What is considered treating the disease versus treating the symptom in mold remediation?

Killing the mold is treating the symptom; eliminating the moisture source is treating the disease.

A fundamental concept emphasized in professional mold remediation protocols distinguishes between addressing the immediate manifestation of the problem and addressing the underlying cause that sustains it. Killing visible mold, whether through physical removal or chemical application, only eliminates the current living organism, which constitutes treating the symptom. The presence of mold is merely the visible indicator of a larger environmental failure. The actual 'disease' is the persistent damp condition—whether caused by leaks, excessive humidity, or condensation—that provides the necessary sustenance for the mold to thrive. Therefore, true remediation requires proactively locating and stopping the source of persistent dampness, thereby eliminating the condition that allows the mold to flourish indefinitely.