029 - How to Remove Mold from your Environment

The Autoimmune Doc Podcast w/ Dr. Taylor Krick

Mold exposure is a big deal, I've covered it the past several episodes. Prolonged mold exposure can lead to a myriad of health concerns in adults as well as children, I've heard a ton of "sick kids stories" lately involving mold. While it would be nice to completely eliminate all mold exposures, it's important to keep in mind that the goal of mold mitigation is to make (and keep!) your indoor air environment as clean as possible.
The #1 mistake that I personally see is that people have "remediation" done (and often it is inadequate!), but then they think the problem is gone and they forget about it. Indoor air quality is a constant battle. I didn't even talk about dusting in this episode! Dust is mold food, and mold can contribute to dust sensitivities and allergies. IT ALL MATTERS!
In this episode I cover a lot of options, many of which are linked below. I also talk about several other good resources, like MoldFinders Radio Podcast , www.moldhelpforyou.com and www.sinusitiswellness.com. Check them all out!
I broke this episode down into 5 categories, and discuss several subtopics under each category. Here is an outline of what I discuss:
#1 - Good Testing!!

• The highest level of testing is having a good inspector!
• ERMI and HERTSMI testing
• EMMA testing
• Mold Plates
• Bad Inspectors

#2 - Remediation - REMOVE moldy drywall, carpet, mold on wood, clean, sand, vacuum, etc

• How do they know?? Pre- and post- testing!!
• Plastic Wrap, etc - protect your environment!
• "Negative Pressure"
• Air Scrubbers
• HEPA Vacuum

#3 - Do-It-Yourself Options

• REMOVAL - protect yourself and your environment! Not recommended for DIY....
• Fogging
• HEPA Vacuum
• Air Scrubber
• Ozone
• CLEAN UP AFTER!!!!

#4 - Air Quality Control / Mold & Mycotoxin Maintenance

• Air Purifier - I like Austin Air the best!
• Detergent Additive - clean your clothes from airborne toxins
• Sprays - for furniture, carpet, hard surfaces, cleaning
• Candles - could neutralize spores and mycotoxins
• Dehumidifier - keep humidity below 50%
• Duct cleaning
• DUSTING! I forgot to discuss this on the episode, but it's important to keep your house clean in general. Dust is mold food, and dust has all sorts of particles, proteins, and fungal and bacterial fragments that can be inflammatory.

#5 - Equipment You Need to Have

• AN AIR PURIFIER IS A MUST-HAVE!
• Good HEPA Vacuum
• Fogger (large fogger or a personal airspace fogger)
• Ozone (large machine or a personal space machine)
• EC3 Candles
• EC3 Spray
• EC3 Detergent

Youtube Video: Mold Toxicity and Mycotoxin Illness
Youtube Video: Research Review - Mycotoxins Induce Neurotoxicity