What Does Black Mold Look Like

If you recently notice ugly black spots or patches on the walls in the bathroom, or any other place in your home, you really need to figure out what these patches are. If it's toxic black mold that is growing in your home, then you will need to take steps to remove this fungal growth soon. Stachybotrys chartarum or toxic black mold, is a fungus which thrives in areas that are damp, dark and humid. If water is leaking through the roof or seeping through the walls, you need to address this issue at the earliest. If the relative humidity in any area of your home is more than 55%, then your home might get infested with this fungi.

Once this fungus starts releasing spores in the surroundings, the spores start attaching themselves to surfaces that are dark and damp. The toxins released by the moldy growth can cause a variety of health problems. The only way to prevent health problems due to toxic black mold exposure is to follow black mold removal methods at the earliest. To do so, you must be able to identify black mold. Scroll down to find out what does black mold look like.

How to Identify Black Mold

Since people living in homes infested with toxic black mold are susceptible to many health problems, one should know how to identify this fungal growth. Basements, bathrooms, kitchens and areas where water is dripping, or leaking, are most likely to get infested with black mold. While the infestation of black mold is quite common in bathrooms, you can also find moldy growth on water-damaged wood, wallpaper, ceiling tiles and even leather. Well, the term black mold does appear to be self-explanatory when it comes to appearance of this type of mold.

Though this type of mold is generally black, it could also appear in the form of greenish-black or brown patches. It might start as small fuzzy greenish or blackish-brown spots, but if mold removal methods are not employed soon, it can spread out into big patches. If your home has a musty odor, and you recently noticed black or brown patches anywhere in your home, you can use black mold detection kits. You can even call professionals to detect and remove toxic black mold. The musty smell could also be attributed to another type of fungi called mildew.

Effects of Black Mold Exposure

The most common symptoms of black mold poisoning such as wheezing, coughing, scratchy throat, breathing problems, asthma, allergies, headaches, red eyes, lethargy, skin rashes and altered immunity are attributed to the release of myotoxins by toxic black mold. The volatile organic compounds that are produced can cause inflammation of the mucus membranes, and can also adversely affect one's respiratory system as well as the central nervous system. Prolonged exposure to these myotoxins can affect the lungs. Removal of black mold is the first step towards preventing the black mold allergy symptoms from worsening.

Though you can always call professionals for black mold removal, there is also the option of using mold removal products or effective home remedies. Black mold removal with bleach is worth a try. You can also use vinegar for removing black mold. If the mold is dry, spray some water on it. This is to prevent the mold from becoming air-borne as you scrape it off. Spray a solution made from water and vinegar. You can also use chlorine bleach as a mold remover. Leave it on for fifteen minutes and scrub it with a brush. Make sure that you wear a protective face mask and hand gloves while getting rid of black mold. Make sure that you dispose off the moldy growth in sealed plastic bags. Wipe the area that you just cleaned with a solution made from a dish-washing liquid and water and dry the area with a towel. To prevent mold infestation in future, repair any leaks and ensure that your home stays dry and free of moisture

If anyone in your family from suffering from toxic mold syndrome, remove black mold at the earliest. Keep your home dry and clean to prevent an infestation of toxic black mold.