Various types of mold grow in a household, most relatively benign and no more than a nuisance, although all mold must be addressed with caution. One type particular, however, is a more dangerous matter. It is called Stachybotrys, and known colloquially as toxic black mold, or simply just, black mold.
Toxic black mold is definitely kind of greenish in colour, though quite dark, almost black. It is somewhat slimy to the touch. Black mold grows on anything with a cellulose base, for instance wood, paper, cardboard and also wallboard or drywall. Sometimes it will grow under carpet or behind paneling, and may grow inside walls, where it can be posing a health risk without even being detected.
Black mold may be associated with Pulmonary Hemorrhage in infants, and may be serious to anyone with a depressed immune system or to a child. Even healthy adults are at risk, and health effects can vary from itchy eyes and sneezing, to asthma attacks, shortness of breathe and dizziness.
Mold needs moisture to survive, and will only flourish in areas that have consistent supply of it. However, mold does not need much moisture to be able to grow. Even condensation, such as from the sweating pipe, or from a high level of humidity, is sufficient. Improperly tuned air cooling systems, constant steam from showers, or other high humidity factors can encourage mold growth.
Black mold will frequently grow on account of a leak or flood. A pipe or roof leak that has a constant small drip, specifically in a dark, warm space, might be a favourite place of mold. If you suspect you might have a mold problem, do a visual consult with a flashlight into dark areas, and use your nose to guide you. If you discover mold, usually do not disturb it, however, until you are prepared. Disturbing the mold will cause the spores to disburse into the air, and then you run the risk of breathing them in.
There are numerous commercial mold killer products on the market. If the mold is easily accessible, then this is an option. Wear a mask when cleaning mold, and be sure to ventilate the home properly. Using an air purifier with a good HEPA filter is recommended. Shower and bathroom molds are generally fairly easy to deal with in this manner.
In the event the mold is more extensive, as an example due to a flood, it’s probably best to call in the experts. Often when it comes to flood, a crew will enter the home with respirators and plenty of plastic sheeting and actually cut away all the wallboard in the impacted areas. The mold will grow on the wooden studs behind a wall, and must be treated with a chemical solution to kill it. Once the mold has been killed it is carefully scraped and vacuumed until it is all gone. Only then will new wallboard be used to replace the old and repair the wall. Carpets often need to be thrown out, and the floor underneath thoroughly cleaned.
Toxic black mold is an unfortunately common problem in many modern homes. Often, it is undetected, and only after suffering constant respiratory problems does a homeowner commence to suspect there can be a mold problem. If you have suffered flooding of any kind, then it is imperative to get the area dry as quickly as possible. If you realise a persistent leak, once the leak is repaired you can start to assess the mold situation. Many mold problems can be handled by using commercially accessible products, but much more serious mold growth needs to be dealt with by professionals.
