While various states are beginning to fight mold battles as well as other fungi problems with insurance companies throughout the U.S., many cleaning and remediation companies are in search of a solution that offers relief to these severe problems. In a number of cases there simply needs to be a short term remedy while solutions to the larger problem are evaluated. Therefore, a long term remedy is needed to insure the problem does not resurface.

The Source of the Problem

There are three factors that have to be present for the reproduction of mold. Without any one of these three factors there is usually not a problem.

1. The presence of mold itself. Mold is everywhere: outdoors and indoors. It is more of a problem indoors because of the production of spores, off gassing, and the inability for things to dry out without the presence of sunlight. Mold spores are easily transported to different areas by attaching themselves to various hosts. These hosts include people, animals, shoes and can even come in through open windows and doors via wind.
    
2. A food source. A food source consists of anything organic which means most all building materials. Areas and substances where mold can be found are on materials with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content such as insulation, fiberboard, gypsum board, paper backing on sheetrock, particleboard, dust, lint, etc.
    
3. The presence of moisture. Growth happens when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for the growth of mold and can quickly reproduce and form large colonies which then create more spores and off gassing.

The Remedy

In the past the reliance has been completely on cleaning products developed to fight against mold, mildew, bacteria and other fungi. As this is turning out to be a larger problem than wished upon, remedies are needed to provide an easy solution and quick relief

Anecdotal evidence indicates there is relief available that provides tremendous potential for the problem of mold. Photocatalysis!

Sheridan and Josh Angus of Dallas, TX were unfortunate enough to have Black Mold invade their home a year ago. Their insurance company, State Farm, hired a remediation company to solve their problem. The situation got so bad that the contamination in their kitchen measured in the extreme danger level. So the remediation company sealed off 'the kitchen while treating other infected areas of the house.

Sheridan's mother obtained an air purification system that utilized photocatalysis to treat pet odors in her home. She learned that the technology was also effective in treating mold and mildew and suggested that Sheridan and her husband try the air purification system. They decide to place the air purification system in the kitchen while it was sealed off. After a few months the remediation company. retested the kitchen and found the mold had been completely removed.

This technology was able to control the problem until the remediation company was given time to deal with the source. The Angus family now posses the same air treatment system to insure that their problem does not return.

Is the Angus's problem unique? NO! In the February 2002 issue of Cleaning Maintenance & Management Magazine there is an article titled "Molding a New Future" by Michael McCagg. The article evaluates the predicament the property insurers in the state of Texas are having in covering the remediation cost to clean up this problem. Multiple insurance companies are beginning to cancel all Mold coverage. The problem is not limited to Texas; it is a nation wide health problem.

The Technology

Photocatalysis: While case studies are available of actual relief from mold through use of photocatalysis, it is better to understand the process and why it works in order to realize the options available when cleaning and handling mold. The technology employs UV light and low levels of ozone that excites metallic targets which triggers a photo catalytic reaction. When this technology is combined with the natural humidity in indoor air it creates hydroxyl radicals and super oxide ions. The hydroxyl radicals and supper oxide ions seek out and destroy bacteria, mold, mildew, other fungi and many odors in the indoor air environment. Thus, one of the causes (humidity) of the problem now becomes part of the cure.

Through photocatalysis, the problem is under control allowing the source of the mold to be safely dealt with. This technology is then used as a great tool for the prevention of the problem returning.

-- Cleaning & Maintenance Management Magazine, April Issue; Clean Fax, May Issue