What does the IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Standard say about killing mold?
The IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Standard states that “attempts to kill or encapsulate [mold] are inadequate remediation measures” (See IICRC S520, page 81.) Instead, the S520 Standard highly recommends that mold be physically removed by remediation procedures. The mold remediation industry during the last few years has not recommended treating mold with a chemical agent. The industry has had three primary concerns about biocides and mold: • Leaving Toxic Residues. Biocides that kill molds may also harm humans and pets. The residues from biocide products raise health concerns. • Not Killing Spores. Biocides may stop growing mold, but not be able to kill the mold spores. Spores are the part of the organism that germinate to begin the growth process. • Not Removing Mycotoxins. Some toxic molds, even though dormant, can continue to release toxic spores or mold fragments into the air. The mycotoxins are within spores, as well as on and within the fragments of mold hyphae. Even if mold spore
