Dan Paradela's (dparadela) Blog

You’ve probably heard of “black mold,” but do you know what makes it so dangerous? The real concern is Stachybotrys chartarum, a toxic mold species commonly found in water-damaged buildings.​What is Stachybotrys? A highly toxigenic mold that thrives in areas with long-term moisture—wet drywall, w...

When people think of toxic mold, black mold (Stachybotrys) is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But another dangerous and often overlooked mold is Chaetomium—a mold commonly found in buildings with long-term water damage.What is Chaetomium? A highly allergenic and toxigenic mold often f...

Why Bleach is NOT the Best Way to Kill MoldMany people believe bleach is the best solution for mold removal, but that’s a myth. While bleach may whiten mold stains, it does not kill mold at its roots, and in many cases, it can make the problem worse.Why Bleach is Ineffective Against Mold Bleach O...

Why 1978 Was a Turning PointBefore 1978, lead-based paint was widely used in homes and buildings across Louisiana. That changed when the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned it due to its severe health risks, especially for children. However, thousands of pre-1978 buildings in Lo...