Mold Prevention in Educational Facilities

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The prevalence of mold and mildew growth in public and private educational institutions, from day-care centers to the largest universities, has become an almost daily news event. The extent and potential seriousness of the health threat posed to students, faculty, and staff occupying these infested facilities is difficult to quantify.

It is known that different people exhibit different reactions to specific molds and mildew, some noisome and others intense and possibly life threatening. It is also known that left unchecked, mold and mildew growth can inflict severe physical damage on the facility itself. Health concerns, as well as costs for litigation and remediation have increased the need to develop ways to effectively rid institutions of existing mold and mildew, and more importantly, to prevent its growth in new facilities and re-growth in existing facilities. 

DDAC (a proven safe fungicide) Concentrate is an EPA-registered anti-microbial product that safely, economically, and effectively stops the growth of mold, mildew, algae, and moss for extended periods of time. Unlike the cleaning products currently available to remove spore growth, Anti-Growth was formulated specifically to prevent the growth from coming back. Applied as a clear liquid, forms a clear, invisible shield that kills fungicidal spores as they try to grow. Product dries clear, so it can be used effectively on virtually any inanimate surface without affecting its appearance or inner-coat adhesion of other topical products such as paint. The product contains an active ingredient of Didecyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (DDAC), which is a quaternary chemical used to clean and disinfect areas contaminated by spore growth.

Until now, the challenge has been that DDAC, as well as most anti-microbials, tended to leach off treated surfaces very quickly, producing only short-term results. The product however, has effectively combined the DDAC with a latex that bonds the active ingredient to the surface and provides time-released, cost-effective protection that can last for up to two years on exterior applications and up to five years on interior applications. It has been successfully field tested for five years and independently tested by Aerotech Laboratories, one of the premier microbial testing facilities in the country.

DDAC (a proven safe fungicide) has been approved for use by many educational jurisdictions and/or facilities, some of which are nationally prominent. Our product has been successfully tested and used in the field by a professional restoration service contractor for the last five years. Formal laboratory testing has been successfully conducted on various materials by independent Aerotech Laboratories, a national leader in the field of mold and mildew testing. Packaged as an industrial strength concentrate, the product is easily diluted on-site with 24 parts water to provide a ready-to-use product. The diluted product yields a material cost of only pennies per square of treated surface. Applied by brush, roller, low-pressure sprayer or nonatomizing fogger, the product quickly dries to a clear, odorless film. The protection continues for as long as the film remains intact.

DDAC (a proven safe fungicide) Concentrate reventative treatment programs are appropriate for new construction, remediation/reconstruction, and as part of on-going physical plant maintenance plans. A typical treatment program for new facilities under construction would include:

Interiors:
Basements or crawl spaces Electrical and plumbing chasesCeramic tile and grout Painted surfaces and carpetingHVAC air handling equipment and duct work Both sides of gypsum or other wall cladding systemsAll steel, wood or composite structural members including interior face of sheathing, rafters, joists, beams, studs, plates, exposed concrete and masonry

Exteriors:
Roofing & painted wood work Concrete flat workWalls, retaining walls, hardscape features, pavement, and accessoriesExterior wall cladding including all siding materials, masonry, and concrete

The extent and scope of treatment in the case of remediation and reconstruction will vary with the specific project, but should include the interior treatment protocol described for new construction. Scheduled preventative treatment programs can be developed for school districts or separately for individual facilities. The details of such a program will vary somewhat from facility to facility based upon type of construction, geographic location, and environmental conditions specific to that facility. A structured program for one facility might require treatment on an annual basis, while others might be performed on 2, 3, 4-year, or even longer cycles. Most preventative treatment programs can be scheduled to eliminate or minimize interference with normal operations. In most cases after remedial or preventative maintenance treatment, facilities may be safely occupied within hours of treatment.

Technical Guide for Educational Facilities

Product Specifications

  • Fragrance: Mild Ethanol

  • Appearance: Off-white liquid

  • pH: At use 5-7

  • Dilution: 24:1 with water

  • Coverage: One diluted gallon covers from100-400 square feet dependingon surface type/porosity

  • Packaging: 6 quarts per case4 gallons per case5 gallon pails55 gallon drums

Mold, Mildew, Algae and Moss Preventative

Safety and Handling

When mixing or applying concentrate, always carefully follow the recommended safety practices and procedures described on the label and in the Material and Safety Data (MSD) sheet. Children, the elderly, and pets must not be present during treatment and the drying phase. The product dries at about the same rate as water, so the drying time is relatively fast. As a precautionary measure, children, especially toddlers, should be kept away from the treated area for 2-4 hours after application.

Precautions:

  • Wear latex or rubber gloves and eye protection

  • Use a face shield if applying overhead

  • A Tyvek suit may also be worn

  • Use a respirator when applying in confined spaces or where product may become airborne

  • Avoid splashing or dripping Anti-Growth on yourself or others

First Aid Measures

  • Eyes: Immediately wash eyes with clean water for at least 20 minutes. Call a physician immediately.

  • Skin: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash effected area with soap and water. Most soaps neutralize the Concentrate.

  • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. If swallowed, call a physician or poison control center immediately. Promptly drink a large quantity of milk, egg whites, gelatin solution, or if these are not available, drink large quantities of water. Avoid alcohol. Follow doctor’s instructions.

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If not breathing, clear airway and start mouth to mouth artificial respiration or use air bag-mask respirator. Get immediate medical attention. Transport to medical area. If available, give supplemental oxygen. 

Storage
The product in concentrate form or diluted form should be stored in its original container or other suitable clearly-marked, closed container. Store in a safe place, away from direct sunlight or high heat and protect against freezing. Keep an MSD sheet in the storage area.

Mixing Concentrate:
Always mix concentrate using the water to concentrate dilution ratio printed on the label. Five (5) ounces per gallon of solution has proven to be an effective and dependable dilution. Adding extra Concentrate increases cost but does not enhance performance and may be in violation local ordinance or law. Always mix concentrate in a clean container, or pump-up sprayer. Never mix this or any other  product with other chemicals, as potentially dangerous reactions could pose a safety threat.

Application Pressure and Coverage

  • Apply to lumber, concrete, metal, vinyl or plastic, Cool Deck, masonry, or painted surfaces at approximately 15 psi.

  • Apply to the paper side of insulation at approximately 2 psi with a gentle, fan-type mist. Allow the product to coat the papersurface without breaking or soaking through.

  • Apply to drywall at approximately 8–10 psi.

  • Apply to HVAC duct work through a fogger.

  • Apply to non-porous, hard surfaces, at the rate of up to 200 square feet per diluted gallon.

  • Apply to highly porous surfaces, untreated lumber, and any surfaces of questionable integrity at a rate of no more than 100 square feet per diluted gallon. 

Exposed Surface Variances & Applications

  • All surfaces to be treated with product should be cleaned, rinsed (to remove all residual chlorine or soap) and dry before application, except as noted under structural wood.Structural steel should be clean and free of foreign matter.

  • Structural wood, including plywood, particle board, OSB, rafters, joists, beams, plates, headers, etc., should be clean, free of mold and mildew, and dry before treatment. If any wood structural component has visible mold and/or mildew, it may be treated with a 12:1 dilution of our product in lieu of cleaning, provided that the material will not be visible after construction is completed. (Our product will kill the existing mold and mildew, but will not bleach out the black stain.)

  • Concrete walkways and driveways infested with mold should be cleaned, flushed with water (to remove any residual chlorine) and allowed to dry before application of of our products. Very porous surfaces require heavier application and may need more frequent retreatment.

  • Exterior surfaces not exposed to sunlight will require more frequent retreatment.

  • Fiberglass roofing shingles must be thoroughly cleaned of mold and soil, fully rinsed, and dried prior to application.

  • Clay or faux brick exterior surfaces should be clean and dry prior to application.

  • Steel or aluminum awnings and sidewalk coverings should be free of debris, clean, and dry prior to application.

  • Fabric-covered furniture or awnings should be clean, free of bleach and soaps, and dry prior to application.

  • Aluminum or steel door and window frames must be clean and dry prior to application.

  • Carpeted areas must be clean, dry, free of dirt, and other particulate matter. After application, carpet must remain traffic-free until dry.

  • Masonry and stone should be treated the same as concrete surfaces. (Note - real or faux stone surfaces may have been previously treated with a variety of sealants.) Smooth, sealed stone surfaces may require more frequent treatment.

  • Ceramic tile surfaces are the most problematic of all finished surfaces. Spores will not generally adhere to glazed tile, but will grow in grout. All grout should be treated, then sealed with a quality grout sealant for best results. When applied to shower stall tiled walls, Our product must generally be reapplied every 6-8 months.

HVAC Systems
DDAC (a proven safe fungicide) can be applied through HVAC systems using a simple, soot-sealing method of delivery. Mix as directed at approximately 5 fluid ounces per gallon of solution and transfer to a CLEAN soot sealing blower. Place dry cheese cloth over outlets at far end of duct runs. Turn on air handler and place nozzle of applicator in air stream. Switch on blower and apply at a fine mist until all cheese cloth at duct extremities become wet. Completely clean soot-sealing tank with neutral cleaner and thoroughly rinse with water. Add soot sealer product to tank and apply normally. Allow all duct work to dry before running HVAC system.

Dwell – Drying Time
Drying times vary due to environmental conditions, interior humidity, moisture challenges, and a host of other factors. If contents have been moved to make application possible, allow all surfaces to completely dry prior to resetting.

Re-Occupation of Treated Area
Do not re-occupy any area while treated surfaces are still damp. Do not re-occupy any areas, or allow children, or pets to occupy any area until all moisture associated with treatment is completely dry.