Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
but where the growth is slight it may
be sufficient to clean down without
stripping.
be applied sparingly and at first tested
on a small, insignificant area for any
adverse effects, and afterwards
thoroughly dried.
There is a considerable number of
products for use as toxic washes
though not all are widely available.
Suitable toxic washes and chemicals
which are safe to use include
quaternary ammonium compounds
and sodium hypochloride. Yellowing
of paints may occur with some
treatments.
When using proprietary products,
only those with labels which state that
they have been cleared as safe for this
use should be employed; there is
some risk in the use of all
these materials. The supplier's
instructions and recommended
precautions should be carefully
observed.
If the toxic wash treatment appears
to have been successful, redecoration
can be undertaken. Fungicides
incorporated into the decorative
finish protect only the finish itself
and do not obviate the need for the
preliminary toxic wash treatment.
Some manufacturers supply paints
and wallpaper adhesives
incorporating fungicides, and it is
better to use these than to add
fungicides to standard paint products
(see also Chapter 10).
Sterilisation
Before redecoration the stripped or
cleaned surface should be sterilised
with a toxic wash and kept under
observation. At least a week is
necessary but longer is advisable. If
mould reappears it should be washed
down again with the toxic wash to
ensure sterilisation is thorough.
Fabrics and soft furnishings should
be cleaned by sponging affected areas
with a solution of a toxic wash but not
bleach. The solution should
