BLEACH IS DANGEROUS!

WEAR APPROPRIATE PROTECTION - ASSURE VENTILATION AND USE MASKS, GLOVES AND RESPIRATORY SUPPORT AS NEEDED

IF YOU HAVE ANY RESPIRATORY CONDITION, ALLERGIES OR ASTHMA YOU MUST HAVE IT CLEANED PROFESSIONALLY

CAREFUL  USE OF BLEACH  

**** SAFETY COMES FIRST ****

BLEACH PRODUCES DANGEROUS GASES

THAT WILL DAMAGE YOUR EYES, SKIN AND LUNGS. MAY ALSO RESULT IN DEATH UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES IF NOT USED PROPERLY

COMPLIANCE WITH  EPA  OSHA  CDC, STATE AND LOCAL  SAFETY   STANDARDS

Respect all household cleaners. Nearly all cleaners pose a health hazard when improperly used and their use is regulated by local laws, EPA, FDA and other organizations.  Follow manufacturers directions at all times. All chemistry and cleaning practices must comply with local, state and federal law. These laws are there to protect you and the environment from the hazards associated with the cleanup of toxic mold. At times the common household bleach cleaner such as Clorox and Tilex TM    can be used with care  for small mold growths on hard surfaces such as a round sinks and tubs.

If cleaners are not  selected or used properly they are ineffective, provide a false sense of security, will do nothing to remedy a potential health threat and permit an ongoing growth of the mold.

NOTE: bleach  and other cleaners  can injure your health  at high concentrations and MUST NOT be used by the elderly or those with respiratory conditions.

WHEN NOT TO USE BLEACH

1. Bleach creates toxic fumes and can cause a health injury
2. Bleach can damage and  discolor surfaces
3. Bleach does not kill all molds especially if not in proper mix or application.
4. Bleach must not used on carpeting
5. Bleach alone will not solve your hidden mold. Generally all you see is 10% of the mold - the rest is hidden.  

Borates are used in the fungicide Tim-bor®  and other biocides. A once commonly advertised product 20 Mule Team BORAX is still available.

Borax (Na₂B₄O₂(H₂O)₁₀) is a low-toxicity mineral with insecticidal, fungicidal, and herbicidal properties. It does not evaporate or volatilize into the air or pose the considerable health concerns associated with synthetic pesticides. Boric acid (H₃BO₃)and boron containing salts (Borate salts; such as sodium octoborate (Na₂B₈O₁₃) are the refined forms of borax commonly used in structural pest control. Boric acid and boron containing salts is borax that has been refined with low grade acids and allowed to crystallize to form borates.

Use and Mode of Action:

Registered in 1983 for control of cockroaches, ants, silverfish and several beetles, it has also been used as an herbicide along rights-of-way and as a fungicide for citrus, as a wood preservative/fire retardant, and as an insect repellent in insulation. As an insecticide, boric acid acts as a stomach poison effecting the insects metabolism, protoplasm and the dry powder is abrasive to the insects exoskeleton. Various formulations are registered for use in Alaska to control cockroaches, silverfish and carpenter ants. As an herbicide, boric acid causes desiccation and interrupts photosynthesis in plants.

Boric acid may be used either in an insect bait formulation containing a feed attractant or as a dry powder. The powder may be injected into cracks and crevices, where it forms a fine layer of dust. Insects travel through the boric acid dust, which adheres to their legs. When the insects groom themselves, they then ingest the poison, which causes death three to ten days later of starvation and dehydration. As long as the material is not allowed to become wet, its continuous presence ensures that hatching insects, which insecticide sprays commonly spare, are exposed and die. Many boric acid formulations can be effective for more than a year.

Toxicity:

While high exposure to boric acid has been linked to adverse health effects, experts agree that careful application offers a safe and effective alternative without the indoor air problems associated with sprays. Boron is a naturally-occurring element in the earth’s crust and background levels even circulate in the human bloodstream. Boric acid’s exposure risks are minimal because of its method of application.

EPA considers boric acid as a moderately acutely toxic due to eye and skin irritation. In chronic oncogenicity studies using mice, rats and beagle dogs, boric acid and borax were found not to be carcinogenic; however, testicular effects and decreases in body weight resulted at extreme dose levels. EPA has classified boric acid as a “Group E” carcinogen, indicating that it shows “evidence of noncarcinogenicity” for humans. In reproductive and developmental toxicity studies using rats, mice and rabbits, maternal liver and kidney effects and decreased weight gain as well as decreased fetal body weights were observed. In two studies, at the highest dose levels, no litters were produced. Prenatal mortality occurred at the highest dose levels in the rabbit study. Boric acid does not cause mutagenicity.

Applicators and others in treatment areas may be exposed to boric acid and its sodium salts during or after application. However, there is no reasonable expectation that these pesticide uses may constitute a hazard or risk to people involved in, or near to, handling or application activities. Proper care and adhering to label directions and precautions should reduce exposure and any associated risk.

Ecological Effects:
Boric acid is practically nontoxic to birds, fish, aquatic invertebrates, and relatively nontoxic to beneficial insects. It’s noncrop herbicidal use may harm endangered or threatened plants, and therefore EPA is requiring three phytotoxicity studies to assess these risks.

Effectiveness:
An EPA assessment of a boric acid pilot pest control program conducted at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland found that boric acid was both more economical and more effective than a monthly spray treatment. Do to its unique mode of action, insects do not gain resistance to borates. It is water resistant, heat resistant and remains effective for long periods of time. At least one study on german cockroaches has shown that the combination of heat, 110 degree F for two hours with boric acid, will increase the speed at which the insect is killed. Borates are the most effective treatment for many crawling insects including, cockroaches, silverfish, larder beetles, carpenter ants, and other wood borers, as well as wood decay.

Sources:
EPA, Office of Pesticide Information. Washington D.C.
National Coalition Against the Mis-Use of Pesticides (NCAMP);“Least Toxic Pesticides-Borates” . 2001.Washington D.C.
Olkowski, W. and S. Daar. 1987. “Boric acid: New formulations and application equipment.” The IPM Practioner 9(6-7):3-4. Bio-Integral Resource Center. Berkeley, CA.
Olkowski, W. S. Daar, and Olkowski, H. 1991. "Common Sense Pest Control." Pp. 112-114. Taunton Press, Inc. Newtown, CT.
Siegel, E. and S. Wason. 1986. “Boric acid toxicity.” Pediatric Clinics of North America 33(2):363-367.
Sprague, R. 1972. “The ecological significance of boron.” U.S. Borax Research Corp. Anaheim, CA.

Disclaimer: This pesticide profile is intended to provide the reader with basic information about the pesticide. The information in this article does not in any way replace or supersede the information on the pesticide product labeling or other regulatory requirements . .

MOLD CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS TO CLEAN

Some molds are clearly dangerous to your health. Molds that are considered to be  highly toxic or pathogenic and can cause severe health problems, or even death in some individuals need the expertise of a scientist.    If you are not sure, seek the advice from our  specialist.  Some molds should not even be attempted to be  cleaned up by the average homeowner given the difficulty in removing it and due to the potential exposure to the toxic mold gases and bulk growth.   

NEVER VACUUM MOLD - THE SPORES PASS RIGHT THROUGH THE VACUUM FILTER SPREADING IT EVERYWHERE!

Treating Surface mold

• Chlorine bleach is the often product that kills many but not all molds.

• Remember that bleach is a strong chemical that should be handled carefully.

• Wear protective gloves and an appropriate face mask.

• Ensure excellent ventilation in the area.

• Use bleach manufacture's recommended proportions of water to bleach.

• Keep the affected area soaked in bleach for 15 minutes.

• After you have killed off mold patches, carefully wash down the entire area with bleach cleanser (see below), rinse thoroughly, and dry quickly.

Bleach Cleanser

Follow manufactures (such as Clorox and TilexTM   )directions as to proportions of bleach to water mix since as the concentration of bleach varies. Never mix cleaning chemical because a dangerous compound may be created or a dangerous chemical reaction may occur.

How to treat whole-house mold

• If you find one patch of mold, conduct a thorough search of your house for others. Kill all the patches with chlorine bleach and then, using the recommended bleach cleanser, conduct an old-fashioned, top-to-bottom “spring cleaning” — whatever the season.

Treating Moldy Carpets

Moldy carpets can trap more mold than any other material.

Basic Mold Cleanup    

The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.

It is very important to remove the source of moisture first, before beginning remedial action, since mold growth will return shortly if an effected area becomes re-wetted.

• Identify and correct the moisture source

• Clean, disinfect, and dry the moldy area

• Bag and dispose any material that has moldy residues, such as rags, paper, leaves, or debris.

What Should I Throw Away?

Materials that are porous and can trap molds, such as paper, rags, wallboard, and rotten wood should be decontaminated and thrown away. Other items such as glass, plastic, or metal can be kept after they are cleaned and disinfected.

Removal of Moldy Materials

Again, fix the source of moisture and then you can begin clean-up.

• Wear gloves when handling moldy materials

• Remove porous materials (examples: ceiling tiles, sheet rock, carpeting, wood products)

• Carpeting can be a difficult problem - drying does not remove the dead spoors. Disposal of the carpet should be considered

• Bag and discard the moldy substances

• Allow the area to dry 2 or 3 days

• If flooded, remove all sheet rock to at least 12 inches above the high water mark. Visually inspect the wall interior and remove any other intrusive molds. (This step may have to be carried out by a licensed contractor).

CAUTION: Spores are easily released when moldy material is dried out.

Soap Cleanup

Before disinfecting contaminated areas, clean the areas to remove as much of the mold (and food it is growing on) as possible.

• Wear gloves when doing this cleanup

• Use a non-ammonia soap or detergent, or a commercial cleaner, in hot water, and scrub the entire area affected by the mold

• Use a stiff brush or cleaning pad on block walls or uneven surfaces

• Rinse clean with water. A wet/dry vacuum is handy for this.

Disinfect Surfaces

• Wear gloves when using disinfectants

• After thorough cleaning and rinsing, disinfect the area with a solution of 10% household bleach (e.g., 1 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water). Using bleach straight from the bottle will not be more effective.

• Never mix bleach with Ammonia - the fumes are toxic

• For spraying exterior large areas, a garden hose and nozzle can be used

• When disinfecting a large structure, make sure the entire surface is wetted (floor, joists, and posts)

• Avoid excessive amounts of runoff or standing bleach

• Let disinfecting areas dry naturally overnight -- this extended time is important to kill all the mold.

CAUTION: Bleach fumes can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and damage clothing and shoes. Make sure the working area is ventilated well.

More Information on Carpeting:

Carpeting presents some additional challenges in dealing with mold because when it becomes wet, it's very difficult to dry quickly enough to prevent mold growth. 

• When possible, carpeting should be lifted so that it and the floor underneath can dry thoroughly. 

• To accelerate drying, you should use fans and dehumidifiers.

•  When mold growth has started on the carpeting, both the carpet and the pad must be removed for cleaning and drying. 

• Pads that contain mildew should be discarded because its nearly impossible to clean and destroy all the mildew in a pad. 

• Compared to carpeting, padding is a relatively low cost item. Most wall-to-wall carpeting is best cleaned by a professional rug cleaner or restorer. 

• But if you decide to clean it yourself, the best results will occur with a carpet that can be removed from the floor. 

• Apply rug shampoos with carpet shampooing equipment. Follow the manufacturers directions. Be sure to remove all detergent used in cleaning because any that's left behind will accelerate future soiling. 

As was stated earlier, cleaning moldy carpets and pads is a difficult process, and in many cases, you'll find it's impossible to save the pad and carpeting and both end up being discarded.

Can Cleaning up mold be hazardous to my health?

Exposure to mold can occur during the cleaning stage. Mold counts are usually higher than background levels during the cleaning of mold damaged materials. Protect your health during cleanup and if you are sensitive to mold or cleaning products/chemicals, consider using a qualified mold remediation contractor.

• When handling or cleaning moldy materials, consider using a mask or respirator to protect you from breathing airborne spores. Respirators can be purchased from hardware stores; select one for particle removal (sometimes referred to as a N95 or TC-21C particulate respirator). Respirators are not as effective removing bleach fumes, so minimize your exposure when using bleach or other disinfectants.

• Wear protective clothing that is easily cleaned or discarded

• Use rubber gloves

• Try cleaning a small test patch of mold first. If you feel that this adversely affected your health, you should consider paying a licensed contractor or professional to carry out the work

• Ask family members or bystanders to leave areas when being cleaned

• Work over short time spans and rest in a fresh air location

• Air your house out well during after the work

CAUTION: Never use a gasoline engine indoors (e.g. pressure washer, generator) -- you could expose yourself and your family to carbon monoxide.

Can Air Duct Systems become Contaminated with Mold?

Ventilation and a duct systems can become contaminated with mold. (CAUTION: older duct systems may be asbestos insulated.) If your home's air duct system has had water damage, first identify the type of air duct construction. Sheet metal systems, or sheet metal with exterior fibrous glass insulation, can be cleaned and disinfected.

If the system is sheet metal with an internal fibrous glass liner, or are made entirely of fibrous glass, the ductwork normally will need to be removed and discarded. Ductwork in difficult locations may have to be abandoned. If you have other questions, contact an air duct cleaning professional, or licensed contractor.

After I've cleaned everything as thoroughly as possible, can I still have mold odors?

Odors can persist. Continue to dry out the area and search for any hidden areas of mold. If the area continues to smell musty, you may have to clean the area again. Continue drying and ventilating the area. Do not replace flooring or begin rebuilding until the area has dried completely.

From the Clorox Company

INDOOR MOLD PERVASIVE IN U.S. HOMES,
ACCORDING TO STUDY PRESENTED AT ALLERGY
AND ASTHMA MEETING

~ The Presence of Mold, a Potential Health Problem,
Underestimated by Most ~

DENVER – March 10, 2003 – A new study has found that mold is pervasive in homes nationwide, thriving in household sites that are not routinely cleaned and disinfected. The study, which also measured the home resident’s understanding of the problem, found that most people underestimated the presence of mold in their homes. Mold was found in 100% of homes tested.

Results of the University of Arizona study were presented today at the 60th annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

“Mold is flourishing in places that people tend not to think about when cleaning, as well as in more obvious places, ” said Kelly Reynolds, Ph.D., University of Arizona Environmental Research Laboratory. “If the mold is not destroyed by cleaning and disinfecting, it will continue to grow and exposure levels will mount.”

In the seven-state study, mold was most prevalent on windowsills, where it was found in 88 percent of the homes studied. Other common household sites with mold were refrigerator seals (83 percent of households), the area beneath the kitchen sink (83 percent) and air vents (82 percent).

Mold was also found at high levels at sites where people tend to concentrate cleaning efforts such as the bathroom. Mold was found growing in 49 percent of shower grouts and 50 percent of the walls above the showers – even though most study participants (73 percent) realized that mold was most likely to be a problem in the moist environment of a bathroom.

Although 96 percent of study respondents realized that mold could cause or aggravate health problems, the study also showed that they tended to think household mold was somebody else’s problem. Only 17 percent of participants felt they had mold problem in their own home, even though mold was found in 100 percent of the homes tested.

The study did not seek to determine the incidence of Stachybotrys – commonly referred to as “hidden,” “toxic” or “black” mold in news reports -- which generally grows behind walls, under stairs, and beneath ceiling tiles. It is suspected that exposure to this toxic mold is linked to debilitating symptoms such as lung tissue damage and memory loss. If the presence of Stachybotrys is suspected, the home should be checked immediately by a trained professional.

“People need to realize that mold exists in their home no matter how well they think they clean,” Dr. Reynolds said. “The greater problem today is not the scary, toxic molds you read about. Fortunately, black mold problems are rare. Most of us have more common, allergy-causing molds growing in our homes, which can be destroyed with regular cleaning with disinfectants.”

What is Mold?
Mold, a fungus that occurs naturally in the environment, becomes a problem when it colonizes in indoor environments and starts to grow. Moisture, such as water leaks or condensation, feeds mold growth, and mold spreads to new areas by releasing microscopic spores that can aggravate symptoms of both allergies and asthma. In fact, mold spores are suspected in the tripling of the asthma rate in the past 20 years and have been cited by a 1999 Mayo Clinic study for nearly all of the chronic sinus infections afflicting 37 million Americans.

“If mold spores are deposited in the lining of the nose, they can cause hay fever-like symptoms, including sneezing, itching and congestion,“ said Bill McLin, executive director, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “If these spores reach the lungs, they have the potential to trigger asthma.”

How to Decrease Mold in the Home
According to AAFA, there are steps people can take to help reduce mold growth throughout the home:

• Keep Humidity below 40%

• Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier during humid months

• Make sure your home has adequate ventilation

• Dry any water leak within 24 hours

• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements

• Get rid of mold materials immediately, once they’re found

• Clean hard surfaces regularly with products certified to kill mold. Allergy or asthma sufferers should ask nonsensitive people to apply cleaning products.

Mold must be killed and removed from the surface. Soap and water or detergents remove only mold stains, but can leave mold spores behind. Those remaining spores, which are often invisible to the naked eye, are then able to re-colonize. To decrease mold in homes, use a product like Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover, which is registered to kill and remove 99.9 percent of common household molds.

Because of the potential sensitivities of allergy and asthma sufferers to cleaning products, cleaning should be done by nonsensitive individuals and the area should be allowed to ventilate before reentry. Always read and follow all precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products.

Study Methodology
The study was conducted in a total of 160 homes in seven U.S. cities -- Chicago, Tampa, Atlanta, Tucson, San Francisco, New York and Dallas. Surface samples from the homes were examined microscopically for a range of different molds. Study samples were taken from accessible areas; therefore the study does not assess the prevalence of hidden mold. Homes in Dallas and New York had the highest rates of mold-infested sites, while Tampa households had the lowest rate. The study was funded by an educational grant from The Clorox Company.

The Clorox Company
The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with fiscal year 2002 revenues of $4.0 billion. Clorox markets some of consumers’ most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products, Armor All® and STP® auto care products, Fresh Step® and Scoop Away® cat litters, Kingsford® charcoal briquets, Hidden Valley® and K C Masterpiece® dressings and sauces, and Glad® bags, wraps and containers. With 9,500 employees worldwide, the company manufactures products in 25 countries and markets them in more than 100 countries. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $51 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges, and in 2001-2002 made product donations valued at nearly $5 million. For more information about Clorox, visit the company’s Web site at www.clorox.com.