Which action is recommended when a porous material shows mold growth?

• A. Should be replaced
• B. Should be disinfected
• C. Should be dried
• D. Should be sealed

Answer: (A)

Mold that grows inside porous materials can inhabit the fibers themselves, not just the surface. Cleaning or disinfecting can kill what’s on the surface, but it often won’t remove embedded mold or completely eliminate the source of moisture and nutrients that allowed the growth. Drying helps reduce moisture, but it doesn’t remove the mold that’s already inside the material, and sealing or covering it does not resolve the underlying contamination and can trap moisture, promoting re-growth. Replacing the contaminated porous material removes the mold-loaded substrate and the moisture source, reducing the chance of future growth and making the remediation more reliable.