Here in Southeastern Pennsylvania, we’ve just come out of one of the wettest years in recent memory. According to www.Phillyweather.net, the Philadelphia area saw a record 64.33" of rainfall in 2011.
What does this interesting tidbit mean for your home? This past year, so many people throughout the region experienced mold in their basements or homes for the first time ever. It's not a fun surprise for a homeowner.
What can you do if you’re seeing mold growing in places in your home where you’ve never seen it before?
Most people believe that bleach is the solution to this growing problem. WRONG!! Here’s some interesting information we’ve recently uncovered:
1. Bleach is not only ineffective, but it could also be hazardous to your health! After treating mold with bleach, the mold usually returns within 24 hours. But here’s the kicker – the cleaning process stirs up mold spores and sends them into the air, which makes it even more likely that you or someone you love will breathe the spores in!
2. Bleach can only treat the mold that is on the surface.
3. Bleach is 3-6% Sodium Hypochlorite and 94% to 97% water. The Sodium Hypochlorite evaporates, which leaves water behind, which in turn speeds up the process of growing more mold.
4. Bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces, such as concrete, wood, wallpaper, sheetrock, grout, books, clothing, etc.
5. Bleach chlorine gas, which is released when bleach mixes with any acid, may be lethal!
6. As you apply bleach, you may inhale chlorine particles, which can cause anything from bronchial/lung irritation to thyroid problems, possibly including cancer!
7. According to the EPA, “The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example,) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold remediation.”
So what’s a mold-infested homeowner to do?
The best course of action is to contact an expert to come in and take care of your mold problem once and for all. We highly recommend Bob Hoeveler and the team at The Real Estate Environmental Assessments & Consulting Team (REEACT). Some things are best left to the professionals. You can contact them at (610) 223-1359.
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