There are thousands of mold strains. Black mold is the most common one but is also the deadliest.
Over time, black mold can cause respiratory issues when you consistently breathe it in. Black mold can also cause a weak immune system and make you susceptible to fungal infections.
Fortunately, killing and preventing black mold is possible. You just need to know what to look for.
How often do you check for black mold? It’s something that many homeowners want to ignore or they don’t know about the dangers of black mold.
Continue reading to find out all about black mold.
What Is Black Mold?
Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum and Stachybotrys chlorohalonata, is one of the most common types of mold found in homes and businesses.
Black mold gets its name from its infamous black color, though it can also look green.
Mold grows in moist atmospheres, and black mold is no exception. It’s commonly found in the home because it thrives in areas such as the bathroom, kitchen, and basement.
Black mold typically grows because of a lack of insulation and leakages in the toilet, shower, and other moist household appliances.
Black mold also grows in specific environments more than in others. For example, if you live in a humid environment, you’re more at risk of developing a black mold infestation than someone who lives in a dry climate.
Why Is Black Mold Dangerous?
All molds are dangerous to humans in some way, but black mold causes the most detrimental side effects. It’s by far the most powerful and toxic of other mold strains.
The toxins in black mold attack the central nervous and immune systems. This is why black mold poisoning causes side effects similar to that of the common cold. Black mold also irritates the sinuses.
In severe cases, black mold poisoning can cause severe respiratory infections.
Symptoms of Black Mold Poisoning
The symptoms of black mold poisoning are similar to the symptoms of many ailments. This is why black mold poisoning is impossible to diagnose without identifying black mold.
After discovering black mold in your household, you should pay attention to these symptoms.
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Itchy and red eyes
- Stuffy nose
- Skin irritation
Some lesser-known symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Allergic reactions
- Sinusitis
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
Long-term exposure can lead to:
- Anxiety issues
- Hair loss
- Body numbness
- Memory loss
- Weight gain
- Sensitivity to light
- Cramps and aches
It’s essential you clean out the black mold and visit a doctor after experiencing these symptoms.
How to Know You Have Black Mold in Your House
The best way to properly identify black mold is by consulting with a professional. But you can spot the basic signs of black mold.
Black mold looks like black or dark green-colored clusters. They will commonly be seen around an area with heavy moisture or lack of ventilation. Examples include a leak or anywhere that’s usually wet such as the shower.
Time to Call an Expert
Renewed Standards in Restoration
If you have black mold in your home, it’s essential to call an expert to identify and remove the mold growth. If you live in Columbus or surrounding communities, look at our mold removal services. We’ve taken a common sense approach to a common problem regarding mold cleanup or removal.
With the understanding that our company alone may never change the entire restoration industry. Many of our team members and associates have decades of experience in water damage cleanup. Each has made a pact that in the development of iDry Columbus, and in the services we offer to every client, a renewed standard would be created and used as the approach on every claim.; even if that standard would only apply to the water damage cleanup or property shares that we were involved in.
In making the decision not to enroll in or join “preferred vendor” relationships where the relationship becomes a carrier/vendor one instead of client/vendor due to rate discounts and the reliance on the possibility of future property damage claims; we’ve taken back the control and returned it to the client, where it should have always been.
Utilizing the latest in technology in drying equipment, low grain refrigerant dehumidifiers, low amp draw air movers, and HEPA-filtered air cleaning equipment, we continually deliver successful results in the restoration of building and property damage.
Its Restoration Redefined. Guaranteed.
Property damage inspections have been and will always be free of charge and at no obligation to our client. We’ve chosen to include the use of thermal imaging and highly sensitive moisture detection equipment on every inspection; allowing us to offer detailed and complete information, estimates, and/or proper drying recommendations by identifying areas of concern that may have been overlooked without the use of these tools.
If you find yourself in need of a water damage cleanup company that’s redesigning the restoration industry in our client’s favor, we would appreciate any opportunity to be of service and will always perform in a manner that we would expect for our own family, home, or business.
With service available around the clock and throughout Columbus, Ohio, and surrounding communities, we recognize that the need for a water damage repair company doesn’t always occur during regular business hours, because of this, we haven’t had regular business hours in more than 20 years.
Master Certified and built from concept to performance. iDry Columbus – Water Damage Cleanup is available 24 hours a day in response to any emergency water damage situation you find your home or business in.
Avoiding preferred relationships with insurance carriers and foregoing discounted rates and agreements in exchange for property damage claims allows us to serve only our clients. Every service we have the opportunity to provide is proudly backed and guaranteed for as long as you own your home or business.
Continually raising the bar in property damage restoration. Providing service for everything from water damage cleanup, flooded basement, water extraction, sewage cleanup, and mold removal.
Its Restoration Redefined. Guaranteed.
Sick Building Syndrome and Mold
The rise in indoor environmental health issues emerged due to new building codes in the 1970s that called for reduced energy and greater insulating factors when building built homes and businesses. As the structures became more airtight, it became more and more difficult for indoor air to exchange with outdoor air, and this increase the amount of overall indoor contaminants. Suddenly, “Sick Building Syndrome” became a thing and those with mold allergies suffered reactions every time they would enter.
How do you feel at home? Do you feel good? Can you breathe freely? No headaches?
Headache? Itchy eyes? Running Nose? No, it’s not likely to be just a case of the Monday morning blues. They’re one of the many symptoms that signal Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, contaminated HVAC supply lines, hidden leaks, untreated water damage, moldy ceiling panels and mold behind wallpaper, etc. are all common causes.
Sick Building Syndrome is hard to diagnose sometimes. You may need to call a qualified mold removal company such as ours. We hold the Advanced Microbial Certification (AMRT) from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and have years of experience in remediation projects in hospitals, retirement facilities, and residential properties. We’ll provide the tools and implement the practices for a successful remediation. You can be sure of that.
Minor Mold Problems and Mold Removal
Most homes and businesses in Columbus, and in the wider state of Ohio, will have a mold problem at some point or other. Most of the time the mold is harmless — if tackled soon enough.
Some good news. With a little education and precaution, you can solve minor mold problems yourself and not have to call a mold removal company.
Depending on the materials affected and the size of the area, you can find many publications that will guide you through a successful cleaning process. Like anything you read on the internet, research it again.
You can visit the EPA or check out the New York City Guidelines in mold remediation. Of course, we’re also happy to help and arrange a no-obligation onsite inspection.
Stay Safe and Hire a Certified Mold Removal Company
For peace of mind, you should hire a certified mold removal and remediation company, such as ourselves.
The fact that the media have sensationalized black mold has triggered an entire industry in mold removal. Unfortunately, the ethics of this new industry are also questionable. The mantra is “Mold is Gold,” and this has led to some rather unscrupulous practices.
Today, anyone who owns a shop vac and household chlorine bleach is advertising themselves as a qualified mold removal company. This practice is leaving desperate property owners with homes and businesses that are in worse condition than they were before.
Some owners have even abandoned their property altogether after an unsuccessful removal job. Even worse than this, they must disclose the attempted mold removal. They often have major trouble finding a buyer for the property unless they offer large discounts.
Pro-tip: If you suspect you have a mold problem of any kind in your home or business, you should contact an experienced mold removal company in the region (water damage restoration companies, such as ourselves, often provide this service). Insist on seeing certifications, past projects, and positive online reviews from successful remediation projects.
Water damage cleaning and mold problems go hand in hand. If you don’t address moisture-related issues, they’ll lead to the discovery of microbial growth later. You can be certain of that.
Don’t take the risk, call us at 614-810-0000. We’re not like these unethical companies. We’re professionals. We can also come out at short notice.
Additional Resources Regarding Mold
Browse these valuable resources to gain insights on water extraction techniques, equipment, and best practices. Expand your knowledge with these reputable external sources and make informed decisions about water extraction services.
- FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/ – The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides resources and guidance for dealing with water damage and flooding disasters.
- IICRC: https://www.iicrc.org/ – The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification offers standards and certifications for water damage restoration and extraction professionals.
- EPA: https://www.epa.gov/mold – The Environmental Protection Agency’s Mold website offers advice on mold prevention, cleanup, and controlling moisture after water damage.
