Symptoms Of Black Mold
What Does Black Mold Look Like?
Stachybotrys is commonly known as black mold because its black in color. We see black mold most often when there is flooding or water damage, such as attics, basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.What does black mold look like? Check out these photos of black mold in basements that experienced flooding:
Is black mold dangerous?
The answer to the above question is It can be, but the vast majority of black mold situations we see are nothing to panic about.If you search black mold youll be sure to find plenty of websites and articles that tout the dangers of it. Weve seen quite the long, sensational list everything from seizures to cancer to death. But the truth is that it most situations are nothing to panic about because:It has never been scientifically proven that black mold is any more harmful than other types and colors of mold.Only a small percentage of people are especially sensitive to mold .Most horror stories come from people with severe, prolonged exposure to mold while most situations are small areas of mold growth that get cleaned up rather quickly.So why does black mold get so much hype? Well, a lot of it has to do with a general lack of information about a strange substance that looks especially ugly and threatening.
What are mycotoxins?Can black mold make you sick, cause cancer, or kill you?
How To Remove Black Mold
Protect yourself. You don’t need to worry about having mold tested if you find mold in your house. But you should get rid of it no matter what type of mold it is. Take precautions to protect yourself before you attempt to remove mold.
Use an N-95 face mask to avoid breathing in mold spores. Wear gloves to protect your hands and goggles without ventilation holes to protect your eyes.â
Find and destroy the mold. The most important part of removing mold is finding and removing its water source. Mold can’t grow without moisture. Keep the following tips in mind when you’re cleaning up mold:
- Items that can’t be dried quickly should be discarded if they show signs of mold or water damage. Porous items such as carpet, padding, drywall, and paper soak up moisture.
- Do not paint or caulk over moldy surfaces. Remove the mold and dry the surfaces before you paint. Paint applied over mold will peel.
- Use plastic sheeting to block an area with mold from the rest of your house and keep the spores from spreading.
- Scrub hard surfaces with mold with detergent and water and dry them thoroughly.
- Put any moldy items in a plastic bag before you take them out of the room to prevent mold spores from spreading.
- Use a HEPA filter in your air conditioner and furnace to capture mold spores that may be airborne in your house.
- Consult a specialist if you’re not sure of the best way to clean a valuable or sentimental item.â
What Are The Symptoms Of Black Mold Exposure
If you find black mold on your property, theres no need to panic. But black mold presents more health risks to sensitive groups like those with respiratory conditions or immune conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control , black mold spores can generate cold- or flu-like symptoms such as:
- Stuffy nose
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
So while black mold probably wont kill you, it can make you feel sick and should be removed as soon as possible.
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Your House Smells Musty
Were not knocking your cleaning skills, but mold that grows undetected can pose a real health risk. This is especially true for the elderly, warns Dr. Parikh. Their symptoms are generally similar, but all chronic conditions are worse in the elderly as their bodies are not as resilient as younger patients and usually have other medical problems which may interfere with or complicate the treatment, says Dr. Parikh. Here are 9 ways to get rid of mildew.
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Navigating All Of The Confusing And Concerning Information About Black Mold Is Hard But Were Here To Tell You The Truth
Many of us have heard of the dangers of toxic black mold and may worry about black mold poisoning, but the truth is that black mold is a much more manageable problem than you might expect.
Few topics get us more upset than seeing misinformation publicized about toxic black mold, and mold in general, by unscrupulous companies and zealous media articles that seem more interested in sensationalism than fact-based reporting.
When you understand what youre dealing with, you can make informed choices to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. Were here to cut through the mess and help you understand what having black mold in your home may mean, and give you some tips on how to fix the problem yourself and save big money in the process.
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Testing For Black Mold
You can have your mold tested to find out exactly what kind it is. Cost varies, but you can expect to pay hundreds of dollars to determine the type of mold.
There are also black mold testing kits, available at the hardware store or on , that you can purchase for around $35-50. With this DIY route, you take samples from a suspected affected surface, then send off to be tested in a lab.
Signs That Your Weed Is Moldy
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What Happens If You Eat Food With Mold
The thought of eating something moldy likely makes you want to gag. Most of the time, this is the only symptom youd get after eating moldy food. If somethings not right with your immune system and you eat something moldy, you might experience symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- If you had an allergy to mold, then you might have symptoms connected with it as well
If you notice mold on your food that you dont want to throw away, then USDAs guide on handling moldy food will be for you.
Dangers Of Black Mold
If you experience symptoms of mold exposure, dont write it off as simple allergies or other factors. Black mold is dangerous, especially when you become exposed to it for long periods of time. On top of the above symptoms, prolonged exposure to black mold can cause nausea, vomiting, and even lung and nose bleeding. The effects are particularly severe for those who are allergic to mold. Those who suffer from weakened immune systems should also take caution around mold-prone areas or places you suspect mold growth. These symptoms can be more serious for such people, even leading to trouble breathing or organ damage.
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Examine The Mold Visually
The first step in identifying black mold is to examine it visually. Black mold has a distinct look. As the name implies, it is black in color. This makes it unique from other mold types, which are typically brown or green in color. With a distinct color, black mold is pretty easily recognized around the home.
However, the challenge is that black mold often lurks in areas of the home that are not often visited. You should conduct a thorough examination of your home including crawlspaces, cabinets, and other areas you dont often spend time in. This gives you your best chance of identifying black mold, if it exists in your home.
Black And Toxic Molds
The term “black” mold is misleading at best. First, while the terms “toxic” and “black” mold are commonly used interchangeably, only one is recognized as black mold by most professionals: Stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes called Stachybotrys atra. Other common indoor toxic molds include – but are not limited to – Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Furthermore, Stachybotrys isn’t actually black, but a greenish-black color instead. Finally, with more than 100,000 known types of mold, many of them are black. Unless they are Stachybotrys, however, they aren’t “black” mold and may not even be toxic.
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What To Do About Mold In Your Home
For areas that have already fallen victim to mold, there is hope. We cannot stress this enough your first action should either be a mold test kit, or a call to a professional service. Do not simply attack mold with bleach and expect it to disappear, because youre likely fixing the symptom and not the root cause. When you know what youre dealing with, you can then take appropriate action.
In some instances, common household ingredients can rescue you home. Mix a cup of bleach with a gallon of water and scrub the mold off your walls, carpet or ceiling. This will kill the mold, and allow you to repair or repaint the impacted area . This is usually fine for areas where you havent been allowing enough ventilation simply remove the mold, repaint with a moisture or mold repellant paint, and remember to open doors and windows to prevent the area from getting stale.
If you have a windowless bathroom, mold will likely grow here. Having an air extraction fan fitted is relatively inexpensive, and can prevent moisture from staying within the room. Failing that, keep the door open as much as possible.
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Final Word On Black Mold: Best Avoidedbut Not Deadly
As for black molds toxic reputation, those with immune suppression, asthma, or other respiratory problems are most at risk of feeling ill.
Its not likely that youll die from black mold poisoning because its just not that toxic. That said, you should act quickly if you find it in your home. The good news is its treatable, removable, and preventable.
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Mold And Your Pets: What You Need To Know
While its common knowledge that moldespecially toxic black moldcan cause sickness in humans, it can also affect the health of the animals in your home. Black mold and pets do not mix! Today, the certified mold remediators at MoldGone will explain how to detect mold exposure symptoms in dogs and cats.
Why Is Black Mold So Dangerous
Black mold is commonly referred to as toxic mold, and for good reason. Aside from causing all kinds of respiratory reactions like coughing, sneezing, sore and itchy throats, and watery and itchy eyes, prolonged exposure can have serious health consequences.Black mold is toxic, and prolonged exposure can have serious health consequences.
One study found that exposure to mold during infancy led to asthma at 7 years of age, while others have linked exposure to brain inflammation, behavioral dysfunction, movement disorders, and neurological deterioration.
In short, black mold warrants its reputation as a toxin, and should be treated as soon as its discovered. Below are several signs it may be inhabiting your home.
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Can Black Mold Spread From House To House
Yes. If you have had mold in your old house and youre moving into another space, it is possible to cross contaminate this new environment.
Because mold spores are not visible to the naked eye, it is hard to tell which surfaces are contaminated. Therefore, the mold has to be completely cleaned before you renovate or move to a new home.
You Notice A Bit Of A Musty Or Damp Smell
If you notice that your home has a bit of a moldy or musty smell to it, that might also indicate that there may be a mold issue.
“Many different mold species have different odors, so it is difficult to pinpoint the exact smell, however, if it is an odor that isn’t common in your home or building, then it should be investigated,” George Hernandez, the vice president of operations at PuroClean, told INSIDER.
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Symptoms Of Black Mold Exposure
Black mold that is hidden in small corners or behind walls can be especially dangerous because you may start to experience symptoms of it before you even discover it. Symptoms of mild black mold exposure can feel like allergy symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, stuffy nose, and itchy eyes, skin, and throat. For most, these symptoms may be mild. Though, for those with mold allergies or asthma, black mold symptoms can be more severe. If you experience these symptoms, you should look into getting your home tested for mold, especially if you have a mold allergy.
Signs Of Black Mold: How To Tell If You Have A Mold Problem
Not only is mold gross, it is dangerous as well. This guide will teach you the signs of black mold so that you can remove it right away.
Keyword: signs of black mold
It’s no secret that mold is a problem that most homeowners find themselves dealing with. Black mold, in particular, comes with notable health concerns.
But, it’s also a concern for many business owners, as well.
Since companies could find themselves shut down if proper health regulations aren’t adhered to, it’s essential to learn how to recognize the signs of black mold presence.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, weve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
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What To Do If You Find Mold
It’s pretty easy to determine if you’ve got a mold problem in your home, because you will usually see or smell it. There’s generally no need to do any kind of testing or sampling, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. And you typically don’t need to hire someone to remove it, either, unless you’ve got a significant area covered in mold say, larger than 10 square feet . For typical infestations, here’s what to do.
What Is A Black Mold
Showers are perfect breeding grounds for mold. Mold thrives in damp areas with poor ventilation. These conditions are often found in bathrooms. Mold needs adequate moisture, oxygen, food, and the right temperature. In these conditions, mold will grow and reproduce by releasing spores, which are microscopic cells that act like seeds.
When people use the term black mold, they are usually referring to Stachybotrys chartarum, which has been referred to as “toxic black mold.” The color of the mold doesn’t have any connection to how dangerous it is.
However, there is no evidence that exposure to any type of mold causes memory loss, trouble focusing, headaches, fatigue, infant pulmonary hemorrhage, which is bleeding into the lungs, or autoimmune disease.
Toxic substances called mycotoxins are released by some types of mold, but mycotoxins are not that harmful when they are inhaled. They are most dangerous when they are eaten.
Although the dangers of black mold have been exaggerated, mold can cause health problems in people who are sensitive to it.
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When To Call A Professional
When it comes to mold, its always smart to use a professional. They can test, consult, advise on a proper plan and remove the substance in the proper, efficient way.
This is their work, they know it well and are extremely experienced in handling different types of mold remediation.
If you choose to try to remove it yourself and you notice it reappears, still find wet areas, or smell dampness, definitely call a professional.
Remember, mold should be taken seriously, handled right away and is not something you want to exist for long periods of time.
It can cause serious damage to individuals living in your household as well as to the affected areas.
We have Black Mold Remediation Specialists that can Get Rid of the Black mold Effectively & Prevent it from Returning.
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