Will Bleach Clean Up Mold and Mildew?

PROPER Mold remediation involves the removal and or clean up and restoration of mold contaminated building materials.

Laundry bleach is not an effective mold killing agent for wood-based building materials and NOT EFFECTIVE  in the mold remediation process. 

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 historical (but retracted) recommendations of health departments and other state and local agencies had perpetuated the belief. Untrained mold remediation real estate professionals, home owners, plumbers, contractors and others continue to recommend bleach to solve a "mildew" problem.  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, OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF BIOCIDE FOR THAT MATTER.

Why Chlorine Bleach is NOT Recommended for Mold Clean-up. Clorine bleach is corrosive (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”. 

Mold remediation involves the need to disinfect or removed wood and wood-based building materials, all of which are porous materials. Chlorine bleach should not be used in mold remediation as confirmed by OSHA’s and EPA's guidelines. The use of bleach as a mold disinfectant is best left to kitchen and bathroom countertops, tubs and shower glass, etc.

Chlorine Bleach Is Active Ingredient in Newer Mold & Mildew Products.
The appearance of newer 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 hard, non-porous surfaces and not for wood-based materials. 

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. 

CAUTION: DO NOT MIX CHLORINE BLEACH WITH OTHER HOUSEHOLD CLEANING AGENTS. DOING SO CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HARM TO HUMAN HEALTH AND EVEN DEATH. For example, mixing chlorine bleach with cleaning products that contain ammonia or acid (vinegar, as one example) releases chlorine or chloramines, gases which are TOXIC.

About Steve Zivolich and

Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
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Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

Questions Before You Hire a Mold Remediation Professional

1. What does your remediation cover?

The remediation professional should ensure in writing that their mold removal process follows recognized standards of practice, IICRC. You should be able to request and see a copy of these standards ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. Here is a link to those IICRC standards information webpage: http://iicrc.org/standards/iicrc-s520/

2. How long have you been practicing in the mold remediation profession and how many projects have you completed?

The professional should be able to provide his or her history and perhaps even a few names as referrals. 

3. Are you specifically experienced in residential and or commercial areas?

Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of mold removal. If the project is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well.

4. Do you offer to do inspecting and or mold testing based on the project?

All professional associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest. A pre-inspection and post inspection should be completed by a third party mold inspector, preferably one that you choose.

5. How long will the remediation take?

If the area is moist, there will be a drying time of usually 1 to 3 days with dehumidifiers. Most limited area mold removal should not take any longer than 2 to 4 days. If much longer times are estimated, get more quotes and timelines from other companies.

6. How much will it cost?

Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and and types of mold contamination. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. 

7. What type of project report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?

Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. 

8. Do you guarantee your work?

Most companies guarantee to successfully remove the mold contamination in the areas contracted for. If a post remediation test is conducted and the area fails, most companies will re-work the area at no additional cost, and will also pay for the re-inspection costs.

9. Do you maintain certification with a professional remediation association?

There are two industry recognized national certification associations for mold remediation. Request to see their mold  certification document from either IICRC and or ACAC. Accept no substitutes.

10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?

One can never know it all, and the professionals commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases where the project includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
.
Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

MOLD EXPOSURE REALLY A HEALTH PROBLEM?

IS MOLD A REALLY A HEALTH PROBLEM?

The recent and current research continues to support an association of damp and moldy buildings with occupant health complaints and conditions. The following is a list of national and international science and medical opinions.

Dampness and Microbial Exposure 

Shoemaker (2010) identifies “Mold illness” as a subcategory of biotoxin illness, called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).  CIRS is defined as: an acute and chronic, systemic inflammatory response syndrome acquired following exposure to the interior environment of a water-damaged building (WDB) with resident toxigenic organisms, including, but not limited to fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes and mycobacteria as well as inflammagens such as endotoxins, beta glucans, hemolysins, proteinases, mannans, c-type lectins and possibly spirocyclic drimanes, plus volatile organic compounds. The EPA has indicated that 21% of all new cases of asthma are due to exposure to WDB.

The California Department of Public Health CDPH (2011) concluded that the presence of water damage, dampness, visible mold, or mold odor in schools, workplaces, residences, and other indoor environments is unhealthy.

The CDPH further concluded that human health studies have led to a consensus among scientists and medical experts that the presence in buildings of (a) visible water damage, (b) damp materials, (c) visible mold, or (d) mold odor indicates an increased risk of respiratory disease for occupants. Known health risks include: the development of asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections; the triggering of asthma attacks; and increased wheeze, cough, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms. In addition, evidence is accumulating, although not yet conclusive, that the more extensive, widespread, or severe the water damage, dampness, visible mold, or mold odor, the greater the health risks.

In the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (2012) alert, dampness is defined as the presence of unwanted and excessive moisture in buildings. Dampess can lead to the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria; the release of volatile organic compounds; and the breakdown of building materials. NIOSH uses the term “mold” for a group of fungi that are common on wet materials. Research studies have shown that exposures to building dampness and mold have been associated with respiratory symptoms, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, rhinosinusitis, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. Individuals with asthma or hypersensitivity pneumonitis may be at risk for progression to more severe disease if the relationship between illness and exposure to the damp building is not recognized and exposures continue. Building dampness and subsequent respiratory illness in some building occupants (including children) occur inpart from a lack of knowledge and understanding of the nature and severity of these problems among designers, builders, building owners, employers, and building occupants. Buildings may also develop dampness problems from improper or insufficient maintenance or operation and weather events. The best current evidence suggests observations of dampness, water damage, mold, or mold odors are the best indicators of dampness-related health hazards, rather than microbiologic measurements. Respiratory outcomes have been the most thoroughly studied and reviewed, while the evidence is limited for the possible health effects of mycotoxins in indoor environments, including neurological outcomes. A recent review of the occupational causes of sarcoidosis indicates that there is increasing evidence that sarcoidosis (a multiorgan granulomatous disease) has multiple causes, including exposure to mold, especially in the presence of triggers of inflammation. Not all reported types of building-related symptoms have been fully investigated.

         The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has classified the following symptoms for mold allergies: • Sneezing • Chronic cough  • Runny nose • Nasal congestion • Itchy, watery and red eyes • Skin rashes and hives • Sinus headaches • Reduced lung capacity and difficulty breathing.

The Asthma foundation reports that current evidence suggests that excessive moisture promotes mold growth and is associated with an increased prevalence of symptoms due to irritation, allergy, and infection. However, specific human toxicity due to inhaled fungal toxins has not been scientifically established. Health hazards from exposure to environmental molds and their metabolites relate to four broad categories of chemical/biological attributes. These materials may be: 1) irritants, 2) allergens, 3) toxins, and rarely 4) pathogens. Different mold species may be more or less hazardous with respect to any or all of these categories. However, risks from exposure to a particular mold species may vary depending on a number of factors. Uncertainty is complicated further by a lack of information on specific human responses to well-defined mold contaminant exposures.

Whether or not symptoms develop in people exposed to fungi depends on the nature of the fungal material (e.g., allergenic, toxigenic, or infectious), the amount of exposure, and the susceptibility of exposed persons. Susceptibility varies with the genetic predisposition (e.g., allergic reactions do not always occur in all individuals), age, state of health, and concurrent exposures.

         Mold-exposure symptoms differ from person to person, depending upon the sensitivities of each individual and their levels of exposure to mold.  Persons that are extremely sensitivity to mold, or those with suppressed immune systems, could be at higher risk for allergic reactions than those that are less sensitive and have full immune system function.  Reaction to mold exposure can be immediate or delayed, depending on the individual and their susceptibility and exposure levels.

        

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
.
Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

Toxic Mold and the Home Inspector

Over the past 24 months a new environmental concern - toxic molds - has come to the forefront of the public's attention. While the existence of toxic molds in the environment has been documented for centuries, due to modern construction practices, poor quality control and a lack of proper maintenance, they are now linked to illnesses and other medical disorders that are affecting the lives of families across the continent. Most of the attention regarding toxic molds has been focused on the compromised health and shattered lives of the home's occupants along with the inevitable litigation that follows. What has been missing throughout all this firestorm of media activity is discussion regarding the conditions contributing to toxic mold manifestation. 

There are many factors leading to fungal development within a structure, but there must be a moisture source, limited ventilation and a food source that is commonly any cellulose substrate on which the fungal contamination can grow on and become a colony. The typical gestation period for a mold colony is only 48 hours from the onset of spore exposure to the cellulose substrate." 

When dealing with a possible toxic mold contamination inside a structure, the first course of action is to locate the moisture source and remove it. There are several common areas of moisture intrusion to consider, such as

• Roof leaks
• Plumbing leaks
• Poorly maintained heating and cooling systems
• Window and door leaks
• Improperly adjusted landscape sprinklers as well as many other possible sources

Homes should be thoroughly reviewed, including an inspection of the roofing materials and penetrations, such as heating and plumbing vents. Other common leakage areas, such as chimney and/or skylight flashings should also be examined. Exterior wall penetrations, such as windows and door openings, electrical fixtures and receptacle boxes, should be examined for signs of water intrusion as well. Additionally, the plumbing system, including pipes in crawl spaces and attics should be thoroughly reviewed for signs of leakage. All heating and cooling equipment should be operated and inspected for signs of moisture intrusion, and or creation. 

Due to the complexities surrounding moisture intrusion sources, I recommend consumers not attempt these investigations on their own, but rather hire a professional home inspector that is also a Certified Microbial Consultant that is trained and equipped to perform such work. A qualified inspector is trained to identify conditions leading to and causing moisture intrusion. qualified inspectors are equipped to access roofing materials, attics, and crawl spaces.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
.
Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.