Bleach & Mold

CAN'T I JUST USE BLEACH TO CLEAN IT UP?

 NO! DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEACH TO KILL MOLD! IT IS DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH & IS TOTALLY INEFFECTIVE AGAINST KILLING MOLD! CHLORINE BLEACH IS INEFFECTIVE IN KILLING MOLD FOR THESE REASONS:

 (1) Chlorine Bleach DOES NOT kill mold, it merely BLEACHES it - meaning that it takes away the color of the mold.

(2) Chlorine Bleach does kill bacteria and viruses, but has not been proven effective in killing molds. Bleach Itself is 99% water. Water is one of the main contributors of the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. Bleach is an old method, it is the only product People have known for years. The strains now associated within Indoor Air Quality issues are resistant to bleach.

(3) 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.

(4) 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 restart the contamination process immediately and to a greater degree.

(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. This can be harmful to humans and animals. It has been known to cause pulmonary embolisms in low resistant, and susceptible people.

(8) Chlorine is a key component of DIOXIN. Dioxin is one of the most potent man-made 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." Can’t I clean up mold myself? Yes, but the improper removal of large mold infestations can disturb the mold and cause the release of large amounts of excess spores and toxic chemicals into the air.

Can I use chemicals to kill mold? Certain chemicals called biocides, which kill living molds, are available. However, biocides are poisons and if used incorrectly they can be more harmful than the mold itself. Also,dead mold still contains spores and irritating chemicals and can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma attacks. Mold must be removed, not just killed.