Is Black Mold The Worst
Many people believe something called “black mold,” or “toxic black mold,” is a specific type of noxious mold that can severely sicken or even kill you because it releases noxious mycotoxins or mold poisons. But that’s not totally accurate. First, molds of all colors can cause illness. And second, there are many types of black-colored molds. The one most people have in mind when they refer to black mold, or toxic black mold, is Stachybotrys chartarum , a greenish-black mold.
Research published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry suggests S. chartarum may be linked to serious health problems such as mycotoxicosis, or mold poisoning. Other possible ill effects include body aches, headaches, memory loss, mood swings and nosebleeds. But the science isn’t definitive. A 2017 report published in Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology states, “There is no scientific evidence that exposure to visible black mold in apartments and buildings can lead to the vague and subjective symptoms of memory loss, inability to focus, fatigue, and headaches that were reported by people who erroneously believed that they were suffering from ‘mycotoxicosis.’ Similarly, a causal relationship between cases of infant pulmonary hemorrhage and exposure to ‘black mold’ has never been proven. Finally, there is no evidence of a link between autoimmune disease and mold exposure.”
Ozone To Remove Smell
Ozone generators have become popular removing indoor odors in recent years. It has been said to be very effective according to manufacturers of the product. There is no scientific evidence to back this up and can be harmful to humans when inhaled or ingested. Additionally, no government agency recommends this be used in a location when occupied.
If you use an Ozone generator that states it’s EPA approved, this can be misleading. The EPA states this about Ozone:
Several brands of ozone generators have EPA establishment number on their packaging. This number helps EPA identify the specific facility that produces the product. The display of this number does not imply EPA endorsement or suggest in any way that EPA has found the product to be either safe or effective.
Please Note: EPA does not certify air cleaning devices. The Agency does not recommend air cleaning devices or manufacturers. If you need information on specific devices or manufacturers.
If you decide to use Ozone to remove odors in the home, make sure you are not staying there!
Very Very High Rates Of Mold Exposure In The Me/cfs Community
It turned out that the healthy controls were selected in part because theyd reported no prior exposures to water damaged buildings. That enabled the researchers to highlight the effect that type of exposure may have but made it impossible to be able to state that ME/CFS patients are more likely to be exposed to water-damaged/moldy buildings than healthy controls.
Several factors suggest the 93% rate of positive mycotoxin tests in ME/CFS may not be reflective of the general population.
- The authors defined water-damaged buildings broadly enough that many people must have been exposed to one. . They did note, though, that many of the ME/CFS patients had lived or worked in a building with visible mold an indication of a mold problem that went beyond a plugged up drain or a window leak).
- This study also emanated from a infectious disease specialist apparently with a focus in mold issues which means he may be gathering a distinct subset of mold exposed patients and this makes sense given the report that many of the study participants had lived/worked in buildings with visible mold.
- The most common type of water-based damage to residential dwellings occurs in basements and most of the participants came from the Midwest where basements/cellars are probably more common than in the western and southern states. People from these locations may be more likely to be exposed to high levels of mold.
To sum up.
Recommended Reading: How To Kill Mold In My Basement
White Mold Under Floorboards
Have you ever perceived a musty odor somewhere around your home floorboards? Thats a sign that your wooden floor is growing mold under perfect conditions. Several mold testing results reveal that the most commonly found fungus under the floorboards is white mold.
Its not strange that white mold can grow under floorboards. It can be tricky in its early stages of development and become unsightly under your flooring for quite some time. Over time, the smell will aggravate and make residents start sneezing and coughing.
You need immediate mold remediation to keep your floorboards from damaging and protect the lives of your family.
Manganese And Iron In Drinking Water
You have different options depending on the concentration of manganese in your drinking water. Unfortunately, Fulton County doesnt spell out manganese levels in its annual Water Quality Report. That is because there are no federal drinking water standards for manganese. So if you want to know how much manganese is in your drinking water, you have to get it tested.
I called our water provider, the Fulton County Water & Sewer Billing and Collection Division. The gentleman on the phone told me that the problem of black slime in water pipes could be resolved by flushing the main line.
Our house was built in 1989, and if the main line was never flushed, I could imagine that mineral deposits, including manganese, built up over the years.
He came out the same day, flushed the main line, and told me that the problem should be fixed. Unfortunately, flushing the main line did not resolve the problem we still have the black slime and gunk.
I called the county, and someone from the water department came out to run some tests. All ad-hoc tests confirmed that the water quality was within the county guidelines, but the gentleman admitted that he had never seen this issues before.
That statement made me wary because I was surely not the only one who was affected. But maybe I was the first one complaining to the county.
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Causes Of Black Mold Growth
In order for mold to grow on any surface, but especially wood, moisture must be present. In homes and other buildings, moisture build up can be caused by many different things. If you have a large household, you have a better chance of finding the black fungus when we breath we give off moisture. Additionally, hot showers and even cooking can contribute to the moisture-level in homes. However, moisture build-up can also occur from certain malfunctions in your home. Black mold can show up after youve had a leaky roof or pipes as any moisture that is trapped can turn into black mold.
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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What Are Mold Spores
Mold spores are microscopic organisms that are found all around us. Some people may have an allergic reaction to mold spores and even to non-allergenic molds as well. Because mold spores can be an irritant, its important to know what they are, where they live and how they thrive.
In this guide, we will discuss what mold spores are, where they come from, and how to protect yourself from them.
What Does White Mold Look Like
White molds can either remain white or change to green, black, grey, or practically any other colour over time.
When they first develop, white molds are very hard to detect since the spores are so tiny that they can only be seen under a microscope. Once colonies form, however, white molds appear as spots on a surface. They can be flaky, powdery, stringy or filmy at first glance. They can also resemble mildew, which is the early stages of mold. However, mildew is relatively harmless when compared to white mold, which can grow not just on surfaces but also deep within organic materials.
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What Causes A Basement To Smell Like Mold
Basements tend to smell like mold because they are typically more damp which allows mold and mildew to grow and thrive. Being underground, a basement is not only susceptible to water intrusion at the foundation, but also warmer air entering the building envelope which leads to condensation.
If your like me and you grew up having an unfinished basement you probably have an odor that comes to mind
Just that damp/mustiness odor.
This not mean that your basement is dirty. You can vacuum and mop all you want but if you do not resolve the root of the problem it will do you no good.
As stated above, basements tend to have more moisture. It’s just the way it is.
It’s important to find out if moisture is entering your basement in other ways, as well. If you notice a broken seal on a window or a crack in the foundation wall, you may have found your musty culprit. You should also check to see if you have clogged rain gutters, French drains, sewer backups, leaky pipes or even a broken seal on your laundry dryer vent as these problems can all contribute to a musty basement.
How To Prevent Black Mold To Grow
There are several ways that you can control these growths in your home. You must control the amount of moisture in the home in the first place. Add fans and ventilators where possible. Think about a dehumidifier for the house if humidity levels tend to be high.
Check the home for any leaks, and deal with them as swiftly as possible. From the pipe under the sink to the toilet bowls wax ring, leaks can originate from nearly any location. By removing the optimal habitats from the space, the microbes cannot replicate and expand into a huge growth.
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Benefits Of Mold Spores
Mold spores play an important role in the environment by breaking down organic matter, which helps to create new soil. Additionally, they help to improve air quality by removing harmful toxins from the air.
Striking a balance between having too few and too many mold spores is key for maintaining a healthy environment.
How Did Koch Proved Germ Theory
In the final decades of the 19th century, Koch conclusively established that a particular germ could cause a specific disease. He did this by experimentation with anthrax. Using a microscope, Koch examined the blood of cows that had died of anthrax. He observed rod-shaped bacteria and suspected they caused anthrax.
Also Check: How Do You Clean Mold Off Of Leather
Which Respirator To Use
The type of respirator used should be dependent upon the amount of mold in the area you are cleaning. For example, if there is only a small amount of mold, a respirator that only covers the nose and mouth should be sufficient. This type of respirator can be found in most stores. However, if theres a heavier amount of mold, a half or full face respirator should be used. Again, depending on the amount of mold you are having to remove, disposable clothing may be worn to prevent mold spores from landing on your clothes.
When removing black mold, remember to use caution and follow all gathered tips for selecting the proper protective gear for your situation.
Question: What Does Black Mold Do To Your Lungs
Particular molds may also cause an asthma attack in people with asthma, and increase breathing difficulty in those with a chronic respiratory disease. People with weakened immune systems may also be at higher risk of a skin or lung infection. Mold exposure may particularly affect children, as well.
Recommended Reading: Mold Allergy Skin Rash
What Causes White Mold
Like other molds, white mold grows due to high moisture levels combined with the presence of a food source, and the right temperature. Common food sources for white mold include wood, drywall, carpeting, laminate, insulation and any other organic, carbon-rich material.
The best temperatures in which mold grows is between 2 and 40 degrees Celsius.
As white mold spreads, it eats away at the material it is growing on. If this happens to be drywall or wooden beams, white mold can lead to both cosmetic and structural damage of your home.
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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What To Use To Clean Mold And Mildew Safely
Before using any cleaners, you must ventilate! Ventilation is extremely important during cleaning, so that any disturbed spores exit the building. Close and tape off doors to the rest of the house and use a box fan in a window pointing out while cleaning. This will prevent spores from invading the rest of the home, and remove them from the air of the room to be cleaned. Also, ventilation helps remove the smell of whatever your cleaner of choice. Remember smelling good does NOT equal clean!
There are 3 simple ingredients you can safely use to clean away mold and mildew in your home: white vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Remember NOT to mix these ingredients! Keep reading for maximum cleaning power and safety!
Can it really be that simple? What about all of those mold and mildew cleaners that are being marketed? What about the claims that a certain product kills mold, removes mold, removes stains, disinfects surfaces and prevents mold from ever returning? If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Believe it or not simple and safe ingredients are better. To learn more about the products you use to clean your home, and how they are NOT regulated by the federal government, check out our articles: Cleaning Products Homemade vs. Store Bought and How to Choose the Best Black Mold Removal Products.
Hard Surface Cleaning
Hydrogen Peroxide
White Vinegar
Baking Soda
Essential Oils
Cleaning Softer Surfaces
Find The Moisture Source
Black mold removal is important. But first, one must identify that it is black mold. First, look at the color, followed by the smell. Black mold is black or even dark grey in color, and often smells wet and musty, as it usually grows in areas with a lot of moisture. Black mold is also usually noticeable in the home if you experience a burning or scratching sensation in your throat or lungs. Black mold is dangerous, and can greatly affect your health if left untreated, so it’s important to remove it as soon as you’re aware of it.
Before you can begin any black mold treatment, youll need to perform a black mold test and find the source. Its often the result of excess moisture in a particular area. Youre most likely to find black mold in areas of your home that you dont visit as often like the basement, but it can pop up anywhere. Here are a few common moisture sources to look for:
- Faucets and fixtures. Sink, shower and bathtub faucets and fixtures that are leaking can lead to the growth of black mold over time.
- Exposed plumbing. Damaged or leaking pipes, especially in warmer temperatures, can often create black mold in areas like basements.
- Water heaters. A small leak can create black mold in your basement or water heater closet.
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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.
What Kills Mold Instantly
In such cases, a solution of diluted bleach provides the fastest way to kill mold on walls or flooring. Prepare the solution by adding one cup of bleach into a bucket that contains about a gallon of warm water. Then proceed to scrub the mold vigorously with a stiff-bristled brush youve dipped in the bleach solution.
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What Are Black Mold Health Symptoms
We all know mold isnt welcomed in the home, but did you know too that breathing in the presence of mold can harm your health? There are over 2,000 different species of mold and the most dangerous of all is called Stachybotrys Chartarum, also known as black mold or the invisible killer.
Why is black mold so dangerous? Black mold releases toxic spores that linger in the air and attack your respiratory health. The potency of these toxic spores has proved to be the most detrimental to human health.
Black mold often appears as slimy and greenish-black. If its water source runs out, it can also appear as dry and powdery. Black mold is also dangerous because its sometimes difficult to distinguish from other species of mold.
The following are health symptoms associated with black mold exposure:
- Eye irritation
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.
