When my son was diagnosed with Lyme I also had the house tested as I felt that it was making him sick too. Only a tiny bit of mold in sight, but it tested severe for Aspergillus NIger. My son was treated for mold along with Lyme. IT has trigger severe chemical sensitivities in both of us now. Horrible. We have moved, but had to throw everything that I could.
It has been very difficult finding concrete information as to how to kill the toxins on our things. I have thrown almost everything we own, washed what I could (after researching the best method), but when it comes down to paper items or photos, I cannot find a way to decontaminate these items. Has anyone heard of a way to kill the Asper. Niger toxins on paper?
Does anyone know of anyone to write or call that would know this? The EPA did not know... I get vauge answers from other places that I have contacted. Seems like the info. is more geared towards mold that you can see like in bathrooms or under sinks.
For my son's recovery and to not contaminate our current home, I have to make sure everything is clear of the toxins. Until then, I have bundled up the last of our things that would be very hard to dispose of and have them stored in the garage.
I am hoping that someone has a lead for me....Thanks!
Posted by hcconn22 (Member # 5263) on :
You can scan documents into data files and have photo's duplicated. In fact there is a cool web site where you can send a whole huge box of photos and they will scan in for free. just need to have photos in order and not upside down.
Bleach is very good to kill mold. Used to work or run the largest insurance restoration network in the US. All these companies use their special $50-100 GAL mold juice, but it's really BS.
Bleach kills- then just needs to be kept dry. If so retreat a number of times-- and if it's that bad you gotta tear it out and replace all areas in the house that have mold.
Take Care
Posted by jmom (Member # 17944) on :
Thanks,....what is the photo web site?
I have things like books and keepsakes that too delicate to bleach...would ruin them....any more ideas? thanks, J
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
mom,
i'm thinking i read about how to preserve these thru FEMA articles that were placed in our local newspaper after 1 of our many local floods for those who suffered major losses.
so do a google search on fema ... books, photos, and papers
good luck!
Posted by Nutmeg (Member # 7250) on :
Libraries, historical societies, antique dealers, and museums also deal with these issues for old books, documents, fabrics, and memorabilia.
If you're going to be googling anyway, this might give you a few more search terms.
I had to sort through a box of important financial papers that a relative had stored in the basement when it flooded during heavy rains. Much of it was still damp, with mold growing. I had no health effects, so I think it must not have been toxic mold, just stinky.
Seems like the best thing I found was to spread them out in the fresh air and sunshine, anchored down with rocks on my patio. And I read and sorted everything outside. But of course it's not the right time of year for that in many locations. I used a spray bottle of vinegar in some of the worst spots.
Good luck, Nutmeg
Posted by GraceT (Member # 16558) on :
Would a photon infrared light work on your the mold spores on your pictures and keepsakes?
Found this on one wedsite: if these items are keepsakes or valuables either drying completely or freezing them will kill all of the mold.
Good luck to you! Sorry for your loss due to mold. Grace
Posted by cactus (Member # 7347) on :
Dr S, in one his mold books (not Mold Warriors but a different one) mentions that he buys used books often - and puts them in the microwave to kill mold.
It doesn't remove the toxins, just kills the mold.
He urges caution - you have to go slowly and not microwave books too long or you could start a fire.
I don't know how this would work on loose papers or photos, but it's food for thought.
Posted by oxygenbabe (Member # 5831) on :
If you and your son got that sick from them, have a person who isn't sensitive scan them all and just have them on CD/computer. It's not worth risking re exposure.
Posted by Alv (Member # 15192) on :