Michael Rubino on mold remediation, with Dr. Tania Dempsey
Oct 1, 2024
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Michael Rubino, an air quality expert and the President of Change the Air Foundation, joins advocate Jill Brooke to discuss the crucial topic of mold remediation, especially for those with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). They delve into the often misunderstood dangers of mold and mycotoxins and reveal that basic cleaning methods, like soap and water, are inadequate for thorough mold removal. Michael shares practical solutions and resources for safe living environments, empowering listeners to take charge of their health regarding mold exposure.
Michael Rubino emphasizes that thorough mold remediation is essential to prevent health issues, particularly for individuals with MCAS.
The podcast discusses a new Illinois bill aimed at establishing licensing for mold inspectors and remediators to improve industry standards.
Michael and Dr. Dempsey advocate for healthcare reforms to ensure adequate insurance coverage for patients suffering from mold-related health problems.
Deep dives
Understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Its Triggers
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a condition where individuals experience an overactive immune response, often triggered by various environmental factors. Mold exposure is highlighted as a significant trigger for many patients with MCAS, complicating their condition and making it crucial for them to identify and avoid it. The podcast emphasizes the importance of knowledge around potential triggers, as well as practical steps that patients can take to manage their symptoms effectively. Understanding that avoiding triggers is a fundamental part of managing MCAS helps empower patients in dealing with their illness.
The Impact of Mold and the Need for Effective Remediation
Mold can have severe health implications for individuals, especially those with MCAS. Michael Rubino, an expert in mold remediation, illustrates how ineffective mold removal practices can leave behind spores and toxins that continue to exacerbate health issues. He emphasizes the necessity of thorough assessments and proper remediation strategies to ensure all traces of mold are eliminated, as surface cleaning is often insufficient. The importance of education on mold and its effects is underlined in their discussion, as many homeowners rely on remediation companies that may not fully understand the complexities of mold management.
Advocating for Better Legislation and Building Practices
The podcast covers recent progression in legislation regarding mold safety, highlighting a new bill in Illinois aimed at establishing licensing for mold inspectors and remediators. This legislation is viewed as a stepping stone towards ensuring better standards in the construction industry, where currently, builders are not required to have knowledge about mold prevention. The conversation explains the need for accountability and how improved building practices could prevent mold-related issues from arising in the first place. Advocacy for such legislative change is encouraged, with the aim of creating safer living environments for all.
Navigating Health Insurance and Mold-Related Illnesses
There is an ongoing challenge surrounding health insurance coverage for mold-related illnesses, which is often inadequate or entirely lacking. Patients frequently encounter difficulties when trying to claim coverage for mold-related issues, leading to barriers in receiving proper treatment. Both experts express their concern about the systemic lack of support for individuals suffering from environmental illnesses and the need for broader healthcare reforms. This highlights the importance of the Change the Air Foundation’s work in advocating for better health insurance policies that recognize the impacts of mold exposure.
Taking Action: Practical Steps for Affected Individuals
For individuals struggling with mold exposure, the podcast presents actionable steps to improve their situation, such as increasing ventilation and cleaning efforts in their homes. The advice includes simple strategies, like opening windows for fresh air and regularly cleaning to reduce dust and potential allergens. Upgrading HVAC filtration to higher quality filters is also discussed as a way to minimize harmful particles indoors. These small yet significant actions empower individuals to take control of their environment while working towards better long-term solutions.
Michael Rubino is an air quality expert, environmental wellness advocate and President of Change the Air Foundation. He is widely known as the trusted source for mold remediation expertise. In this episode Dr. Dempsey and Michael discuss how to avoid mold in your environment, even if you don't have the means to move out of a moldy home.
Michael's non-profit ChangeTheAirFoundation.org, has extensive resources for those dealing with mold in their homes. Dr. Dempsey is a Medical Advisor to the foundation.
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Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have health related issues, please contact a qualified health professional to get the personalized assessment, advice, and treatment that you need. Standing Up to POTS will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising from the use of this podcast.
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