Please note: Dead mold is allergenic and may cause allergic reactions and other health effects in some individuals, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold. It must also be removed.
Certain molds produce mycotoxins which, depending on the exposure level, can cause health effects. Both active and inactive molds can pose potential health hazards. Health effects from mold can be acute from short-term high exposures or chronic from long-term exposure to lower levels.
Mold spores become inactive temporarily after they have dried out but can remain a threat as long as they are present in the environment. It can cause allergic reactions and uncomfortable symptoms such as skin rashes, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, and sneezing.
Even dry, dead mold can cause health problems, so always take precautions when you suspect mold. Mold is often found in areas where water has damaged building materials and furniture from flooding or plumbing leaks.
Because residual biomass can still elicit allergenic responses from sensitive individuals, mold must be removed.” The IICRC emphasizes that even dead mold remains toxigenic and allergic. Mold, when dead, can become a food source for other microbes.
Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water, apply to the surface and don't rinse. Mix a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water. Spray on the surface, wait two to three hours, then rinse. Never mix ammonia with bleach or other all purpose cleaners; this will create toxic and dangerous fumes.
Once the mold has been scrubbed away, rinse the surface with water to remove any residual mold. Spray the area again and let the area air dry.
Health Effects
When exposed to mold, individuals may experience an allergic reaction or fever-like symptoms such as headaches, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes. Dead mold may trigger asthmas attacks to those with asthma, and infections to those with a weakened or suppressed immune system.
How long do mold spores stay in the air? Mold spores stay airborne indefinitely. While in the air, they remain in a dormant state until they come into contact with wet or moist surfaces, at which point they may start growing into visible mold.
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed.
Dead mold has a powdery, flaky appearance. To confirm it is dead, brush the surface with a broom. It is most likely dead if it easily brushes off and becomes airborne. Note that “dead” mold isn't actually dead.
Exposure to mold can cause health effects in some people. Mold spores are always found in the air we breathe, but extensive mold contamination may cause health problems. Breathing mold can cause allergic and respiratory symptoms.
When mold spores are inhaled, immune system cells surround and destroy them. But people who have a weakened immune system from illness or immunosuppressant medications have fewer infection-fighting cells. This allows aspergillus to take hold, invading the lungs and, in the most serious cases, other parts of the body.
It begs to question, does mold die when it's dry? Contrary to the common belief, when mold dries, it is not dead. Mold is a fungus, a living organism that grows, breeds, and requires nourishment to survive. Mold thrives and multiplies when the environment supplies moisture, nourishment, and warmth.
Inactive mold can be spread suddenly due to disturbance during remodeling, after a water damage event or due to elevated humidity. A severe mold problem can cause decay in the home and can lead to unintended negative health consequences.
When mold becomes inactive, the now dry mold spores become light as they do not have moisture weighing them down. This weightlessness allows them to become airborne rather easily. Airborne spores are the easiest ways for mold to spread and to find areas with the proper conditions to then become active again.
Pathogenic molds can worsen symptoms of acute illnesses. This can cause severe infections, even to people who are in good health. If pathogenic mold is inhaled by someone, they might develop a lung infection, such as pneumonia.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
Use a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup (8 ounces) household laundry bleach per 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces.
Clean, throw away, or seal moldy items. Wash and dry, or throw away, moldy bedding, towels, clothing, and draperies. If you have moldy papers you cannot throw away, dry and seal them in a bag until you can dry and clean them.
In addition, it is important to remember not to immediately wash clothes contaminated with mold in a washer that is used for other clothing items because the spores can spread to other clothing and contaminate them.
White vinegar is a mildly acidic product that cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects. It can also kill 82% of mold species, including black mold, on porous and non-porous surfaces. You can use it safely on most surfaces, and its offensive odor goes away quickly. Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle.
Cleaning vinegar, which contains 6% acetic acid, is the best type for killing mold. White vinegar containing 5% acidity will also work just fine. If you don't already have some at home, white vinegar can be inexpensively purchased at most grocery stores.
To kill mold using hydrogen peroxide, place undiluted 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution into a spray bottle. Saturate the moldy area with the solution using the spray bottle and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. During this process, the hydrogen peroxide will kill the mold.