Black Mold: Symptoms, Problems and Treatment for Removal

The slimy, greenish-black patches that one finds in the damp places are known as black mold. The scientific name for black mold is Stachybotrys chartarum. All the types of mold are not toxic in nature. But the toxicity of a mold could be found only through various laboratory tests.

Black molds are found in most homes. A home that has black molds on its walls, ceilings, floor or doors is not a healthy home. (It is the sign of black fungal growth.) The vectors such as animals and people carry the spores of the mold to different places. The spores cling on to shoes, clothes or coats of the animals they come in contact. These spores thrive in damp and moist areas of a building. Molds grow fast in sewers and drains, and these could be toxic in nature. Compared to other molds, the toxicity of the black mold is less.

Black mold grows on damp wooden panels, ceilings, tiles, and walls, and also on clothes. An interesting feature about black mold spores is that they can survive in dry areas such as walls and floors. However, for them to propagate, moisture is essential. When the black mold is wet, it appears to be shining and it is slimy to touch. If you plan to clean the areas that are infested with black molds, first take account of the extent of the problem.

Some of the health problems caused by black mold and other types of molds include:

• Headache
• Sore throat and viral infection
• Skin allergies
• Possibility of memory loss and mild heart attacks
• Lung disorders such as asthma and bronchitis
• Can lead to respiratory bleeding in newborns

Not only the black mold but also the other types of molds can cause severe health problems in babies, young children and elderly adults. However, the studies reveal that the symptoms of mold related health problems is likely to lessen if you are exposed to fresh air.

How to Get Rid of Black Molds

Before you begin the process of getting rid of black mold, resolve the problem of water accumulation and moisture. The electrical equipment such as exhaust fans, ceiling fans, air conditioners and air coolers can help in clearing airborne black mold particles. Here are a few tips to get rid of black molds.

Remember, the black mold spores are more dangerous when they are dry. They become airborne, if they are stirred. The first thing you need to do is seal the room you are cleaning by closing the vents and doorways using plastic sheets. Use duct tapes to hold the sheets. Placing an exhaust fan next to a partially opened window would help to channelize the airflow outside the room. You can also minimize the airborne mold spores by spraying air purifier.

If the mold affected surface is dry, spray some water lightly to stop the mold spores from being airborne while cleaning. Clean the affected surface with soap followed by a good disinfectant. Once you have cleaned the affected areas, ensure to clean the unaffected surface also. The cleaned surface should be completely dry to avoid the growth of black mold.

If the porous (books, clothes, furnishings) and non-porous (glass, plastics) materials and articles are infested badly by black mold, it would be wise to discard them. Put all the materials into a heavy-duty plastic garbage bags and throw them in any landfill.

Moisture can be eliminated by repairing the leaks and by installing dehumidifiers. However, it would be wise to keep your house and other belongings clean and dust-free. Remember to place moisture-absorbing chemicals such as silica gel among your clothes, leather goods and books. Once in a while use ammonia bleach or chlorine bleach to clean the tiles and walls of your bathrooms; this would help to reduce the growth of black mold.