1) Can’t I just use bleach to get rid of the mold in my house?
2) What is the DIN number and why is it important?
3) What is Concrobium made of?
4) How often should I apply Concrobium to prevent mold growth?
5) Can I paint over Concrobium?
6) Can Concrobium be mixed with water?
7) Is Concrobium safe to use on carpets?
8) When fogging, what contents should be removed from the room?
9) I have noticed some white residue after fogging on some flat surfaces – what is this?
10) Can I use a sprayer to apply Concrobium?
1) Can’t I just use bleach to get rid of the mold in my house?
Sodium hypochlorite - household bleach - is not a registered fungicide with Health Canada and does not have a Drug Identification Number or DIN, meaning it has not been approved from an efficacy or a safety perspective. Bleach is also highly toxic and poses health risks to users and to occupants during and after use.
According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation:
“Bleach is not recommended...bleach cannot be relied upon for disinfection. The most compelling reason for advising against bleach is that cancer-causing substances can be formed by the reaction of bleach with organic materials. In addition, the fumes are harmful.”
Also, bleach will not prevent the mold from returning to the cleaned surface. It may look clean once you're done, but the mold will grow back within weeks.
2) What is the DIN number and why is it important?
Any product claiming to kill or inhibit a microorganism like fungi or mold requires a Drug Identification Number (DIN) from Health Canada. DIN's are only issued after extensive review of efficacy and safety data for a product. A DIN is the public's assurance that the product does what it claims to do and is safe when used as directed.
Simple 'mold stain removers' or 'mildew cleaners' cannot make claims regarding killing or preventing mold or fungal growth as they are not DIN-registered. These products may lighten the stain, but they are not killing the underlying cause of that stain or preventing its regrowth. Products that make such claims without a DIN are in violation of the law and cannot be trusted to work.
3) What is Concrobium made of?
Concrobium is a patented blend of naturally occurring inorganic compounds which have been combined in a proprietary way. The unique solution produces an invisible, antimicrobial film upon drying that encapsulates fungus microbes and prevents growth. Concrobium is the subject of over 20 patents and patents pending in over a dozen countries worldwide.
4) How often should I apply Concrobium to prevent mold growth?
Concrobium bonds to the surface at a molecular level and is difficult to remove. However, if Concrobium has been applied to a surface that is continually exposed to water (e.g., leaking, washing, running water), you may need to reapply the product periodically to maintain protection against mold growth. We recommend that Concrobium be reapplied every 3 months in areas that receive constant dousing, such as showers or kitchen countertops.
5) Can I paint over Concrobium?
Yes. Regular household latex paints adhere very well to Concrobium-treated surfaces. If you wish to treat and then repaint a moldy surface, first apply Concrobium to clean the affected area and kill the fungus. Allow Concrobium to dry for 16-18 hours, and then repaint. To prevent re-growth, retreat the newly painted area with Concrobium - ensuring first that the paint is dry.
6) Can Concrobium be mixed with water?
No, Concrobium is ready-to-use and should not be diluted.
7) Is Concrobium safe to use on carpets?
Yes, Concrobium is safe to use on carpets. In fact, the product is an effective carpet stain remover and will help to eliminate carpet odors.
8) When fogging, what contents should be removed from the room?
Prior to fogging Concrobium, remove or cover any items you would not normally want to get damp, including paper, books and electrical equipment.
9) I have noticed some white residue after fogging on some flat surfaces - what is this?
Residue is a normal result of overapplication on nonabsorbent surfaces. It is the result of evaporation of the water content from Concrobium as it sits pooled on a surface. The residue is harmless and can be easily wiped away with a cloth dampened with Concrobium. Adjust application rates accordingly for subsequent applications.
10) Can I use a sprayer to apply Concrobium?
Yes, compression or garden sprayers (available at local home improvement retailers) are an excellent way to cover large surfaces that are easily accessible. It is important to use the nozzle that creates the finest mist. After spraying, wipe off excess wetness to ensure an even coating of Concrobium.