Your home should be a place of security and sanctuary but there may be unseen dangers that you need to know about. Toxic black mold is one of the worst things to find in your home but it’s much more than just a financial burden or irritant, it is an extremely dangerous health risk that has to be attended to as soon as it is discovered. If you think that you might have black toxic mold in your home, read through this article to understand what it is, how it operates and what you need to do as a homeowner to protect yourself and your home.
What is toxic black mold?
The scientific name for this kind of mold is Stachybotrys chartarum and is found primarily in homes and businesses. This kind of mold can also grow outside in soil or plants too. All it requires is warm conditions, a water source and about 8-12 days for the mold spores to colonize. The truly damaging aspect of toxic mold is that it releases molecules known as mycotoxins. These mycotoxins attack the body’s defense systems and can make you very sick, very quickly. Usually this type of mold’s water source is in a hidden area like ceilings, in between apartment walls, cable protectors, or behind bathroom walls and that is what makes this kind of mold so dangerous. It is extremely toxic to humans and animals but it is hard to find. If you are concerned about the probability of toxic black mold in your home, read through the symptoms section of this article and check to see if you are presenting any of those conditions.
What does black mold look like?
Black mold is usually a black color with greenish edges. Typically it will have a soft, gelatinous feel to it (use heavy duty gloves if you think you need touch to identify it.) Because this mold relies on moisture to begin growing, it will have a wet almost slimy appearance. Do not touch it if you see anything like this if you find it. Touching it directly can make you sick very easily. If the water source that the mold used has dried up, then the mold will change to a dry, powdery look but it is still just as dangerous.
What are the symptoms of black mold poisoning?
If you think that you might have a black mold outbreak in your home or office, you may have noticed some of these symptoms. Toxic black mold attacks the mucous membranes of the body, particularly the lungs and sinuses. The mucous membranes of the body are a form of the body’s defense system, so you’ll notice immune system damage like nausea and lethargy. You may be having breathing problems or noticed inflammation in the chest or a recurring cough. The more serious effects of toxic black mold are mental deficiency and in extreme, untreated cases, death.
What is the treatment for black mold?
If you suspect that you have toxic mold in your dwelling, be sure to call a professional to remove it. Do not try to remove it yourself, you could release more spores and toxins into the environment and put yourself in greater danger.
While your home is being treated for toxic mold it is recommended that you find a friend or family member home’s to stay. Also see your doctor immediately. There is no cure of black mold but once you are out of the environment for a week or more, your body will begin to heal itself.
How can I prevent toxic mold?
There is no set formula to help prevent this kind of mold but there are some things you can do. Before moving into a home or apartment, have a professional come in and determine if there is the possibility of mold. If you have areas in your home where walls are soft and crumbling from water damage, there is better chance of mold developing. Keep areas around sinks, toilets and bathtubs as dry as possible with caulking and other reinforcements. If you begin to notice just a few spots, it will likely look like a small coffee or ink stain, get it checked out immediately. For a quick fix, before you call a professional, mix a few capfuls of bleach into water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas. The mold should go away (mostly) in a few days, but always be sure and call a professional right away.
This post was written by M.G. Bachemin in association with Brahman Systems. Learn more about construction and renovations at http://www.brahmansystems.com.
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