6 REASONS TO AVOID STANDARD MOLD CLEANUP OPTIONS

MOLD CLEANUP

By Julie S. Hurst- Nicoll, MBA, CMI, CMR – Partner, Mold Safe Homes, LLC

Indoor mold growth, now more than ever is fast becoming the “cancer” of the home. The very moves we (and our homebuilders) make to increase the energy efficiencies in our homes is causing more mold problems than ever before. Mold thrives with moisture and humidity. And now our homes are tighter than ever locking in moisture. If we have even the smallest of leaks or high humidity it will feed mold spores that enter our home on our clothes, pets and open doors or windows. Many species also produce a byproduct call mycotoxins. These tiny, invisible microns are poisons that can cause many varied health issues. Three tips:
. If you have a water leak, repair it within 24-48 hours.
. Purchase a humidity meter and monitor your home keeping levels no higher than 55%
. If you suspect mold or see a colony address it immediately.

Be wary of standard cleanup methods:
1. Bleach Is Not Effective – And May Be Hazardous To Your Health
a. Mold usually returns in less than 24-48 hours after using bleach.
b. Cleaning stirs up mold spores and puts them into the air, creating more mold related health problems and allergic reactions.
c. Bleach only treats the surface. It does not kill or eliminate airborne mold spores.
d. Bleach is 3-6% Sodium Hypochlorite and 94% to 97% water. The Sodium Hypochlorite evaporates, leaving water behind to foster the growth of more mold.
e. Bleach is ineffective and not recommended for use on porous surfaces such as concrete, wood, wallpaper, sheetrock, grout, books, clothing,
f. When inhaled during application, chlorine particles may cause lung and bronchial irritation and lung scaring, as well as headaches.

2. Chemicals, Biocides And Fungicides Are Dangerous Poisons
a. Most of these are hazardous to your health as well as to mold.
b. These agents either treat surfaces or the air, they almost never treat both surface and air.

3. Ozone Generators May Pose Multiple Hazards To Your Health
a. Air Purifiers producing ozone are banned by California citing studies that ozone leads to lung damage.
b. Used at levels sufficient to kill mold, ozone generators may oxidize and produce off-gassing of harmful contaminants.
c. Ozone may destroy or damage electrical wiring, nails, and other building materials when used at levels sufficient to kill mold according to recent studies.

4. UV Only Kills Mold In Air Exposed Directly To The UV Light.
a. UV does not treat surfaces.
b. UV only treats air streams that are directly exposed to it.
c. UV has no impact on the source of mold in buildings.

5. Tear It Out, Remove It, Replace It, Tear It Down
a. Repairing leaks is essential to eliminating mold problems, however, it may not be necessary to Remove and Replace everything that has been affected by mold.
b. This option can be very costly.
c. This does not remove mold spores from the air.

6. Chlorine dioxide and other chemical fumigants
a. Not practical for occupied buildings.
b. Harmful to humans and pets.
c. When applied at levels sufficient to kill mold may damage metal fasteners, nails, cabinet hardware and electrical wiring.

If you are uncertain about the level of mold and mycotoxins you are exposed to daily in your home or business we suggest hiring a professional mold assessor who has experience in both mold and mycotoxins to inspect and run tests. For you and your family health, be certain.

Mold Safe Homes

Call today to schedule an assessment!
239-302-8862 or visit www.MoldSafeHomes.com

Bill Nicoll, CMI, CMR
Partner, Mold Safe Homes, LLC
Licensed & Insured
Serving Southwest Florida
(Other States for Mold Toxic Patients/Clients Upon Arrangement)
Mold Inspections, Mold & Mycotoxin Testing
FL License MRSA 3097