24/7 Emergency Service
Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum as it is officially known (just Stachy to most of us) is one of the two most famous molds we know. The other one, the good one, is penicillin. The first one has been proven to negatively affect lives; the second one saves them.
Black Mold Symptoms
Not all black molds are Stachybotrys, you won’t know for sure without professional testing. This type of mold doesn’t appear overnight. It takes time and lots of moisture for this mold to develop. Stachybotrys mold releases mycotoxins, which are toxic chemical products capable of causing disease in human beings. These mycotoxins can affect your upper respiratory system similar to a cold or the flu. The most common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, nasal stuffiness, or irritated eyes or skin.
However, if you have allergies to mold the symptoms may be more severe. You should be aware of health conditions that include:
- Headaches
- Constant fatigue
- Occasions of continuous coughing
- Sinusitis
- Chest colds
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
Mold exposure could be harmful to anyone but some individuals are more apt to have negative health reactions. These people are younger children, seniors, pregnant women, and anyone suffering from immune deficiencies like HIV patients and people undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
Black Mold Testing
Mold testing can help you determine if there is a mold problem in your home. You should always hire a mold testing professional to do the testing, don’t waste your money on those DIY test kits from the big box home improvement stores. They aren’t always reliable and neither are the labs you send them off to.
A professional mold tester is experienced at collecting samples and analyzing the results. They will more than likely do a couple of different types of tests in multiple areas of your home. They will usually perform air testing and surface testing to get a more accurate and complete picture of your mold problem. With air testing, you can determine whether there is a problem even if you can’t see any mold growth. Surface testing takes samples from surfaces around your home to determine if mold is growing or where mold spores may be located.
Black Mold Removal
Black mold removal can be difficult and dangerous. When black mold is disturbed is when it may produce and release additional dangerous mycotoxins. This is why professional mold removal experts should be contacted.
Areas contaminated by mold should always be contained before beginning any remediation efforts. Containment can be achieved by isolating the areas using 6-mil plastic to keep the mold from spreading into “clean” areas of your home. Also personal protective equipment should be worn, coveralls, gloves, eye protection, and respirators.
After removing contaminated materials, the affected areas must be cleaned and wiped down with antimicrobial cleaners. Remaining structural materials and any other items inside the containment must be dried before repairs can be made.
Black Mold Prevention
It is believed that Ben Franklin once said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is the case with black mold. It is much easier to prevent it than cure it once it is established in your home. Most prevention tips revolve around water. This type of mold needs lots of water.
Maintain appliances that use water.
Check for plumbing leaks.
Increase air circulation.
Install water leak detection devices.
Control humidity
If you discover mold in your home you should contact Water Mold Fire Restoration at 800-905-0277. Our mold remediation experts standing by, 24/7, and will safely eliminate your home’s mold problem our initial inspection is free and without obligation. If you are seeking additional information concerning mold remediation you can also contact us via email at help@watermoldfire.net.
