Why Chlorine Bleach is Not Effective in
Killing Mold
(1) The object to killing mold is to
kill mold at 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. (What is Mold?, About Mold, Mold Facts)
(2) Chlorine Bleach does kill bacteria and kill 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.”
WARNING:
Never mix chlorine with ammonia products, as the result is extremely toxic.
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.
Never mix chlorine with ammonia products, as the result is extremely toxic.
HOW TO
CONTROL MOLD
It is impossible to completely eliminate airborne mold. Specialists warn
that living in environments entirely safe from mold spores, bacteria or
viruses would not be healthy since our immunological system needs to be
active. It is recommended that steps be taken to reduce airborne
microorganisms, not complete extermination.
PREVENTION
-
Reduce humidity in your home by opening windows for approximately 30
minutes daily.
-
Prevent leaks due to rain; and when unavoidable, dry and treat water
damage within 24 to 48hours.
-
Regularly clean places that accumulate humidity such as showers, faucets
and pipes and the floor areas around such fixtures.
-
Limit carpets and plants in your home.
-
Use air purifier to drastically reduce high contamination levels.
-
Whenever possible, leave objects exposed to sunlight after cleaning. It is
very important that objects are dried after cleaning otherwise they will
be subject to new mold contamination.
-
Porous materials such as wood, fabric, cushions, and mattresses retain
water and are likely to be contaminated, making it difficult to clean
them. In the event that these objects are contaminated, it is advised to
dispose them.
