Black Mold
Mildew or mold (also known as black mold or toxic mold) is a type of fungi that develops and grows on surfaces in the form of powdery or downy substance. Humid/damp surfaces in combination with a very moderate temperature and sufficient amount of light provide the best conditions for mold growth. The toxic mold grows on walls, wood, clothes, food, carpets or any article such sofa (made of leather) etc. The mold growth is not confined only to walls, clothes and surfaces of furniture, it also can grow inside the equipments like air conditioners, HVAC systems etc.

The humidity level/dampness (which is the most important factor for mold growth) on the various surfaces is caused due to many conditions such as leak in the surface causing water to drip and form a damp surface, sufficient humidity in surrounding environment, condensation phenomenon etc.

What are the signs of Mold?

• Moisture on the surfaces: Moisture or dampness on surfaces (of wall, wood, clothes etc.) can be treated as very first sign of mold growth (although moisture does not mean mold formation and growth, it is a very important condition for mold formation).
• Stains on the wall: Yellowish stains on the wall caused due to moisture helps initial growth of mold. Look out for the greenish, blackish or brownish colored patches on the damp wall that characterizes mold growth.
• Odor: Mildew or musty odors is one of the most prominent sign of mold growth. If you experience a musty odor near damp/humid surfaces, you should look out for the other signs of mold growth.
• Respiratory system response in the people: If you or anyone staying in the house is hypersensitive to change in surrounding environmental conditions and experience some kind of allergic reaction or respiratory system related problems when you/the person is inside the house, then in that case there is a possibility of high mold growth.
• Poisoning due to mold: Poisoning due to the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) formed by mold is one of the most prominent sign of potential mold growth.

Black Mold Poisoning
After mold formation, it needs nutrition to grow, which it obtains by degrading the surface it is growing on. During the process of degrading surface for nutrition, mold causes formation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These VOCs are harmful to human respiratory and nervous systems.

If a person is subjected to high exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) formed by mold, it affects human respiratory and central nervous systems and causes irritation to mucous membranes.

Symptoms of black mold poisoning:
Common symptoms of black mold poisoning are:

• Uneasiness in respiration
• Headaches
• Cough
• Red eyes
• Development of rashes and hives on skin
• Nausea
• Memory loss
• In some cases, people experience bleeding in lungs
• Lethargy
• Dizziness
• Lack in concentration
• Problem caused due to irritation in mucous membranes
• Asthma
• Allergic reactions (such as itching of nose, runny nose etc.) of respiratory and/or nervous system etc
• Irregularity in blood pressure
• Damaged digestion and respiratory system
• Infections of urinary track, problems in urination etc.
• Pain in liver and other internal organs
• High level or prolonged exposure to mold can lead to infertility in the patient

How mold can be controlled? (Tips for controlling mold problem)

• Moisture is one of the most important factor for the growth of mold. By making it sure that the level of moisture is under check you can keep molds at bay. (Relative humidity i.e. RH can help in finding out when you need to dehumidify your building/house)
• If there is any water leakage/intrusion, pipe leak, roof leak, condensation problem etc; it should be prevented first.
• Ensure the air conditioners, HVAC systems, and air/ventilation ducts are clean. Normally mold formed in these systems are more dangerous as it easily escapes the human eye inspection.
• Bathrooms are the most prone places for mold formation and growth. The tiles, curtains and appliances inside the bathrooms should be properly cleaned/removed in order to avoid mold formation.
• If possible, use air purifiers to cleanse the air inside your house. Air purifiers can help in reducing the airborne particles of mold spores.
• Now a day, there are many paints/anti mold products available in market that can resist moisture and/or mold at certain level. Using such products can also help in prevention of mold.

Toxic Black mold spores can be inhaled, ingested in our food or absorbed through the skin. And as is always the case one individual may be more prone to being affected than another. Children and the elderly are more susceptible to serious illness after exposure to contamination.

Lots of species of black mold or mildew can aggravate a number of ailments.  Common signs of the effects of black mold include asthma, bronchitis, respiratory problems, sinusitis, dry cough as well as skin rash, stomach upsets and headaches. Not just black mold species are toxic but a lot of other species of mold are as well. Many of the toxic molds are known carcinogens. Extreme exposure can lead to internal bleeding and kidney and liver failure. The health risks due to the mold in a home are a serious worry for those living there.

Homes contaminated by mold are becoming widespread. Although we have known for a long time that  mold thrives in damp places it is only recently that we have begun to understand how much mold can affect us. Mold is not choosy and will infect old and new buildings alike. 

The smell or sight of mold can signal a range of problems. The moisture that causes the mold to thrive can be created by the owner or by leaky items or even both. In a newer home it could be due to defective building practices.

1, High Humidity Area - If you reside in a high humidity are then you should be extra vigilant.  Black mold and other toxic mold are more prone to grow in areas with a relative humidity of 55% or more. You can control the humidity in your home so keep it below 50% if possible to help prevent the growth of black mold and other tocix molds.

2,  Leaking pipes, as we know from our previous article, mold needs moisture to grow. The majority of mold infestations occur from water leaks, more so if they are not repaired quickly. unless you are keeping a constant vigil on pipes a leak can go unnoticed for months without any apparent problems.

3 Increased allergy symptoms, If a number of people in a household or work area are suffering allergic reactions it could well be due to high levels of toxic mold. Ever more worrying would be people suffering with respiratory symptons such as asthma and bronchitis.

4,  Leaking Roof, Like leaking pipes, water leaking in from your roof is hard to notice till you see those tell tales signs. If you suspect you have a roof leak check in the attic for any signs of damage or mold growth. Obviously you need to be aware of the ceilings in your uppermost floor and pay attantion to any signs of water.

5, Damp Basements,  Basements tend to recieve less ventilation than other areas of your home whilst being prone to colder temeratures.  A colder temperature leads to a higher relative humidity and because the air is cold it unable to hold as much water thus leading to condensation.  This then creates a perfect breeding ground for blackmold and other toxic molds. Basements are generally ignored unless we need to find something so mold can grow for long periods of time without being indentified.

What is black mold?  Black mold is usually a greenish black substance which can cause serious health problems. This mold is technically called Strachybotrys Chartarum and also Strachybotrys Atra.

Black mold has been lonk to the death of children from respiratory bleeding and as a major contributing factor to Asthma and Bronchitis. According to America Centre of Disease Control black mold is responsible for over 100 different cases of lung disorder alone.

Most homes have one type of mold or another, and not all types are toxic but it is very difficult to distinguish between the various types of mold out there. So this makes it clear that if you have any type of mold you need to tread and remove it as soon as possible and then take preventative measures to ensure it does not reinfect.

Mold spores are moved around your home easily by attaching themselves to almost anything from yourself your animals, your shoes and all other things. Mold is attracted to damp and moist areas such as underneath your sink/bath/fridge.

Black mold is particularly found on wet wood, tiles, paneling, cotton, plasterboard and insulation. If an area is damp it will infest it. Without moisture black mold cannot grow, so check out those damp wet areas in your house.

Spores from dried mold are dangerous and you should always take the necessary precautions when cleaning it up.

Keep the humidity level down and ensure there is adequate ventilation inside your home. Apply mold inhibitors before painting anywhere that is susceptable to damp.

Everyone should be aware of the issues of black mold and how to prevent and/or remove it, the fact that schools commonly close due to black mold shows you just how much of a problem this can cause.

How to get rid of black mold

Most people automatically assume this is a big expensive job, however it is not and with our tips below your home should be mold free in no time.

You will need the gollowing items

• Rubber Gloves
• 5 gallon bucket
• quarter cup of laundry detergent
• bleach
• sponge

Good luck with keeping your house black mold free.