mold abatement

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Moderator doug forwarded picutures you provided him, so, I have an idea of what your problems are. One problem is that its so moist in you basement that your camera takes foggy pictures! LOL

Seriously AJ, the only effective means to control mold is to control the moisture it requires to thrive. Your basement is WET! You have condensation on pipes and cool walls. Some things you have identified as mold are NOT mold. The green fuzz on your pipes is oxidized copper. Just leave it. Also, be very careful in any cleaning. You have exposed wiring and water can create a much bigger hazard for you than the mold or mildew.

Dry areas do not support mold (and algal) growth. You may be able to control the amount of mold, mildew and algae present in moist areas by spraying DILUTE chlorine bleach using a garden sprayer. It is recommended that this be followed by scrbbing using a stiff brush, detergent or trisodium phosphate solution, then ensuring the area can dry. NOTE by dilute I mean 10% chlorine bleach in water. Otherwise you get noxious odors, and don't really increase effectiveness.

You might want to get a small stiff brush you can attach to a pole so you don't actually have to get so close to the areas you are cleaning. Just be aware, that cleaning is only a temporary measure in your case. The problem will quickly return unless you control moisture. Unfortunately, I would not plug a dehumidifier into your wiring until you have a clear 15 or 20 amp grounded circuit installed. Ventilation may help if you can open windows. Even better you could force air out of the basement using a fan and duct. This will draw air through the house into the basement improving exchange rate and drying. It will exhaust any mold spores from the basement to the outside. Got that? You do not want to blow air into the basement, only to have it forced through the house.

If you or your children are not experiencing allergic reactions, the mold is not too much of a problem. Some people are more sensitive than others, some acutely so. You are a health professional so you can judge this for yourself. When dealing with chemicals (even dilute bleach) be sure to protect skin from irritation using gloves. Safety glasses or goggles are a good idea, sunglasses are not practical in the basement.