Many types of mold grow in a household, most relatively benign and no more than a nuisance, although all mold should be treated with caution. One type in particular, however, is a more serious matter. It is called Stachybotrys, and known colloquially as toxic black mold, or simply, black mold.
Toxic black mold is actually 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, such as wood, paper, cardboard and even wallboard or drywall. Often it will grow under carpet or behind paneling, and can grow inside walls, where it can be posing a health risk without even being detected.
Black mold has been linked to Pulmonary Hemorrhage (PH) in infants, and can be very serious to anyone with a depressed immune system or to a child. Even healthy adults are at risk, and health effects can range 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 a constant supply of it. However, mold doesn't need much moisture to be able to grow. Even condensation, such as from a sweating pipe, or from a high level of humidity, is enough. Improperly tuned air conditioning systems, constant steam from showers, or other high humidity factors can encourage mold growth.
Black mold will often grow as a result of a leak or flood. A pipe or roof leak that has a constant small drip, particularly in a dark, warm space, will be a favourite place of mold. If you suspect you might have a mold problem, do a visual check with a flashlight into dark areas, and use your nose to guide you. If you find mold, 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 plenty of 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.
If the mold is more extensive, for instance as a result of a flood, it is probably best to call in the professionals. Often in the case of flood, a crew will enter the home with respirators and plenty of plastic sheeting and actually cut away all the wallboard in the affected 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 start 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 discover a persistent leak, once the leak is repaired you can begin to assess the mold situation. Many mold problems can be handled by using commercially available products, but more serious mold growth should be dealt with by professionals.
The effects of Stachybotrys are too serious to ignore, and the boon to your family's health worth the cost of a professional cleanup if you do have a serious mold problem. Assess the situation as best you can by conducting your own investigation, being careful not to disturb the mold. If you do find black mold, then get professional help to rid your home of this pest and restore your home's health.
For more information on toxic black mold and household mold problems, please visit:
http://www.HealthyHomeFacts.com
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