what is the best way to eradicate, and or contain mold in my basement
. i have two small children. the mold is visible and confirmed by a
specific mold inspection

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Clarification of Question by mdpa173-ga on 19 Aug 2004 08:58 PDT

ps  are large letters considered presumptuous and offensive, or
effective and acceptable in posting my question.

<The US Environmental Protection Agency gives advice via free booklets
and its website on how to deal with mold in your home.

The mold is growing due to the presence of moisture. Getting rid of
the source of moisture will stop the mold from growing. You should fix
any plumbing leaks and other water problems. Decrease humidity by
venting appliances like clothes dryers. Increase air movement by
opening doors and windows. Insulate cold water pipes. Increase air
temperature. If you see condensation, dry the wet surface.

Cleaning up the mold.
If the mold covers an area of less than 10 square feet then you can do
the clean up yourself. For larger areas the EPA advises that you
contact them for a free booklet ?Mold Remediation in Schools and
Commercial Buildings?.
Telephone 800 438 4318 or see the website www.epa.gov/iaq/molds_remediation.html

If you suspect that the heating/ventilation system may be contaminated
with mold, do not run the system as it could spread the mold
throughout the building. Consult the EPA guide ?Should You Have the
Air Ducts in the Home Cleaned?? before taking further action. See
www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html or telephone 800 438 4318 for a free
copy.

If you hire a contractor to do the clean up you should check that the
contractor follows the recommendations in EPA?s Mold Remediation in
Schools and Commercial Buildings, the guidelines of the American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH) or other
guidelines from professional or government organizations.
 
Cleaning the mold yourself.
Always wear protective equipment when cleaning up mold including a
respirator, goggles and rubber gloves.

Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry
completely. The EPA?s booklet recommends that bleach should not be
used (unless immune-compromised individuals are present).

Throw away any carpets, ceiling tiles and porous items that are moldy.
For further information see
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html#How%20to%20order%20publications%20from%20EPA>

<Search strategy:>

<mold epa>
<://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&q=mold+epa>

<Hope this helps.>

Eradication/removal of the mold will depend on both the type of mold
and the material it is affecting.  I suggest you speak to the
inspectors or your local public health department.

Kateri

Usually they just spray bleach and scrub.   You can use peroxide if
you don't like the bleach smell.  Wear a cartidge-type vapor
respirator (home depot/lowes $16).  You may have to remove insulation
panels or anything between the outside wall and the interior space to
allow airflow.  Also consider a basement dehumidifier and patching any
wall cracks that might leak moisture.  If you have an open sump pit,
you can cover it to further reduce humidity .

Good luck, and be sure to wear that respirator and eye protection and
also to air out your workspace.  It's good work for when you are home
alone.

This is an interesting issue.  Assuming there's no obvious moisture
problem which would render all the mold dead when fixed, what if you
can't get all of it out?  The last little bit would not reproduce, or
would at least be slowed, if it was wetted with bleach or peroxide. 
Personally, I can't stand the bleach smell anyway.  I wonder if it
would be even better to do exactly as the EPA says, and then as a
backup, spray the area with some drugstore hydrogen peroxide?


http://www.askthebuilder.com/344_Hazardous_Mold_Growth_in_the_Home.shtml

In our research from agencies such as the EPA,  we have found that
bleach is no longer recommended as a cleaning agent. Yes bleach
"kills" the mold but dead mold is as toxic as live mold. The homeowner
has to completely remove it, if they are to suffer not ill health
effects. It is recommended that they clean with a unscented detergent
(so that the scent does not mask the smell of the mold - one of the
clues to the homeowner that mold is still present) and then use a HEPA
vacuum to thoroughly clean. They must repeat the process until it is
completely gone. Not quite as simple but more effective for health
effects...."

Whether visible mold is of importance or concern, is dependent upon a
several variables including type, location, concentration and extent
of infestation.  You may find some useful information at:
http://www.electrospec.ca/lib.A-Z.htm
Click on "Environmental Concerns"