If you’ve ever noticed a dark, fuzzy patch in a damp corner of your home, you’ve probably wondered what it is and if it is dangerous. The short answer is yes. It is commonly known as black mold, and can cause serious health risks if not taken care of as soon as possible. In this article, we are talking about what black mold is, how it affects your health, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent it.
What is Black Mold?
Stachybotrys chartarum, or black mold, is a type of fungus that develops in areas with high moisture. It generally grows on materials such as wood, drywall, and carpets that have been in contact with water for a long period of time. Black mold is normally dark green or black in color but may also be slimy in appearance. What sets it apart from other types of molds is that it produces a musty odor.
Where will black mold grow?
Black mold grows well in damp and humid areas. It’s most likely to be found in bathrooms, basements, kitchens, or areas that have had water damage. It can hide in places you don’t often notice, like behind walls, under the floor, or even in your air ducts. Black mold can easily grow if your home has been flooded, has a leaky roof, or has any type of plumbing problem.
Is Black Mold Dangerous?
Of course, you should be concerned if you notice black mold in any part of your home because it can cause serious health problems for you and your family. Black mold releases spores into the air that can cause respiratory problems if inhaled, especially for those with asthma, allergies, or other lung conditions. Even if you’re generally healthy, long-term contact with black mold may be responsible for:
- Cough and sneezing repeatedly
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash
- Headaches
In extreme cases, long-term heavy exposure to black mold has been shown to cause serious health effects in people by inducing infections or even exacerbating asthma.
Who Is Most At Risk?
Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. If you have allergies, asthma, or a weakened immune system, you may be more susceptible to its toxic effects. Children and the elderly could be more vulnerable since they have less robust physical defenses against health risks associated with mold exposure. Therefore, it would be wise to be extra careful if anybody in your family falls into this category.
How Does Black Mold Affect Your Home?
Besides health risks, black mold can lead to significant structural damage to your house. Since it feeds on organic material (i.e., wood and drywall), it may compromise the integrity of your home over time. Molds also result in wall, ceiling, and floor discoloration. In worst cases, where the damage is just too much, it may require replacing some of its parts.
How to Prevent Black Mold
To ensure the safety of your house and your health against black mold, the most effective way is to stop black mold from proliferating. Here are some simple steps you can take:
- Monitor humidity: Keep the humidity inside your home below 50%. Use dehumidifiers in damp places, such as basements.
- Fix leaks quickly: Don’t ignore leaky roofs or dripping pipes. The longer the water sits, the higher the chance of mold growth.
- Ventilate: Keep your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room well-ventilated. Use exhaust fans or open windows when cooking, showering, or doing laundry.
- Clean and dry: Mop and dry the surface within 24-48 hours after flooding or a water spill to avoid mold.
- Check hidden spots: Look for places that are not always visible, such as under appliances or in the sink space. These spots can be breeding grounds for mold.
How to Get Rid of Black Mold
Whenever black mold appears in your home, it needs to be dealt with properly. You may be able to clean small patches yourself with soap and water or a mixture of bleach and water. Do not forget your gloves, mask, and goggles to prevent you from inhaling mold spores.
However, if the mold affects an area larger than 10 square feet, it would be a good idea to get services from professional mold remediation experts who are properly equipped to remove the mold completely and make sure it doesn’t come back.
When to Call a Professional
While small amounts of mold can sometimes be cleaned up on your own, larger infestations require professional help. When you feel the continuous musty odor, witness mold increases in extensive areas, or experience health symptoms that do not disappear, it is high time to seek the services of a mold remediation expert.
Professionals not only remove the mold but also address the underlying cause, whether it’s a leak, excess humidity, or poor ventilation. By fixing the root of the problem, they help ensure the mold won’t return.
Finally
If you are dealing with black mold or suspect that it may grow somewhere in your home, don’t wait to get help. At Lake Effect Restoration, we are experts in safely and effectively removing mold and addressing the underlying cause of mold growth. Your health and home are our top priorities, and we are here to provide professional help to keep your space free of mold.
We offer services in Petoskey and Traverse City, MI. Call us at (231)-883-4183 to schedule a consultation or get a free quote. We’re on standby 24/7 to restore your home to safe again.