When it comes to mold removal, typical products are highly toxic and require extreme caution when handling. Safety measures such as the use of personal protective equipment and proper ventilation of the room should be taken into account. Inhaling toxic chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and formaldehyde can have a wide range of effects on the body. Formaldehyde poisoning can cause eye irritation, respiratory issues, skin irritations, headaches, and restlessness.
Long-term exposure can lead to anemia, heart rhythm disorders, irregular breathing, and even coma. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia can cause burning eyes, nose, and throat, blindness, lung damage, or even death. It is important to note that the chemicals and equipment needed to apply them to get rid of mold are quite affordable. However, no chemical cleaning solution has been clinically proven to not only kill mold growth and spores but also neutralize mycotoxins. Therefore, it is essential that a specific usage protocol is established before using any new chemical for mold elimination. Essential oils are natural chemicals extracted from plants that have antimicrobial properties.
The industry has quickly adopted harsh chemicals as the solution for killing mold and removing stains. It is common to find mold stain removers that contain high percentages of chlorine combined with hydrogen peroxide and surfactants. Scrubbing or sanding moldy surfaces releases mold spores into the air which can travel through small openings and have a negative impact on health. The mold treatment company will park a truck close to the door, cover the area with plastic sheets, and run hoses around the house to the affected area. It is unknown how long the chemicals used to eliminate mold remain in the home; some can stay there for years before decaying and no longer affecting the occupants. Mixing bleach with mold forms a chemical compound similar to a pesticide.
However, unless the fungistat also has some mold-killing properties, the spore could move to another location and form a colony. Before the company arrives, move as much furniture and other items that aren't affected by mold as possible. Probiotics are a natural way to combat air pollutants and create an unfavorable environment for mold. Even though their effectiveness against microorganisms varies widely, most formulations are non-corrosive, quats are considered low in terms of toxicity, and these chemicals are relatively cheap which makes them popular for eliminating mold.
