Antimicrobial

What it means

An antimicrobial, also called a biocide, is a chemical designed to kill or inhibit microorganisms. EPA regulates antimicrobial pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, and products making public health claims must be registered. The registered label says what the product kills, on which surfaces, and how to apply it.

Restoration standards treat antimicrobials as one tool among many. The ANSI/IICRC S500 water standard includes a section on antimicrobial (biocide) technology, and the S520 mold standard covers antimicrobial chemicals and coatings.

Why it matters to your home and your bill

Antimicrobials often appear as a line item on water and mold estimates, so it helps to know what they can and cannot do. EPA’s remediation guide says the use of a biocide such as chlorine bleach “is not recommended as a routine practice during mold remediation,” though a professional may judge it useful in specific cases. The goal is to remove mold, not just treat it, because dead mold can still cause allergic reactions. Ask the company which product it will use, for its EPA registration number, and why it is needed. Our page on what kills mold compares common products.