In Severe Cases Symptoms Caused By Inhaling Black Mold Can Lead To The Following Health Troubles:
- Vomiting
- Asthma
- Respiratory complications
Sometimes mold invades spaces that are hard to see and reach. It spreads fast, burrowing into walls and ceilings and hiding in cupboards and under carpets. Quite often, people are exposed to black mold without even knowing it. If you or anyone in your home is experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms without knowing why, you may be exposed to mold.
Black mold should be approached with extreme caution. Tackling black mold without proper knowledge and equipment is unsafe. The suspected contamination should always be examined and removed by professionals.
A professional black mold removal service will tackle the contamination with advanced equipment and technology. For instance, protective masks and gear should be worn at all times, to ensure maximum safety.
How Do You Store Cheese So It Doesnt Mold
To prevent mold on cheese, use plastic wrap and a refrigerator. Place cheese tightly wrapped in plastic wrap after opening and after each use in the refrigerator, being careful not to leave it out at room temperature for an extended period of time as explained by a chef in this free video for the kitchen.
Black Mold On Ceilings
Black mold is attracted to ceilings because heat rises. Poorly ventilated rooms on the top floor of your house are great breeding grounds.
It usually grows in the corners of the ceiling, the largest concentration deep in the corner and spots emanating around it. Bathrooms with poor ventilation are prime mold incubators. Showers and bathtubs that arent regularly cleaned can let mold grow in the grout of the ceiling. If you like to take hot showers make sure to open the window or turn the fan on!
Make sure to shine a flashlight on the ceilings of your attic too, most people dont check their dark attics enough. Make sure to do regular inspections of your attic, this is usually a humid and poorly insulated room.
Read Also: Get Rid Of Mold In Bathroom Ceiling
What Impact Does Mold Have On Your Health
Everyones immune system and medical history is different. That said, most government or medical guidelines abstain from providing safe exposure limits to mold. Due to these variables, it is impossible to say if exposure to low concentrations of mold is safe since every individual will react differently.
The fact is that people with suppressed immune systems are most likely to experience health issues when they spend time in a room filled with mold. Although difficult to predict, exposure to mold growing indoors can be associated with nasal and sinus congestion, cough/sore throat, asthma , nosebleed, headache, skin and eye irritation, etc. Long-term exposure to indoor mold can lead to health issues which develop faster for certain groups infants, children and elderly people.
It is very important to keep in mind that some types of mold are capable of producing extremely potent toxins called mycotoxins, which can lead to severe health consequences such as cancer.
I Found Black Mold All Through My House Is It Safe To Stay There
There are two questions you need answered: 1. Is the mold growth currently affecting the air quality? 2. What is causing the mold growth?
If the mold growth is systemic, I recommend hiring a local company to inspect the home and collect an indoor air quality sample. 1-2 samples should be sufficient to determine the severity of the issue. Make sure they also evaluate the cause of the mold Its critical you determine the cause of the excess moisture that is ultimately creating the mold growth.
In the interim, keep a few windows cracked open and run the bathroom exhaust fans 24/7. This will provide a constant influx of fresh air and lower the mold spore count while you investigate. If you have asthma or are experiencing other serious symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Walls And Ceiling
Is Black Mold Dangerous
Black mold has not been shown to be any more dangerous than other types of mold that may grow in a home after a water breach.
That said, all mold can cause health-related issues in those who are sensitive to inhaling spores or who have been exposed for an extended period.
Black mold exposure can lead to long term lung issues, allergy-like symptoms, and even psychological issues in some people.
Symptoms Of Black Mold Exposure
Exposure to black mold can lead to health issues for many people. This is especially true for those who are sensitive to the spores that the fungus sheds as its colonies grow.
Extended exposure to a large growth dramatically increases the chance for mold-related illnesses to develop. This is why it is essential to ensure that all mold is found and mitigated after a water event.
A professional mold remediation service from HRS offers the technology and expertise you need to ensure that all mold is identified and removed.
Exposure to black mold can lead to a variety of symptoms including, but certainly not limited to:
- Headaches
Black Mold Vs. Toxic Mold
All mold can be toxic to those who are sensitive to its spores.
Mold, black and other types, shed spores that float in the air that we breathe. When allowed to grow into colonies after a water breach, the sheer volume of spores can lead to illness in many people.
Toxic mold exposure can lead to long-term illnesses including lung damage, brain damage, joint pain, and psychological issues for some people.
Hi I’d Just Like To Start By Saying Thank You For Your Page It’s Really Informative I Moved In To A Private Rented Property About 18 Months Ago There Was Quite A Bit Of Black Mould Around Windows On Walls On The Fridge And The Freezer I’ve Recently I’ve Never Been Able To Fully Get Rid Of The Black Mould Even Though I Clean Regularly With Bleach And Use Dehumidifiers I’ve Just Recently Noticed White Mould Growing On The Bottom Of My Wooden Furniture And Black Mould On The Dogs Bed All Located In My Front Room Could The Mould Actually Be Growing In My Carpet None Of My Furniture Is Touching Any Walls
Based on your description, this is very likely a humidity problem. Whenever you see mold growth in multiple places its almost assuredly a humidity issue. I recommend buying a relative humidity gauge. See the guidance in the previous entry above.
The mold growth on the carpet requires a bit more investigation. Is the carpet on a concrete slab? Is so, you need to verify if youre dealing with vapor emissions through the concrete. This is very common. There is some good info on our basement mold page that should point you in the right direction.
Its possible the mold growth on the carpet is from the humidity. This typically only occurs in homes with very high humidity.
Regarding the cleaning, it is certainly worthwhile, but it will only postpone the issue. The only way to fully stop the mold growth is to solve the moisture problem
Recommended Reading: How To Prevent Mildew On Boat Seats
Most Common Causes Of Black Mold On Drywall
In general, any location that is damp, dark, and has a food source is a hot spot for black mold to grow. Couple this with limited air flow and a leaky pipe and you are sure to find mold on your drywall.
Black mold grows quickly when moisture is present, so it is important to keep a close eye on any place that has flooded or encounters regular steam.
Black mold grows and spreads quickly and can show up when even small amounts of moisture are present. Even just a slight amount of moisture over time can perpetuate mold growth.
Drywall is a perfect place for mold as it is organic and holds water. The paper on the outside of drywall is a common place for water damage which can lead to mold growth.
Drywall in bedrooms, basements, bathrooms, kitchens, sheetrock, and drywall ceilings are all common places to find black mold.
These are all areas that are prone to flooding, constant steam, moisture from exterior walls, and daily contact with water.
Living in a humid environment can also cause excess mold to grow in your home.
Be sure to monitor drywall frequently for any new mold growth.
Can Black Mold Spores Travel In The Air
Yes. Mold spores are airborne and can attach themselves to peoples skin, clothing, shoes, shopping bags, furniture, carpets, and even pets. Once spores enter your home, they can settle onto any surface and start to multiply. They can also enter your house through open doorways, open windows, and HVAC systems.
Mold spores are microscopic and are virtually found everywhere. They are naturally found in the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors. Since spores are tiny and lightweight, they become airborne easily, every time we vacuum or walk on the carpets or even sit on our couch.
Don’t Miss: Airborne Mold In House
Im Building A New Home And We Havent Even Moved In Yet And We Noticed This This Week
Unfortunately, this is fairly common in new construction. There are a couple of possible causes. The subfloor and joists often become saturated by rain before the roof is installed. Over the subsequent weeks, mold growth forms before the building materials can dry out. Another common cause is exposed soil in the crawl space. Most builders wait until the very end to install the vapor barrier. If the soil beneath the home is damp, this can create high humidity conditions in the crawl space. Over time this will cause mold growth on the joists.
White Mold On Plants And Plant Soil
White mold that grows on plants or vegetation is referred to as Sclerotinia. Because mold spores can become airborne easily, it is important to control the problem right away.
There are several signs of mold growing on plants. Water-stained spots will appear at the root even though the remaining part of the plant will look healthy. The plant may be wilting and discolored at the root. Or, there may be brown lesions on the plant and, from these lesions, a dense white cottony patch will form.
White mold can also appear on and spread through plant soil. Overwatering a plant, poor drainage, and old soil can promote mold growth. The best mold prevention for plants is not to overwater them, to remove weeds that carry diseases, to use fresh soil, and if possible to remove all crop residue after harvesting. Mold spores survive winter conditions so it is best to deal with the problem as soon as you see it.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling
What Does Black Mold On Drywall Look Like
Black mold on drywall generally looks like a circular black stain on your drywall.
While the color can vary from a dark gray to dark black depending on how long the mold has been there, it is normally black often with white fuzz.
Black mold usually will have a fuzzy texture, similar to a cotton ball, when it is first growing. Fuzzy spores are less common in older black mold.
Black Mold that has been sitting for a long time will look more like a flat black stain than fuzzy spores.
Black Mold patches on drywall usually grow in a circular shape that are denser toward the middle.
The thickest part of the black mold will be closest to the cause and hardest to eliminate.
What Are Mold And Mildew And Whats The Difference
Mold and mildew are fungi, microscopic organisms that can thrive in any moist environment. In nature, molds are actually quite important. They break down dead organic matter and help regenerate soil.
Indoor mold, on the other hand, is not great. Mold is usually green, black, or white, and can look thick and fuzzy. Mold grows in colonies and starts to form on a damp surface after 24 to 48 hours. It creates mold spores, which are airborne and can land on surfaces close to the original source. This is annoying, because they can spread like a moldy wildfire.
Mildew is just mold in its early stage. Mildew is usually black, brown, yellow, or white, occasionally orange or pink, and can look dusty or flat.
Don’t Miss: Remove Mold From Canvas
White Mold On Concrete
Mold grows everywhere, but has anyone ever thought it could grow on concrete? Yes, it does! Mold is commonly found on concrete basement floors. Typically, youll see a fuzzy, white mold growing on the surface of your concrete due to moisture rising from the wet ground.
Most times, the mold grows after prolonged dampness or flooding. You can easily identify it by its characteristic white cottony mycelium.
White mold on concrete can cause health issues, including infections, asthma, and other respiratory problems. You should prevent mold from growing on your concrete but when found, remove it as soon as possible.
What Does Black Mold Look Like In Various Surfaces
Black mold is a type of toxic mold which infests areas with great moisture. It can be found in some areas of the house or office. Black mold usually starts in the corner of the wall before spreading quickly into a larger area.
In general, you can identify black mold from its smell and look. Because it usually grows in wet and dark places, black mold grows unpleasant odor which is easy to notice.
The dank and musty smell can be a sign of black mold presence. As for the look, black mold can appear in black, gray, or dark green color.
However, the look of toxic black mold can be different depending on the surface it appears.
Recognize and identify what black mold looks like in different surface and area to make you more aware of black mold, the kind of mold that can be dangerous for your health.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling
How To Remove It Yourself
Mold can root itself on various furniture or objects in your home. Regardless of whether you see the mold on your mattress, ceiling, or wall, the one burning question remainshow can you remove it?
The easy answer is to call in a professional to have it safely and expertly removed. You can also ask an expert to inspect your house if you have an inkling suspicion of it co-existing with you.
If you want to save money and do it yourself, here is a simple guide you can follow:
Step #1. Locate the source and cause of the mold.
Step #2. Create a mold-fighting solution in a spray bottle. Grapefruit and Tea tree oil are amongst the most effective disinfecting agents around that are non-toxic. You may also use a bleach solution.
Step #3. Put on protective gear like safety goggles, a face mask, and gloves.
Step #4. Apply the cleaning solution.
Step #5. Scrub the mold area. Make sure that there are no spots or stains left.
Why Is Mold On Cheese Safe
In fact, this is true for almost all molds in cheese, which is the reason that cheese has been considered a safe moldy food to eat over the past 9,000 years. Not only is it safe but it can also be healthy (P. Roqueforti and P. Glaucum have natural antibacterial properties and ability to over-take pathogens.
Read Also: How To Clean Mold From Leather
How To Remove Black Mold Yourself
Did you know that its often possible to remove black mold yourself? Its true! Professional mold remediation can cost thousands of dollars and is often excluded from many homeowners insurance policies. But in many instances hiring a mold removal professional isnt necessary and black mold can be removed by a handy homeowner in less than one weekend of work.
If you feel like you may be a homeowner who is up to the challenge, weve written an eBook that gives step-by-step instructions on how to tackle your mold problem. For less than $20, we guarantee that youll save hundreds, if not thousands, of your hard-earned dollars.
You can purchase our eBook here:
And if youre not comfortable tackling the problem yourself, were happy to provide you a quote if youre in our service area. Just contact us for a completely free quote.
Bottom Line: No mold belongs in a healthy home. Be it black mold, or any other color of mold. It should all be treated the same. If you have mold, remove it.
Signs Of Mold In A House
There are several key indicators that mold is growing in your home. When you find these, you may wish to seek professional help, like that offered by HRS, to ensure that the water breach causing the growth is discovered and stopped.
After this occurs, a mold inspection can help you find the remaining colonies and dry, disinfect, and restore the affected areas to their pre-damaged state.
You might wonder what mold looks like in a home. Here are a few things to look for after a water breach in your home:
- Swollen doors or woodwork
- Musty/earthy smells
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mold Off Canvas
Mold And Mildew Health Concerns
The health of both humans and pets may be affected by the presence of mold and mildew in the home. While some people may not be affected at all, others who are especially sensitive may experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, wheezing, or a runny nose. People with asthma or allergies will feel the most severe reactions to mold and mildew.
White Mold On Cabinets
Are your cabinets safe from white mold? In addition to white mold causing health issues, your cabinets are also prone to destruction. White mold is sometimes hidden in the cabinet under your sink until it has caused a severe problem. But how would you know if white mold is on your cabinets?
You may see discolorations in the damp areas of your cabinets, which may also give off a stale, moldy smell. One of the causes is a leaking pipe that may trigger moisture beneath the sink. The cabinet can also become moldy through poor cleaning and when old foods are left out.
You May Like: How To Remove Mold From A Bathroom Ceiling
