Week of April 3, 2023
1/ Remediation, antiques, and porous valuables
QUESTION: We are faced with trying to remediate a very large home with extensive collections of antiques, paintings, oriental rugs and first edition books. How shall we proceed?
ANSWER: We have been told that chlorine dioxide gas is useful. We note it was used to decontaminate anthrax in the Senate office building.
Historically there is no way to decontaminate porous materials such as carpets (whether they are expensive antiques or not is irrelevant regarding cleaning) or cellulose based books. Non porous surfaces in furniture can be readily cleaned but upholstery can not. Oil
based paintings can be cleaned professionally.
I do not agree that chlorine dioxide gas is a reasonable choice in that less than 0.1% of elements that make people sick in water-damaged buildings are viable spores. Killing (by use of chlorine dioxide) organic chemicals makes no sense as the chemicals are not alive. I don’t object to using chloride dioxide gas if done by a person with experience but you still will need the cleaning as detailed in multiple places on this website.
See question #4 below regarding steam-cleaning rugs.
2/ Remediation, microwaving books
I have a variety of old master books that have been kept on a shelf in my mold contaminated residence. How can I decontaminate these books? Is microwaving satisfactory?
ANSWER: I am not a book conservator but would strongly suggest that you speak to an expert in rare books regarding the mechanism of decontamination of cellulose-based materials.
Certainly books have been saved from a variety of water-damaged buildings by experts in the past! I am unfamiliar with use of microwaving alone to assist with management of decontamination of books as killing organisms will only help for the one actually viable spore for each of 500 particulates. Microwaving does not curdle or coagulate toxins and inflammagens. If microwaving is used, I would strongly recommend that adequate cleaning be followed.
3/ Post remediation guidelines for mattresses, textile furnishings
QUESTION: Are all the following textiles ones that cannot be cleaned? 1. Persian rugs; 2. Comforters/blankets; 3. Pillows; 4. Mattresses
ANSWER: Of the four you listed, many patients have safely used the new upgraded mattress covers, or “bed bags” intended for families with children who have dust mite allergies. Such encasement is not a substitute for thorough cleaning but after such cleaning, with encasement, the bed does not have to be discarded. The other items should be sold or discarded. Also see the following answer on steam cleaning rugs.
After you’ve brought new porous items into your safe space, routinely clean items to maintain basic hygiene and CIRS cleanliness standards.
4/ Remediation, steam-cleaning rugs
QUESTION: Is steam cleaning safe to use? It certainly is easier for the heavy cleaning that I need to finish.
Steam cleaning is satisfactory, especially for carpets provided the dry out will be accomplished in several hours. Some people have used steam cleaning to a point that a clean rug stays wet for several days. This will only add to mold growth. Steam cleaning has not been needed for tile floors or hardwood floors in my experience.
5/ Home cleaning agents, tips if you’re sensitive to chemical-based products
QUESTION: What is the home cleaning solution ratio for hydrogen peroxide to vinegar?
ANSWER: I do not suggest use of peroxide or vinegar or any combination of those as cleaning agents. I am aware that many people are looking for natural products to remove biological contaminants but the problem with this solution is that peroxide rapidly breaks down into water and oxygen, thereby making the area treated with peroxide actually acquiring higher water saturation. The same holds true with vinegar (pH 6.5) although less so as the acetic acid is not volatile like oxygen is.
As far as cleaning personal objects I still use the time tested compounds that are quaternary ammonium compounds. Some people are sensitive to fumes from these agents and as such the cleaning is (1) done out doors or (2) someone else performs the cleaning with a poor third choice use of topical 1% phenol solutions (Sporocidin is one). The problem for a few ultra-sensitive patients is that use of just about any chemical is not tolerated. These people used to be absolutely tortured by attempts at remediation.
6/ Essential oils and rigorous cleaning basics
QUESTION: Please discuss use of essential oils to clean up water-damaged interior environment. I am sensitive to so many chemicals but not to essential oils.
ANSWER: I have seen essential oils be of benefit when used in people who ALSO had vigorous approaches to cleaning.
What cleaning includes are multiple small portable HEPA filters with a 0.3 micron size pore that needs to be moved around from room to room and within a room every day as well as HEPA vacuuming of ceilings and walls in addition to floors. I still prefer use of quaternary ammonium cleaning compounds as they are effective and inexpensive as well as being readily available. Unfortunately, there are more then a few people who are affected by the chemical content of these commercially available sprays (Windex, Formula 409, Fantastic and of all things, Clorox spray). If you can’t use the cleaners because of chemical sensitivity then oils are worth a try.
7/ Personal air ionizers and diffusing thieves’ oil.
QUESTION: Do you see any value in personal air ionizers or diffusing thieves’ oil in your indoor environment?
The electrostatic air ionizers have the capability of separating toxins and inflammagens bound to particulates and releasing them as a sole entity in the air. I am worried that this change in particulate carriage could be harmful. I don’t recommend electrostatic precipitators. I am aware that many people have used thieves’ oil in the indoor environment. The fact that I have not seen benefit does not mean that such benefit does not exist. It would be reasonable to look to measure ERMI testing or HERTSMI-2 before and after use of these cleaning agents. I do know that thieves’ oil by itself does not correct inflammatory responses.
