March 20, 2007
Got Mold?
The expressions "black mold" and "toxic mold" have almost become synonymous in common usage, and they are most commonly used to describe a mold species called Stachybotrys chartarum.
To clear things up a bit, black mold and toxic mold are not synonymous. There are several species of mold that are black colored to the eye, but they are not the Stachybotrys chartarum. The usage is inexact and a lot of confusion has resulted.
Stachybotyrs chartarum, also known as Stachbotrys atra, is the infamous "Black Mold" that has prompted health authorities to quarantine homes and offices as biohazards, and caused property owners to destroy houses and buildings to get rid of it. Studies have linked this species of mold to various illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis, flu-like symptoms, rhinitis, emphysema, bleeding lungs and even a number of deaths. An infestation of the mold causes Stachybotrys may appear as a slimy, greenish-black substance or it may also appear powdery, like carbon black or soot.
At least three toxins are produced by Stachybotrys chartarum. They are: Roridim E, Verrucarin J, and Satratoxin H. These toxins are found on the Stachybotrys spores, and if the "sticky" spores get airborne, they may be inhaled into the lungs. Bacteria and viruses may also hichhike on mold spores, especially stachybotrys spores, since they are sticky and much larger than bacteria or viruses. There is little or no question that exposure to this particular black mold can result in serious health problems for anyone, and especially infants, the elderly, and immune-impaired individuals.
Over the past ten or twelve years, environmental consultant Edward Close, Ph.D., P.E., has seen a dramatic increase in requests from businesses and consumers to help them address property and health related issues arising from the presence of toxic mold. Is it because of hype, because of heightened awareness, or have there been significant changes that make toxic mold a bigger problem than it was in years past?
Changes in building practices, such as closed air-handling systems, flat roofs, and tighter buildings, the use of sheet rock and cellulose insulation, have all contributed to making our homes, offices, hospitals, apartment buildings and every type of structure more susceptible to toxic mold infestation than ever before. These practices have also made mold remediation more difficult. In addition, the proliferation of toxic chemicals, food additives, synthetic drugs and antibiotics have made us more vulnerable to infections and allergic reactions caused by toxic mold. And, due to advances in science and research, we have more data that link toxic mold to detrimental effects on our health. For these reasons, toxic mold is a greater problem today than ever before.
Three General Steps to Handling Mold
FIRST: Professional Mold Sampling
Have an environmental professional, an engineer, an industrial hygienist, or an indoor air quality specialist with proper credentials, equipment, and experience in doing mold sampling to come in, sample, and find out what kind of mold you have and at what levels.
SECOND: Diffuse the Thieves Oil Blend
After Sampling is completed, the next step is to diffuse the Thieves oil blend continuously (non-stop) for a minimum of 24 hours in the room or rooms where you have mold. Determining how long to diffuse is related to how serious the mold infestation is, and is further explained in the FAQ on this site, as well as in the DVD: Toxic Mold - A Breakthrough Discovery, also available on this site.
The recommended cold-air diffuser is very easy to set up and clean. Anyone can do it. No special skills or training are required. Using the diffuser is demonstrated on the DVD and instructions also come with the unit.
THIRD: Clean with the Thieves Household Cleaner
After sampling and diffusing have been completed, then clean areas with visible mold using the Thieves Household Cleaner (it contains the Thieves oil blend). Use appropriate protective equipment.
Handouts and Web References
Dr. Close's Mold Website.
10 Steps to Prevent and Eliminate Toxic Mold - PDF
Got Mold? - PDF
Bleach, Ozone, Chemicals and Biocides are Not Effective and are Hazardous to Your Health - PDF
Mold Solution Result Graphs - PDF
Mold Health Symptoms - PDF
Worldwide Research indexed in PubMed - search for "mold essential oil".
