Protecting Military Families: A Non-Toxic Solution for Mold Issues in Military Housing
The Military’s Ongoing Battle with Mold in Their Homes
Military housing mold issues are a growing concern, exposing families to serious health risks due to airborne mold spores and allergens. Airborne mold in military homes has led to respiratory and cognitive issues, especially in children, highlighting the need for effective mold remediation solutions. Genesis+HOCl atomizing technology offers an affordable, non-toxic method to combat mold, utilizing hypochlorous (HOCl) atomizing to disinfect and neutralize mold spores both in the air and on surfaces simultaneously. By delivering a safe and accessible mold control solution, Genesis+HOCl helps protect military families from the detrimental effects of toxic mold exposure and ensures a healthier living environment.
A recent article by Rolling Stone journalist René Kladzyk, “Operation Counter-Mold: The Hidden Battle in Military Homes.” sheds light on the growing and disturbing problem of mold-infested housing faced by our military personnel, that threatens their health and well-being, right here at home. The article underscored the urgent need to raise awareness and seek solutions to this issue. Our service members shouldn’t have to fight hidden battles in their own homes, which should be safe havens. In this blog, we’ll delve into the complexities of this problem and explore how innovative disinfection solutions like HOCl atomizing helps provide the clean, healthy living conditions that our heroes deserve.
Toxic mold is the leading health hazard in military housing, impacting the well-being of countless families.
Mold in military housing is a persistent health threat for thousands of military families. According to recent reports, privatized housing developments across Army, Navy, and Air Force bases struggle to maintain healthy living conditions. Families report that their concerns about mold often go unaddressed or dismissed due to the lack of federal mold standards.
The Rolling Stone article describes the story of Aubrey Metzler, for whom this issue hits painfully close to home. Metzler’s two young children suffer from frequent health problems, including respiratory issues and skin rashes. Her husband, an Army soldier, recently had to be hospitalized for migraines, and Metzler herself endures daily nausea. Despite these symptoms, Metzler has struggled to get property managers at Fort Campbell to take her complaints seriously.
61% of complaints in Marine Corps housing relate to mold.
This problem extends far beyond Fort Campbell. Military family advocates estimate that mold complaints account for a majority of tenant issues on Marine Corps and Navy bases, with 61% of complaints in Marine Corps housing relating to mold, as per a Department of Defense report from 2019. However, the lack of a national mold standard allows housing providers to sidestep remediation.
The Serious Health Impact of Airborne Mold
Mold can have severe health effects, especially on young children and those with compromised immune systems. Mycotoxins—toxins produced by certain molds—are linked to respiratory issues, flu-like symptoms, and even cognitive difficulties. Airborne mold, like asbestos, poses a serious health risk when disturbed and becomes airborne, as the inhalation of mold spores can lead to respiratory issues. While visible mold requires immediate removal, HOCl atomizing provides a fast, effective solution for reducing airborne mold spores, offering near-instant relief for those affected.
Exposure to mold and damp environments can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. – The CDC
For military families, prolonged exposure often goes untreated due to limited testing and remediation options provided by housing management. Military housing advocates continue to emphasize the importance of testing. Heather Hall, CEO of the Military Housing Coalition, states, “Many, many times our families push for mold testing…that’s always thrown out as a ‘no’.” Without testing, families are left to live with ongoing symptoms, contributing to long-term health issues for both adults and children.
HOCl Atomizing: An Effective, Affordable, and Accessible Solution
Genesis+HOCl atomizing technology offers an innovative, natural alternative for airborne mold management. Unlike harsh chemicals, HOCl (hypochlorous) is a non-toxic, EPA-approved disinfectant that can be safely used around children, pets, and plants. HOCl has shown effectiveness against a wide range of pathogens, including mold spores, without the health risks associated with other cleaning agents.
Genesis+HOCl offers two different atomizers which release fine HOCl particles into the air, penetrating hard-to-reach areas and neutralizing mold spores on surfaces and in the air. For military families feeling “trapped” in mold-infested housing with few alternatives, this technology provides immediate accessible relief where airborne mold control is challenging. One of Genesis’ units is a stationary “set it, and forget it” model and the other is a portable and powerful model that can be taken from room to room for quickly ridding the air of all pathogens (including bacteria, viruses, and airborne mold) as well as odors.
With HOCl atomizing technology, families can combat mold in real-time, without waiting for official acknowledgment or testing. Because standard mold remediation often fails to fully eliminate airborne mold, HOCl atomizing technology enables military personnel to maintain a safer environment and experience ongoing relief from mold exposure by providing immediate relief to families impacted by airborne mold. For advocates pushing for better housing standards and for Congress considering legislation to study mold’s health effects in military housing, HOCl technology demonstrates that effective, health-first solutions are available right now. As military families continue to fight the hidden battle against mold, Genesis+HOCl offers a lifeline—a safe, natural option to help military families breathe a little easier.
I tried many other methods, including expensive UV lights, dehumidifiers, and highly-rated air purifiers. Nothing worked, so I purchased the UX4 and after running it for one day, the moldy smell was gone!
I live in New Orleans where mold and mildew are rampant. I have autoimmune issues from previous exposure to mold. I move the UX4 around my house daily, and I'm amazed by the concept and am constantly spreading the word.
