of fungi including some of the most common indoor and outdoor molds. It produces olive-green to brown or black colonies, and its dark-pigmented conidia are formed in simple or branching chains.

The many species of Cladosporium are commonly found on living and dead plant material. Some species are plant pathogens; others parasite, other fungi. Cladosporium spores are wind-dispersed and they are often extremely abundant in outdoor air. Indoors Cladosporium species may grow on surfaces when moisture is present.

Cladosporium fulvum, cause of tomato leaf mould, has been an important genetic model, in that the genetics of host resistance are understood. [1]

Health Effects

Cladosporium species are rarely pathogenic to humans, but have been reported to cause infections of the skin and toenails, as well as sinusitis and pulmonary infections. If left untreated, these infections could turn into respiratory infections like pneumonia.

The airborne spores of Cladosporium species are significant allergens, and in large amounts they can severely affect asthmatics and people with respiratory diseases. Prolonged exposure may weaken the immune system. Cladosporium species produce no major mycotoxins of concern, but do produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with odours.

Source Wikepeida

Common indoor molds?

What are some of the common indoor molds?

* Cladosporium
* Penicillium
* Alternaria
* Aspergillus

I'll give more information about these in upcoming days. Thanks for stopping by!

What are molds?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.


Source: CDC

My landlord or builder will not take any responsibility for cleaning up the mold in my home. Where can I go for help?

If you feel your property owner, landlord, or builder has not been responsive to concerns you’ve expressed regarding mold exposure, you can contact your local board of health or housing authority. Applicable codes, insurance, inspection, legal, and similar issues about mold generally fall under state and local (not federal) jurisdiction. You could also review your lease or building contract and contact local or state government authorities, your insurance company, or an attorney to learn more about local codes and regulations and your legal rights. You can contact your county or state health department about mold issues in your area to learn about what mold assessment and remediation services they may offer. You can find information on your state’s Indoor Air Quality program at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/indoor_air.htm.

Source: Center for Disease Control