The Mold Myth

      

A myth exists concerning the use and “effectiveness” of chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) in the remediation of a mold problem. Mold remediation involves the removal and or clean up and restoration of mold contaminated building materials.

Chlorine bleach, commonly referred to as laundry bleach, is generally perceived to be an “accepted and answer-all” biocide to abate mold in the remediation processes. Well-intentioned recommendations of health departments and other state and local agencies are perpetuating that belief. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) who once recommended using chlorine bleach for mold abatement was the first federal agency to stop recommending the use of liquid bleach in mold remediation. Subsequently, The Environmental Protection Agency  wrote-out/edited their A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home (EPA 402-k-02-003) to exclude their once recommended use of  bleach as a mold clean-up agent

Why Chlorine is NOT recommended for mold remediation

  Chlorine bleach is corrosive and that fact is stated on the product label (not to mention the exposure hazards of dioxins). Yet the properties of chlorine bleach prevent it from “soaking into” wood-based building materials to get at the deeply embedded mycelia (roots) of mold. The object to killing mold is to kill its “roots”. 

Reputable mold remediation contractors use appropriate products that effectively disinfect properly scrubbed and cleaned salvageable mold infected wood products.

Beware of any mold inspector, mold remediation contractor or other individual that recommends or uses chlorine bleach for mold clean up on wood-based building materials.

Mold Facts:

* Mold usually returns in less than 24 hours after using bleach.

* Cleaning stirs up mold spores and puts them into the air, creating more mold related health problems and allergic reactions.

* Bleach only treats the surface. It does not kill or eliminate airborne mold spores.

* 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.

* Bleach is ineffective and not recommended for use on porous surfaces such as concrete, wood, wallpaper, sheetrock, grout, books, clothing,

* Chlorine Gas, released by mixing bleach with any acid, may be lethal.

* When inhaled during application, chlorine particles may cause lung and bronchial irritation, as well as headaches.

* Chlorine particles, according to some reports, may bio-accumulate in the Thyroid leading to reduced thyroid function and possibly thyroid cancer.

Mold in Schools: What you Need to Know at Back to School Time

Schools across the nation have become increasingly concerned about mold exposure in their facilities.  Studies have shown an association between mold and a variety of adverse health effects.  Mold problems are not limited to humid states and have led to various school closings across the country.  Addressing mold problems proactively is the most successful and cost-effective way to manage them.

News headlines indicate that schools across the country experience a wide range of indoor air problems; some problems even lead to school evacuations and emergency renovations.  The U.S. schools have problems linked to poor indoor air quality.  With nearly 56 million people, or 20 percent of the U.S. population, spending their days inside elementary and secondary schools, indoor air quality problems in schools are a significant concern.

If you suspect mold in your child's school pediatricians and allergists urge parents not to panic.  Instead, they said, parents should be asking questions about where the mold is located, how it got there and what school officials are doing to get rid of it.

Q. How do I know if my child is getting sick at school from mold?

A. Some children are more sensitive that others.  But watch out for symptoms that seem to appear only at school - for example, wheezing, hoarseness, cough, runny nose, acid reflux, digestive issues, headache and irritated eyes.

Q. What can parents look for?

A.  Visit your children's classrooms and other parts of their schools.  Do you smell mold or mildew? Are there signs of water leaks on walls, around windows or on the ceiling?  Just because you smell an earthy or musty odor at school doesn't mean there's mold.  But it often means there's at least an indoor air-quality problem.  Dirty carpet and water damage might also mean mold and bad air quality.  Mold grows where there's moisture.

Q. How do you know if it's mold?

A. If you see fuzzy, slimy or discolored surfaces - especially in damp or wet areas - it's probably mold.  Molds can be green, black, gray, purple or even orange.

Q. What if I see a problem?

A. Alert your principal or School Board member.  A lot of times, it will take more than one call or e-mail to get a response.  Although calls might be quicker, your letters will provide a paper trail.  Also, be sure to log your calls, letters and observations.  Inform other parents of the problem.

Q. How can I protect my child?

A. Educate yourself.  Talk to school officials about what they're doing to control humidity and how quickly they're fixing leaky roofs and windows.  Ask to see copies of investigative reports and work orders for repairs and mold removal.  This website contains a wealth of information that can help you and your child.  Teach your children about the health symptoms they may experience around mold so they can alert someone if there's a problem.

Research and talk to your doctor about Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act or Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).  If your children have serious reactions to air quality, you can request an "accommodation" for their environmental health needs such as a transfer to another classroom.