WHAT IS BLACK MOLD? SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT, & PREVENTION
Have you noticed dark green or black fungus patches growing in your kitchen, shower, or basement? Is it giving off an unpleasant musty odor? If so, then the probability that this is a toxic mold has increased. Black Mold can cause serious health problems if inhaled and needs to be removed immediately by a professional service for safety reasons.
Mold is not something one wants at all; it's unhealthy and unsightly. It may start out small but over time will grow into larger colonies of fungi with toxic potency levels as high as some types of radiation exposure from nuclear waste! So if there are signs, get rid before the problem gets worse by hiring professionals who have dealt with these things many times before and contact a professional mold removal service right away.
What Is Black Mold?
Black mold is known as the "killer fungus", or Stachybotrys Chartarum. It's name comes from a distinctive black or dark green color, and it grows in moist and damp conditions like most other fungi. Black Mold can grow on any organic material - even things without much nutrition value such as wood dust!
It's important to note that not all black mold is toxic, and not all toxic mold is black. Black mold is not the only type of toxic black substance in this world. There are many other types, each with its own set effects on people and their health.
Not all black molds that can be found out there are as dangerous or deadly as Stachybotrys Chartarum, which has a wide range of symptoms it may inflict upon you when introduced to your body through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact (or any combination).
Not all black molds that can be found out there are as dangerous or deadly as Stachybotrys Chartarum, which has a wide range of symptoms it may inflict upon you when introduced to your body through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact (or any combination).
Some people are scared to find black mold in their home, but it's important for them to know that knowledge is the key. Understanding the basics of mold and what to do if you find it can protect a person from many potential health problems and ensure you and your family breathe clean air inside your home.
Why Is Black Mold So Dangerous?
Stachybotrys is a type of mold found in some buildings. Unlike other types, it contains mycotoxins that are toxic to most plants and animals including humans. They can cause serious health issues like respiratory problems as well as immune system suppression.
How Does Black Mold Spread?
Mold thrives in damp, warm environments. Mold spores are microscopic and float around the air until they find a surface that is wet enough for them to settle on. Once mold begins growing it can be difficult to get rid of without professional help so make sure you have some type of dehumidifier or other moisture-reducing appliance at home!
When a spore lands on your lawn or inside of the house, it may stay dormant for weeks before sprouting into an unhealthy colony. Spores are not just found in shady areas; they can be anywhere from tree leaves to mold lining of walls and ceilings. This is why you should always wear dust masks when cleaning up spores indoors as well!
When a spore falls onto your yard or gets swept outside during cleanup efforts, it will start developing colonies that grow stronger with every passing day. The more these spores enter our body through inhalation or ingestion means higher risks of health problems and property damage over time because high concentrations build up around us all while we're blissfully oblivious about them lurking in dark corners waiting to attack!
When a spore falls onto your yard or gets swept outside during cleanup efforts, it will start developing colonies that grow stronger with every passing day. The more these spores enter our body through inhalation or ingestion means higher risks of health problems and property damage over time because high concentrations build up around us all while we're blissfully oblivious about them lurking in dark corners waiting to attack!
- Temperature
- Water
- Oxygen
- Food
- Darkness
- Time
Signs Of Black Mold
Be on the lookout for some telltale signs, especially in high moisture areas or areas with recent water leaks. For those wondering how to identify black mold (although it's not as easy), there are 4 main ways of doing this!
- Smell – One of the first things you need to do when trying to identify a musty odor is try and locate it. As you sniff the air, do any smells stand out? Maybe that musty smell of old clothes or a strong mildew odor. Foul smells often indicate a potential infestation. For instance, if you smell dirt or rotting leaves then black mold may be the culprit!
- Color – The mold can range in color from dark green to black. It is important not to confuse the toxic Strachybotrys with non-toxic molds that also come in a variety of colors, such as white or blue ones.
- Texture – Has a fuzzy, clammy, & slimy texture. This is in contrast to or types of mold and mildew, which has a more powdery texture
- Testing – Have it professionally tested in a laboratory or looked at by a professional mold technician.
Other signs to look out for include:
· Water stains or leaks
· New and sudden health issues such as respiratory problems or allergiesHealth Problems Caused By Black Mold
The toxic mold Stachybotrys poses a variety of health risks to people with compromised immune systems and respiratory issues. If you have allergies or other existing conditions, it can severely affect your well-being by causing lung problems, anaphylactic shock, skin irritation from itching due to inflammation caused by the toxin released in exposure within the body's tissues; not only that but these symptoms come on quickly!
The health effects of Stachybotrys vary person-to-person depending on their current state during contact. People who are already suffering from chronic asthma attacks should be extra careful because they're more likely than others to experience negative reactions like shortness of breath when exposed for extended periods without taking precautions.
The health effects of Stachybotrys vary person-to-person depending on their current state during contact. People who are already suffering from chronic asthma attacks should be extra careful because they're more likely than others to experience negative reactions like shortness of breath when exposed for extended periods without taking precautions.
According to mold study published in the NCBI: "In healthy people, the immune system destroys the spores before they cause any harm. In those with a weakened immune system, however, the infection is potentially fatal."
Black mold is one of the most dangerous substances in a home. There are always health risks involved with exposure, even for healthy people. Black Mold Symptoms don’t always present themselves right away and you may be unknowingly inhaling spores without realizing it when exposed long term to black mold can increase frequency and severity of symptoms just like asbestos would do to someone who has been around its fibers consistently over time.
Symptoms of Black Mold Exposure
- Itchy, red, or watering eyes
- Skin rash
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Difficulty Breathing
- Asthma symptoms
- Chronic fatigue
Black mold is a common household problem that can silently wreak havoc on your health. With long-term exposure, black mold poisoning symptoms can also present themselves and these include recurring headaches, vomiting, memory loss and dizziness.
In addition to the physical effects of prolonged exposure such as respiratory problems or skin irritation; negative mental changes are an often overlooked symptom in many cases where the sufferer may have suffered from depression before being exposed to mould toxins.
Regular screening for fungus spores through environmental testing at home will help you find out what's going on with this unseen danger lurking in every corner!
Where Does Black Mold Grow?
One of the most common household allergens in Canada, black mold is no fun to handle. Black Mold can grow anywhere from walls and ceilings to carpets or tile grout lines!
Black Mold has also been found on many surfaces such as drywall, fiberboard and wood but it tends not favor those materials over other organic matter like wallpaper.
Stachybotrys grows best near areas with high moisture levels so if you find this type of fungus growing somewhere look for ways that might be leaking water into your home where Stachytbortrys thrives including: leaky pipes under sinks, showers, or toilets; roofs dripping snowmelt onto unprotected wood structures below them; outdoor sprinklers watering wet gardens during rainstorms without turning off.
Stachybotrys grows best near areas with high moisture levels so if you find this type of fungus growing somewhere look for ways that might be leaking water into your home where Stachytbortrys thrives including: leaky pipes under sinks, showers, or toilets; roofs dripping snowmelt onto unprotected wood structures below them; outdoor sprinklers watering wet gardens during rainstorms without turning off.
Other common areas include:
- Between walls
- On or behind drywall
- In air vents or ducts
- Around window sills
- On or underneath the carpet
- In basements
- In the attic
- In the building foundation
How To Remove Black Mold?
Removing black mold on your own can be a dangerous task, even for the most experienced of professionals. Even if you have all the necessary tools and safety gear to protect yourself from it's potent spores, removing black mold incorrectly may release more spores into your home or business than originally present which will only worsen air quality.
Removal of any type should always be left in the hands of an expert with full knowledge about how this fungus grows so as not to make things worse by releasing additional particles throughout your property.
Removal of any type should always be left in the hands of an expert with full knowledge about how this fungus grows so as not to make things worse by releasing additional particles throughout your property.
Mold tends to burrow into whatever material they are attaching themselves too - whether this means any food surface (including what's left stuck between your teeth) or anything else for that matter. Since these spores cannot always be seen by eye, getting rid of them requires cleaning up all visible signs as well as ensuring no more potential spots exist where those pesky hidden ones could grow back again later on without
Certified mold removers are trained to safely inspect, assess, identify and remove all traces of visible or hidden mold. Airborne molds can also be removed by the specialists who have experience in dealing with them.
How To Prevent Black Mold
Mold is a sneaky and persistent foe that can be hard to remove, but it's not impossible.
The best way to avoid black mold in the home? Schedule an inspection with your local inspector who will identify all potential water damage sources you may have missed or are unaware of! They'll also help you spot any visible signs of mold and detect any airboune mold as well.
The best way to avoid black mold in the home? Schedule an inspection with your local inspector who will identify all potential water damage sources you may have missed or are unaware of! They'll also help you spot any visible signs of mold and detect any airboune mold as well.
Here are some tips for how to prevent black mold in the home.
- Keep humidity levels low, below 50%. You can control humidity with an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
- Ensure proper ventilation throughout the property using exhaust fans, open windows, and dryer vent is functioning properly.
- Conduct a home inspection or call a plumber to identify and fix any water leaks, leaky roofs, or other plumbing issues.
- Use a mold inhibiting paint
- Use mold-killing products to wipe away surface mold on bathroom tile
- Dry any wet areas immediately.
- Remove any wet carpet or furniture that isn’t drying right away.
Mold isn’t something anyone wants around - it usually means dampness, wet areas or stagnant water has been left unchecked for too long which could lead to more serious problems such as sicknesses like asthma or respiratory infections.