Black Mold

If black mold is spotted in your home, it is a good indicator that you have a high moisture level problem that should be dealt with immediately, before this rich feeding environment promotes mold spread to other areas in your home.

High moisture levels can be the result of water coming in from the outside, through the floor, walls or roof; from plumbing leaks; or moisture produced by the people living in the home, through daily activities like bathing, washing clothes or cooking. Moisture accumulates within the home when there is not enough ventilation to expel it.

Black mold damage to materials is one concern. Materials get stained or discoloured, and over time they become ruined. Moldy paper and cardboard disintegrate over time, fabrics are damaged and continued mold growth will eventually cause wood rot and structural damage.

Black Mold In House

In addition to its unsightly appearance, The risks and danger of black mold in house environments cannot be over emphasized. This type of mold is more than a health hazard mold; it can be life-threatening.

Black molds are irritants and allergens affecting eyes, ears, noses and throats. Symptoms from mold exposure can be: watery, itchy eyes, eye and vision problems, chronic cough, headaches or migraines, hair loss, heart attack, nausea, difficulty breathing, asthma, skin diseases and rashes, tiredness, anemia, sinus problems, nasal blockage and frequent sneezing, nose bleeds, nausea, vomiting, coughing up blood, vomiting, lack of concentration, emotional mood swings, dementia, dizziness, seizures, chest congestion, abdominal, bladder, spleen, and kidney pain.

Some black molds also produce mycotoxins that can pose severe health risks to humans and animals. Prolonged exposure, e.g. daily home exposure, may be particularly harmful. Some studies claim that exposure to high levels of mycotoxins can lead to neurological problems, and in some cases, cancer or death.

Pregnant women, infants, the elderly, those who suffers from household allergies or asthma, respiratory disease or a weakened immune system, are more at risk when exposed to mold. But, residents of households with high indoor pollution levels are not the only people who suffer; employees of businesses with hidden mold and mildew problems are at risk, as well.

Black Mold Testing

While some homeowners are comfortable using a home kit for black mold tests. The wise homeowner relies on more reliable resources to determine if there is a mold problem in their home.

Because factors such as heating, air conditioning, opened windows, etc. can drastically alter the outcome of home tests, hiring a professional inspector trained in black mold testing will yield more accurate results.

Removal Of Black Mold

Always take strict measures with the removal of black mold. The first thing you have to do to remove black mold contamination is to control humidity. Find out how and where moisture is seeping into your home and deal with it accordingly by eliminating the source of moisture.

The quicker you address the moisture problem, the less extensive the damage will be. It only takes 24-48 hours for toxic black mold to germinate and grow, so prompt remediation of contaminated areas is the primary goal when there is black mold detection.

Black mold removal demands that you do a perfect cleaning job the first time. If any mold spores are left behind, and are introduced to moisture again in the future you will have another significant mold growth problem on your hands.  

It is a challenging task to get rid of black molds. Painting over it only masks the problem because paint does not kill mold nor stop it from growing. Bleach is also not the answer for cleaning black mold or getting rid of black mold. Bleach only removes mold temporarily as the DNA of the black mold has not been destroyed.

Black Mold Treatment

Before you begin treatment to remove black mold in the house, it is critical to minimize dust; a primary means of transportation for black mold spores. Seal off each room or area as best as you can, since cleaning can disturb and stir up the mold. Once black mold spores have become airborne, they can spread to other areas and quickly germinate and colonize, unless the area being cleaned is properly sealed.

Each room should be cleaned one at a time. This will reduce the risk of exposure for those who are cleaning and will prevent the airborne mold from spreading to other areas of the home or building.

Once cleaned, black mold shouldn't be an issue anymore, as long as the moisture problem has been eliminated. However, if after the cleanup the mold comes back, that is usually an indication that a source of moisture has not been removed and a more extensive investigation of the home is necessary.  

When it comes to black mold remediation, a homeowner is well advised to contact a professional who knows about mold infestations and deals with mold removal on a regular basis.

Black mold professionals take the time to inspect areas in your home where black mold colonies grow. They have scientific ways to clean black mold; which includes resolving moisture problems, minimize mold dust, sealing off infested areas, cleaning the mold, removing the mold and finally making sure that the mold-cleaning jobs is successful.

Black Mold

If you suspect you have black mold in your bathroom, the basement, or in your attic, call the experts at Masters Remediation Services to take care of the remediation for you. We have the skills and equipment to get the job done properly and in a timely and efficient manner.