Today, indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a major health concern. Indoor air pollution can lead to the serious problem of sick building syndrome which results in a wide range of health concerns, including respiratory disease, dizziness, eye irritation, and general fatigue. Contamination of air associated with bacteria, fungi, and mold is believed to be the primary cause of the indoor air quality problems. According to the U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "contaminated central air handling systems can become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other sources of biological contaminants and can then distribute these contaminants through the home," and "the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system must be well maintained -- inspected and cleaned on a prescheduled and periodic basis and repaired as needed. If maintenance is inadequate, problems that may arise again include growth and dissemination of microbial agents." Controlling this contamination is essential to maintaining the quality of air inside your building. BBJ MicroBiocide is the answer.

In addition, Mold, a common term for fungal growth, will grow on any organic host material offering suitable nutrients, including floors and walls. Since the spores from which mold grows are everywhere in the environment, a sudden mold bloom on floors and/or walls indicates that a change has occurred in the environment to cause the spores to germinate. High temperatures, poor air circulation, dim light, and accumulated grime assist and accelerate the growth of mold once it has germinated, but only high relative humidity and moisture contents of the substrate can initiate and sustain mold growth. If the relative humidity drops below 70 percent and the materials lose their high moisture content to the atmosphere, these molds will stop growing and become inactive or dormant, but the spores will remain viable on the host material. They will become active and begin growing again if the relative humidity rises.

Answers to Common Questions

Q: Is BBJ MicroBiocide a registered product?

It is unlawful to sell any product that claims to kill or control microorganisms without registering it with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in most states. BBJ MicroBiocide has all the necessary EPA and state registrations. BBJ MicroBiocide not only kills bacterial and algal growth in air-conditioning systems but inhibits new growth for as long as six months after application.

Q: Is BBJ MicroBiocide easy to apply?

BBJ MicroBiocide is user friendly and there is no need to evacuate the premise during application. It is easily applied with the use of a compressed air sprayer or fogging device. Thoroughly cover all areas to be treated and leave wet. There is no need to rinse. Allow to air dry.

Q: What is Mold?

Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Molds can be found on plants, foods, dry leaves, and other organic material. Molds are needed for breaking down dead material. Mold spores are very tiny and lightweight, and this allows them to travel through the air. Mold growths can often be seen in the form of discoloration, ranging from white to orange and from green to brown and black. When molds are present in large quantities, they can cause allergic symptoms similar to those caused by plant pollen.

Q: Should I be concerned about mold in my home?

Yes, if the contamination is extensive. Even exposure to molds not highly toxic can have serious health consequences, including respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, and infections. Mold spores enter the body by inhalation and through small breaks in the skin. When airborne mold spores are present in large numbers, they can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems for people. Exposure to high spore levels can cause the development of an allergy to the mold. Mold can also cause structural damage to your home. Similarly, when wood goes through a period of wetting, then drying, it can eventually warp and cause walls to crack or become structurally weak.

Q: Can mold become a problem in my home?

Yes, if there is moisture available to allow mold to thrive and multiply. The following are sources of indoor moisture that may cause problems:

• flooding
• backed-up sewers
• leaky roofs
• humidifiers
• damp basement or crawl spaces
• constant plumbing leaks
• house plants -- watering can generate large amounts of moisture
• steam from cooking
• shower/bath steam and leaks
• wet clothes on indoor drying lines
• clothes dryers vented indoors

Q: How am I exposed to indoor molds?

Mold is found everywhere, indoors and outdoors. It is common to find mold spores in the air of homes and growing on damp surfaces. Much of the mold found indoors comes from outdoor sources. Therefore, everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis without evident harm. Mold spores primarily cause health problems when they enter the air and are inhaled in large number. People can also be exposed to mold through skin contact and eating.

Q: How much mold can make me sick?

It depends. For some people, a relatively small number of mold spores can cause health problems. For other people, it may take many more. The basic rule is, if you can see or smell it, take steps to eliminate the excess moisture, and to cleanup and remove the mold.

Q: What symptoms are common?

Allergic reactions may be the most common health problem of mold exposure. Typical symptoms reported (alone or in combination) include:

• respiratory problems, such as wheezing, and difficulty in breathing
• nasal and sinus congestion
• eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity
• dry, hacking cough
• sore throat
• nose and throat irritation
• shortness of breath
• skin irritation
• central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory problems, and mood changes)
• aches and pains
• possible fever

Q: How can I tell if I have mold in my house?

If you can see mold, or if there is an earthy or musty odor, you can assume you have a mold problem. Allergic individuals may experience the symptoms listed above. Look for previous water damage. Visible mold growth is found underneath materials where water has damaged surfaces, or behind walls. Look for discoloration and leaching from plaster.

The simplest approach is: if you can see or smell mold, you have a problem. Unless the source of moisture is removed and the contaminated area is cleaned and disinfected, mold growth is likely to reoccur.