Sunday, May 13, 2007
Lime Used as an Encapsulant at a Woodmere Mold Testing Investigation Inspection
An "encapsulant" is basically something that serves as a mold-resistant coating. Since mold puts down "roots," into a substrate (the material it grows on), you can clean off the surface but unless you apply an encapsulant, the roots may grow back.
There are several choices for encapsulants. You could apply a conventional mold remediation product with a pesticide (mildewcide). You could apply a "green" product that kills mold on contact. Or you could apply a "green" product that may not be effective in the long-term.
Since I don't want to substitute one toxin for another (chemical pesticide for mold), my choice is a lime-based product. The Alistagen company offers one such product, Caliwel, which is made of lime plus a binder which extends the effective lifetime of the lime. I have seen Caliwel kills mold on contact, under the microscope. Alistagen offers a contractors' discount to mold remediators and other contractors. I have no financial interest in Caliwel/Alistagen.
For the person on a strict budget, an alternative might be whitewash, which likely wouldn't last as long. Do a search for "whitewash + recipe," and wear goggles if mixing hydrated lime. I have no experience in working with whitewash.
Other "green" products, such as comprised of enzymes, herbs, spices, etc., may be fine for cleaning surfaces, but I have yet to find one that serves as an effective encapsulant.
There are several choices for encapsulants. You could apply a conventional mold remediation product with a pesticide (mildewcide). You could apply a "green" product that kills mold on contact. Or you could apply a "green" product that may not be effective in the long-term.
Since I don't want to substitute one toxin for another (chemical pesticide for mold), my choice is a lime-based product. The Alistagen company offers one such product, Caliwel, which is made of lime plus a binder which extends the effective lifetime of the lime. I have seen Caliwel kills mold on contact, under the microscope. Alistagen offers a contractors' discount to mold remediators and other contractors. I have no financial interest in Caliwel/Alistagen.
For the person on a strict budget, an alternative might be whitewash, which likely wouldn't last as long. Do a search for "whitewash + recipe," and wear goggles if mixing hydrated lime. I have no experience in working with whitewash.
Other "green" products, such as comprised of enzymes, herbs, spices, etc., may be fine for cleaning surfaces, but I have yet to find one that serves as an effective encapsulant.
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