What is Black Mold?

Do you see a slimy black substance growing on your walls? It could be black mold. You must be wondering what is black mold? Well, black mold is a viscous substance which is black or green in color. It is also known as Stachybotrys, S. chartarum and S. atra. They produce mycotoxins which are toxic and affect the immune system. It is a fungus which can grow on leather, wood, walls, floor, ceilings and even food. Moisture and humidity are the important factors that lead to the growth of black mold. Conditions such as leaks or stagnant water are the common causes of black mold. Toxic black mold can be detected with the help of a laboratory test. But it is better to get rid of any kind of mold that you find in your house, as it can lead to various side effects, especially in case of hypersensitive individuals. Black mold has also resulted in the death of infants due to respiratory bleeding.

So, now that you know what is black mold let us see some adverse ill effects associated with it. Black mold can affect a person's health adversely. Here are the symptoms of black mold poisoning.

Health Problems Associated with Black Mold

• Allergic Symptoms: All molds are not toxic, but they can result in a number of health problems. Toxic mold can be very dangerous and deadly to children having mold allergy. The allergic symptoms of black mold are throat irritation, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, sinus and asthma.
• Irritation and Sensitivity: Black molds produce VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) which can irritate the central nervous system, and mucous membranes which result in decreased attention span, low concentration levels, headache and dizziness. It mostly affects people who are highly sensitive and undergoing treatments.
• Intrusive Disease: These diseases are caused by micro organisms, especially in people with a weak immune system, like a person suffering from HIV or undergoing chemotherapy. A normal healthy person might not get affected very fast.

The health problems caused by black mold differ from person to person depending on their immunity level. More on toxic black mold health risks.

Where are Black Molds Found?
You can find toxic black mold in many places in the house. You need to look for these places in order to know whether black mold is present in your house. Black mold can be found in places like cabinets, behind floor baseboards, in water damaged areas, above the ceiling, on the flooring, behind wallpapers, inside wall cavities, in fiberglass insulations, ductwork systems, refrigerators, shower curtains and beneath drywall. They can be found in the basements, in rooms with a high humidity level, beneath bathroom or kitchen sinks and even in window frames. They can mostly be seen in plant pots and on sweating pipes. Black mold grows in places where the moisture and humidity level is high. Mold removal should be done with safety and caution.

How to Remove Black Mold?
First of all, you need to solve the problem of moisture and humidity levels in the room. Use dehumidifiers to reduce the moisture level. Remove the water in case of excessive flooding or leakage, because stagnant water can lead to the growth of toxic black mold.

Before cleaning the mold, seal the room properly, so that the mold does not spread to other areas of the house. Mold can spread to other areas through dust, and become air borne, causing allergies and diseases. So, it is important to seal the room before cleaning, and minimize the dust levels. You can also use an air purifier to reduce the dust.

If the mold is dry, it is advised to make it a little moist while cleaning it, as dry mold is more likely to spread. You can use water for this purpose. Use soap and clean the mold. Also clean the surfaces where the mold is not visible, because mold can be microscopic, and might grow again. After cleaning, use a disinfectant to clean the mold spores, and make the area dry. You can reuse porous articles like clothes again, if the damage is not severe.
Remove the mold infected materials and put them into thick plastic bags. Avoid moving these bags to different areas of the house, as there is a risk of spreading the mold spores. Throw them outside, or if possible, take them to a landfill.

While cleaning the mold, make sure you wear a dust mask and properly covered clothes as a precaution. Now, you know what is black mold, and the ways to get rid of it. Maintain the right humidity level and keep your house clean to prevent the growth of toxic black mold.