The molds that cause problems in homes need just three things to grow:
Food – Anything that used to be alive (wood, cardboard, paper, wool, silk, leather, etc.).
Temperature - These molds thrive in the range of68°F to 86°F (the same range we typically keepour homes).
Water – Very little is needed. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicatesthat indoor humidity above 60% is sufficient to allow
mold to develop.

Since our homes normally contain a lot of potential mold “food,” and are normally kept at a temperatureconducive to mold growth, all that is missing is water.

Water is also the most likely cause of damage to property across the nation. It includes everything from overflowing sinks, to leaky or broken pipes/hoses, to drain or sewer back-ups, to over-ground water from heavy rains or river/coastal flooding. If the water is in contact with any form of dirt (remember, flood waters certainly contain lots of “dirt”), then the growth can occur even more quickly since dirt always includes
organic material – “mold food.”

In all cases, water damage must be remediated quickly and thoroughly or it will result in mold growth. Complete drying, back to normal conditions, is very important since any excess moisture will result in mold growth.

Mold is often seen as obvious “growth” or even “discoloration” on materials like paper or wood. Colors can range from white to orange and from green to brown and black, and it gives off the well-known “musty/moldy” smell.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC),” The Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.”

The CDC recommends that all molds found in the indoor environment be eliminated, adding, “Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence, and the CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds.” Since all molds have the potential to cause allergic or allergic-like symptoms in people, especially highly susceptible individuals, they should be eliminated whenever they are found. Knowing the name of the mold does not change anything since the same safety precautions should be used whenever remediating mold, regardless of the “name.”

Mold Prevention Tips
There is no practical way to eliminate all of the mold spores in an indoor environment. But there are many ways to help control moisture and mold growth in your home. The basic rule is: if you can see or smell mold, take steps to eliminate the excess moisture, and to clean and remove any mold. It is very important to quickly identify and correct any moisture sources before health problems develop.

Stop The Water

• Fix leaks in pipes and any damp area around tubs and sinks so mold spores don’t have agrowing environment.
• If you rebuild or remodel, do so with water-resistant building materials such as tile, stone,deep-sealed concrete, waterproof wallboard,
water-resistant glues, etc.
• Prevent seepage of water from the outdoors into your house. It’s important to have rainwater from gutters or the roof drain away from the house. The ground around the house needs to slope away to keep the basement and crawl space dry.
• Ventilate any crawl space as much as possible to allow for thorough drying.

Keep  It  Dry
• Reduce the moisture in the air with dehumidifiers, fans and open windows or air conditioners, especially in hot weather. Do
NOT use fans if mold may already exist; a fan will spread the mold spores.
• Try to keep the humidity in your home below 40%.
• In moisture-prone areas, consider easy-to-clean, water-resistant floor coverings, such as vinyl or stone tile.
• Reduce potential for condensation on cold surfaces by insulating.

Dealing  With Mold
• If you discover mold, the first step is to find and eliminate the water source, as above.
• Then, if it is a small area (less than about 10 sq ft), and you feel comfortable, clean the mold with a detergent solution and thoroughly
dry all materials.
• If it is larger than 10 sq ft, consider calling a professional mold remediation company, such as PuroClean, the Paramedics of Property
Damage™. Their well-trained, professional technicians understand and apply industry standard approaches to remediate mold completely, while being as safe for your home and your family as possible.

Regardless of the circumstances – dealing with mold, water damage, fire/smoke damage, or bio-hazard remediation – call your local PuroClean office, the Paramedics of Property Damage™. For all property damage situations, these professionals are standing by. They will mitigate the loss to prevent further damage and will then provide restoration services to return the property to a pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. All PuroClean offices have well-trained professional technicians who provide the latest state-of-the-science services to all property damaged from water, fire, smoke, mold, and other disasters.

written by

Will Southcombe

Director of Technical Services,
PuroClean Headquarters
Master of Arts,
Master of Business Management,
Water Restoration Technician,
Applied Structural Drying,
Certified Microbial Remediator

(1) The object to killing mold is to kill its “roots”. Mold remediation involves the need to disinfect wood and wood-based building materials, all of which are porous materials. Thus, chlorine bleach should not be used in mold remediation as confirmed by OSHA’s Mold Remediation/ Clean Up Methods guidelines. The use of bleach as a mold disinfectant is best left to kitchen and bathroom countertops, tubs and shower glass, etc.
(2) Chlorine Bleach does kill bacteria and viruses, but has not been proven effective in killing molds on non-porous surfaces. Bleach itself is 99% water. Water is one of the main contributors of the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. Current situations using bleach re-grew and regenerated mold and bacteria twice the CFU counts than were originally found before bleaching, within a short period of time. Bleach is an old method used for some bacteria and mold. It is the only product people have known for years. The strains now associated within Indoor Air quality issues are resistant to the methods our grandmothers employed to clean-up mold..
(3) What potential mold ‘killing’ power chlorine bleach might have, is diminished significantly as the bleach sits in warehouses, on grocery store shelves or inside your home or business 50% loss in killing power in just the first 90 days inside a never opened jug or container. Chlorine constantly escapes through the plastic walls of its containers.

(4) The ionic structure of bleach prevents Chlorine from penetrating into porous materials such as drywall and wood—it just stays on the outside surface, whereas mold has enzyme roots growing inside the porous construction materials—however, the water content penetrates and actually FEEDS the mold—this is why a few days later you will notice darker, more concentrated mold growing (faster) on the bleached area.
(5) Chlorine Bleach accelerates the deterioration of materials and wears down the fibers of porous materials.

(6) Chlorine Bleach is NOT registered with the EPA as a disinfectant to kill mold. You can verify this important fact for yourself when you are unable to find an EPA registration number for killing mold on the label of any brand of chlorine bleach.
(7) Chlorine bleach off gases for a period of time. Chlorine off gassing can be harmful to humans and animals. It has been known to cause pulmonary embolisms in low resistant, and susceptible people.
(8) Chlorine bleach will evaporate within a short period of time. If the area is not dry when the bleach evaporates, or moisture is still in the contaminated area (humidity, outside air dampness), you could re- start the contamination process immediately and to a greater degree.
(9) Chlorine is a key component of DIOXIN. One of the earliest findings of dioxin’s toxicity in animals was that it caused birth defects in mice at very low levels. This finding led to dioxin being characterized as “one of the most potent teratogenic environmental agents”. The first evidence that dioxin causes cancer came from several animal studies completed in the late 1970′s. The most important of these, published in 1978 by a team of scientists from Dow Chemical Company, led by Richard Kociba, found liver cancer in rats exposed to very low levels of dioxin. This study helped establish dioxin as one of the most potent animal carcinogens ever tested and, together with the finding of birth defects in mice, led to the general statement that dioxin is the “most toxic synthetic chemical known to man.” (Find more information on DIOXIN, by clicking HERE & HERE)
If Not Bleach, What Can I use?

Chlorine Bleach and Mold Clean Up (Let’s Set the Record Straight!)
(reprinted with permission from our friends at Spore°Tech Mold Investigations, LLC)
The Myth.
A myth exists concerning the use and “effectiveness” of chlorine bleach (sodium hypochorite) in the remediation of a mold problem. Mold remediation involves the removal and or clean up and restoration of mold contaminated building materials.
Opposing Views and Confusion.
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 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal, state and local agencies are perpetuating that belief. And confusing the issue is one federal agency, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), taking an opposing point of view by NOT recommending the use of chlorine bleach as a routine practice in mold remediation.
Does Bleach Really Kill Mold?
Will chlorine bleach kill mold or not—yes or no? The answer is yes, but with a caveat. That answer comes from The Clorox Company, Oakland CA, manufacturer and distributor of Ultra Clorox® Regular Bleach. The company’s correspondence to Spore°Tech Mold Investigations, LLC stated that their Tech Center studies supported by independent laboratories show that “…3/4 cup of Clorox liquid bleach per gallon of water will be effective on hard, non-porous surfaces against… Aspergillus niger and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (Athlete’s Foot Fungus)”. Whether or not chlorine bleach kills other molds and fungi, the company did not say. The words “hard, non-porous” surfaces” present the caveat. Mold remediation involves the need to disinfect wood and wood-based building materials, all of which are porous materials. Thus, chlorine bleach should not be used in mold remediation as confirmed by OSHA’s Mold Remediation/ Clean Up Methods guidelines. The use of bleach as a mold disinfectant is best left to kitchen and bathroom countertops, tubs and shower glass, etc.
Why Chlorine Bleach is NOT Recommended for Mold Remediation.
Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is corrosive and that fact is stated on the product label. Yet the properties of chlorine bleach prevent it from “soaking into” wood-based building materials to get at the deeply embedded mycilia (roots) of mold. The object to killing mold is to kill its “roots”. Reputable mold remediation contractors use appropriate products that effectively disinfect salvageable mold infected wood products. Beware of any mold inspector or mold remediation company that recommends or uses chlorine bleach for mold clean up on wood-based building materials.
Chlorine Bleach Is Active Ingredient in New Mold & Mildew Products.
The appearance of new mold and mildew household products on store shelves is on the rise. Most are dilute solutions of laundry bleach. The labels on these mold and mildew products state that they are for use on (again) hard, non-porous surfaces and not for wood-based materials. Instructions where not to apply the products are varied. A few examples where the branded products should not be applied include wood or painted surfaces, aluminum products, metal (including stainless steel), faucets, marble, natural stone, and, of course, carpeting, fabrics and paper. One commercial mold and mildew stain remover even specifically states it should not be applied to porcelain or metal without immediate rinsing with water and that the product isn’t recommended for use on formica or vinyl.
Caveat Emptor!
Before purchasing a mold and mildew product, read and fully understand the advertised purpose of that product — and correctly follow the use instructions of a purchased product. The labeling claims on these new products can be confusing — some say their product is a mold and mildew remover while another says their product is a mildew stain remover and yet others make similar ‘ambiguous’ claims. Make double sure that the product satisfies your intended need on the surface to which it is to be applied. If your intention is to kill mold, make sure the product does exactly that and follow the directions for usage. Consumers may find that mixing their own diluted bleach solution will achieve the same results as any of the new mold and mildew products — keep in mind that the use of chlorine bleach is not for use on mold infected wood products including wall board, ceiling tiles, wall studs, fabric, paper products, etc.

Conclusion.
Laundry bleach is not an effective mold killing agent for wood-based building materials and NOT EFFECTIVE in the mold remediation process. OSHA is the first federal agency to announce a departure from the use of chlorine bleach in mold remediation. In time, other federal agencies are expected to follow OSHA’s lead. The public should be aware, however, that a chlorine bleach solution IS an effective sanitizing product that kills mold on hard surfaces and neutralizes indoor mold allergens that trigger allergies.
Using bleach can cause serious health problems.
The fumes are very caustic and great care must be taken not to breath it in too much.
It is also very damaging to clothing and carpeting, the human body, and the environment.
THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD TO GET RID OF VISIBLE MOLD IS BY REMOVING THE AFFECTED AREA.
NOTE ::: MoldAcrossAmerica does not recommend the use of ozone to address mold or any other indoor air problems

ALL molds reproduce by making “spores.” Mold spores are microscopic and only become visible when individual spores accumulate. According to the United States EPA, these microscopic particles continuously move through indoor and outdoor air. When mold spores find moisture indoors, they may “begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive.” Molds gradually destroy whatever they are growing on.

Reprinted from www.moldacrossamerica.org/notobleach.htm

Mold is the term used to describe a very large group of fungi. Molds are vital to the earth’s ecosystem, aiding in the decomposition of dead organic materials. They grow wherever there is moisture – both indoors and out.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) microscopic mold spores are everywhere, in the air and on surfaces. The CDC states: Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present. You do not need to know the type of mold growing in your home. The CDC does not recommend or perform routine sampling for molds. No matter what type of mold is present, you should remove it. Since the effect of mold on people can vary greatly, either because of the amount or type of mold, you can not rely on sampling and culturing to know your health risk. Also, good sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of mold have not been set. The best practice is to remove the mold and work to prevent future growth… If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem.

Based on the CEC recommendation, anytime you find mold in your home, you should locate and fix the source of the moisture (such as a leaky pipe or seepage around a window), otherwise mold will return after it’s removal. If the area of mold contamination is large (more than about 10 square feet), or if you are concerned with the health risks dealing with mold, consult a trained professional, such as PuroClean® to clean the mold and remove necessary materials or items.

PuroClean professional have the training, expertise and state-of-the-science metering and drying equipment to completely remove the mold from the indoor environment. They can also help with project assessment, providing guidance on the best course of action.

Professionals will set up a containment area around the mold and begin a negative-air, or an air-scurbbing operation, depending on the circumstance. This helps ensure that mold spores are not distributed during removal, which might contaminate other areas of the structure. Technicians will have the necessary training an inoculations, and will use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to enhance safety.

PuroClean professionals will attempt to clean and dry mold-contaminated materials to help prevent recurrence. If materials cannot be satisfactorily cleaned, or if they need to be removed to access other moldy materials, a professional will take them down to structural lumber. All materials removed are placed in plastic bags and taken out of the structure. This ensures there is no cross-contamination with other areas during the process. Once the moldy material is outside in nature, it simply becomes trash and can go to a normal landfill. Often, the final step is to apply a sealant that will prevent the return of mold to those surfaces. A professional will always perform an air-sample clearance test to confirm the success of the operation.

Regardless of the circumstances – dealing with mold, responding to water damage or fire/smoke damage – call your local PuroClean office, the Paramedics of Property Damage™. For all property damage situations, these professionals are standing by. They will mitigate the loss to prevent further damage and will then provide restoration services to return the property to a pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. All PuroClean offices have well-trained professional technicians who provide the latest state-of-the-science services to all property damage from water, fire, smoke, mold and other disasters.

Written by
Will Southcombe
Director of Technical Services,
PuroClean Headquarters

Master of Arts,
Master of Business Management
Water Resotration Technician
Applied Structural Drying
Certified Microbial Remediator

Copyright © 2003-2009. All rights reserved in all countries.
Reproduction of the material is prohibited without prior permission.

Thornton, CO (Grassroots Newswire) 26 Jun 09 — In an effort to educate local insurance agents and adjusters to better serve Front Range property owners and fulfill their state certification requirements, PuroClean Disaster Recovery Experts has announced it will offer eight complimentary Continuing Education (CE) courses on mitigation and restoration services.

PuroClean Disaster Recovery Experts is part of a leading national franchise that specializes in mitigation and restoration services for water, mold, fire, trauma events and other types of losses. The CE courses are taught by instructors with more than 80 years of combined field experience in the mitigation and restoration industry.  Will Southcombe, leading course instructor and vice president of franchise support for PuroClean, has been in the restoration industry since 1975 and currently teaches insurance industry professionals in 38 states about how to minimize damage and restore commercial and residential properties following water-related disasters.

“Most states require insurance agents to obtain their Continuing Education Units to retain their insurance licenses,” Southcombe said. “Our courses are designed to make sure the agents take part in a meaningful experience that improves their professional knowledge.”

PuroClean offers the following state-certified courses throughout the year for no charge:

- Water Damage Restoration
- Black Water/Sewage Remediation & Restoration
- Structural Drying
- Mold Remediation
- Fire/Smoke Restoration
- Emergency Services for Property Damage Mitigation
- Odor Remediation
- Ethics

“It is great that we can provide these courses as a service to the insurance industry,” said Mark Wilson, owner of PuroClean Disaster Recovery Experts.  “We always receive excellent feedback from participants as they are often pleasantly surprised about how interesting and educational the courses really are.”

About PuroClean
PuroClean is a leader in property damage restoration and has earned the trust of property owners, insurance professionals and home service providers throughout the United States and Canada since 2001. Backed by a comprehensive network of over 260 franchise offices and a national training and business support center, each PuroClean office responds promptly to property emergencies demonstrating a high degree of professionalism and compassion. PuroClean certified technicians are thoroughly screened, insured and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures throughout the remediation process while operating under a strict code of ethics. In addition to serving the needs of property owners, PuroClean offers hundreds of continuing education classes each year to insurance professionals and property service providers nationwide. In 2008, PuroClean trained over 7,200 insurance professionals nationwide helping them earn their continuing education credits. For more information on PuroClean, please contact Mark Wilson at 303-566-9600 or visit www.PuroCleanDisasterRecovery.com.

Thornton, CO (Grassroots Newswire) 19 Jun 09 — With an unprecedented rise in home foreclosures in the Thornton area leading to stagnant, mold infested properties, mold removal professionals with PuroClean Disaster Recovery Experts are working around the clock to help restore foreclosed homes.

“We have definitely seen a spike in demand for our mold removal services,” said Mark Wilson, owner of PuroClean Disaster Recovery Experts, noting that the company also specializes in restoration services for properties damaged by water, fire, and biohazard events. “When a home is foreclosed upon, it is usually left in a condition that makes it very susceptible to mold growth.”

Mold can grow on any surface where moisture and a food source are present, and homes left stagnant after water damage caused by storms and floods often incur serious mold infestations. Furthermore, mold growth can cause health issues for homeowners because allergens produced by mold can lead to symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, skin irritations and more serious conditions for those with severe allergies.

“Property owners are often misinformed about the dangers of mold and removing mold on their own, which can actually cause further damage to a property,” said Wilson. “In today’s housing market, with home auctions happening every day, it is important to call a mold specialist to inspect a house to detect mold growth that requires professional analysis and removal.”

PuroClean Disaster Recovery Experts advises local homeowners who just purchased a foreclosed home on the following myths associated with mold and mold removal:

It is a common belief that bleach will kill mold, and while it will kill living mold if applied properly, it does not prevent immediate re-appearance.
There is no all-inclusive product for sudden mold removal.
Use of Ozone or UV light will not destroy mold, and can be potentially harmful to all life in the property – including humans.
Mold can not be controlled with high heat drying, and the heat can cause secondary damage, such as over-drying wood furniture, melting plastics and killing indoor plants.
Mold-resistant drywall is available, but mold-resistant does NOT mean mold proof.
Mold-resistant products are not the answer to keeping property mold free. They can play an important part, but careful design, construction and maintenance are key to keeping property dry, and ultimately preventing mold.