Get The Facts - Indoor Air Quality & Toxic Building Materials

1. The very first step to remediation is to first identify ALL sources of moisture. Removal of mold will be ineffective if moisture sources are not totally eliminated first;

2. Before attempting mold removal, contain the area to prevent cross-contamination;

3. Begin remediation by removing all porous material and dry all other material for 48 to 72 hours. Use dehumidification equipment if required;

4. Sand or wire brush any visible mold growth;

5. HEPA vacuum all surfaces; and

6. When removing mold from non-porous surfaces, try to avoid bleach. Instead try

natural

alternatives like distilled vinegar, tea tree oil, or hydrogen peroxide.

Again, I would defer to Cheryl Ciecko for exact diagnoses and remediation protocols.

Keep in mind that when some homes advertise or brag about their “mold-resistant” drywall, these materials are not “mold-proof.” A lot of mold resistant drywall gets that way by adding chemicals during manufacture. These microbial additions are rarely identified by the manufacturer and often thought to be carcinogenic and mutagenic—just another example of how builders and manufacturers of building products try to make their homes “healthier” by adding more chemicals . And that is precisely what my homes are trying to avoid.

THIS LAST PAGE IS BONUS MATERIAL—NOT FOR FLIP PAGE MAGAZINE

Many building products can provide nutrients that allow for mold growth. In drywall, cellulose and starch found in paper facings and the core of drywall panels can serve as food for mold.[12] Drywall can be made more mold resistant by removing the food sources for mold (for example swapping paper facing for fiberglass facing) or by adding biocides to the core and paper facing.[13] Paper-faced mold and moisture resistant drywall panels, (the latest iteration of previous moisture resistant panels, sometimes called greenboard), are often used in interior applications where there is periodic elevated humidity, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms. They are not intended for use where there is direct exposure to water or in areas with continuous high humidity. Mold resistant drywall with a fiberglass matt facing can be used for additional applications, such as behind tile in wet areas (tub and shower) where allowed by code, and when drywall is installed before the building is fully enclosed.[14] Both paper-faced and fiberglass-faced mold resistant products commonly