Healthy Home Q&A

Q	How should I clean mold?
	The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that small areas of mold growth be cleaned using normal household cleaning products. Visit the EPA's website for more information. For more extensive areas of mold cleanup a professional water restoration and mold remediation firm should be consulted. For more information visit our section on mold remediation
Q	Should I use bleach to clean mold?
	In short, "No". Bleach is not necessary, nor is it recommended for cleaning mold. We get asked this question quite frequently and created a section on our website that specifically discusses this topic. Visit Mold and Bleach to learn more.
Q	Is mold toxic?
	Molds that can produce toxins are called "toxigenic". Although all molds do not produce toxins, some molds produce toxins sometimes. Molds that can produce a toxin, may only produce toxins under certain conditions and at specific times in its life cycle. Molds produce toxins as a way to "claim their turf" and to fend off other organisms. Penicillin, a well known antibiotic, is a toxic to bacterial and is derived from a type of mold called Penicillium. Due to the potency and risk of consuming fungal toxins, moldy food should not be consumed, as there is clear scientific evidence that this can create health issues. There is ongoing scientific research and controversy about toxin exposure due to airborne mold spores. Toxic or not, many molds have allergenic properties. Toxic or not, we should not be living in moldy indoor environments.
Q	Is mold in my home making me sick?
	Many factors, aside from mold can affect your health, comfort, and the air you breathe. You own health conditions, as well as exposure to allergens, chemicals, and indoor particulates can affect you. An thorough indoor air quality investigation can help to establish what you are being exposed to, but if you have health concerns, you should consult your health care provider.
Q	Should I use an ozone generating air cleaner?
	Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent and is used as a disinfectant in water and sometimes as a commercial deoderizer. Some air cleaners are designed to produce ozone and have been shown to generate indoor ozone levels that exceed safe limits. Some ozone generators can quickly produce enough ozone in a confined space to exceed the California Stage 2 and 3 smog alert levels. Not only is ozone is a lung irritant and ineffective in controlling molds and fungi, but it may damage materials in the home. The elderly, people with respiratory disease and families with children--the people most likely to be interested in using an air cleaner--are also the most susceptible to the toxic effects of ozone. For these reasons, the California Department of Health Services strongly recommends NOT using ozone air cleaners in any occupied residential space. When a portable air cleaner is desired, filtration based methods are recommended.
Q	My landlord is unresponsive about a mold problem. I am considering legal action and want you to come and test.
	Have you first explored all opportunities to resolve issues with you landlord? Even before hiring us, we recommend that you take photographs of the mold growth and document your concerns in writing to your landlord. If you landlord remains unresponsive and you are considering legal action, then you should consult with your legal advisor.
Q	How can I remove all mold spores from my home?
	Mold spores are microscopic particles that are found everywhere;it is unrealistic to expect to be able to keep an home 100% free of mold spores. In any non-sterile environment where there is traffic between indoors and outdoors, there are bound be mold spores. Mold spores float around looking for an opportunity to grow. If they find a wet environment on a nutrient source such as paper, wood, or dust - they will grow. We can evaluate conditions in your home that are leading to the mold growth and will make recommendations how you can avoid future growth
Q	How can I control mold growth?
	Keep your home dry, and mold will not grow. Address all leaks rapidly. Ventilate you home. Use exhaust fans to remove humidity when cooking and bathing. Monitor you indoor humidity. And most importantly, control MOISTURE. Without moisture Mold Will Not Grow.

Our Q&A section is an excellent source of information on specific topics of interest and is generated by questions from you. Send us your questions and share your own experiences.

Check back often, and be sure to contact us if you suspect mold contamination in your home.