Chemically speaking, chlorine bleach is a water solution of sodium hypochlorite. Common household laundry bleach, used to whiten and disinfect laundry, is typically 5.25 percent (“regular strength”). OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was one of the first federal agencies to STOP recommending the use of liquid bleach for mold remediation. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has since edited their “A brief guide to mold and moisture and your home” to exclude their once suggested use of bleach to kill mold. So, what is mold? Let’s go over the basics to gets a better understanding of how it works and how it should be properly treated.  NO ONE KNOWS HOW MANY SPECIES OF FUNGI EXIST BUT ESTIMATES RANGE FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS TO THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND OR MORE. - CDC.GOV... 02/06/2022

The Vilages in north Central Florida is known for its endless recreation, golf carts instead of cars, and as a paradise for senior citizens.  What it doesn't like to be known for is all the sinkholes that continue to happen there.  It is on the northern end of an area north of Tampa Bay known as "sinkhole alley" .  While the alley is mostly considered in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties, there are still quite a few sinkholes north up into the Villages and Ocala as well. Over the weekend 3 such sinkholes opened up near the Moyer Recreation Center in the Villages.  Here is a Villages-News article about it.  Massive sinkhole opens up in the Villages FloridaIf you are having sinkhole or foundation troubles, please call me for a free consulation.  We buy sinkhole damaged homes and ... 07/13/2021

The presence of mold growth indoors is not normal and may pose health and/or comfort risks to some exposed occupants. Mold growth requires spores (“seeds”), favorable temperatures, a food supply, and moisture. Like plants, mold grows by spreading, and the release of spores. Mold easily spreads outward under favorable conditions. However, if conditions are unfavorable for growth, mold will go dormant and release spores into the air so they can find a suitable environment for survival. Moisture, nutrients, and favorable temperatures can lead to mold growth in water-damaged materials in 24 to 48 hours. Affected materials should be dried promptly to prevent germination and subsequent mold growth. Relative humidity levels less than 30% yield little growth. Humidity levels greater than 70% yi... 04/01/2021

 There is no doubt that there is so much to do in the villages. But you might be wondering what it's like to live in The Villages? Lots Of Facilities For Sports And Leisure Activities Each of the districts of The Villages has its own leisure facility. However, residents can use any of the recreational facilities outside of their neighborhood.So, what is it like to live in the neighborhoods of the Villages? Well, it's definitely going to be action-packed. You can start your day playing pickleball or maybe even tennis. If you are not in the mood for certain sports activities, you can check out the various social and learning activities. You will never run out of things to do, in or outside the Village districts.There are about 17 recreational centers in The Villages So, in case the reside... 02/04/2021

Lots of Homes for Sale in The Villages in Florida  Why Retirees Choose The VillagesThe Villages in Florida is more than just a beautiful neighborhood ... it's a friendly hometown for baby boomers. Everything you need is in The Villages. When it comes to home options, there are about 80,000 homes to choose from. There are villas and single-family home units to choose from. All the houses have been updated recently. Get To Know More About The Homes In The Villages Interested in finding homes for sale in The Villages? Click that link to find all the currently available homes in this area. What Are The Homes Like?There are designer homes in The Villages. These are the most popular in the community. They are very spacious and have different floor plans. If you're the type who likes to enter... 02/04/2021

If there’s one active adult community that offers a ton of exciting things to do, it’s The Villages in Florida. Shopping is one of the fun things to do in The Villages Florida The Villages Florida provides a laid-back atmosphere so that you can enjoy all the activities it has to offer. Yes, shopping is one of the fun things to do in The Villages Florida.   Click here to view all homes for sale in On Top of the World. You definitely have a lot of shopping options in The Villages. As a matter of fact, Shopping in The Villages Florida is one of the most popular activities. The Villages boasts three massive town squares where you can shop ‘til you drop. You can meet up with your friends in the town squares to have a good time. The best part of it all is that you don’t have to go far to do ... 02/03/2021

Indoor Air Quality Testing    Let us give you peace of mind in knowing that you, your family or your business is safe from unhealthy living and working conditions.  Here are some more facts about indoor air quality you should know: 1. Schools have some of the worst air qualitySchools have more occupants than an office building and have the same floor space. In a closed space where children breathe more air in relation to their body weight, there can be many allergens that float around. 2. Asthma is on the riseAsthma occurrences has been on the rise. Your indoor air quality may be contributing to your allergies and asthma. Which in turn may lead to a poor quality of life. 3. Candles are more dangerous than you thinkUnknown to many, most candles contain unhealthy chemicals. Two known type... 11/24/2020

Beautifully detailed inside and out, this 3/2 Avondale model single story home is ready and waiting for you to make it your own! On a corner lot, lush landscapes surround the entire home creating a retreat like sensation while relaxing in your glass enclosed large L shaped Lanai 25’ x 15’ and 16’ x 8’ with A/C, electric window coverings and stone pattern flooring. The yard also reveals two covered pergolas, landscape lighting, stone waterfall, fire pit, wooden swing and privacy fence. Upgraded interior features include tile flooring throughout except for two bedrooms with wood laminate, wood crown moldings throughout, 3 stained glass ceiling fixtures in hallways, Nest doorbell, Plantation shutters throughout except for one window, stainless appliances including new dishwasher plus new d... 10/30/2020

MOLD TESTING in The Villages, Florida   Water leaks at home or office? Got Mold? Musty smell? Getting sick?   Mold problems in your Florida home are typically from water leaks or water intrusion in some part of the home. The key is to identify the source so that the mold growth can be properly remediated. Once on site we will be able to assist in locating the source as well as identify any of the mold spores or other air-borne contaminants in your environment. Whether the conclusion of our mold inspection on your Florida residence shows signs of toxic or non-toxic mold spores, having these results will give you a better understanding of what you and your family may be up against as well as provide you peace of mind.   INDOOR MICROBIAL SPECIALIST (IMS) offers the professionally administ... 10/09/2020

How To Determine Mold Health EffectsEstablishing a connection between your health and environment is not a difficult process with the correct testing and expertise. To achieve a definitive connection, you will need 3 factors. Environmental mold or bacteria testing designed to identify toxic pathogens like endotoxins or mycotoxins. Medical testing designed to detect the presence of those same environmental toxins in the human body. Collaboration with qualified environmentalists and medical professionals to identify the pathogenic connection.    We have created this toxin chart to simplify just one example of how to connect your health to mold sickness. The top row is mycotoxins produced by mold and the left column is the subspecies of mold that commonly produce unique mycotoxins. With sp... 09/15/2020

HOUSE Doctor (Mold Assessor)Think about a Mold Assessor as a Medical Physician. A Medical Doctor physical examination goal is to be able to determine is you are healthy or not. Do you need either treatment or you require specialized medical attention such as surgery among others from a specialized Doctor? We at INDOOR MICROBIAL SPECIALIST perform pretty much a similar role when performing a Mold Assessment on a house, Condo, Medical facilities or any commercial building.Our Mold Assessment and Indoor Evaluation will specifically address the environmental issues identified inside the living space related to moisture intrusion, levels of airborne mold spores, musty odors and fungal growth. Our Chief State License Mold Assessor Mr. John M. Acaron is the principal and Operations Director of... 07/11/2020

The very presence of mold spores is normal in the environment. However, the presence of mold growth indoors is not normal and may pose health and/or comfort risks to some exposed occupants. Mold growth requires spores (“seeds”), favorable temperatures, a food supply, and moisture. Like plants, mold grows by spreading, and the release of spores. Mold easily spreads outward under favorable conditions. However, if conditions are unfavorable for growth, mold will go dormant and release spores into the air so they can find a suitable environment for survival. Moisture, nutrients, and favorable temperatures can lead to mold growth in water-damaged materials in 24 to 48 hours. Affected materials should be dried promptly to prevent germination and subsequent mold growth. Relative humidity level... 07/09/2020

Got Mold??? Don't Just Hire Anyone!! Ask for references and credentials. Highly important.Not all Mold Assessors have the same education, training, experience, and expertise. Many companies have a great and effective website for marketing purposes. Many pay Google by the click to be in the first page on top, however, when checking the people doing the project, they lack the correct credentials. How do you select the best medical caretaker in your area? Most likely you spend time doing your research and asking questions and reference. The same applies when selecting your Mold Inspector / Assessor. Do your due diligence so you will not be surprised when receiving your mold assessment report.  Is the selected Mold Assessor has a college degree (Engineering, Chemistry, Biology…). Is he prop... 06/16/2020

For years, I have helped REALTORS® with their online presence even built a few websites in my past now I have the opportunity to work on my own as a rookie agent with 20 years of experience.  I took down my Dick Betts National Speaker and replaced it with Dick Betts REALTOR® serving The Villages, FL. I’m a firm believer in using art when building your online presence, pictures help tell the story and they also attract attention.  This week a local photographer here in The Villages gave me permission to use her work on my website and online marketing.  Carol Hannon does amazing work and proud to be using her wonderful skills to share the beauty of The Villages, FL.  Go to my website to see more of her work!Dick BettsREALTOR® The Villages, FL717-860-3107 CellDick@TheVillagesFL.infoTouchst... 06/13/2020

Chemically speaking, chlorine bleach is a water solution of sodium hypochlorite. Common household laundry bleach, used to whiten and disinfect laundry, is typically either 5.25 percent (“regular strength”). OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) was one of the first federal agencies to STOP recommending the use of liquid bleach for mold remediation. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has since edited their “A brief guide to mold and moisture and your home” to exclude their once suggested use of bleach as a means to kill mold. So what actually is mold? Let’s go over the basics to get a better understanding of how it works and how it should be properly treated. NO ONE KNOWS HOW MANY SPECIES OF FUNGI EXIST BUT ESTIMATES RANGE FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS TO THREE HUNDRED THO... 05/21/2020

INDOOR MICROBIAL SPECIALIST COMPREHENSIVE MOLD ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION PROCESSThink about a Mold Assessor as a Medical Physician. A Medical Doctor physical examination goal is to be able to determine is you are healthy or not. Do you need either treatment or you require specialized medical attention such as surgery among others from a specialized Doctor?We at INDOOR MICROBIAL SPECIALIST perform pretty much a similar role when performing a Mold Assessment on a house, Condo, Medical facilities or any commercial building.Our Mold Assessment and Indoor Evaluation will specifically address the environmental issues identified inside the living space related to moisture intrusion, levels of airborne mold spores, musty odors and fungal growth. Our Chief State License Mold Assessor Mr. John M.... 02/27/2020

Most lawsuits allege that mold problems could have been avoided, so commercial real estate owners need to show due diligence by investigating any suspected mold problem. We can document your due diligence in investigating mold issues and determine whether they exist at all. We also can provide expert witness testimony.Toxic molds, commonly referred to as black mold, are more dangerous than ordinary molds because their spores contain poisonous mycotoxins. In concentrated amounts, mycotoxins can cause skin blistering, nosebleeds, asthma symptoms, or chest pains, among other things. In extreme situations, they can even cause shock and death.Unfortunately, there is no cure for a mold allergy, but there are ways to reduce the symptoms. While a change in diet and simple over the counter drugs... 10/26/2019

Thermal Imaging: INDOOR MICROBIAL SPECIALIST (Water Intrusion? Mold? Musty Odor? Getting Sick? Asthma?) INDOOR MICROBIAL SPECIALIST uses Infrared thermography commonly called infrared imaging or thermal imaging.  Infrared thermography is an advanced, non-invasive technology that allows an inspector to identify deficiencies in buildings that can’t be revealed using conventional visual inspection methods.Thermographic cameras detect radiation in the long-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum and produce images of that radiation. The amount of radiation emitted by an object, called “Emissivity”, increases with temperature; therefore, thermography allows for variations in temperature to be identified.In conjunction with our thermal imager, we use a TRAMEX Encounter moisture meters... 10/10/2019

MOLD INSPECTIONS & ASSESSMENTS performed by IMS & HIUSA, MOLD INSPECTIONS & MOLD TESTING. Two offices to serve you: The Villages & Gainesville, Florida. If you smell musty odor indoors, if your property has experienced a roof leak, a plumbing leak or a flood – past or present, mold testing is warranted. Prompt action can mean the difference between an inexpensive repair project or a several thousand dollar mold remediation job. A mold Assessment and inspection can help you locate hidden mold, identify the species of mold, the exposure level, and measure your indoor air quality. Mold toxicity is primarily caused by mycotoxins, which are basically poisons produced by mold. Mycotoxins can cause various symptoms at different levels of exposure. Since there are hundreds of mold toxins, each ... 03/12/2019

Why Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing is important to do in your home or in your office. Why Mold testing and contact sampling (Bi-O-Tape or SWAB) is very important to do as well. Need a Mold Inspection?                  Organic Microbial /Mold fungi colonies are often found both indoor and outdoor. Outdoor it is acceptable, but once mold finds its way indoors, your family health and vitality are going to be compromised. There are common indoor molds that can easily manifest within your home. These common molds are Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria. There are types of molds that should not be indoors such as Stachybotrys and Chaetomium these are water activity molds.Mold sensitivity is common among individuals. Those who have weakened immune systems and people who ta... 01/14/2019