Frequently Asked Questions

Our solution is non-toxic and is administered through a fog type application. Other methods used such as, ozone and ultraviolet light have proven ineffective and hazardous. While settled spores and hyphal fragments may be vacuumed from contaminated surfaces with some degree of success, often by-products cannot be removed without damage, or leaving residues of mycotoxins and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOC’s).

Why a fog delivery is important?
Fog (an aerosol with particulate sizes ranging from 1-30 microns) is particularly effective in the decontamination of areas where foams or sprays would be difficult, if not impossible to reach. Since most mold spores range in size from 3-20 microns, the use of fog ensures that the decontaminate will reach all surfaces where contaminants have settled. Respirable particles are less than 7.5 microns with those more than 2.5 microns being the most dangerous, and are able to lodge in lung tissue where they can be infused directly into the blood stream.

How are AES products different?
The contrast between AES products and a biocide is critical. The AES solution is a 2 part non-toxic solution that attacks the mold and mycotoxins. When using a biocide the spore may rupture, releasing sub microbial particles coated with toxic chemicals. Straight application of disinfectants or stabilizers that destroy the mold cell wall may not neutralize the associated chemical toxicant. The particles may be inhaled leading to adverse affects. Using the AES solution process, which removes fungal materials, it also neutralizes chemical by-products such as VOC’s and mycotoxins. The allergenic properties of mold and mold spores are eliminated, and toxic and odorous affects of mold by-products are neutralized. The mycotoxins then become non-viable, as listed with the EPA, a non-viable spore is NOT considered a public health risk.

Importance in the remediation process:
When using the AES solution, a so called “safe zone” will be in effect for several hours. This dwell time is when damaged materials may be safely removed from the structure. All materials affected by mold and mold spores can be effectively fogged again after remediation procedures. Textiles may also be treated as per AES protocol. The HVAC system is also a huge concern. With our solution we turn on the fan and fog directly into the cold air return, pulling the solution throughout the entire duct system. Cross-contamination is not a concern! AES offers the only 100% safe process that completely deactivates mold, mold spores, hypha, mycelium and neutralizes mycotoxins and other toxic compounds. Our exclusive process penetrates every square inch of your structure, eliminating dangerous by-products of molds and their toxins. Active spores can create new outbreaks within days. Unlike other processes, the AES decontamination process inactivates mold spores.

Why Decontamination?
If mold is found to be growing within a structure, its spores are likely throughout the building. If that mold is producing toxic chemicals (mycotoxins), you will have toxic chemicals throughout the structure. Current universally accepted remediation methods do not address spore dispersal. In other words; remediating a particular area within a sick building does not address the full scope of the contamination. AES’s products and technologies address not only the point of mold contamination, but also effectively deal with the spore dispersal, making our service the most effective and cost effective on the market. Mycologists estimate that there is as many as 200,000 unidentified species of fungus. Neither mold nor its spores cause illness, other than allergy and or infections. But many molds produce mycotoxins that are among the most toxic chemicals known to man. And when growing indoors, molds can produce toxins in high concentration. No other product can neutralize mycotoxins. Passing clearance under the current standards does not address chemical contamination. AES is the only company in the world that addresses the chemical aspects of a sick building.

Contents of the solution?
It is from a base product developed at a US Government National Laboratory for the destruction and neutralization of chemical and biological agents. The formula is for decontamination and mitigation of chemicals (mycotoxins) and biological pathogens. The base product of our solution has demonstrated that it can rapidly neutralize chemical and biological agents, including trichothecene mycotoxins. It is a non-toxic, non-corrosive formulation for the deactivation and neutralization of mold by-products. Independent laboratory tests have shown that the formulation is effective in eliminating trichothecene mycotoxins associated as a chemical by-product of mold and mold spores. The formulation is environmentally benign (i.e. non-toxic and non-corrosive) and works on a number of anticipated material surfaces, such as wood, fabric, concrete etc. It can be incorporated into liquid sprays and fog to satisfy a wide variety of operational objectives.

How long has it been around?
Development of the original base formulation occurred during the period of January 1997 to July 1999. The initial development process focused strictly for a facility restoration scenario. In July 1999 field-testing of base formulation began. In October 1999 the process to commercialize the decontamination formulation for licensing of the product to private companies was initiated.

Are there any after effects to humans from this product?
No. Although the secondary based (special formulation) product has been used as a skin decontaminant, the decontamination solution has not been approved for use on skin. Prolonged exposure to vapors should be avoided. Prolonged skin contact can possibly lighten skin color temporarily. Respirators should be worn during fogging, mostly to avoid excess liquid in the lungs.

Is it harmful to plants?
Plants must be removed or covered during the fogging process.

Is it harmful to pets: dogs, cats, fish etc?
Prolonged exposure to vapors should be avoided. Pets should be removed during fogging process.

Can this product be used in our around air conditioning equipment?
Yes. Our solution decontaminates and mitigates both chemical (mycotoxins) and biological agents in HVAC systems. After protocol of AES’s dwell time, the HVAC system can be used without any limitation.

Why is the solution used by AES better than others?
No other product will neutralize mycotoxins and is non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-flammable and environmentally friendly. Our solution is the most cost effective process being used that can eliminate mold and mold by-products (mycotoxins). Our solution has the potential to save our clients millions of dollars in remediation costs.

Is special equipment required to apply our solution?
Yes. Successful use of decontamination product requires application training, the correct kind of equipment and most importantly, the knowledge to understand the production of mold and mold by-product issues. Our product is applied by IICRC Certified Technicians.

What kind of guarantee is associated with this product?
Your facility will be free of active mold by-products. AES offers a *10-year Warranty with its AES Structural Pre-Treatment® process, on all new construction. AES offers a *1-year Warranty with its Remediation/Decontamination Treatment. Please feel free to ask for a copy of the AES Warranty Agreement. *Structural Defects, Water intrusion, Excessive Humidity, and Property Drainage issues negate warranty.

Will this process bleach our colors in fabrics?
As with any product, you should test for color fastness. No reports of staining, dyeing or bleaching have been reported when the product is used properly as a single liquid or fog solution.

What does the product do to painted surfaces?
There is no negative effect on painted surfaces.

What effect does it have on ceiling tiles?
There is no impact on ceiling tiles.

What about the effect on electronic equipment?
All electrical devices should be un-plugged during the fogging process, as with any solution, excess moisture must be wiped down or air-dried. Extensive testing has been done on computer components without any adverse effects.

Does it affect the finish on furniture?
Polished furniture should be covered to avoid any type of solution run off, but for the most part it does not affect the surface. Surfaces with excess solution can be wiped down, or air-dried.

Does the solution kill all mold spores?
The solution degrades the proteins making the spores inactive and neutralized.

What effect does the solution have on mycotoxins?
The solution neutralizes mycotoxins.

How can we be sure the product will do what AES claims?
AES always recommends third party independent clearance testing. We also offer warranties on our treatments.

Will the process have to be done more than once?
AES recommends a two-part process. Once before any structural destructive work begins and again before any build back. AES recommends all building materials be decontaminated prior to entering an environmentally clean structure.

How long will it last before you have to re-treat?
No additional re-treatment is required if all negative environmental issues have been addressed properly. Such as moisture intrusion, excess humidity.

Will it penetrate carpet and padding?
We can decontaminate surface carpet with our fogging method; we also have a carpet shampoo that can be administered through a carpet shampoo machine.

Will it penetrate books and magazines?
We can decontaminate books and magazines, but the process is very labor intensive and must be examined on a case-by-case basis.

What will it smell like after treatment?
A neutral, fresh, clean odor.

Are there any side effects that need to be identified?
There are no known side effects other than if working with the product unprotected for pro-longed periods of time, skin can lighten temporarily. Pro-longed exposure to vapor should be avoided. If there is an accidental eye contact, eye should be flushed out with water thoroughly.