Got Mold? Should You Reach for the Bleach?

Mike Ciavattieri, Bonsai Home Inspections addresses this issue in his Blog    
Mold and Bleach - The Real Truth      A great read!

I thought this topic was especially interesting after talking with a number folks that had the unfortunate experience of water penetration due to ice dams this winter.

Most of them, thought as I did, that bleach is your first defense in the clean up of mold.     But, is it?    I guess not!

Porous Sufaces

While it could possibly be used on non-porous materials such as counter tops, tiles and tubs, a safer option would be old fashioned soap and water!   

Non-Porous Surfaces

It most certainly is not recommended for porous materials such as drywall, wood, and flooring.   In fact using bleach on those materials may be counter productive!   It could just remove the mold that is on the surface, not touching the underlying roots and it will return!  

EPA Guide to Mold and Mildew        (recommendations on what to do, consulting a professional, etc.)

Anyone that knows me, knows I love Bleach.... the smell makes me think clean, fresh and crisp.    
but, after reading Ciavattieri's post, and similar articles.. ..I think I'll just confine it to the laundry.

( and, I guess that opens another can of worms, doesn't it???  )

Radon.... The Emperor's New Clothes? Or something more?

Radon Gas.... you can't see it.... you can't smell it....you can't taste it....  

But is it problem in your home?  The experts say the only way to tell is to test!

According to the Surgeon General...  radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US today!   Only smoking, he says, causes more lung cancer deaths.

So what is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas.  It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground.   Found all over....It can move up through the ground and seep into your home through cracks and holes in the foundation.   Then your home can trap the gas inside where it can build up.   It can happen in any building, but the greatest concern for exposure is in your home where  you spend the most time.

Testing.

Because it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, the only way to know if you have excessive levels of radon in your home is to test.     Testing is inexpensive and easy.   There are different methods, some as simple as placing a charcoal canister in your home for a couple of days.

What if you have a problem?

Virtually every home has some degree of Radon. The EPA has acceptable levels, and action levels... If your home tests above the acceptable levels, you may be able to bring the level down by sealing the cracks and or holes in the foundation..but, more than likely you will want to install a mitigation system.   Simple enough and inexpensive (relatively speaking).....There are many companies around that will do just that and will guarantee to get that count down to acceptable levels.

follow this link to find out more.....       http://www.epa.gov/radon/

Please contact me if I can help you with your Real Estate needs!   cal@alandcal.com