Mold Fogging Residue

Mold fogging with anitmicrobial and biocides leave a harmful residue on surfaces inside building.

Mold fogging involves transforming a chemical solution into a vapor and releasing it into an indoor environment. The mist produced interacts with airborne particles and evenly coats surfaces to kill or encapsulate mold on various materials. Mold remediation replaced by fogging as the primary method of removal has become a popular method for those looking to save money. However, fogging alone is ineffective, leaving mold growth behind surfaces from water intrusion that later reappears. Some occupants also noticed that they have developed a palsy after the chemical was used and can no longer work or reside in the residence.

Mold fogging chemicals have a base compound of insecticed, fungicide and rodenticide making you sick

Most companies fog with an antimicrobial compound base aerosolized made of Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide which leaves a residue on surfaces that is highly toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife. Another broad class of inorganic chemicals that have been used in fogging are biocides, sometimes of biological origin intended for control of pests, rodents, insects, bacteria, fungi (molds), and other micro organisms in non-agriculture. Biocides are similar to pesticides. While biocides may stop further mold growth, there is a health risk due to its application. The issues using chemicals in this manner are the delivery of the antimicrobial and biocides, efficiency, and the potential toxicity.

Fogging antimicrobial chemicals require EPA's federal Incesticide, fungicide, rodenticide licenses.

Fogging compounds

The EPA defines antimicrobials as chemicals that are used to suppress or destroy microorganisms. These materials are registered and regulated by the EPA’s Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which is why some states require licenses for those who apply them.

Because these compounds can affect or harm humans, pets and wildlife, the product registration specifies where the fog can be used, what surfaces, room ventillation, and personal protective equipment.

Mold is capable of growing deep inside building materials, therefore fogging may not come in contact with the mold below the surface. Incomplete control of Stachybotrys chartarum can result in producing spores of higher toxicity than those spores from untreated mold.

Since fogging will not kill mold behind surfaces from water intrusion, thus, it does not constitute proper remediation.

Mold fogging exposure

Fogging can “kill” mold but it may lead to new indoor air quality concerns from the pesticide compounds which leave behind a residue that causes allergic or toxigenic responses.

Base compounds in antimicrobial fogging can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It can also cause headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, and neurological symptoms. Improper ventillating during fogging may also cause harm to pets and wildlife.

Exposure to biocides applied indoors occur through dermal, inhalation or ingestion routes. Symptoms of biocide poisoning may include headaches, vomiting, stomach aches and diarrhrea. The elderly, children, the immuno compromised, and the chronically ill, are particularly vulnerable to biocides.

Note - Accurate Mold inspectors are not qualified to make health claims or recommendations.

Cleaning vs Remediation

Fogging is an effective way to remove mold spores that have spread in the air and landed on a variety surfaces inside your home or office building. Fogging can prevent mold growth by spraying a non-toxic disinfectant into the air. The microscopic droplets penetrate mold spores and destroy their DNA. Dry Fog can be used to disinfect hard-to-reach areas, such as cracks and crevices, and electronic devices. It's also effective against bacteria, viruses, and allergens.

Surface Mold Cleaning: We recommend a safe and natural solution that can be sprayed on a clean cloth to safely remove surface mold spores on contact.

Mold Abatement and Remediation is the process of stopping the source of water intrusion, removing mold from the structure and contents and encapsulating it. This may include tearing out parts of the building such as drywall and insulation, spraying a mold killer, sealing the area, and restoring the area like new.

FOGGING WILL NOT REMOVE the root cause of your mold growth, so mold will keep growing back. Fogging will not remove moisture that is in the fibrous materials, trapped inside drywall, soaked into the insulation, or absorbed into the wood. Dry fog will only work on surface, it cannot penetrate hard surfaces such as the spores growing behind tile. Therefore fogging is ineffective and against standards set by ANSI, IICRC, and the EPA who state: "attempts to kill, encapsulate, or inhibit Mold instead of proper source removal generally are not adequate.”

STEPS TO REMOVE MOLD

INVESTIGATE the source of moisture intrusion.
MOLD TEST to determine if and where toxic mold is present.
REMOVE water damaged and moldy materials.
DRY the area with a Dehumidifier or open windows.
CLEAN or FOG the surface areas that can be salvaged.
SEAL the area with a stain-blocking sealant.
CAULK vents, windows, doors, tubs, toilets, and sink areas.
HVAC FILTERS should be cleaned or replaced regularly.

Air Quality vs Surface Samples

AIR QUALITY TESTS indicate the type of mold species growing and how much per m3 in each area of the building the occupants are breathing. Air Quality mold tests help remediators identify where the source of mold is located and how to properly abate it; so that toxic mold spores, such as Stachybotrys are contained and do not spread.

SURFACE SAMPLE TAPE LIFTS capture mold spores on a glass plate which are then identified under a microscope. If the surface is porous concrete or carpet backing, the tests are usually inconclusive. While tape lifts or swabs are a less expensive way to check the mold species, they do not give a clear indication of mold in the other rooms, or the entire buildings health.

HOW MANY MOLD SAMPLES ARE NEEDED? Accurate Mold Testing bases the number of Air Cassettes on the floor plan of the building; how many square feet, open or closed off rooms, two or three levels, daylight basement, etc. If a surface sample is requested, we need at least one really good surface lift captured to go to the laboratory for identification.

Mold Testing and Inspection Services in Oregon

Central Oregon, Rogue Valley, Willamette Valley & the Oregon Coast

CENTRAL OREGON: Sunriver, Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, La Pine, Terrebonne, Crooked River Ranch, Culver, Madras.

ROGUE VALLEY SOUTHERN OREGON: Josephine and Jackson County's, Grants Pass, Jacksonville, Medford, Ashland.

WILLAMETTE VALLEY: Clackamas, Marion, Linn, Benton, and Lane County's. From Portland, Salem, Albany, Corvallis to Eugene, Oregon.

OREGON COAST: Lincoln City, Newport, Depot Bay, Seal Rock, Waldport, Yachats, and from Florence to Gold Beach and Brookings.

Accurate Mold Testing

Bend, Oregon, United States

(541) 797-1900 Brad Ashton

How Harmful is Mold Fogging Residue?

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Fogging compounds

Mold fogging exposure

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Cleaning vs Remediation

Air Quality vs Surface Samples

Mold Testing and Inspection Services in Oregon

Mold Testing and Inspection Services in Oregon

Central Oregon, Rogue Valley, Willamette Valley & the Oregon Coast

Accurate Mold Testing

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