| Black mold is a problem people have been dealing | | | | sampling for the type. This is an easy way to test |
| with for years. However, it hasn't been until recently | | | | for whether you are dealing with toxic mold but is |
| that we are beginning to understand the negative | | | | not effective in determining the severity of the |
| impact it can have in our lives. Toxic types of mold | | | | problem and in many situations, actual mold growth |
| do not discriminate and they are quite common. Black | | | | can be out of view. |
| mold, in particular, has caused numerous health | | | | Air sampling draws particles into a reservoir to allow |
| problems ranging from headaches and dizziness to full | | | | for organic testing of mold spores. This is an |
| on breathing difficulties requiring hospitalization. It is | | | | effective way to test for mold growth concentration |
| for this reason, entire schools and workplaces have | | | | leading to an assessment of how much mold you are |
| been shut down for mold treatment. | | | | dealing with and the type involved. Do keep in mind |
| How to Identify Black Mold | | | | that in many cases, different types of toxic mold can |
| This type of mold has a greenish-black appearance | | | | coexist even within the same colony. |
| and a slimy texture. It can be difficult to judge by | | | | The most effective measure of mold sampling is a |
| appearance alone if mold growth is black mold, but | | | | combination of both methods. By doing a little |
| can be a good indication that it requires removal. No | | | | research, one can find cost effective do it yourself |
| matter the color of texture of mold, it should be | | | | mold testing kits of good enough quality to at least |
| considered dangerous as any mold in the home will | | | | rule out the consideration of having a professional |
| be spreading spores which may be toxic. A musty or | | | | mold remediation company consulted. |
| moldy smell can often be the first sign and a good | | | | Black Mold Removal |
| indication that there is a mold problem in the home. | | | | Black mold or any toxic mold for that matter can be |
| Black mold often colonizes on porous organic | | | | removed safely by home owners when the surface |
| surfaces such as drywall, ceiling tiles and carpet. It is | | | | area affected is less than three by three feet. If you |
| especially at home on drywall which has sustained a | | | | suspect dealing with a larger problem than this, a |
| continuous bout of water and humidity levels | | | | mold removal company may be consulted to come |
| consistently over 60 percent. Identifying which type | | | | out to your home for an inspection and estimation of |
| of mold is present is an important step in determining | | | | cost. |
| how to remove the problem. It is widely assumed | | | | If you decide to remove toxic mold yourself, you |
| this is an expensive process. However, there are | | | | should begin by turning off your air/heating unit. Not |
| inexpensive ways of testing for toxic mold which can | | | | doing so will result in spores being distributed all about |
| be done yourself. Keep reading for how to test | | | | your home where they can form additional colonies |
| whether you have a toxic or mild mold problem. | | | | of growth. If the mold problem is in a bathroom, you |
| Symptoms of Toxic Black Mold Poisoning | | | | may have an exhaust fan which can be turned on to |
| If you have a black mold problem in the home, even | | | | help funnel any spores released during cleaning to the |
| at small degree, it is likely someone will be affected. | | | | outside. If no exhaust fan is available, try creating a |
| These spores are high-level allergens producing | | | | draft through an open window. |
| mycotoxins which flow through the air, your air | | | | Always seal off the area in which you are removing |
| heating system and will be inhaled into the lungs. | | | | dangerous molds. This can be done by sealing off the |
| Short term problems include headaches, colds, flu, | | | | area with polyethylene sheets and tape. The purpose |
| frequent sinus infections and respiratory problems. | | | | of this step is for containment, as it is of highest |
| Long term, the effects of toxic mold poisoning are | | | | priority. |
| still being studied, however, the results we do have | | | | Using a mixture of soap and water, gently remove |
| are not good. Memory loss, weakness, permanent | | | | the mold from the surface area. Afterward, apply a |
| respiratory difficulties and possible debilitating disease. | | | | coating of mold disinfectant to the area it once was |
| It is best to not take any chances. If you suspect a | | | | and a wider area several feet out to ensure all |
| mold problem go first to the source. | | | | spores have been disinfected. Dormant mold spores |
| Where to Start | | | | can live on for several years, so it's important to kill |
| A water leak or problem is the appropriate place to | | | | all you can. |
| begin when it comes to an obvious or suspected | | | | If the surface you are cleaning is damaged |
| mold growth. In some cases, this may result in a | | | | permanently, it may need replaced completely. |
| plumber coming to the home to repair any damage | | | | Although, this isn't always necessary. However, |
| from busted pipes, leaking shower stalls or a broken | | | | because the are porous, wet drywall or ceiling tiles |
| water heater. Having to hire a professional plumber | | | | which have become warped and moldy through |
| should be considered as a necessity when the job is | | | | constant moisture will most likely need replacing. |
| out of the scope of the home owners expertise. Like | | | | A dehumidifier can be used to both dry out an area |
| mold growth itself, putting this off will only result in | | | | after clean up and keep humidity levels below 60 |
| further damages to your home and a decline in | | | | percent continuously to prevent further mold growth. |
| health. | | | | Consider relative humidity sensors as well since no |
| Once the leak issue is fixed, you may consider | | | | part of the home will have the same humidity level |
| testing for the severity and type of mold. | | | | present. Both of these can be purchased for a |
| How to Test for Mold Growth | | | | reasonable cost. |
| Testing for black mold or any toxic mold can be | | | | Black mold can end up being a huge cost and health |
| done in two ways. Surface testing or air sample | | | | problem if it is left to grow without interruption. Take |
| testing. | | | | action as soon as you see or smell any mold, assume |
| Surface testing usually consists of applying a strip of | | | | it's dangerous. Your home and family will thank you |
| sticky tape to an exposed mold surface then | | | | for it with good health. |