Can You See Black Mold

How To Tell If Black Mold Is Hiding In Your Walls

How to search for hidden mold in your home

Landscape Mulch With Fungus

Black mold – the words alone are enough to make you cringe. It’s the last thing you need in your home. Any mold can cause problems for people who are allergic, of course, but those molds referred to as “black” or “toxic” are particularly dangerous. Chances are, if the conditions inside your home are hospitable to mold, you’re going to have it. If you suspect the mold is “black” or toxic, however, consider hiring a professional to remove it for you.

Create A Bleach Mixture

If the black mold growth in your home is small enough for you to treat alone, a simple mixture of bleach and water can help. Add one cup of bleach to one gallon of water and apply it to the moldy spots. You can also find commercial black mold removal products.

Soak a paper towel in the cleaner and press it over the mold growth to dampen the area. Then start scrubbing. Avoid spraying moldy areas, since the droplets will collide with the mold spores and launch them throughout the room, making them easier to breathe in and harder to eradicate.

Be sure to dry the area thoroughly when youre done.

Do NOT mix bleach with ammonia. This combination can create toxic fumes that are far more dangerous than any mold youre trying to clean.

Do You Think You Have Black Mold In Your Home See How You Can Tell

Twin Home Experts have been removing inspecting & testing for Black mold for almost 32 years. When it comes to Identifying black mold, there is a lot of misconceptions and information that we would like to clarify in todays post.

We will answer the most frequent questions we get here regarding black mold.

Starting with The number one question: HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE BLACK MOLD?

Sarah A. Long Beach, CA.

Mold in general is typically black in color, this is why we get this question.

When there is black toxic mold present, active & growing, youll know by smell, and if your sensitive, youll feel symptoms like small headaches, itchy eyes, redness in the eyes, throat feels tight and lite coughing will occur.

This black mold is called Stachybotrys and its a genus of molds, hyphomycetes or asexually reproducing, filamentous fungi, now placed in the family Stachybotryaceae. Historically, it was considered closely related to the genus Memnoniella, because the spores are produced in slimy heads rather than in dry chains.

So one true way to determine is by air testing or direct sampling, then a mold lab will identify what it is for you. But, if you can see it, its very slimy in appearance.

If you want a MOLD TESTING & REMEDIATION ESTIMATE call the Twins at 941-0757.

Recommended Reading: How To Tell If I Have Mold In My Basement

Is It Dangerous To Live In A House With Black Mold

We spend a majority of our time in our homes, and they should be safe spaces. They are where we eat, sleep, return to after a long day at work, and are the places where we are most ourselves. As much as they reflect our needs, interests, and style, they ultimately serve the purpose of sheltering us from the outside world. So, what about when our homes actually compromise our health?

Black mold is a relatively common presence in homes, but that doesnt mean its a harmless one. Here is what you need to know about black mold and how it could endanger you and your family.

How To Get Rid Of Mold In Your Home

What do Mold Spores Look Like? Can you see them?

Although there is no determined amount of how much mold is harmful to your health, its important to act quickly. If necessary, hire professionals to clean it.

There are mold remediation contractors on these websites:

Use a dehumidifier to keep your air moisture levels below 50%. Ventilate your rooms, and make sure to turn on the bathroom fan when youre taking a shower.

Never use bleach to clean mold.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration declared bleach as ineffective to use, and it can even increase the toxicity of mycotoxins, worsening your mold exposure symptoms.

Suppose I suspect a Patient is suffering from Biotoxins illness or Mold Toxicity Exposure. In that case, several tests can help us understand why you feel the way you do and understand how severe of an exposure we are dealing with.

Traditional Lab Testing: VEGF, Transforming Growth Factor Beta -1, VIP, HLA-DR, C4a, Alpha-MSH, cortisol, Leptin, ADH, DHEA-S, and Testosterone MMP9 blood level.
VCS Test: The Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test shows if you could be suffering from mold exposure.
Great Plains Lab Testing: The MycoTOX Profile is another invaluable tool to assess mold exposure.

Genetic Test: The HLA-DRB1 gene provides instructions for making a critical protein role in the immune system.

Read Also: How To Deal With Mold On Walls

Removing Black Mold From Your Home

If youve confirmed the presence of black mold in your home and youre worried that its causing unwanted and disruptive symptoms to you or any of your family members, youre going to want to clean and disinfect the affected area with a mixture of one part water and 16 parts bleach.

While theres no way of completely removing mold from the home, you can remediate it and regulate mold exposure back to a normal level which the body can then handle on its own. We recommend hiring a mold remediation company if the affected area is larger than 10 square feet.

Allergy Or Asthma Flare

Certain species of mold release a harmful substance calledmycotoxin, which can trigger respiratory issues for those with allergies and asthma . Have you found yourself sneezing, coughing, feeling fatigued or blowing your nose no matter the time of year? It may be time to give the home a thorough inspection.

Have you been experiencing an increase in your allergy and asthma symptoms? Mold in your home may be the culprit. If you suspect that your home has a mold problem, it’s critical that you act fast. Trust the Experts. Trust ProClean. #MoldRemediation #MoldAssessment #MoldRemoval

ProClean Pensacola

Also Check: How To Clean Mold Spots On Ceiling

Black Mold Symptoms: What Happens When Youre Exposed

Dr. Lauren Tessier is a naturopathic physician practicing in Waterbury, VT, and New York, NY. She specializes in treating mold-related, biotoxin and other complicating illnesses and is CIRS-certified. Learn more about her practice Life After Mold by visiting www.lifeaftermold.com. You can also find her on , and .

Stachybotrys chartarum, more commonly known as black mold, was first identified in Prague in 1837. A Czech mycologist discovered the mold growing on an indoor wall of a home. Despite an early discovery, the term black mold only became part of the normal lexicon of the average homeowner in the 1990s, when the nightly news brought the phrase black mold into homes across America. Though black mold is considered harmful, the details are still in question. This article is meant to help inform those who are worried about being exposed to black mold. Visit our store to purchase an air purifier for mold.

Dark Colored Spots On Your Walls

How to Get Rid of Mold | The Home Depot

A key indication of mold growth is discovering discoloration on your walls. In many cases, this change of color first comes when the walls are wet. However, as mold grows, the size of the colony may lead to it being seen as a color change on walls. In either case, it is best to investigate the cause of the discoloration quickly.

Also Check: How To Know If You Have Mold Allergies

Your Wallpaper Is Peeling

Moist, peeling wallpaper is an ideal location for mold to thrive. Like all types of mold, black mold spreads when it is able to attach to a host like paper or wallboard, and is able to remain moist.

A plus for the mold colony is that the peeling paper provides ample cover for it to avoid the drying effects of sunlight.

Do I Need Professional Testing

In short, usually not! Because, remember the saying: no mold, no matter what color, belongs in a healthy home. And that is good news because a professional mold inspection with testing can run anywhere from $300-$750. In most cases where mold is clearly visible, knowing exactly what type of mold you have is unnecessary. We advise most of our clients to forgo the inspection process and just apply that money saved to the cost of fixing the problem. The EPA agrees that mold testing isnt necessary in most cases.

There are exceptions, however, such as when a mold inspection with testing is required as part of a real estate sale or if you require proof that a mold problem is present, such as for a legal dispute. If you think you may have a mold problem, but arent sure, then we recommend formal testing from a professional. And if you require clearance testing to verify an all clear after a mold problem is fixed, then professional mold testing is necessary.

Worth The Cost Of Testing

Mold can be a tricky problem to deal with. The first step in tackling your potential mold problem is to have a certified inspector visit your home to assess the mold damage or to bring a sample of your mold growth to an accredited lab for testing. At JSE, we specialize in laboratory and in-home testing to provide you with an accurate analysis of your mold growth.

Our mold lab offers quick turn-around times and has hygienists on staff to answer your questions. In-house lab services include mold spore analysis by direct exam for both bulk and air samples. Mold can be a pesky problem in any household. If you suspect you have mold growth in your home, contact JSE online or at to get your sample tested.

Health Effects And Symptoms Of Black Mold

According to the EPA, various types of mold can cause health problems for some people. Those health problems are primarily in the form of allergies such as stuffy head, headache, itchy eyes, trouble breathing, etc. These ailments can be more severe in the young, the old, and those with other health issues. The CDC basically says the same thing that mold can cause health issues in some people, or no issues in other people.

According to the CDC, Stachybotrys black mold is unproven to cause serious medical issues beyond those mentioned above. In other words, symptoms of black mold are only proven to be similar to other molds. The CDC simply states that various types of mold may cause health symptoms, to consult with a doctor if symptoms persist, and that no color or type of mold belongs in a building.

You may be thinking: If all we know for sure is that mold causes allergies in some people, and maybe some serious health problems in a small percentage of other people, then whats the big deal?

Well, our answer to that is to imagine yourself as one of those people who are sensitive to mold. Constant allergies, constantly feeling sick, and miserable in your own home. Theres even a scientific name for it: Sick Building Syndrome . Mold, along with other problems such as radon, Chinese drywall, etc., can cause Sick Building Syndrome. Suffering through Sick Building Syndrome is a terrible way to live, and we wouldnt wish it upon our worst enemy!

Is black mold dangerous?

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Grout In Shower

Do You Have Toxic Mold In Your Home

How to tell if you may be dealing with toxic mold in your home:

Watch out for a nasty smell: The most common sign that you arent dealing with any ordinary mold is a musty odor, sort of like rotting dirt of rotting leaves. Mold thrives in dark, damp, humid environments, so follow your nose to cramped spaces in your home if you detect an unusual smell.

Look for visible growth: While toxic mold often hides in your walls, crawlspace, or attic, sometimes it is out in the open, too. In these cases, you are likely to see dark rings or spots on the ceiling. While this mold is not necessarily toxic, you will want to have an inspection done right away to make sure.

You continue to see stains, even after youve wiped the mold away: It is not advisable to try and clean up mold yourself. However, if you have disinfected and wiped away a moldy area, and continue to notice staining on the walls, its probably time to call for that inspection you neglected before.

Pay attention to the color and consistency: We already talked about black mold above, though its more accurate to say that Stachybotrys chartarum has a greenish-black hue. Toxic mold can also have a grayish, soot-like texture, or a slimy, wet surface. In some cases, you may even notice furry orange or brown spots. If you find mold with any of these qualities in your home, dont get too close, and call a professional right away.

How Long Does It Take To Remove Black Mold

Armen D. Glendale Ca.

The time it takes for Black mold removal, is all dependent on how severe the growth is, the location of it, what caused the mold to grow in the first place, sewer wastewater, or freshwater leak.

We have removed black mold in 4 hours for lite contamination, and up to 4 days for severe contamination.

Having the proper certified black mold removal agents makes the removal process safe and very effective.

Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mold Out Of Washing Machine

Black Mold: What Is It

Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as black mold, is a mold thats often black in color and can grow in homes in humid or damp areas. Black mold can grow indoors, on damp surfaces like wallpaper, carpet, or insulation, says Marc Devisse, President of Tri-Town Construction, LLC.

As the mold proliferates, it can release toxic substances that cause health problems. The CDC explains it this way: The term toxic mold is not accurate. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins , the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous.

However, though the release of mycotoxins does not always occur, the possibility that it can is reason enough to take care of any mold problem right away.

Side Effects Of Black Mold

Different Types of Toxic Mold That Can Hurt You – Mold Busters

With the current awareness of potential health problems associated with mold growth in houses people want to know if they have been exposed to harmful black mold. All molds are potentially harmful. However, a few types have frequently been associated with adverse human health effects. Generally people are concerned when they see black mold growth in their houses or offices. The colour of the mold, however, does not determine whether a mold is harmful or not.

Stachybotrys chartarum is the infamous species of mold known as black mold. Black mold grows in areas of excessive moisture and poor air quality. Though not rare, black mold ranks among the least common of mold species. It thrives in materials rich in cellulose such as gypsum board. Black mold also thrives in the presence of constant moisture caused by excessive humidity, condensation and flooding. People with allergies, suppressed immune systems, or chronic lung diseases are more susceptible to exposure to black mold. Even healthy individuals experience symptoms of black mold poisoning.

Don’t Miss: How To Remove Mold From Rocks

How To Identify Black Mold On Other Surfaces

Black mold has a distinct look that should signal to you its presence on other surfaces in your home. It may look dark green or gray, depending on where it is growing. It also may simply look like black, fuzzy spots growing in dark and wet corners of the floor, ceiling, walls and other areas.

If other surfaces in your home have been exposed to moisture, humidity or water and have this type of growth on them, you should suspect that the spores are actually black fungus. The spots may even be difficult to sweep or scrub and only be removed and killed if you spray bleach or ammonia on them.

How To Prevent Black Mold Growth

Conducting routine home inspections and maintenance are the best ways to deal with a black mold problem. Keep an eye out for evidence of water damage and visible mold on a regular basis. The conditions that cause mold should be corrected in a timely manner to prevent mold from growing further.

The extent of structural damage black mold can cause to your home, depends on how quickly you act to fix it.

Some of the ways you can keep mold out of your home is by:

Controlling humidity levels. Relative humidity inside your home should never be higher than 50%. On excessively humid days, using air conditioners, ventilation systems or dehumidifiers can help control humidity.

Managing day-to-day moisture in your home.

Ensuring adequate ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms when cooking, showering, cleaning, etc.

Using mold inhibitors.

Cleaning the house regularly with anti-mold cleaners.

To completely get rid of black mold from your home, you must address the root cause of the problem, so that there is no recurrence of mold. For example, just cleaning up the mold without addressing the moisture problem will not solve the issue because the mold will very likely return.

Recommended Reading: How To Check For Mold Behind Drywall

Persistent Cough Or Cold

Have you been fighting a cough that just wont seem to go away? Prolonged exposure to mold mayexacerbate respiratory illnesses, like persistent or recurring bronchitis and pneumonia. The first line of defense is to consult with your doctor for treatment and to rule out any other underlying illnesses. If there are other indications of a mold problem in your home, this must also be treated by professionals promptly and comprehensively.

Are you suffering from a pesky cough or cold that just doesn’t seem to go away? Mold in your home may be to blame. To treat the problem promptly and comprehensively, call the experts at ProClean Pensacola at 484-8500. #MoldRemoval #MoldRemediation #PersistentCough

ProClean Pensacola