You Can’t “Kill” a Toxin: The Critical Reason You Must Physically Remove Mould

a photo of a AAA Mould removal staff physically removal mould after hepa vacuum then damp wipe with Biosan II (an anti bacterial wipe)

When you discover mould, the first impulse is often to find a chemical that will “kill” it. We see products on hardware store shelves and hear advice that promotes a simple spray-and-wipe approach. But what if we told you that trying to kill mould is not only often ineffective but could also leave the most dangerous part of the problem behind?

The primary goal of any effective mould protocol is not to kill the mould, but to physically remove it from your environment. This isn't just a matter of opinion; it's a fundamental principle of building science backed by international standards and research. At AAA Mould Removal, as an IICRC certified firm, we adhere to these principles to ensure your home is not just visibly clean, but truly safe.

The Science: Why "Killing" Mould Isn't Enough

Mould is a fungus, and like any living organism, it can be killed. However, the mould organism itself is only part of the problem. Many types of mould produce harmful chemical compounds called mycotoxins.

Think of it this way: a poisonous snake can be killed, but its venom remains toxic. Mycotoxins are the mould’s venom. They are not living and therefore cannot be "killed." These microscopic chemical substances can cause a wide range of adverse health effects in humans, from allergic reactions and respiratory irritation to more severe, long-term issues like immune suppression.

AA 2023 peer-reviewed study in Toxins (Maresca, 2023) highlighted that exposure to mycotoxins can lead to significant health risks, even at low levels.. When you simply spray a biocide (a chemical designed to kill living organisms) on mould, you may kill the organism, but the allergenic and toxic properties of the dead spores and the mycotoxins they've produced remain. In some cases, research has shown that applying certain chemicals can cause a stressed mould colony to release more mycotoxins as a defence mechanism.

Dead mould spores are still potent allergens and can trigger reactions just as severely as living ones. Wiping them away with a cloth after spraying often isn't enough to decontaminate a surface, and it can easily lead to cross-contamination, spreading these invisible toxins throughout your home.

The Professional Standard: What the IICRC S520 Says

This isn't just our professional opinion; it's the global standard. The ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation is the definitive rulebook for our industry, and it is unequivocally clear on this topic.

Section 4.4 of the Standard states: "Physically removing mold contamination is the primary means of remediation... Attempts to kill or encapsulate mold generally are not adequate to solve the contamination problem." (Reference ANSI IICRC S520 Standards For Professional Mold Remediation)

The IICRC, an organisation built on the expertise of microbiologists, public health professionals, and industrial hygienists, formulated this standard based on one simple fact: a successful remediation returns the property to a "normal fungal ecology." Leaving behind dead spores and their toxic by-products is not normal, and it is not safe. The standard discourages the routine use of biocides because physical removal, when done correctly, is more effective and avoids introducing unnecessary chemicals into your home.

The AAA Mould Removal Difference: A Process Built on Removal, Not "Killing"

As an IICRC certified firm, AAA Mould Removal has built its entire process around the principle of source removal. When you engage our services, you are investing in a scientific process designed to protect your property and your health. Here’s what that involves:

1. Assessment and Containment: We first identify the full extent of the contamination and the moisture source feeding it. We then establish critical containment barriers and use negative air pressure machines to ensure no spores can escape the work area during the removal process.

2. Physical Removal: This is the core of our work.

   • HEPA Vacuuming: We use specialised vacuums with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to capture microscopic spores from all surfaces. A regular vacuum would simply spread them around.

   • Material Removal: For porous materials like plasterboard, carpet, or insulation where mould has grown its "roots" deep inside, the only effective method is to physically cut out and safely dispose of the contaminated sections.

   • Detailed Cleaning: On non-porous surfaces, we use specialised cleaning agents and techniques to physically wipe away all mould residue, leaving a truly clean surface.

3. Air Purification: Throughout the process, powerful air scrubbers fitted with HEPA filters run constantly, capturing any airborne contaminants to purify the air within the contained space.

4. Verification: We ensure the job is done right, confirming that the area has been returned to a safe and healthy state, free from the threat of both living mould and its toxic remnants.

   
   

Don't be misled by the promise of a quick chemical fix. To truly get rid of mould and its associated health risks, you must get it out of your home entirely.

If you want to solve your mould problem based on proven science and the highest industry standards, contact the certified experts at AAA Mould Removal today. We have the equipment, the training, and the commitment to remove the problem, not just spray it.

Reference

1. Maresca, M. (2023). From Exposure to Cellular Mechanisms to Genotoxicity: The Mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol as a Case Study. Toxins, 15(3), 202.

2. ANSI IICRC S520 Standards For Professional Mold Remediation

About the Author

Michael Nguyen is the founder and lead technician at AAA Mould Removal, one of Australia's trusted mould remediation companies. With industry certifications including IICRC Water Damage Restoration, Applied Microbial Remediation, and Applied Structural Drying, Michael brings expert knowledge and proven techniques to every job.

He is also a licensed builder and carpenter, holding a Diploma in Building & Construction, which gives him a deep understanding of how moisture and structural conditions contribute to mould growth in homes and buildings. Michael specialises in residential and commercial mould removal, black mould treatment, water damage restoration, and structural drying.

Currently studying a double Bachelor’s degree in Medical Science and Environmental Science at Macquarie University, Michael combines scientific expertise with hands-on experience to deliver safe, thorough, and lasting mould removal solutions. His mission is to help homeowners and property managers maintain healthy indoor environments with professional mould remediation services across Sydney and surrounding regions.

Learn more at www.aaamouldremoval.com.au or call today for a free mould inspection and quote.