Mold won’t grow in Arizona, (and other dangerous falsehoods)

[Guest guest]

Not promoting the author nor his company, posted this because of the

information the article contained.

Mold won't grow in Arizona,

(and other dangerous falsehoods)

Inside Tucson Business - Tucson,AZ*

By Glenn M.

Published on Thursday, January 03, 2008

http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2008/01/03/news/doc477d8a4a9bc706263105

61.txt

The subject of mold has become of a topic of considerable

uncertainty and discussion. The absence of definitive governmental

advice and legislation has contributed to this situation. On the

other hand, some facts have been clearly and scientifically

established.

For example, mold and mildew are both fungi, a family of

microorganisms that also includes mushrooms. (Advanced cases of mold

infestation, in fact, can include mushroom growth on carpet and

walls.) Mold species, perhaps 100,000 in number, are resilient and

difficult to fight. They all reproduce asexually, need only

moisture, air, and organic sustenance to survive, and will thrive

even in the absence of sunlight.

Just because you don't see it doesn't mean it isn't there. While no

mold is visible on the wall, removing the cabinets tells a different

story.

There is no doubt that mold has become a severe financial burden for

governments, schools, homeowners, builders, and the real estate

industry in general. Costs of remediation and responding to lawsuits

now are in the tens of billions of dollars annually.

Other issues, however, are still subject to conjecture and a slowly

developing body of evidence. Consider the following myths:

Mold is not a

problem in Arizona

Unfortunately, it is. Statistics developed by American Risk

Management Resources rank Arizona sixth among the 50 states in

insurance payments for mold problems. Regardless of high outside air

temperatures and low humidity, mold can start indoors as the result

of any kind of water intrusion, then survive with the assistance of

man-made humidity. Among the common sources of water are evaporative

coolers, washer hookups, icemaker lines, sewer and drainpipe leaks,

irrigation system intrusions, monsoon damage, and broken water pipes

(common culprit – polybutylene pipe). Experts theorize that Arizona

has such a severe problem because moisture is retained within the

walls and windows of our buildings, which are tightly sealed and

insulated against the consistently hot outside climate, producing

condensation problems inside. Mold spores are always in the air,

even in sealed structures, making an infestation at the juncture of

water and organic building materials highly likely.

Mold doesn't cause illness

Almost anyone in the medical community will agree that the ingestion

of mold spores can aggravate allergies and asthma and produce

bronchial distress. In addition, recent research leans toward the

conclusion that mold, in and of itself, can be an original source of

illness. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for example,

now recognizes that the mycotoxins produced by species of mold

commonly found in residential and commercial buildings can

contribute to skin/membrane irritation, immune system problems,

allergic rhinitis, central nervous system damage, liver damage, and

possibly cancer. While the research is not yet complete, it is clear

that building owners would be wise to avoid the legal implications

that often precede incontrovertible proof.

Bleach kills mold

This is a common misperception, nurtured by decades of bad advice

offered by people and organizations who should know better.

Actually, the chlorine in household bleach isn't concentrated enough

to kill mold. In addition, the chlorine continues to evaporate

through the plastic containers as they sit on the shelf, further

weakening the concentration. Wisely, most marketers of household

bleach no longer claim biocidal effects of their products on mold,

and the EPA has steadily removed bleach from its lists of mold

remedies. Examples abound of bleach masking the existence of mold by

removing its color, while simultaneously feeding the colony by

adding moisture. If chlorine is to be used to kill mold, it should

be in the form of highly toxic chlorine dioxide gas, a product that

most of us would be grateful to avoid altogether.

Only structural demolition can eradicate mold

The traditional methods of combating mold do indeed include removal

and disposal of all affected materials, as well as a significant

portion of surrounding, unaffected material. This process is time-

consuming and expensive. Many remediation firms in Tucson provide

these services. There is, however, now a better and less expensive

way. New EPA-registered, nontoxic products can reduce the amount of

material that must be removed and can protect the surrounding

surfaces to the point that they are impervious to mold spores.

Rather than attempting to kill the mold, the process allows the

products to clean non-porous and porous surfaces, then traps the

removed spores and organisms in highly effective particulate filters.

Mold cannot be prevented

Fortunately, it now can be minimized. By treating entire infected

structures, or treating new structures as they are being built, the

process can guarantee against the occurrence (or reoccurrence) of

mold for periods of from two to five years, and the warranties are

backed by the largest insurer in the US. The company can thus assume

the entire liability of a building owner for that period, obviating

the need to obtain increasingly expensive mold damage insurance.

Glenn is a Vice President for Global Prevention Services –

Tucson, a firm specializing in the remediation and prevention of

mold. He is a Certified Residential Mold Inspector. A retired Air

Force officer, he served as a U-2 pilot at -Monthan AFB in the

1970s and subsequently helped pioneer electric and hybrid electric

vehicle technology as the Chief Operating Officer of CALSTART in

Burbank, California. He can be reached at gp@... or through

the parent company's Website at www.nomold.com.

[Guest guest]

KC,

You positioned this article perfectly; lots of good info but beware

of the product placement.

Of specific interest is the following description in the next to last

paragraph:

New EPA-registered, nontoxic products can reduce the amount of

material that must be removed and can protect the surrounding

surfaces to the point that they are impervious to mold spores. Rather

than attempting to kill the mold, the process allows the products to

clean non-porous and porous surfaces, then traps the removed spores

and organisms in highly effective particulate filters.

This sounds at first like the typical enzyme/bacteria approach, then

it shifts to sound like Anabec, then HEPA vacuuming. But then it says

" rather than attempting to kill the mold... "

It goes on to talk about cleaning surfaces (good!) and trapping in

filters (good!). But I don't see how it all works together.

I'll check it out and let everyone know. I'm always on the lookout

for something better. Unfortunately, what is found is usually hype,

spin or ignorance.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

-----

> Not promoting the author nor his company, posted this because of the

> information the article contained.

>

> Mold won't grow in Arizona,

> (and other dangerous falsehoods)

> Inside Tucson Business - Tucson,AZ*

> By Glenn M.

> Published on Thursday, January 03, 2008

>

>

> http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2008/01/03/news/doc477d8a4a9bc706263105

> 61.txt

>

> The subject of mold has become of a topic of considerable

> uncertainty and discussion. The absence of definitive governmental

> advice and legislation has contributed to this situation. On the

> other hand, some facts have been clearly and scientifically

> established.

>

>

>

> For example, mold and mildew are both fungi, a family of

> microorganisms that also includes mushrooms. (Advanced cases of mold

> infestation, in fact, can include mushroom growth on carpet and

> walls.) Mold species, perhaps 100,000 in number, are resilient and

> difficult to fight. They all reproduce asexually, need only

> moisture, air, and organic sustenance to survive, and will thrive

> even in the absence of sunlight.

> Just because you don't see it doesn't mean it isn't there. While no

> mold is visible on the wall, removing the cabinets tells a different

> story.

>

>

>

>

> There is no doubt that mold has become a severe financial burden for

> governments, schools, homeowners, builders, and the real estate

> industry in general. Costs of remediation and responding to lawsuits

> now are in the tens of billions of dollars annually.

>

>

>

> Other issues, however, are still subject to conjecture and a slowly

> developing body of evidence. Consider the following myths:

>

>

>

> Mold is not a

>

> problem in Arizona

>

>

>

> Unfortunately, it is. Statistics developed by American Risk

> Management Resources rank Arizona sixth among the 50 states in

> insurance payments for mold problems. Regardless of high outside air

> temperatures and low humidity, mold can start indoors as the result

> of any kind of water intrusion, then survive with the assistance of

> man-made humidity. Among the common sources of water are evaporative

> coolers, washer hookups, icemaker lines, sewer and drainpipe leaks,

> irrigation system intrusions, monsoon damage, and broken water pipes

> (common culprit – polybutylene pipe). Experts theorize that Arizona

> has such a severe problem because moisture is retained within the

> walls and windows of our buildings, which are tightly sealed and

> insulated against the consistently hot outside climate, producing

> condensation problems inside. Mold spores are always in the air,

> even in sealed structures, making an infestation at the juncture of

> water and organic building materials highly likely.

>

>

>

> Mold doesn't cause illness

>

>

>

> Almost anyone in the medical community will agree that the ingestion

> of mold spores can aggravate allergies and asthma and produce

> bronchial distress. In addition, recent research leans toward the

> conclusion that mold, in and of itself, can be an original source of

> illness. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for example,

> now recognizes that the mycotoxins produced by species of mold

> commonly found in residential and commercial buildings can

> contribute to skin/membrane irritation, immune system problems,

> allergic rhinitis, central nervous system damage, liver damage, and

> possibly cancer. While the research is not yet complete, it is clear

> that building owners would be wise to avoid the legal implications

> that often precede incontrovertible proof.

>

>

>

> Bleach kills mold

>

>

>

> This is a common misperception, nurtured by decades of bad advice

> offered by people and organizations who should know better.

> Actually, the chlorine in household bleach isn't concentrated enough

> to kill mold. In addition, the chlorine continues to evaporate

> through the plastic containers as they sit on the shelf, further

> weakening the concentration. Wisely, most marketers of household

> bleach no longer claim biocidal effects of their products on mold,

> and the EPA has steadily removed bleach from its lists of mold

> remedies. Examples abound of bleach masking the existence of mold by

> removing its color, while simultaneously feeding the colony by

> adding moisture. If chlorine is to be used to kill mold, it should

> be in the form of highly toxic chlorine dioxide gas, a product that

> most of us would be grateful to avoid altogether.

>

>

>

> Only structural demolition can eradicate mold

>

>

>

> The traditional methods of combating mold do indeed include removal

> and disposal of all affected materials, as well as a significant

> portion of surrounding, unaffected material. This process is time-

> consuming and expensive. Many remediation firms in Tucson provide

> these services. There is, however, now a better and less expensive

> way. New EPA-registered, nontoxic products can reduce the amount of

> material that must be removed and can protect the surrounding

> surfaces to the point that they are impervious to mold spores.

> Rather than attempting to kill the mold, the process allows the

> products to clean non-porous and porous surfaces, then traps the

> removed spores and organisms in highly effective particulate filters.

>

>

>

> Mold cannot be prevented

>

>

>

> Fortunately, it now can be minimized. By treating entire infected

> structures, or treating new structures as they are being built, the

> process can guarantee against the occurrence (or reoccurrence) of

> mold for periods of from two to five years, and the warranties are

> backed by the largest insurer in the US. The company can thus assume

> the entire liability of a building owner for that period, obviating

> the need to obtain increasingly expensive mold damage insurance.

>

>

>

> Glenn is a Vice President for Global Prevention Services –

> Tucson, a firm specializing in the remediation and prevention of

> mold. He is a Certified Residential Mold Inspector. A retired Air

> Force officer, he served as a U-2 pilot at -Monthan AFB in the

> 1970s and subsequently helped pioneer electric and hybrid electric

> vehicle technology as the Chief Operating Officer of CALSTART in

> Burbank, California. He can be reached at gp@... or through

> the parent company's Website at www.nomold.com.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> FAIR USE NOTICE:

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

KC and group,

First, is my disclosure statement:

Global Prevention Services is a Gold level sponsor at IAQA

conferences and I am a Vice President of IAQA.

I talked extensively with the founder of GPS and was very impressed.

I am left with the impression that their Web site is designed to

compete with the others that offer miracle cures without quite going

over the line themselves. I was wrong in my conjecture that they use

Modec and Anabec, although they used to use Anabec. They developed

their own products.

How they describe their business is much more professional and their

procedures are more in line with industry guidance and standards.

They understand and can discuss the critical importance of moisture

control and removing mold without cross-contamination. They don't

promise miracles. They are actively working to separate themselves

from the shysters and less-than honest contractors. They described

their experiences with hyper-reactivity and I was encouraged.

Where I differ with them is their final step of routinely using a

product to impede re-growth. If the materials or surfaces are kept

dry (moisture is controlled as claimed) then there is no need for the

additional expense of a preventive coating.

Their other offices are franchises so be aware that even with the

best of management controls not all francises operate at the same

level as the HQ and the Founder.

My concluding comment about GPS is the caveat I will always include,

even for my own services and recommendations: Check it out closely

with other claims, ask for the experience of others, such as here on

. Scrutinize every word and claim. Reach a level of

understanding the information to the point you feel you can trust it;

and also trust that if something goes wrong the company will not

abandon you.

Why is my wording different here, especially in the context of my

conflict of interest? Because their principles are correct, their

discussion was informed, spin was minimal, and their claims are

reasonable instead of incredible.

My caution is, will they execute accordingly? Each of us, if we are

comfortable so far, has to " step off the cliff " and find out for

ourselves. If any of you use them, let us all know about your

experience.

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

-----

> KC,

>

> You positioned this article perfectly; lots of good info but beware

> of the product placement.

>

> Of specific interest is the following description in the next to last

> paragraph:

>

> New EPA-registered, nontoxic products can reduce the amount of

> material that must be removed and can protect the surrounding

> surfaces to the point that they are impervious to mold spores. Rather

> than attempting to kill the mold, the process allows the products to

> clean non-porous and porous surfaces, then traps the removed spores

> and organisms in highly effective particulate filters.

>

> This sounds at first like the typical enzyme/bacteria approach, then

> it shifts to sound like Anabec, then HEPA vacuuming. But then it says

> " rather than attempting to kill the mold... "

>

> It goes on to talk about cleaning surfaces (good!) and trapping in

> filters (good!). But I don't see how it all works together.

>

> I'll check it out and let everyone know. I'm always on the lookout

> for something better. Unfortunately, what is found is usually hype,

> spin or ignorance.

>

> Carl Grimes

> Healthy Habitats LLC

>

> -----

> > Not promoting the author nor his company, posted this because of

> the

> > information the article contained.

> >

> > Mold won't grow in Arizona,

> > (and other dangerous falsehoods)

> > Inside Tucson Business - Tucson,AZ*

> > By Glenn M.

> > Published on Thursday, January 03, 2008

> >

> >

> >

> http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2008/01/03/news/doc477d8a4a9bc706263105

> > 61.txt

> >

> > The subject of mold has become of a topic of considerable

> > uncertainty and discussion. The absence of definitive governmental

> > advice and legislation has contributed to this situation. On the

> > other hand, some facts have been clearly and scientifically

> > established.

> >

> >

> >

> > For example, mold and mildew are both fungi, a family of

> > microorganisms that also includes mushrooms. (Advanced cases of

> mold

> > infestation, in fact, can include mushroom growth on carpet and

> > walls.) Mold species, perhaps 100,000 in number, are resilient and

> > difficult to fight. They all reproduce asexually, need only

> > moisture, air, and organic sustenance to survive, and will thrive

> > even in the absence of sunlight.

> > Just because you don't see it doesn't mean it isn't there. While no

>

> > mold is visible on the wall, removing the cabinets tells a

> different

> > story.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > There is no doubt that mold has become a severe financial burden

> for

> > governments, schools, homeowners, builders, and the real estate

> > industry in general. Costs of remediation and responding to

> lawsuits

> > now are in the tens of billions of dollars annually.

> >

> >

> >

> > Other issues, however, are still subject to conjecture and a slowly

>

> > developing body of evidence. Consider the following myths:

> >

> >

> >

> > Mold is not a

> >

> > problem in Arizona

> >

> >

> >

> > Unfortunately, it is. Statistics developed by American Risk

> > Management Resources rank Arizona sixth among the 50 states in

> > insurance payments for mold problems. Regardless of high outside

> air

> > temperatures and low humidity, mold can start indoors as the result

>

> > of any kind of water intrusion, then survive with the assistance of

>

> > man-made humidity. Among the common sources of water are

> evaporative

> > coolers, washer hookups, icemaker lines, sewer and drainpipe leaks,

>

> > irrigation system intrusions, monsoon damage, and broken water

> pipes

> > (common culprit – polybutylene pipe). Experts theorize that Arizona

>

> > has such a severe problem because moisture is retained within the

> > walls and windows of our buildings, which are tightly sealed and

> > insulated against the consistently hot outside climate, producing

> > condensation problems inside. Mold spores are always in the air,

> > even in sealed structures, making an infestation at the juncture of

>

> > water and organic building materials highly likely.

> >

> >

> >

> > Mold doesn't cause illness

> >

> >

> >

> > Almost anyone in the medical community will agree that the

> ingestion

> > of mold spores can aggravate allergies and asthma and produce

> > bronchial distress. In addition, recent research leans toward the

> > conclusion that mold, in and of itself, can be an original source

> of

> > illness. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for example,

>

> > now recognizes that the mycotoxins produced by species of mold

> > commonly found in residential and commercial buildings can

> > contribute to skin/membrane irritation, immune system problems,

> > allergic rhinitis, central nervous system damage, liver damage, and

>

> > possibly cancer. While the research is not yet complete, it is

> clear

> > that building owners would be wise to avoid the legal implications

> > that often precede incontrovertible proof.

> >

> >

> >

> > Bleach kills mold

> >

> >

> >

> > This is a common misperception, nurtured by decades of bad advice

> > offered by people and organizations who should know better.

> > Actually, the chlorine in household bleach isn't concentrated

> enough

> > to kill mold. In addition, the chlorine continues to evaporate

> > through the plastic containers as they sit on the shelf, further

> > weakening the concentration. Wisely, most marketers of household

> > bleach no longer claim biocidal effects of their products on mold,

> > and the EPA has steadily removed bleach from its lists of mold

> > remedies. Examples abound of bleach masking the existence of mold

> by

> > removing its color, while simultaneously feeding the colony by

> > adding moisture. If chlorine is to be used to kill mold, it should

> > be in the form of highly toxic chlorine dioxide gas, a product that

>

> > most of us would be grateful to avoid altogether.

> >

> >

> >

> > Only structural demolition can eradicate mold

> >

> >

> >

> > The traditional methods of combating mold do indeed include removal

>

> > and disposal of all affected materials, as well as a significant

> > portion of surrounding, unaffected material. This process is time-

> > consuming and expensive. Many remediation firms in Tucson provide

> > these services. There is, however, now a better and less expensive

> > way. New EPA-registered, nontoxic products can reduce the amount of

>

> > material that must be removed and can protect the surrounding

> > surfaces to the point that they are impervious to mold spores.

> > Rather than attempting to kill the mold, the process allows the

> > products to clean non-porous and porous surfaces, then traps the

> > removed spores and organisms in highly effective particulate

> filters.

> >

> >

> >

> > Mold cannot be prevented

> >

> >

> >

> > Fortunately, it now can be minimized. By treating entire infected

> > structures, or treating new structures as they are being built, the

>

> > process can guarantee against the occurrence (or reoccurrence) of

> > mold for periods of from two to five years, and the warranties are

> > backed by the largest insurer in the US. The company can thus

> assume

> > the entire liability of a building owner for that period, obviating

>

> > the need to obtain increasingly expensive mold damage insurance.

> >

> >

> >

> > Glenn is a Vice President for Global Prevention Services –

> > Tucson, a firm specializing in the remediation and prevention of

> > mold. He is a Certified Residential Mold Inspector. A retired Air

> > Force officer, he served as a U-2 pilot at -Monthan AFB in the

>

> > 1970s and subsequently helped pioneer electric and hybrid electric

> > vehicle technology as the Chief Operating Officer of CALSTART in

> > Burbank, California. He can be reached at gp@... or through

> > the parent company's Website at www.nomold.com.