Black Mold Removal: What You Should Know
You may have heard about the dangers of Stachybotrys chartarum, or black mold. It is actually a black-green color and can be quite harmful to health. The spores travel through the air and can get inside buildings through open doors and windows. Spores can also make their way inside via heating and air conditioning systems which take in air from outside. Additionally, the spores can stick to people or animals. This makes pets as well as ourselves, our clothes and shoes vehicles for getting them into our homes. Black mold removal is very important.
Once they have gotten in, mold will grow on materials that are low in nitrogen and high in cellulose, such as dust, paper, fiberboard and gypsum board. Mold will thrive when excessively moisture meets these materials. That is why mold is so common after a flood, leaks and other water damage. Carpets, upholstery, ceilings, wood and paint provide the best conditions for mold.
Without realizes the cause, people exposed to black mold will often suffer headaches, mucous membrane irritation, coughing, tightness in the chest and fatigue and even fever. Extended exposure can lead to pulmonary disease. This is why it is so important to regularly check for mold, particularly in places where people are indoors for extended periods of time, like workplaces and schools.
Discovering mold is simple enough. It will be found in areas where water may have gotten in and remained. You will visibly notice the mold and will often be able to smell it.
To treat mold growth on hard surfaces, you can use soap and water or water mixed with bleach. Mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water. Make sure the area in which you are working is well ventilated. Never add this to other cleaners or ammonia as this can be dangerous to inhale the fumes. Always protect your hands by wearing non-porous gloves and keep your eyes protected with goggles. Make sure to clean and dry the area since dampness can cause the problem to continue. Dead mold spores can also aggravate mold allergies.
As for mold on non-hard surfaces, such as carpets: this tends to be a bigger problem. Likely, carpets will need to be replaced, as would wall boards and insulation.
To avoid these problems in the future, there are preventative steps you can take now. Routinely check for leaks or any type of condensation. If you find any such problems, get them fixed right away. Do not put carpet in bathrooms and be sure to wash and dry any bath mats or rugs often. Use cleaners that kill mold when cleaning bathrooms. Select wall paint that contains ingredients that kill mold. Use a dehumidifier when it is humid and try to get indoor humidity from 40 to 60 percent. If you do have a folded carpet, remove it and have it replaced.
Black mold can cause serious health problems and many people are allergic. Studies show that those who are allergic to black mold are usually allergic to other types of mold as well. If you see or smell any mold at all, it should be taken care of immediately.
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