What a blessing it is to be able to breathe normally! Restoring Faith, Inc. has been charged with many projects in Jordan over the years. Food distribution, appliance replacement, mattress drives, the list goes on. One of the most important and overlooked hardships that we see over and over again in the homes of the refugee families we serve has been mold remediation.
Black mold, specifically Stachybotrys chartarum, is a type of fungus that can grow in damp or water-damaged areas of homes, such as basements, showers, and windows. In Amman, Jordan, this is something we see frequently due to the material of the buildings: cement and brick. In the winter, the damp, cold, dark cement and brick buildings make for a perfect condition that mold needs to flourish.
Why is mold a problem? Exposure to black mold can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Respiratory issues: Black mold exposure can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Fungal infections: Individuals with weakened immune systems may be at risk of developing fungal infections in their airways or other parts of the body.
- Allergy symptoms: Some people may experience allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and skin irritation.
Long-term exposure to black mold, especially in individuals with sensitivities or compromised immune systems, can potentially lead to more severe health effects. We know of families and individuals that have sadly experienced these health issues due to black mold growth in their homes.
Restoring Faith, Inc. did not initially begin with the goal of mold remediation but as our ministry grows, we are connecting more and more with families, old and new. We discovered that black mold is a recurring problem and one of the main issues that many families are experiencing and need help with.
The remediation process can be long and arduous. It’s hard work and takes time. First, you need to scrape off by hand, with much of the wall, the black mold. This can take hours or days to complete. Then, the wall must be replaced with plaster. Another few hours or days. After the plaster is dry, repainting the wall with at least two coats of paint can take another day or two. Our Restoring Faith, Inc. team in Jordan has done multiple projects of mold remediation, putting their own hands to the task.
We are privileged to be able to support mold remediation projects and give a safe environment for these families to live in. Please join with us in providing mold-free living conditions for the families that cannot provide for themselves. Please visit the donate page on our website to help fund this project!
- Christian Liang, President of Restoring Faith, Inc., June 2024
Comentários