Proper Steps Include Using EPA-Registered Mold & Mildew Products To Avoid

                     Widespread Post-Katrina-Type Loss



    ABITA SPRINGS, La., July 22 /EMWNews/ -- The National Organization

of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI), a not-for-profit cooperative of

mold experts and professionals, is urging owners of residential and

commercial properties affected by Mississippi River flooding not to use

household bleach to remove potentially harmful mold and mildew from

water-damaged surfaces.



    While bleach may temporarily remove the discoloration caused by mold,

the organization said only EPA-registered mold and mildew products labeled

as a cleaner, disinfectant, fungicide and/or mildewstat are truly effective

at killing the micro-flora that can enable mold to grow, and make property

potentially uninhabitable.



    Rising mid-Summer temperatures and humidity, and flood-soaked materials

of virtually all kinds are a perfect storm for likely rapid mold growth and

its attendant effects on air quality and health. Widespread recommended use

of bleach alone in post-Katrina New Orleans is believed to have had

devastatingly negative effects on owners' and renters' abilities to reclaim

their homes, because of bleach's inability to prevent mold and mildew

re-growth.



    "The bottom line is this -- as research and hard experience have

proven, bleach does not kill the organism at its root and can promote mold

growth, allowing re-growth. While bleach is effective as an everyday quick,

cosmetic fix, bleach is not the thing to use in heavy-duty situations where

preventing re-growth may be critical to short- and long-term habitability,"

said Douglas Hoffman, Executive Director of NORMI. "No one wants to see

another post-Katrina situation along the Mississippi River, so we want to

leave no doubt about these facts--bleach is simply not effective for

controlling mold problems."



    NORMI has devoted part of its website to information links Mississippi

River-affected property owners can follow to find local mold remediation

resources, and commercial- and consumer-grade products that are

EPA-registered mold and mildew disinfectants effective at killing mold and

preventing its re-growth. "Products like Moldex Disinfectant, Anabec, and

BacShield, as examples, are strongly recommended for those who are wanting

products that really work," continued Hoffman. "We encourage consumers to

become label-readers, study the ingredients, look at the testing data, and

evaluate the company claims to be sure you are using safe, greener

technologies."



    For information on flood clean-up, how and where to access federal

disaster assistance and on mold cleaning or remediation information, please

visit http://www.NORMI.org or call 877.251.2296



    NORMI Executive Director Douglas Hoffman is available for interview

about proper mold removal in flooded areas. Contact Rob Bratskeir at

646-498-0049 or [email protected].