Removal and Prevention of Black Mold

Black mold is a problem people have been dealing with for years. However, it hasn't been until recently that we are beginning to understand the negative impact it can have in our lives. Toxic types of mold do not discriminate and they are quite common. Black mold, in particular, has caused numerous health problems ranging from headaches and dizziness to full on breathing difficulties requiring hospitalization. It is for this reason, entire schools and workplaces have been shut down for mold treatment.

How to Identify Black Mold

This type of mold has a greenish-black appearance and a slimy texture. It can be difficult to judge by appearance alone if mold growth is black mold, but can be a good indication that it requires removal. No matter the color of texture of mold, it should be considered dangerous as any mold in the home will be spreading spores which may be toxic. A musty or moldy smell can often be the first sign and a good indication that there is a mold problem in the home.

Black mold often colonizes on porous organic surfaces such as drywall, ceiling tiles and carpet. It is especially at home on drywall which has sustained a continuous bout of water and humidity levels consistently over 60 percent. Identifying which type of mold is present is an important step in determining how to remove the problem. It is widely assumed this is an expensive process. However, there are inexpensive ways of testing for toxic mold which can be done yourself. Keep reading for how to test whether you have a toxic or mild mold problem.

Symptoms of Toxic Black Mold Poisoning

If you have a black mold problem in the home, even at small degree, it is likely someone will be affected. These spores are high-level allergens producing mycotoxins which flow through the air, your air/heating system and will be inhaled into the lungs. Short term problems include headaches, colds, flu, frequent sinus infections and respiratory problems. Long term, the effects of toxic mold poisoning are still being studied, however, the results we do have are not good. Memory loss, weakness, permanent respiratory difficulties and possible debilitating disease. It is best to not take any chances. If you suspect a mold problem go first to the source.

Where to Start

A water leak or problem is the appropriate place to begin when it comes to an obvious or suspected mold growth. In some cases, this may result in a plumber coming to the home to repair any damage from busted pipes, leaking shower stalls or a broken water heater. Having to hire a professional plumber should be considered as a necessity when the job is out of the scope of the home owners expertise. Like mold growth itself, putting this off will only result in further damages to your home and a decline in health.

Once the leak issue is fixed, you may consider testing for the severity and type of mold.

How to Test for Mold Growth

Testing for black mold or any toxic mold can be done in two ways. Surface testing or air sample testing.

Surface testing usually consists of applying a strip of sticky tape to an exposed mold surface then sampling for the type. This is an easy way to test for whether you are dealing with toxic mold but is not effective in determining the severity of the problem and in many situations, actual mold growth can be out of view.

Air sampling draws particles into a reservoir to allow for organic testing of mold spores. This is an effective way to test for mold growth concentration leading to an assessment of how much mold you are dealing with and the type involved. Do keep in mind that in many cases, different types of toxic mold can coexist even within the same colony.

The most effective measure of mold sampling is a combination of both methods. By doing a little research, one can find cost effective do it yourself mold testing kits of good enough quality to at least rule out the consideration of having a professional mold remediation company consulted.

Black Mold Removal

Black mold or any toxic mold for that matter can be removed safely by home owners when the surface area affected is less than three by three feet. If you suspect dealing with a larger problem than this, a mold removal company may be consulted to come out to your home for an inspection and estimation of cost.

If you decide to remove toxic mold yourself, you should begin by turning off your air/heating unit. Not doing so will result in spores being distributed all about your home where they can form additional colonies of growth. If the mold problem is in a bathroom, you may have an exhaust fan which can be turned on to help funnel any spores released during cleaning to the outside. If no exhaust fan is available, try creating a draft through an open window.

Always seal off the area in which you are removing dangerous molds. This can be done by sealing off the area with polyethylene sheets and tape. The purpose of this step is for containment, as it is of highest priority.

Using a mixture of soap and water, gently remove the mold from the surface area. Afterward, apply a coating of mold disinfectant to the area it once was and a wider area several feet out to ensure all spores have been disinfected. Dormant mold spores can live on for several years, so it's important to kill all you can.

If the surface you are cleaning is damaged permanently, it may need replaced completely. Although, this isn't always necessary. However, because the are porous, wet drywall or ceiling tiles which have become warped and moldy through constant moisture will most likely need replacing.

A dehumidifier can be used to both dry out an area after clean up and keep humidity levels below 60 percent continuously to prevent further mold growth. Consider relative humidity sensors as well since no part of the home will have the same humidity level present. Both of these can be purchased for a reasonable cost.

Black mold can end up being a huge cost and health problem if it is left to grow without interruption. Take action as soon as you see or smell any mold, assume it's dangerous. Your home and family will thank you for it with good health.

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