Why is bleach not recommended for mold cleanup?
We do not recommend bleach for mold cleanup (and neither do widely accepted mold remediation protocols) for a number of reasons. Firstly, bleach is only active within a certain pH range (i.e., it must be diluted exactly to achieve this). Secondly, bleach is a toxic substance and some sensitive people can react to bleach and its noxious fumes. Thirdly, some research indicates that bleach actually "stresses" the mold, so that it produces even nastier mycotoxins than it would if bleach was not present.
What items in the home tend to be the worst culprits for offgassing of VOCs?
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, can be released by any (usually new) building material, fabric or carpeting. In our experience the worst culprits are new furniture, OSB (oriented strand board) and MDF (medium density fiberboard). In some homes, though, paint cans, cleaning fluids and even disposable diapers emit large amounts of VOCs. It is a good idea to store paints, cleaning fluids, pesticides and other chemicals in a storage area completely separate from the living area (e.g., in a detached garage or a tool shed separate from the house).
Is there a "safe" level of mold exposure?
There are no defined "safe" levels of exposure to molds, although some agencies are in the process of creating guidelines. Different people have different sensitivities to molds, so defining a "safe" level is very difficult. As well, there are over 100,000 species of molds -- only a few of which are "toxic".
Aren't mold spores killed when the air is heated by the furnace heat exchanger?
No. The air travels too quickly past the exchanger to be heated to a high enough temperature to kill mold spores. The heated air in your home (normally 22C or 72F) is far too cool to do any damage to spores. Some molds can survive temperatures exceeding 100C.
Some of my family members suffer from health symptoms. Do I have a mold problem?
Possibly. Molds can trigger allergy symptoms & asthma. Other contaminants, such as VOCs, pollens and dust can also trigger similar symptoms. If symptoms persist, you should have an inspection to determine if you have a sick home.
My house smells musty. Do I have mold?
A musty smell in the home is usually an indicator that mold is growing. You should inspect your home to determine if there is mold.
Can I reduce mold by using an air filter?
If mold is growing on a surface in your home, it should be removed. No filter will be able to remove mold growing on a surface. With respect to airborne contamination, most standalone home air filters simply allow spores, bacteria and viruses to pass through. Worse yet, the filter media can become a good place for mold to grow, if left uncleaned! Furnace filters also allow biological contaminants free passage through the media. Furnace filters are meant to protect your furnace motor, not to clean the air. To lower the airborne contaminants, you should consider a new UV air purification system.
I have frequent headaches, but we have just moved into a new home. Do I have a mold problem in my new home?
New homes can develop mold, but all new homes have high levels of volatile organic compounds from new carpeting, particle board, paints, glues and building materials that off-gas these chemicals. It is the VOCs that are probably causing your headaches. A new air purifier can reduce the VOCs in your home.
Is there really a problem with mold in dry climates?
The outdoor climate can indeed be very dry and will result in less outdoor mold, but the indoor humidity can be just as high as the tropics! High indoor humidity can contribute to mold growth, even in dry climates.
What is the number one reason for school absences in Canada?
Asthma.
Do you know the "Big Five" allergens for children?
Dust, molds, foods, pollen and volatile organic compounds. Dust, comprising mostly dead skin scales, carries bacteria, molds and dust mite feces. Dust is found throughout the home, especially in bedding, mattresses and carpeting. Molds come into the home from the outdoors, but mold spores circulate indoors as well. If there is any growing mold in the home, spores can be released into the air. Pollen comes indoors through open doors, windows and on pets and people. Volatile organic compounds are off-gassed by new carpets, plywoods, particle boards, glues and cleaning fluids. It is interesting to note that four of the "Big Five" are related to indoor air quality.
"Allergies are not that serious. All they cause is a bit of sneezing, or maybe some hives" True or False?
Most definitely FALSE. Allergies are not well understood, but current research suggests a link not only between allergies and health symptoms (i.e., such as headache, sinusitis, nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, hives, etc.), but a possible link between allergies and behavioral and physical disorders. Some behavioral and physical disorders which may be caused by allergies are fibromyalgia, "brain fog", loss of memory, temporary vision problems, attention deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity in children, sluggishness and many other ailments.
Is it "mold" or "mould"?
The english language is quirky! Both spellings are acceptable. "Mold" is more commonly used in the US, while "mould" is common in Canada and the UK. We use both spellings interchangeably on this web site, but we try to be consistent in our printed material by using "mold".
Isn't the furnace filter designed to remove dust and spores from the air?
Your furnace filter, usually only 7% efficient, is designed to filter large particles from the air mainly to protect your furnace motor. The filter does not trap many fine particulates or spores.
What types of damage can the burning of candles do in my home?
Candles can be very problematic. They can cause severe sooting and "ghosting" of furniture on the walls. Sometimes, it does not take many candles burned to do a lot of damage to paint, wallpaper, carpeting and furniture. If you must burn candles in the home, buy candles with no lead wick, no scent and manufactured by a quality manufacturer. Cheap (offshore) scented candles have been known to produce a lot of soot, particularly if the wick is too long or the flame flickers because of a draft.
