HEALTH RESOURCES

Allergies

Dust mites and pet dander are the leading causes of indoor allergies. Those with relatively mild allergies can develop serious, or even life threatening illnesses if they continue to be exposed to these allergens. Having your carpet and upholstery professionally cleaned and treated with specialized, eco-friendly agents will greatly reduce indoor allergens, so your family (or personnel) can breathe healthier.

To learn more about Tampa Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning for reducing exposure to allergens in your home or workplace, call Todays Janitorial and Carpet Cleaning Service for a free consultation.

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Bacteria and Germs

A home or workplace filled with dust and germs can be a breeding ground for diseases and infections. The average home or office carpet and upholstery can have a number of bacteria and viruses that could make you or others very sick. Regular, professional carpet and upholstery cleaning kills and controls growth of bacteria and other living organisms.

Remember to call Todays Janitorial and Carpet Cleaning Service, your Tampa Carpet Cleaner, twice a year to maintain a healthy home or work environment.

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Dust Mites

Dust mites are very small eight-legged creatures that cannot be seen by the naked eye. They live indoors in warm, moist, dusty places, such as carpeting, upholstery, pillows and mattresses. Dust mites survive off of dead skin cells (dander) that shed from humans and pets. It's the waste droppings from dust mites, due to their extremely potent digestive proteins, that actually cause a person to have an allergic reaction, such as itching, sneezing and watery eyes. A single household can contain millions of dust mites, each producing approximately 20 waste droppings per day. There is no cure for allergies to dust mites. The only way to avoid allergy symptoms from dust mites is to prevent exposure.

To learn more about Tampa Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning for reducing dust mite exposure in your home or workplace, call Todays Janitorial and Carpet Cleaning Service for a free consultation.

www.dust-mites.org

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The Importance of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

Many people make the mistake of assuming their carpet and upholstery are clean just because they may look clean. What they may not know is that over time, even the most spotless looking carpets and upholstery collect germs, dust, soil and microscopic pests below the surface.

Home steam cleaners and portable cleaning units may not have the power necessary to remove deeply imbedded soil, odors and other pollutants. These portable units may not achieve the temperature needed to properly care for your carpet and upholstery, and may even lack proper water extraction.

For proper carpet and upholstery cleaning in the Tampa Bay area, it is best to hire a professional carpet cleaning company that uses truck-mounted equipment and hot water extraction to remove the deep down dirt and other pollutants. Professionally cleaning your carpet twice per year can extend the life of your carpet, keeping it looking newer longer, and leaving your family (or personnel) feeling healthier and happier.

Remember to call Todays Janitorial and Carpet Cleaning Service, your Tampa Carpet Cleaner, twice a year to maintain a healthy home or work environment.

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Get the Facts about Mold

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.

How do molds affect people?

Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition.

Where are molds found?

Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as wet carpeting or baseboards, basements or showers.

How can people decrease mold exposure?

Sensitive individuals should avoid areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas. Inside homes, mold growth can be slowed by keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, and ventilating showers and cooking areas. If there is mold growth in your home, you should clean up the mold and fix the water problem.

Mold is not something to take lightly, but is something that can be fixed.

What is "Black Mold"?

The news media often refer to "black mold" or "toxic black mold." It has usually been associated with the mold Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of greenish-black mold commonly associated with heavy water damage. Known health effects are similar to other common molds.

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