Patent attributes
Provided herein are systems and methods associated therewith for killing molds and reducing other contaminating bioburden that may include bacteria and their spores, yeast, and viruses within various dwellings including homes, office buildings, institutions, and any other enclosed space in which humans reside, either temporarily or permanently. The technology of the present invention can be used to treat vehicles, airplanes, and ships. A process according to the invention includes the generation of a gaseous oxyhalogen species and distribution of the gaseous oxyhalogen species throughout a selected dwelling. It has been unexpectedly found that the concentration level of gaseous oxyhalogen species necessary to kill molds according to the inventive methods is far below that previously recognized in the art as being necessary for the killing of such molds. Thus, mold infestations may be killed in dwellings with minimal disruption to the usual business of the inhabitants. Further, fabrics such as drapes and upholsteries contained within such dwellings may be carried out without causing any detrimental color changes to the fabrics.
