Will “Dead” Mold Hurt Your Building Patrons?
Claims that killing mold "in place" is sufficient and that the resulting mold debris does not need to be removed are incorrect. Some mold companies use a style of fogging or airless spraying that delivers chemicals to the surface, but experts say it is only effective if the process also includes removing the mold debris from the surfaces and air. "Dead" mold is mold that is not actively growing because its moisture source has been removed, or it has been inactivated by a biocide that prevents it from growing. Any discoloration identified as mold should be removed whether it is found to be dead or actively growing. Professional assessors want to know its status because the information helps them determine whether remediation or sanitization techniques are necessary to resolve the issue. According to the IICRC, even dead mold remains toxigenic and allergic. Dead mold can become a food source for other microbes, and if it becomes aerosolized, it can become problematic for people who are sensitive to molds. Research also has shown that the mycotoxins produced by some molds are produced on the surface of the spore and continue to enter the air even if the mold is nonviable.