Is bleach safe to use for cleaning mold?

Discussion in 'General Science & Technology' started by garbonzo, Sep 22, 2014.

  1. garbonzo Registered Senior Member

    Messages:
    790
    This link says it is, but I'm not sure.

    Any help here? Thanks!
     
  2. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  3. Kittamaru Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Adieu, Sciforums. Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    13,938
    I used to work with RestoreCore, a remediation and repair company... a mixture of bleach and water will kill most molds. HOWEVER, it will also cause it to release spores. For many people, and most types of mold, this is not a problem. If you have allergies or asthma, this can be a huge trigger for you (not to mention not actually removing the problem, as the mold is still embedded in the surface in question, and now you have spread its spores elsewhere to grow). Additionally, some types of mold, such as the "black slime" mold Stachybotrys chartarum, allergic reactions can be severe enough to include bleeding of the lungs and airways. Contrary to a lot of the mythos surrounding black mold, it is not likely to be fatal unless you have exacerbating symptoms such as severe asthma, but it is still an unpleasant experience.

    Typically, we used a solution of Microban and a HEPA vacuum to remove the mold and capture the spores.
     
  4. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  5. Fraggle Rocker Staff Member

    Messages:
    24,690
    When an issue like this is raised, there is ALWAYS a question that should follow it: "If we don't do it this way, then how are we going to do it?"

    For all of the potential problems caused by cleaning up mold in the traditional way, the alternative (not cleaning up the mold) is far worse.

    I've never experienced the problem cited, but I can understand it. The HEPA vacuum cleaner seems like a perfect solution.

    How common is S. chartarum? I've never heard of that type of mold, and I've certainly never heard of the symptoms you describe. The Wikipedia article isn't especially scary. Apparently it was first identified in Bohemia almost 200 years ago. It's been suggested as the cause of "sick building syndrome," and even as the true cause of a condition identified as "leprosy" in the Bible, but these hypotheses have not been proven.
     
  6. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  7. sculptor Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    8,466
    Facts about Stachybotrys chartarum and Other Molds from the CDC
    http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm

    ..............
    inhale and you've most likely inhaled a mould spore
    If mold is a concern, dehumidify. A little UV also helps.
    Mycotoxins ain't all bad.
    Remember, the fungi were here and growing large long before we came along.
     
  8. Raymond Registered Member

    Messages:
    15
    Bleach is effective in killing molds
     

Share This Page