Black Mold Symptoms and Removal

Black mold or toxic black mold is a fungus that grows on cellulose materials in damp conditions. Humid conditions and a warm temperature with a source of food allows any mold to thrive. Toxic black mold is one species of mold that is dangerous because it releases a toxin called mycotoxin into the air which can cause serious health problems when inhaled. Toxic black mold symptoms are detailed below. It grows on damp walls, insulation, wood, paper, carpets and any other surface that provides a source of food. If you have very extensive infestation black mold removal needs to be done by professionals. Mold can also grow inside equipment, for instance air-conditioners that provide a humid environment. Anywhere that water is leaking to form damp surfaces, for instance around broken pipes and leaking roofs, also provides ideal growing conditions.

Toxic Black Mold Symptoms

Some of the signs that you may have black mold include:

• Moisture on surfaces, for instance in a damp cellar or a poorly ventilated bathroom.
• Stains on the walls that are green, black or brown indicate that mold is growing.
• A musty smell especially in damp or humid surfaces.
• Respiratory symptoms in people living in the house. This includes wheezing, sneezing, coughing that doesn't go away.
  

Toxic Black Mold Poisoning Symptoms

Symptoms of black mold poisoning vary considerably, although initially they are mostly confined to problems with the respiratory system. persistence coughing, sneezing, wheezing and difficulty breathing, especially if it clears when away from the infected area is often the first sign. Prolonged exposure to black mold can lead to many other symptoms including memory loss, lack of concentration, critique, blood pressure problems, asthma, rashes and hives, damage to the digestive and respiratory tracks and more.

Black Mold Prevention and Control

The most important thing is to prevent black mold from growing list to keep the humidity level low. Any leak from pipes or roofs should be fixed immediately. Condensation, for instance in the bathroom or from vents from clothes dryers or air conditioning should be attended to by ventilating properly or by making sure vents lead to the outside. proper maintenance of air conditioners with regular cleaning should be done to prevent mold forming in these systems. Wash shower curtain, tiles etc. in the bathroom regularly to prevent mold from growing. Use paint that has antifungal ingredients in any areas that are prone to dampness.

Black Mold Removal

It is important when removing black mold that you do not breathe in the mold spores which will be released when it is disturbed. Wear proper protective clothing and masks. Other black mold in the house needs to be removed including a growing inside appliances and walls that is not visible at first sight. If you're toxic black mold infestation is heavy it is advisable to get professional help to do this.

Toxic Black Mold Removal

The spores from the mold are very toxic you need to be very careful when you are attempting black mold removal. Always wear proper protective clothing including breathing masks and gloves. If the area of black mold growth is reasonably small you can attempt removes all yourself but for very large areas you need professional advice. It is also important that you not only remove the visible black mold that you remove any mold in hidden places, for instance in air conditioning ducts and the insulation in walls. In addition any sources of dampness which have allowed the mold to grow need to be addressed.

Identify Damp Areas

Anywhere that moisture has accumulated needs to be fixed to prevent regrowth of the mold. Condensation in bathrooms can allow the mold to grow and shower curtains and other surfaces so consider putting in some proper ventilation. Identify any leaks from items or in the roof and fix them. If you have high humidity in your area consider using a dehumidifier as mold thrives when the humidity is above about 55%. if you have had flooding water leaking then you need to dry out the walls, floor or ceiling properly using fans or other means to ensure the mold does not regrow. Black mold germinates and grows very quickly so the sooner you think any of these problems less damage you will have.

Preventing Black Mold Spores From Spreading

Before you begin black mold removal you need to consider how you are going to prevent any spores release due in the cleaning from traveling to other areas. The room needs to be properly contacting before you start. Clean each room or area one at a time sealing them off as best you can before you start. This includes shutting doors and windows and blocking any ventilation. Airborne spores can easily move between areas so you do not want to stir them and cause problems in areas that are not infected. Plastic sheeting, sealed using duct tape, spacecan be used to cover vents, under doors and any other openings. If you have any ventilation systems turn them off before you start to clean. Dust levels need to be kept as low as possible during cleaning so try not to stir up dust more than necessary.

Black Mold Removal

To prevent mold spores from becoming airborne use a light mist of water on the area to be cleaned before you start. Thoroughly clean the area with soap to remove as much of the mold as you can then treat the area with a disinfectant specially made to kill mold. Do not confine yourself just to areas where there is visible mole as tiny mold spores can be on any surface. Once surface areas are clean a need to be thoroughly dried. Non-porous materials, such as glass, metals and hard plastics and semi-porous materials such as concrete, wood etc. that have been cleaned and are still intact can be reused. Porous materials may have been so heavily damaged that they need to be replaced although if the damage is not too noticeable they can be reused after cleaning. This includes material such as installation, clothes, paper, ceiling tiles, soft furnishings, carpets etc.

Removal of Contaminated Materials

Any material that is infected with mold and cannot be reused needs to be discarded properly. Use heavy-duty plastic garbage bags and try to take them straight outside, perhaps through the window, rather than transporting them through the house where contamination of other areas may occur. Dispose on them properly in a land fill.

Prevention of Black Mold Regrowth

Most importantly, as we have already said and repeat here as it is vitally important, you must make sure that the conditions that allowed the black mold to grow in the first place are dealt with. This mainly means ensuring there are no damp areas where the mold can grow. Deal with any condensation problems also leaking from pipes or vents and be on the lookout for the first signs of any black mold regrowth and deal with it before it gets out of hand and you will not need to repeat black mold removal in the future.