The Importance Of Los Angeles Black Mold Removal

Do you suspect that you have black mold in your Los Angeles home? Black mold is most commonly a greenish black color. In most cases, you can tell right away whether or not the mold in your home is black mold or not. While it is always advised that you get mold removed and taken care of, there are some types of mold that you should have removed right away. One of those types of mold is black mold.

One of the many reasons why Los Angeles black mold removal is so important is because of the health risks. Black mold is sometimes considered the most toxic of all molds. It has been known to cause serious health problems, particularly concerning one's ability to breathe property. In some cases, particularly with infants or the elderly, black mold has contributed to death. That is why it is extremely important that your home undergo a Los Angeles black model removal project if it needs to be done.

Although the health dangers associated with black mold are the most important reason why your home should undergo a Los Angeles black mold removal project if you have black mold in your home, but there are other reasons as well. One of those reasons is the value of your home. Mold, particularly black mold, can significantly drive down the value of your home. One of the reasons for that are the dangers. Homeowners are advised against living in homes that have black mold. Therefore, if you are looking to sell your home, you should seriously consider having your home undergo a Los Angeles black mold removal project first.

If you are unsure as to whether or not the mold in your home is black mold, you may want to think about contacting a mold inspector. These inspectors have their knowledge plus a number of helpful tools that can be used to determine whether or not the mold in your home is back mold. Also, in many cases, you will find that many Los Angeles mold inspectors also double as Los Angeles black mold removal specialists; therefore, one phone call can get your black mold problem solved in no time at all.

When a professional Los Angeles black mold removal specialist shows up to complete the mold removal process, you may want to ask them a few questions. Many times, we create the black mold in our homes, by not focusing on the temperature or moisture in our homes. By speaking with a Los Angeles black mold removal specialist, you could get inside information or tips on how to prevent a black mold reoccurrence from happening. Most mold removal specialist would be more than happy to educate you on black mold, how to prevent it from returning again, as well as dangers of it.

Tobin Rutherford is a writer for Acme Abatement . com where you can find an accurate guide to Los Angeles Black Mold Removal [http://www.acmeabatement.com/los-angeles-black-mold-removal.htm] and other related information.

What is Black Mold? Seven Signs Your Home May Need Mold Remediation

Finding toxic black mold in your home is no picnic.

It sounds horrible: Like a computer-generated monster in a summer tentpole movie, it crawls across the landscape, engulfing a screaming populace until a plucky scientist finds a solution. On a small scale, that's actually what it looks like, too: A slimy, greenish-black mass that lives in the darkest, wettest corners of your home. To science, black mold known as Stachybotrys atra, and it can deal substantial damage to your home and health.

But don't get too scared. Black mold can't grow opposable thumbs and attack you in your sleep or use up all your cell phone minutes. But it can get into your lungs, sinuses and digestive system. Because mold releases spores to reproduce, the air in a black mold-infested building gets choked with those spores, which are harmful if inhaled or swallowed.

Here are seven things to look for if you suspect you have a black mold problem.

A flooded or leaking basement. Imagine this: A big storm hits, overwhelming your basement sump pump. The pump breaks and your basement floods. You sigh, drain the basement, and get a new pump. But the flood created prime conditions for black mold. Even if you think you pumped out all the floodwaters, if any wood or concrete soaked up a lot of water, that might be enough to allow black mold to thrive. Check your basement regularly for leaks as well -- sometimes, a trickle or a little condensation is all it takes.

Musty or mildewy odors. Black mold has a very specific smell. You might associate it with a house that hasn't been lived in for a long time. If you smell it, look around in damp, humid places with little ventilation.

Trees in the rain gutters. When rain gutters have tiny trees growing out of them -- or any plants at all -- they're almost certainly blocked. If that's the case, water can seep through the ceiling and walls, dampen your home's insulation, and create a breeding ground for black mold.

Allergic reactions, despite a seeming lack of allergens. Most of us know what we're allergic to, and we know whether it's in our environment or not. If you're sneezing and wheezing and there's not a cat to be found anywhere, you might be experiencing the effects of black mold. This is doubly likely if the other people in your home have similar symptoms.

Warped floors. Sometimes water collects in the gaps between poorly sealed floor slats. And if your floors become warped this way, it's a good bet you have black mold as well. You'll need to replace the floorboards, so it might be a good opportunity to hire a mold removal company.

Peeling paint or discolored walls.Yellow stains on your walls or ceiling is a good sign of excess moisture. And excess moisture is a good sign of black mold. Look for black or green discolorations on the walls. If you can actually see it growing, the health risk is pretty strong.

Unexplained headaches. Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of black mold poisoning. And if you have frequent headaches you can't explain, feel dizzy, or have trouble concentrating, call a doctor. After that, call a black mold remediation specialist, who can test for mold in your home. You may have Sick Building Syndrome, a collection of ailments stemming from mold exposure.

Coughing up blood. The most advanced symptom of black mold poisoning, this is a good reason to get yourself to a hospital immediately. There are any number of reasons you may cough up blood, but if your doctor tells you you've been inhaling the compounds that result from a black mold infestation, it's a good bet your home or workplace is affected.

Michael Kirby writes about home improvement projects (like mold removal and remediation, basement waterproofing, and DIY deck construction) and a wide variety of other topics. He writes for dozens of clients, including Right Way Waterproofing, whom you should call if you think you're experiencing a mold infestation.

Visit Right Way at http://rightwaywaterproofing.com/

Black Mold - Among the Most Dangerous Toxic Molds

Stachybotrys Chartarum, more commonly known as Black Mold, is one of the most dangerous molds human beings can encounter. Black Mold is a greenish-black fungus that can be found worldwide colonizes extremely well in high cellulose materials such as hay, straw, dry wall, thermal insulation, ceiling tiles, and carpet. The toxic mold exists in about 15 different strains across the world and flourishes in regions where the relative humidity is above 55%. The existence of this toxic mold is particularly concerning to the real estate industry and is becoming an increasing problem in homes located in flood devastated regions around the world.

Where Black Mold Commonly Occurs

Warmer climates however are not the only places where humans need to worry about Black Mold growing in homes. Flood prone regions are also susceptible to outbreaks of the toxic mold as flood waters cause damage to the dry wall, carpets, and wall papers in homes and give the fungus a good breeding ground. The fungus can strike anywhere however as plumbing failures, conductive condensation, and fires in a home can later lead to damp conditions that are ideal for mold.

Dangers Black Mold Presents

The full extent of health risks for those exposed to Black Mold are unknown as ongoing research is still seeking to determine the lasting health problems among those exposed to the fungus.

What is known is that toxic molds are particularly dangerous to children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Exposure to toxic mold can occur simply by breathing tainted air in a home, or worse from direct contact with the mold.

Wet mold does not pose a health risk by tainting indoor air, but when the fungus dries there is the potential for mold spores to be released into the air. This poses a significant risk to indoor air quality. Some of the known health risks faced by those who have been exposed to Black Mold include:

Respiratory problems like wheezing as well as difficulty breathing
Nasal and sinus congestion
Eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity

Chronic fatigue

Skin irritation

Constant headaches

Fever

Immune suppression

Detecting Black Mold

Homeowners, or home buyers, should be aware of the signs of Black Toxic Mold and have any property that has sustained flood damage or other water related damage (such as plumbing failure) inspected by a professional. The toxic fungus cannot be discovered easily by visual inspection as water damaged homes in particular can have molds growing in dry wall and under carpets.

A sample of the possible mold should be analyzed by an accredited professional to determine if it is toxic mold as not all Black Mold is toxic.

Removal Of Black Mold

If mold is discovered in a home it should be removed only by a professional with the proper equipment and protection from the fungus. Only a professional can ensure that the mold is not only removed properly from the home but also responsibly disposed of in the aftermath. However, even with the assistance of a professional, mold can be difficult to defeat.

It is possible that the fungus might never be permanently eliminated from a structure with reoccurrence a strong possibility. Some structures may need to be torn down completely to avoid reoccurrence of the toxic mold. Only a professional can make these determinations.

Black toxic mold is something that is very serious, and you do not want to mess with.

Knowing black mold symptoms can save you further damage, and most importantly your family's health.

Make sure that you contact a professional mold removal contractor when you start to see any of the signs mentioned above.

Toxic Black Mold - Why Are They Toxic?

Everybody has a first time experience with molds and mildews. If you haven't met them yet, you are lucky. Unfortunately, they are spreading at such an alarming rate that it is really difficult to avoid exposure to molds.

Outdoor, you can still avoid exposure by simply leaving the place where you sense the presence of molds and mildews. When they grow inside your home, you have simply no option but to live with these harmful creatures under the same roof!

This is not at all desired. The mold species Stachybotrys chartarum is extremely dangerous for human health. You may wonder what kind of mold is this! Haven't you heard of black mold? Stachybotrys chartarum is the scientific name of black mold. It is a greenish black fungal growth generally found outdoors. In can also grow on damp and water damaged walls, floors, furniture and organic products.

They obtain nutrition from dead organic materials by decomposing them into simpler substances. They reproduce through spore formation. Black mold spores are released in air and taken by air current mainly.

Mold spores are everywhere. Airborne mold spores come in with air mainly. They often get stuck on human body, clothes and even on pets in outdoor. And easily find their way into your basement, kitchen, bathroom, garden or crawl places. These mold spores float in the air and enter into your body when you breathe in.

But that happens to all mold species, how black mold is different and why are they called toxic?

Why black molds are toxic?

Toxic black molds, Stachybotrys or black mold, whatever you call them, produce mycotoxins during metabolism. Mycotoxins are found on the substance they grow on, in airborne hyphal parts and in mold spores. Mycotoxins make black molds more dangerous for human beings. When they grow inside homes or business premises, the risk of exposure to black molds increase many times. One needs to use black mold cleaner to kill toxic molds.

Different species of molds produce mycotoxins of varied severity. The amount produced and the level of toxicity also may depend on the present conditions of life. When all the conditions - moisture, food source, air and temperature, are right, higher amount of mycotoxins are produced which make the situation worse.

Different species of fungus produce different types of toxins; needless to mention that not all the toxins affect human system in the same way. Mold sampling is often done to find out the type of mold contamination. Once you know the species of molds, you can figure out what type of health concerns does it associate with.

Mycotoxins - black mold health effects:

Weaker immune system
Allergy, irritation of eyes, throat and skin
Sickness, diarrhea and even death

Some forms of mycotoxins have higher impact on pets than on humans. Indoor toxic black mold growth can be lethal. Black molds should always be removed with black mold killer.

What kills mold?

Though people have been using bleaches to kill mold, bleach has certain limitations. It cannot reach to the toughest corner of your room or some narrow cracks on the wall where molds have started nesting.

Bleach may clean the place temporarily but it fails to prevent future contamination. Moreover, bleach is not good for human health, hence it can add to the problems.

Natural black mold killer are good from all perspectives. Being natural they are free from side effects; hence no health threats are associated with them. Top of all, they prevent future mold growth efficiently.

Most people do not realize the true severity of black mold and how it can cause major health issues. See what kills mold and remove mildews and molds before they spread throughout your home and in your lungs.

A Solution to Black Mold Problems

In this article we are going to briefly discuss black mold and how it affects you. More importantly, for a solution to black mold problems, please read to the end.

Appearing as a greenish black color around your house, it's more famously known as 'black mold'.

Can it affect your health? Good question. Well, everyone is different and there are varying levels of tolerances to consider here. So not everyone will be affected the same way. However what is more important is that people with weak immune systems, infants and young children as well as the elderly are at an increased risk of experiencing adverse health effects related to mold exposure.

There are many ways that we are exposed to mold. For instance through the skin, it can be inhaled and even ingested. Allergic reactions can be triggered by mold with symptoms such as

Runny nose
Itchy-watery eyes
Coughing and sneezing
Throat irritation
Asthma

Back in 1999 the USA Today cover story reported that a 300% increase in the asthma rate over the past 20 years has been linked to molds.

That's quite a staggering fact.

Once mold infests and gets a grip on your home, it can be very expensive to clean up. To make matters worse, many home insurance companies are denying any type of mold claims.

Even the value of your home could be at risk through mold infestation. If it has not been cleaned properly through expensive methods and efforts, it may not even be inhabitable.

Do we have any control over black mold?

The answer is yes, thankfully, however understanding the problem is critical before finding the solution to black mold.

Big question...do you have a humidity problem?

Damp conditions make a perfect breeding ground for the small pores to multiply.

So it is vitally important to recognize that the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. So it is advisable to invest in a reliable, quality dehumidifier as a starter.

Equally as important...if you do have a problem with humidity, you also need to know where the problem lies i.e.which areas or rooms. Humidity sensors are relatively inexpensive and well worth the money as they can be placed around the home and they will monitor the humidity levels. As a guide anything over 55% or more (humidity), then you are at risk.

Remember black mold can grow on anything porous. For instance, wood,cement, paper, clothing of all types, behind wallpaper, ceiling tiles and other common household building materials.

So, not trying to scare you here, but this is a massive problem that can affect just about every home if we are not careful. There is a simple solution to black mold. The more you understand it, the better chance you have of eradicating it. If anyone in your household has asthma or suffers from any type of allergies, then getting rid of black mold is a big MUST!

Leo enjoys writing articles online. This author covers a broad range of interesting topics however he specializes in fitness, dieting and weight loss, you can check out his informative website at http://www.antioxidants-guide.com/health benefit of berries which discusses the benefits of berries in particular the Yumberry fruit.

Make Your Home Free From Deadlier Black Mold

Most of the people want to make their house of the living place clean and germ free. Molds and the mildews do not help their cause. Molds are the microscopic organisms that have tiny shape. Molds are mainly recognized as allergic infestations that are found in the environment around us and cause the irritation to us specially who has allergic syndrome and asthma. There are thousands of molds across the world and we do encounter maximum of those.

"More molds mean more agony for living a hygienic life ever after"- this is not the real thing. In the environment there are some useful molds as well like the penicillin. The toxic black molds are very hazardous and injurious to mankind. Toxic molds are that kind of mold that produces hazardous bi-products, called mycotoxins while the individuals with asthma and repiratory syndrome are affected by this type of molds too often. Mycotoxin or the black mold Stachybotrys Chartarum) can lead to the sick building syndrome for the healthier people as well.

Almost every home gets mold infestations. The trick is to stop them before they get big and harm both you and your home. In this article, we'll show you how to identify mold and eliminate the small infestations as well as the big ones that have gotten out of hand. Among the places of the molds infestation there are some places where mold are found too often like the toilet, kitchen, uncovered food stuff, plumbing leakage of the wall, pipe break down, paintings, adhesives etc. Mold is everywhere. It's a type of fungus that grows from tiny spores that float in the air as we all know. It can grow almost anywhere that spores land and find moisture and a comfortable temperature, between 40 and 100 degree Fahrenheit. Typically that includes about every damp place in your home.

People can easily spot the most visible type of mold primarily with the while in color, called mildew, which begins as tiny, usually black spots but often grows into larger colonies. It's the black stuff you see in the grout lines in your shower, on damp walls, and outdoors on the surfaces of deck boards and painted siding, especially in damp and shady areas. A mildewed surface is often difficult to distinguish from a dirty one. To test for mildew, simply dab a few drops of household bleach on the blackened area. If it lightens after one to two minutes, you have mildew. If the area remains dark, you probably have dirt.

It is important to try and prevent mold and mildew growth, and if it's too late, try mold remediation and mold removal. Because mold and mildew release mold spores in the air that can float throughout the house, it can cause severe allergic reactions such as watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, nasal congestion and fatigue, especially to those with a mold allergy. In fact, when mold starts to reproduce inside a home, it can eat away at the structure, cause thousands of dollars in damage and possibly make family members sick from mold exposure. However, the situation is not hopeless. There are several mold cleaning, prevention, and mold removal methods to deal with these persistent problems that really come up with good.

Most of the people want to make their house of the living place clean and germ free. Molds and the mildews do not help their cause. Molds are the microscopic organisms that have tiny shape. Molds are mainly recognized as allergic infestations that are found in the environment around us and cause the irritation to us specially who has allergic syndrome and asthma. There are thousands of molds across the world and we do encounter maximum of those.

"More molds mean more agony for living a hygienic life ever after"- this is not the real thing. In the environment there are some useful molds as well like the penicillin. The toxic black molds are very hazardous and injurious to mankind. Toxic molds are that kind of mold that produces hazardous bi-products, called mycotoxins while the individuals with asthma and repiratory syndrome are affected by this type of molds too often. Mycotoxin or the black mold (Stachybotrys Chartarum) can lead to the sick building syndrome for the healthier people as well.

Almost every home gets mold infestations. The trick is to stop them before they get big and harm both you and your home. In this article, we'll show you how to identify mold and eliminate the small infestations as well as the big ones that have gotten out of hand. Among the places of the molds infestation there are some places where mold are found too often like the toilet, kitchen, uncovered food stuff, plumbing leakage of the wall, pipe break down, paintings, adhesives etc. Mold is everywhere. It's a type of fungus that grows from tiny spores that float in the air as we all know. It can grow almost anywhere that spores land and find moisture and a comfortable temperature, between 40 and 100 degree Fahrenheit. Typically that includes about every damp place in your home.

People can easily spot the most visible type of mold primarily with the while in color, called mildew, which begins as tiny, usually black spots but often grows into larger colonies. It's the black stuff you see in the grout lines in your shower, on damp walls, and outdoors on the surfaces of deck boards and painted siding, especially in damp and shady areas. A mildewed surface is often difficult to distinguish from a dirty one. To test for mildew, simply dab a few drops of household bleach on the blackened area. If it lightens after one to two minutes, you have mildew. If the area remains dark, you probably have dirt.

It is important to try and prevent mold and mildew growth, and if it's too late, try mold remediation and mold removal. Because mold and mildew release mold spores in the air that can float throughout the house, it can cause severe allergic reactions such as watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, nasal congestion and fatigue, especially to those with a mold allergy. In fact, when mold starts to reproduce inside a home, it can eat away at the structure, cause thousands of dollars in damage and possibly make family members sick from mold exposure. However, the situation is not hopeless. There are several mold cleaning, prevention, and mold removal methods to deal with these persistent problems that really come up with good.

Discover a safe organic way for mold removal.
More information on organic ways for cleaning mold and natural mold removal.

Black Mold 101

Black mold is a slimy, greenish-black growth that can lead to serious health risk. Also known as Strachybotrys chartarum, black mold can be found in any part of a building since it can spread on all sorts of materials. Virtually everyone has one type of mold or another somewhere in their home; however, some are visible to the naked eye while others are not. Although not all types of mold are dangerous, all should be removed as if they were potentially harmful.

Recognize the signs

Most types of mold have a distinctive smell, much like that of urine. Black mold, however, is not easy to detect and often grows behind walls and under ceilings. Floating particles of mold are invisible to the naked eye, so it is impossible to see where they settle, until they begin to grow. Loose mold particles that accumulate on items within a house can be easily inhaled, causing a serious health risk. If you were to touch a humid spot of black mold, it would feel slimy and would smear the area.

Vulnerable areas

Areas and substances that are often infested with black mold include water-soaked wood, damp bathroom tiles, humid wall to wall carpets and paneling. Black mold can grow on ceilings, drywall, insulation, and cardboard, even items made of cotton. If you spot stained ceilings or walls, or if you are experiencing unusual allergic reactions, your home may have a mold problem.

How it spreads

Black mold needs moisture to grow. Once it dries, the mycotoxins produced by black mold are released into the air. These harmful toxins are carried through the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, and spread throughout the building. Although dry mold is not visible to the naked eye, it poses a health problem..

Removing black mold

To properly eradicate black mold from your premises, you must first examine the extent of the problem. If the infested area is relatively small, and results from a tiny water leak or minor plumbing problem, you can disinfect the area with a water and bleach solution. You should seek professional help if you discover an infested area of over 2 feet, as that would be considered "heavily infested". Never scrape or scratch at dried mold, as the spores will be released into the air and pose an inhalation risk. Always protect yourself; wear a respiratory mask, proper eyewear and adequate clothing to prevent skin contact. If the problem is internal, such as on insulation or throughout a carpet, the solution is to completely remove and replace these items.

Preventative measures

Here are some measures you can take to avoid the growth of black mold in your home.

- Keep the humidity of the house low

- Provide adequate ventilation in the house (especially in the kitchen and bathroom)

- Add mold inhibitors in the paint before painting

- Do not use carpeting in the bathroom

- Treat mold problems as soon as detected

All types of mold pose health risks and should be taken seriously. Black mold can be difficult to detect, but be aware of the signs, and treat it in its early stages. With any type of mold, remember to use caution and seek professional help if the contaminated area is significant.

Gary Martin is a freelance writer specializing in health and allergy research for the Mold Removal Unit - http://www.moldunit.com website.

Black Mold Removal And Small Bathroom Remodeling: How To Keep It Out

Black mold is a fungus that spreads relentlessly in your bathroom

Very few bathrooms escape the dreaded black mold fungus. Sooner or later it finds a nice damp corner of your shower or your walls and begins to grow. Slowly at first then before you know it it's all over your beautiful bathroom. Black mold is notoriously difficult to get rid of and control but a cure is possible. I reveal the secret below.

How to spot black mold in your bathroom

Well it's difficult to miss it. It's a black blight, which starts in corners and cracks then grows along joins and seals. The bigger it gets the faster it grows It loves to follow the lines of silicon sealer and grout between ceramic tiles. It seems to get inside the silicon sealer even the fungal resistant kind. It can turn your lovely bathroom into a dirty pit if you don't do something about it quickly.

General measures to keep black mold out of your small bathroom

There are some common sense things that you can do to slow down the march of the black mold in your bathroom. Black mold thrives on moisture so keep your bathroom well ventilated. Open windows and doors after use and wipe down surfaces to encourage them to dry faster.

Wiping down all ceramic surfaces with a dilute solution of bleach every few days will also help to slow down the growth of the fungus.

Traditional remedy for black mold in the bathroom

The traditional cure for black mold has been to cut out the affected areas of sealer and grout and any bits of wall covering that is contaminated. Wash the whole place down with a dilute solution of bleach and then re tile, re grout and re seal. This cures the problem for a while but sooner or later, usually only a few months or weeks later, the black mold returns.

This is a very frustrating cycle to be riding on because you have to keep doing it. Many people eventually just give up and the black mold takes over.

The secret that can banish black mold from your small bathroom

Black mold in my small bathroom had been defeating my efforts to keep it under control and finally I decided to remodel the whole bathroom which I thought would get rid of it forever. Was I wrong! I managed to keep it out for a few short months but somehow it found it's way in again.

I cut out and replaced the contaminated silicon sealer but this only slowed it down. Then someone told me about a product called 'Mold and Mildew Remover'. You simply spray it onto the affected areas then leave it for 3-5 minutes before rinsing it off. This sounded too good to be true but I thought that I would give it a try anyway.

The person that told me about the product also told me that the secret was to be patient with it and not expect to see instant results from just one spraying so I set about treating the affected areas of my little bathroom 2-3 times a week and watched what happened. After the first month I dropped the treatment to 2-3 times a month.

The results were nothing short of amazing and fantastic. I thought that I saw an improvement after the first week and after the second week I was convinced that the black mold was at least not growing any more. After a month the patches of black mold were definitely smaller than they had been and after 6 months they are nowhere to be seen. They have completely vanished and I'm so very pleased with it.

Get the full story of how I beat the black mold in my small bathroom in the article Small Bathroom Black Mold Removal

How to fit a shower into a very small bathroom Small Bathroom Shower at www.bathroomsremodeling.this-info.com Steve Gee

Toxic Black Molds - What Do They Eat and How Do They Look Like?

Molds are nothing but living organism of fungi group. They obtain nutrition from dead organic substances. Molds grow on organic matters and then decompose the matter to form simpler organic materials and obtain energy for living as well.

They metabolize the food and produce excrements. Excretory products are responsible for stains found on mold infested substances. If mold is not taken care of at right time, they would not only spread allergy, but spoil your properties like furniture, carpets, walls, clothes, leather goods, curtains and fabrics.

Hence, the mold cleaning products used to kill molds should be able to de-stain the substances and remove mold spots effectively. While purchasing mold cleaning products one must check if the product can remove stains or not.

As mentioned before, molds can grow on any organic substance like wood products, clothes, leather goods, wallpaper, adhesives used on wallpapers, carpets, and surprisingly on concrete walls even. Substances with high cellulose content are preferred by molds and mildews.

The best way to save your house and household things from becoming food of black molds and mildews, you need to keep your home dry all the time. If any incident of leak, overflow or flood happens, it should be taken care of timely and the places need to be dried off fast.

Mold spores enter into houses by air and or by being carried by human beings. It is always better to leave shoes out of the house. Since shoes are made of leather they show a tendency to nurture molds. And mold spores often get stuck to the shoes when we walk along lawns, gardens or roads. So shoes must be kept in a separate place and must be cleaned periodically.

The clothes must be washed after coming back home. They are also good carriers of mold spores and reported to be responsible for substantial black mold growth in houses.

How does black mold look like?

Molds can look black, white, gray, greenish or brownish. They may appear velvety, cottony or granular. Toxic black molds appear as black specks and that is why they are called black molds.

Toxic black molds produce mycotoxins while metabolizing obtained food. Mycotoxins are not good for human health. The mold species Stachybotrys chartarum generates mycotoxins and known as toxic black molds.

All other types of molds are not harmful in that sense. However, airborne mold spores and hyphal fragments can always result in respiratory troubles for human beings.

Though toxic black molds appear as black spots, molds are microscopic organisms and not visible to unaided eye. Once molds form colonies, they become visible and the after effects begin.

Mold colonies are basically an interconnected network of multi-cellular filaments known as hyphae. Mold colonies do not contain any discrete organisms; the network of hyphae is called as mold colony, sometimes molds only.

How to remove molds? What kills mold effectively?

Take away the conditions that help molds to grow and amplify - that's the best mold removal process. Now you cannot remove all the organic substance from your home, that's impossible. But you can ensure that your home remains dry all the time. If some cases of dampening happen, you must put the effort required to dry it out.

If black molds and mildews have already grown in your home, try natural mold cleaning products to kill molds permanently.

Black mold will keep coming back if you do not choose the right black mold killer to handle the job for you. See which kill mold spray works best.

Symptoms Of Black Mold - Learn What To Look For

Symptoms of black mold in your home can manifest themselves in many different ways. You do need to know what these symptoms are so you can be cognizant of anything occurring in your home that could lead to a build up of black mold. This form of mold is very toxic and can cause mild allergies as well as serious medical conditions. When you know what the symptoms of black mold are, then you know what to look for.

You can be on the lookout for symptoms of black mold if there is a high level of humidity in your home. If the humidity is higher than 55%, then this is the prime condition for the development of black mold symptoms. The thing that you need to be most aware of is that you may not even realize that there is black or toxic mold in your home until someone starts to get sick. Even then the symptoms may be so much like a sinus infection or asthma, that you might not associate them with toxic mold symptoms.

Since the basement is the place where most of the water pipes in a home are located, the condensation on these pipes often goes undetected for long periods of time. In fact you may never realize that there are symptoms of black mold present if you don't have a problem with the pipes. When leaks are discovered, many homeowners concentrate on fixing the leaks and don't realize they are toxic mold symptoms and therefore do nothing about the black mold itself.

Odors or musty smells are often the first symptoms of black mold. This is because black mold grows in places that are not usually visible or in places that you can't get to for cleaning, such as in cracks and crevices. Getting an odor does not necessarily mean you have toxic mold in your home, but it is definitely one of the symptoms that can alert you to the need for black mold testing. If the odors are present when the air-conditioning system is running, then these are serious toxic mold symptoms.

Yellowish stains on the walls are also symptoms of black mold. Black mold has a greenish color to it and when you notice the wall starting to stain underneath the wallpaper or coming through the paint, this is a symptom that you do have a serious mold problem. Toxic mold symptoms can also manifest themselves as the paint coming off the walls because of the excess moisture. One way you can find out if you do have black mold in the walls is to shine a black light on it. If you see a yellow glow, this is one of the symptoms of black mold in the wall.

To find out more about Mold removal visit Peter's Website The Mold Removal Guide and find out about Testing for Mold and Mold Removal Products more, including Mold allergies and toxic Mold.

Toxic Black Mold - Dealing With a Silent Scourge of the Modern Home

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

Black Mold Removal

Each homeowner dreads it. The musty smell may possibly be the very first indication that it can be happening and then the moment you take a few moments to look around, you'll see it. The dreaded black mold is lurking within the little cracks, crevices and individuals difficult to reach places. It may even be in plain view taunting you. So, now you could have mold and you might have to figure out how to have rid of it prior to it becomes an even larger difficulty.

Black mold removal may be a nuisance and not a fun experience. It might be time consuming and seem like it has to become done more than and more than again. If moisture and humidity in your household is really a struggle, it may well seem like black mold removal is surely happening too typically. The fact is - mold loves moisture and does not take really long to grow. The moment it starts, it spreads quite rapidly and then it can turn out to be hazardous to not only your home, but to your health too. The 1st step in black mold removal is always to possibly determine how and why it truly is happening. The most typical rooms for mold growth are in bathrooms and basements. All those two locations are known for having high amounts of moisture present in them and which is some thing that might be changed. If your bathroom does not have an exhaust fan, install one. The key is usually to remove the moisture from the room. Perhaps you possibly can get a dehumidifier for your basement. If you might have both of all those deterrents in place, then you might have to obtain a bit far more creative. Lighting can also be a dilemma for mold. Installing brighter lights or light bulbs is usually a slight support in black mold removal at the same time.

After you identify and fix the source of moisture, you'll be able to move on towards the actual black mold removal itself. You could wish to have any kids or family members vacate the property for a while when you take on the challenge. Just before you start, make certain that your windows are open and your residence is ventilated. Also, turn off the air conditioning and heating units too. You do not need to have those people mold spores being distributed into other rooms to cause chaos where there does not have to be chaos. Your black mold removal project ought to be contained to only the affected rooms and not be noticed throughout the residence. After you're ready to begin your black mold removal, you'll find some things to maintain in mind. If the mold is dry, make it wet. Not soaking wet, but mist it so that you can maintain the spores contained. The moment the mist is provided, it is possible to commence the mold removal with soap and water. Use a cloth which you do not mind throwing away after you're finished.

You could wish to wear gloves at the same time and old clothing. Utilizing soap and water is the finest way to start black mold removal, but make sure that that you just use disinfectants instantly afterwards. Even if it looks clean towards the naked eye, people black mold spores do still remain. Use whatever disinfectant you want, but some thing containing bleach would be ideal. All in all, black mold removal on typical surfaces isn't challenging. It can be time consuming, annoying and frustrating. But, it really is feasible as well as the very best thing which you can do would be to take precautions to ensure that it does not continue to happen. When the proper steps are taken, your black mold removal days will grow to be merely memories!

Read more about author in:
whole house generator
solar powered lights

What Black Mold Likes To Grow On - Your House's Trouble Spots

If you dug out some old boxes full of musty stuff from your attic, you might expect there to be a little mold on things, especially if you live in a humid environment. But, mold is probably growing somewhere in you house right now, and you don't even know it. That's why it's important to know what black mold likes to grow on. It's the first step to getting rid of it.

What mold likes to grow on is determined by what mold needs to thrive. Mold needs food, a good temperature, and water. In general, wherever there's water you can expect to find mold.

Mold isn't picky either. It doesn't just strike old, musty, dirty houses. If it has a chance, it will grow all over your nice, new, clean house. So, don't give it a chance!

Here are things mold commonly likes to grow on.

In The Kitchen

Of course, mold likes to grow on food. It's not always the dreaded black mold; it may be its less toxic cousin, the slimy green one. Either way, it's ugly and disgusting. The mold that grows on food is not so dangerous, but seal it in plastic before you throw it out just in case.

Mold also likes to grow in cabinets. You should check from time to time. Basically, any place that is dark and closed up, and might get a little water in it, is a breeding ground for mold.

Sinks, drying racks and other places that get lots of water are also favorite hang-outs of black mold.

In The Bathroom

The biggie here is shower tiles. You've probably seen black mold growing there before, or its friend orange mold. The wall material behind your tiles is delicious for black mold, so it gets carried away and starts growing around the tiles where human eyes can see it.

Just like in the kitchen, mold likes to be close to the water source in a somewhat hidden place. This means sinks, counters, cabinets and anywhere else that gets a little water.

Anywhere In The House

Mold likes hidden-away places. On the walls, mold likes to grow behind things such as pictures or mirrors. If you haven't moved your pictures for cleaning in a while, check and see if our black moldy friend is hanging out there. Wallpaper, because it is porous, is also a great place for mold to live. Keep tabs on your wallpaper so you don't have to remove it all someday because of an infestation of our little friend.

Carpets are wonderful vacations spots for mold. If you ever have any water damage, you may have to remove the carpet if it gets bad. One good way to tell if you have mold in your carpets is just to sniff.

Mold can live in dust and lint. If you keep your house well dusted, you'll reduce black mold problems.

In The Basement

You may have a tenant you don't know about, living in your basement and not paying rent. Mold loves the dark, humid basement. It especially likes the walls and ceilings, where water is often running amok. You may also have mold growing around the concrete on the floor.

In The Attic

The attic is also ideal. It's a place that doesn't get much ventilation, so it's great for black mold. Houses with wooden beams in the attic are particularly favored.

In The Hidden Places

Mold loves crawlspaces, wall cavities, and any other place it can hide. You may be suffering from black mold-related health symptoms and not even know it, because our little friend is hanging out in your house and you can't find him.

Another fave place is inside your heating and cooling ducts.

Mold can get used to the weather just about anywhere, but it especially loves warm humid environments. Florida, California and the Pacific Northwest have some of the worst mold problems in the US. Desert areas and high altitude areas also get hit hard with mold infestations after a big rain or storm.

The key to keeping mold spores out of your respiratory system is to find it before it finds you. That's why it's important to know what black mold likes to grow on.

You can also find moreinformation at black mold testing and black mold allergy. ToxicBlackMoldHelp.org is a comprehensive resource to help individuals to test and inspect, identify health symptoms and removal of toxic black mold.

Stachybotrys - Some Important Facts About Black Mold

You can hardly find an individual who had not suffered from black mold. Mildews and black molds are the problem of the day. They grow on practically anything and amplify very fast. Different types of molds and mildews are found in nature. They grow naturally on dead organic substances. Molds collect their nutrition from organic matters and decompose complex molecules into simpler forms.

When dead animals, vegetables, foods or any other organic substances are abandoned in nature, they decompose naturally due to mold formation. Even if you leave any food, covered or uncovered, untouched for long, it starts smelling bad. The reason is mold.

Indoor mold growth can really be frightening if not inspected early. Among different types of molds and mildews black mold is frequently found in environment. Toxic black molds when grow inside your house lead to various health problems. What is black mold actually and how it is toxic?

Stachybotrys chartarum and Stachybotrys atra - Toxic Black Mold:

Stachybotrys atra and Stachybotrys chartarum are known as Stachybotrys or toxic black mold. They are greenish black in color and belong to fungi class. Stachybotrys or black mold is found worldwide. They prefer to grow in materials with high-cellulose content like lint, dust, paper, food, straw etc. They can also be found on gypsum, fiber board and other building materials that contain high amount of cellulose and nitrogen.

Humidity is the main life factor for black molds. When the high-cellulose substances get wet and hold the moisture for long, black molds grow on them. They produce spores and grow in number rapidly. 2 to 40 degree Celsius temperate range is ideal for the growth of Stachybotrys.

During mold removal, you need to ensure that the infected place is dry, otherwise it will be difficult to kill mold. Unless you remove the factors for life, you cannot control mold manifestation.

Why Stachybotrys is toxic?

They produce toxin, scientifically known as mycotoxins as the byproduct of metabolism. Production of toxin depends on various environmental factors like temperature, humidity, nutrition etc.

Exposure to mold toxins can be health hazardous for human beings. Irritation of throat and eyes, watery eyes, diarrhea, headache, skin rash and dermatitis, fatigue and flu like symptoms are the common effects of exposure to mycotoxins.

Stachybotrys chartarum is also reported to produce a toxin that may paralyze sperms and result in bleeding in lungs. Hence, everybody should try to avoid exposure to toxic black molds.

How to identify and kill black mold:

It may be difficult for home dwellers to inspect and locate the exact place of mold growth. Any exposure to toxins can lead to serious ailments. It is suggested to take help from professionals. They conduct a thorough investigation to find out the degree and location of mold growth. Mold testing result shows the type of mold that has infected your house.

With mold testing done, you can start mold cleaning process. Organic mold removers can effectively remove molds and mildews from your home. Unlike bleaches, natural cleaning products kill molds permanently. Top of all, natural products are free from side effects and do not affect your health adversely.

Black mold can cause you and your family nasty health issues down the road. Find out what kills mold and protect your families health as well.

Remove Black Mold From Your Bathroom Walls

In order to remove bathroom mold, you will need a solution that can remove the source of the black mold. When cleaning mold and mildew, you have to observe the perimeter wall and also look for any sources of moisture. If you have black mold and mildew in your bathroom, it is most likely causing a problem with you and your family. By having these toxins which the spores produce, it will cause serious mold health effects. When removing mold, you will have to be sure to remove the source of the problem. Since mold and mildew are attracted to moisture and also need something to eat, you will have to find these sources. In more times than most, black mold and mildew grows on the wall because the wall is a building material which is a food source. When you have a high humidity value inside the areas of the bathroom, you will see dark spots of the black mold growing.

If you were to live with black mold in your house, you would feel some signs and symptoms of the toxins which the black mold delivers. These symptoms are caused from the excrement of the mold and mildew. Excrement is really the digestion of the mold and mildew. After eating off the walls of the home, the black mold delivered excrement which is toxic. Thus, while you and your family have mold issues.

In order to effectively remove the spores of the mold, you will need to find the source of the problem. If you have a water leak or some type of moisture intrusion, then you will need to find the source of this problem. By just removing the mold on the walls, and ignoring the source of the problem, you will still have a mold problem guaranteed. What mold inspections are about is finding the source of the problem. If you are clever enough to know there is a moisture problem you can then go ahead and attack the area using a natural cleaning product. Be sure when using natural cleaning products that they are strong enough to remove black mold effectively. Natural cleaning products are all about using regular household ingredients, but will effectively remove and prevent mold and mildew. The challenge with most green cleaning products is that they are not tough enough to destroy mold and mildew. Let me give you an example, most people will use bleach to remove the spores of the mold and mildew. But what happens here, is the mold is only removed temporarily. By using bleach you are only removing the topical surface of the problem. It is not attacking the source or changing the DNA make up of the mold and mildew. There is a natural ingredient out there which cleans mold and mildew and also creates a barrier to prevent mold growth.

By removing mold spores effectively, you will need to make sure the source is controlled. In order to control the source of the problem with mold. You will need a solution that creates a clear barrier or shield from you and the mold. This process is called an encapsulate. The encapsulate is a way which mold and mildew will suffocate because there is no source of food allowed. By protecting the walls of your bathroom, walls of your house, and other building materials, you have an ability to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. The challenge with black mold and mildew is taking away the source of the problem. Using bleach will only remove mold temporarily. If you are serious and have bathroom mold on your walls and in your house, then you need a strong natural cleaning product to kill mold. The natural cleaning product should be organic due to the harsh chemicals in other cleaning products. Have a look at Safe Shield to use as an effective natural cleaning product against mold and mildew. Safe Shield is also an organic solution and combined with Molderizer, it is a strong combination to effectively remove black mold and also prevent it from coming back. To increase the indoor air quality of your home, try an organic cleaning solution that will remove and prevent mold from ever coming back.

Effectively remove black mold from your bathroom walls with an organic cleaning solution.
Got questions about mold and mildew, get free mold removal tips by asking.

Black Mold - How To Tell The Symptoms Of Toxicity

Mold is common in all our homes and doesn't usually cause any severe health problems. It stuffs you up, makes your eyes red, gives you a cough or a headache; it's a pain and should be got rid of, but it's not lethal.

However, there are some varieties of black mold that have toxicity. Prolonged exposure to toxic mold can lead to serious, life-threatening problems. This is why you need to be aware of the symptoms of black mold toxicity.

- Sinus trouble. The most common symptom of exposure to black mold is sinus trouble. This includes nasal congestion, runny nose and sinus headaches. These sinus symptoms are caused by both non-toxic and toxic mold, so with this symptom alone it may be difficult to tell for sure.

- Skin rashes and hives. Your skin doesn't like toxic mold and will do anything it can to resist it. This is why some people experience rashes and other skin problems when they are exposed to toxic mold. It is a natural reaction to the black mold's toxicity, and you should see a doctor immediately.

- Cough and sore throat - If you have a cough or sore throat that just won't go away, you may be suffering from black mold exposure. Regular mold is hazardous to health and can cause some coughing and throat irritation, but if it is ongoing, that is a sign that the black mold contains some toxicity.

- Asthma. The exact causes of asthma are unknown, but studies have shown that exposure to toxic mold, especially in youth, can lead to the development of asthma. If you find yourself developing asthma-like symptoms, it may be an indication that there is toxic black mold present.

- Dizziness or light-headedness. This often goes with the sinus symptoms, and is an indication that the mold in your home contains some toxicity. It means that the mold spores that have entered your body have released toxins that are disturbing your whole system.

- Nausea - Regular mold produces cold or sinus symptoms, but toxic mold may affect your stomach and digestive system. This is because the toxicity can affect any part of your body. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you have been poisoned by toxic black mold and should seek medical help.

- Fatigue - Toxic black mold can make you feel tired and lethargic all the time, even when you've had a good night's sleep. Black mold's toxicity has an effect on your immune system, breaking down your body's natural defenses, and this can lead to excessive fatigue.

- Memory loss or trouble hearing. If spores enter your respiratory system, the toxicity of the mold can work on your brain. Once the toxins are in the bloodstream, they can go to any part of your body. This is why some people who have been poisoned by black mold lose their memory or hearing.

- Bleeding Lungs - In severe cases of toxic black mold poisoning, you may suffer bleeding in the lungs. This is very severe and will require hospitalization. At this point, the toxicity is well inside your system.

If you suffer any of these symptoms, or suspect that you may have toxic black mold, you should hire an inspector to test your home. They can take samples from the mold itself, or test the air for spores. They will send these samples to a lab for analysis and tell you what they find. If you find any mold at all in your house, you should remove it as quickly as possible and remove the conditions that allow it to grow.

Learn more about testing for toxic mold in schools on our site. You'll also find other information such as health problems in black mold. ToxicBlackMoldHelp.org is a comprehensive resource to help individuals to test and inspect, identify health symptoms and removal of toxic black mold.

What is Toxic Black Mold?

Often, when individuals, whether in the news or other forms of public media, discuss "black mold" they are talking about a certain type of mold. This mold is scientifically categorized as Stachybotrys Chartarum. It will appear as a greenish black mold in color although it is only deemed "black" mold.

Black mold is also often referred to as "toxic mold". More often than not, black mold can be seen forming in areas around a home that has higher humidity levels(above 55%) indoors, or in places that have suffered water damage or are more prone to become water-soaked such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.

The damp conditions make a perfect breeding ground for the small spores to multiply. The way in which mold reproduces is through these microscopic spores that are created when the conditions are right. Most mold grows, or reproduces, in damp areas, as mentioned previously.

With ever increasing changes in the Earth's weather patterns, the more "wet" weather, the more chance of having a  mold infestation. Your home is more prone to a black mold invasion if you live in an area that is exposed to frequent flooding or extremely wet, and/or humid, conditions.

Black mold can grow on anything porous. Including wood, cement, paper, clothing of all types, behind wallpaper, ceiling tiles, and other common household building materials.

With that said, it is also very common to find this mold growing rampant on gypsum board, more well known as 'drywall', which is a major part of any home construction project.

It is important to note that mold spores are all around us all the time and that no home is immune to them. No matter how clean you keep it indoors. You must understand that when mold reproduces, it is damp. However, when this newly formed grouping of mold dries, it can become airborne, whether this be indoors or out. Due to this, there is always a great possibility that if there is any type of excess moisture build up within your home, mold could begin growing inside.

For more Health Related information please visit Emergency Wound Care

Black Mold Removal - Can You Do It Yourself?

Black mold removal is something that you have to be careful with because black mold is toxic. You really do need to have good information about what black mold looks like and how it forms. It only takes a short period of time to do the required testing and inspection of your home to make sure that it is a safe place for your family. You should be particularly aware of any allergies that someone in your household has. This could be your first hint that you need to look at black mold removal.

Basements and bathrooms are the prime places for black mold testing and inspection in homes. This is because these are the places in the house most known for being damp and having a lot of moisture. Black mold can form on any surface - cement, tiles, or even the countertop if you don't take special care to keep it clean and dry. There are testing kits for black mold that you can use yourself, so testing and inspection of your home is not a costly proposition. There are also excellent products on the market for black mold removal.

Once you do the black mold testing and inspection and find some places where there is black mold, before you start black mold removal, make sure the area is well-ventilated. If the black mold is concentrated in a small space, you can easily clean it with bleach and water, for difficult jobs you will need to use a commercial black mold removal product. You do have to make sure that you dry the area completely because any excess moisture will only be a new breeding ground for the black mold to return.

Testing for black mold firstly requires looking to see if there is any visible mold on the walls or floors of your basement. However, mold is not always visible because it can form in cracks and really small spaces. With black mold testing and inspection, you are really testing the air quality in your home because once mold spores are present they will be air-borne. Simple testing using a petrie dish containing a disc will let you know within two days if you have to consider black mold removal.

When you get ready to start black mold removal, wear a facemask and rubber gloves so that you don't breathe in the black mold spores or let them touch your skin. This could cause serious respiratory problems. There are removal products on the market that kill the black mold. But make sure you always read the label and make sure that you follow all safety procedures for use of the product. Black mold removal is something that you may have to do several times to make sure you kill all the mold spores.

To find out more about Mold removal visit Peter's Website The Mold Removal Guide and find out about Mold Removal Products and more, including Mold allergies and toxic Mold.

Black Mold - Symptoms of Illness, Causes and Remedies

Black mold - often referred to as toxic mold or mildew is an increasingly common problem in many homes and buildings. When the correct conditions are in place these being - a surface which contains moisture which may be due to high humidity levels or dampness and the correct temperature this fungi will to germinate and grow in abundance. In appearance it looks almost "furry" however, it can also be described as looking "powdery"

Just like any living organism the mold needs food and moisture to survive and this is when the the black mold may begin to cause symptoms of ill health in humans. The symptoms are triggered by something known as VOCs - Volatile Organic Compounds. The mold produces these VOCs as it feeds on the surface on which it is growing and begins to break it down in order to get the nourishment it needs to flourish.

Anyone exposed to high levels of these VOC's can experience any of a number of symptoms attributed to the black mold growth some of which can be very serious indeed.

Listed below are some of the most common symptoms of black mold induced illness:

1. Respiratory problems

2. coughs

3. Nausea

4. Rashes on the skin

5. Loss of memory

6. Dizziness

7. Problems with blood pressure

8. Asthma

9. Urinary tract infection

10. Damage to the lungs

11. Allergies - itchy or running nose, eyes etc.

12. Difficulty concentrating

This list shows just some of the illnesses where the symptoms can be attributed to exposure to black mold.

It goes without saying that should you find yourself suffering from any of these symptoms you should get medical advise immediately. However the best way to ease or eradicate your symptoms caused by black mold is to eradicate the mold itself from your home for good.

As I have said before black mold needs moisture to grow and the moisture within our homes can be caused by one of two things high humidity or dampness or a combination of both. In both instances you need to take action immediately.

High humidity is caused by excess moisture in the atmosphere. The number one cause of elevated humidity levels in a building is quite simply lack of ventilation. As we go about our daily tasks we generate moisture and steam for example when cooking, bathing, perhaps using a tumble dryer to dry clothing, or hanging wet clothing to dry around heaters - the list is endless. The problem is without enough ventilation the moisture in the atmosphere builds because it has no escape, then as the temperature cools moisture begins to settle on cold surfaces as water droplets this is condensation. The wet surfaces such as window frames, walls etc. are then prime targets for the germination of black mold spores.

Dampness is usually caused by an underlying problem with water leakage. Poor property maintenance can lead to water seeping in through roofs, into basements, through cracks in walls or from leaking pipes. A constant drip will over time cause a huge amount of damage and the damp or wet surfaces create ideal growing conditions for black mold. Remember different species of mold will grow under different conditions.

The first step to getting rid of back mold and the symptoms of ill health it can cause is to identify the actual cause of the problem.

If your problem is due high humidity levels it is relatively easy to sort out. Simply open a few windows! This is the simplest and cheapest solution but maybe not the best one in the middle of winter. However there are other relatively cheap alternatives, for example:-

1. Install extractor fans in your kitchen and bathroom which are directly vented to the outside of the building - NOT into attic space or basements, do that and you will have BIG problems in the future. These will remove steam caused by cooking and bathing. Remember to keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed to prevent the moisture travelling throughout the house.

2. If you use a tumble dryer this too should have a vent to the outside of the building. These pieces of equipment produce huge amounts of steam so by doing this alone you will cut the humidity levels greatly.

3. Try not to dry wet clothing in the house - where possible hang it outside to dry. If you must dry it inside hang it in an unheated room, open a window and keep the door closed.

4. Dehumidifiers are a great tool in solving this problem. They may be a bit expensive to buy but where you have an ongoing problem they are well worth the one off expense. A dehumidifier will draw the air in through a vent remove the moisture and blow the dry air back out and you empty the container of water! Obviously this is a very simplified description of how it works but believe me it does work! The cost running one of these units may be another concern, the truth is they are really not that costly particularly if you purchase a model which has a humidistat fitted. This means it will switch itself on and off as required rather than running constantly. Another point to consider is that dry air is far easier to heat than moist air so you should be able to cut down on your winter heating bill!

If the cause of your black mold is dampness, the solution may not be as simple and you may have to spend fairly large amounts of money to remedy the problem.

1. The first thing to do is to establish why you have damp areas in the first place - if necessary use a professional builder or plumber to assess the situation and have the necessary work carried out on the building. You cannot begin to eradicate the black mold and the symptoms of ill health it causes until repairs are completed.

2. If the damage is extensive it may be necessary to replace wood, plaster, carpets etc. If this is not the case the next step is to dry the area out remember - remove the moisture and the black mold cannot grow or spread. Opening windows in good weather will do the job as will the use of heaters. A dehumidifier is once again the ideal piece of kit. For large areas you can hire large industrial dehumidifiers. These will do the job much faster than heaters or open windows and many models have the added advantage of having air filters which should help remove any mold spores from the atmosphere

The Black Mold Clean Up;-

The task of cleaning any signs of black mold need not be an expensive one. However, you want it to be a non toxic one.

There are many natural ways to clean black mold from good old soap and water and elbow grease to solutions of tea tree oil or grapefruit seed oil. However there is a commercial mold cleaning kit which removes black mold quickly and easily and prevents its return. The kit contains two solutions the first is MOLDERIZER. This product is 100% organic so there are no harsh, toxic chemicals. It is safe to use on virtually any surface from walls and wood to carpets and rugs and will cause no harm to children or pets. The second solution in the mold cleaning kit is called SAFE SHIELD. When applied after cleaning with Molderizer it will act as a barrier and will protect the surface and prevent mold growing in the same area again.

Black mold can trigger symptoms of various types of illness in humans. Some of these illnesses can be very serious. Find out how you can get rid of black mold in your home and reduce the symptoms it causes at http://HouseMoldTreatment.com

How to Spot and Stop Black Mold

Mold can be anywhere moist and humid. If not immediately gotten rid of, they could cause from mild up to life threatening health problems. This and many other reasons make mold removal an almost imperative step to maintain a safe and healthy home environment.

There are many sub-species under mold. This wide variety of molds makes home mold removal a crucial step as each variety can cause different negative health effects. Nonetheless, all must be eliminated.

One of the most hazardous of all molds is Stachybotrys atra. In generic, it is simple called as "black mold" because of its dark color. However, there are many other dark-colored molds that are not as dangerous as "black mold".

This small similarity between molds produces confusion. As true "black molds" are greater threats, they require mold removal process that is of higher level and one that is sure to be effective. In order to apply the home mold removal process that is appropriate, true "black mold" must first be spotted from the rest, then come after the steps of how to get rid of it.

Basically, the best way to determine black mold is to employ professional help. With this, accurate identification can be made. And with that accuracy, right processes and methods of eliminating molds can be implemented.

If you look more closely and thoroughly into molds however, you, yourself will be able to identify if they are indeed black mold or not. The identification point is the place where they grow. Black molds often grow in areas or item that had been wet several times. The fact that those areas or items contain cellulose also adds to the identifying of black molds. Such items may include cardboard, wood, tiles and insulation.

Same with spotting-the-black-mold-process, seeking professional help is also the best way to get rid of them. The high toxicity of black molds is simply dangerous that even the mold removal process executor can be in a very high health risk. With all the gear and the equipments that professional mold specialists have, only them can sure perform a truly effective and safe work.

When it comes to the other confused black molds however, there are several steps that you can do all by yourself to get them eradicated. If done properly those molds can be successfully kept at bay. And what that means is a safer place for you and your family to live in.

Generally, all molds can be a threat to you and everybody else's health. Especially if they are black molds, serious illnesses can be the effects. However, if you can properly identify them and employ the best means to get rid of them, you can be saved from all of their negative consequences.

To stop black molds is to employ a truly effective process. Learn more about black mold so you can develop a mold removal that will sure take effect.

The Effects of Damaging Black Mold

What is black mold?

Mold is a particularly unsavory character that is neither plant nor animal. It usually resides in the fungi family and creates enzymes for decomposing and digesting and spores that are used for reproduction. In general mold and the decay they cause is not a bad thing; consider a world without decay. We would be piled high with dead trees, plants, animals and other dead organisms. Mold eats away at dead plants and animals causing them to eventually disappear. Unfortunately, though, damaging black mold doesn't know where to stop. It can't always differentiate between the things we want it to decay and the things we'd rather it didn't and this includes our home. Damaging black mold can also have a serious detrimental effect on our health if it is left unchecked.

Damaging black mold thrives on moisture.

Damaging mold thrives on moisture and prefers darkened corners because of this. In a house this can include many unseen areas that you wouldn't normally think to check. Behind washing machines, under the sink, in the attic, even behind the wallpaper and in the walls is where damaging black mold really likes to hide. Most of these places are rich with the moisture it requires and are infrequently, or never, cleaned. This means it can grow and grow but of course while it's growing it's also eating away at the very structure of the house in which it lives.

Poor waterproofing and damaging black mold.

Houses that suffer from poor waterproofing are especially at risk because they have more damp areas and increased levels of moisture all around the building. By not waterproofing your home you are encouraging damaging black mold to grow wherever it can find a drop of moisture. If necessary it can suck the moisture out of your walls leaving the structure of your home in tatters. Of course, poor waterproofing isn't the only way that mold is produced in your home. A particularly humid house will have collections of condensation in many different places, regular condensation won't simply sit on your windows and drop off over time, it will collect on wallpaper getting soaked into the wall behind and it will collect just about anywhere it wants. Eventually damaging black mold is likely to grow where this moisture is causing the damage we know it can.

Protecting your house and your family.

There are a number of ways to ensure that damaging black mold isn't attacking your house. Make sure that all air conditioning ducts are securely sealed, and installing a bathroom fan are two of the more common and effective methods of protecting your home from damaging black mold but there are many others. Ensuring you use permeable wallpaper backings and store firewood and other naturally moist substances outdoors. If you can smell a musky smell in some of the more prone areas in your house then there is a chance that the damaging black mold has manifested itself in your house. You need to hire a professional who will visit your house and do a thorough check of the entire structure. They will also be able to effectively remove it for you and give you some advice on how to prevent it from returning.

As Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Need home service articles [http://www.homeservicearticles.com]? Find Local contractors in your area today.

Toxic Black Mold Removal - Can You Do it Yourself?

If you have small areas of toxic black mold you can remove them yourself if you are very careful. Very large areas really need professional advice and removal. If you are going to attempt cleaning up your home of toxic black mold yourself then you need to be aware of the problems you may encounter and how to deal with them. You should always wear adequate protective clothing which includes gloves and breathing masks as it is important not to breathe in spores from the mold as they are very toxic. it is important that you not only remove all visible mold, but that you find any mold growing in hidden places such as in the walls or inside appliances such as air conditioners. You will also need to deal with the conditions that caused the toxic black mold to grow in the first place.

Identifying Damp Areas

The first thing to do before you even attempt to remove the black mold is to find out why it is growing and deal with these problems. Anywhere there is moisture that has accumulated can allow the black mold to grow so look for leaks in your roof or chimney, leaking pipes especially those that are hidden in walls and floors, condensation especially in bathrooms, blocked or leaking gutters etc. You should also check the humidity in your home and and make sure that it is below 55%. A hygrometer can be used for this and you should make sure that you check, not just the usual living areas, but also your basement, your attic, inside closets and cupboards especially those used for storing food and in your bathroom. If you find the humidity is above 55% then you will need to deal with this by using dehumidifiers. In bathrooms and basements make sure that you have adequate ventilation. Ensure that vents from air conditioners and clothes dryers lead to the outside so that they do not increase the moisture level in the air inside your home.

Toxic Black Mold Removal

Step one - Preventing Black Mold Spores From Spreading

Before you begin removal of the black mold you need to consider the ways that you are going to use to prevent any of the toxic spores from spreading through your home. Each room needs to be treated separately and you will need to seal off the room properly before you start. Shut off any ventilation systems and use heavy-duty plastic bags and duct tape to seal vents, windows and doors. You need to keep the dust levels as low as possible so before you start mist the area lightly mist with water to damp down any dust that may be caused during the removal process.

Step two - Removing the Black Mold

Once you have the room adequately sealed and the area to be treated damped down you can start to clean. Thoroughly clean using soap and then disinfect with a preparation specifically made to kill mold. Black mold may be growing in areas where it is not visible so you need to clean all the surfaces where the spores may have landed. After cleaning the areas thoroughly dry them. Non-porous materials such as plastics, metals, glass etc. can be reused. Some semi-porous materials, such as wood and concrete, may have been so damaged that they need to be replaced and many porous materials such as paper, ceiling tiles, carpets, insulation etc. can be so heavily damaged by black mold that they may also be unusable.

Disposing of Contaminated Materials

It is important that you do not dispose off contaminated materials in such a way that you reinfect other areas of your home. All contaminated material should be placed in heavy duty plastic bags and sealed carefully. Do not carry the infected materials through your house but use a window to place the bags directly outside. They can then be taken to a landfill for proper disposal.

Preventing Black Mold Regrowing

As we have noted earlier it is extremely important that you deal with any problems that have arisen that have allowed the black mold to thrive. In addition to repairing any broken pipes and gutters that may be causing more moisture in your home, plan on a regular tour of inspection to catch any black mold that is growing before it gets out of control. Include areas that you may not visit often such as basements, cellars and attics. Inspect your roof regularly for leaks especially after the winter and while you are there make sure your chimney is undamaged as these can be a major source of leaks from the roof.

Conclusion

Small areas of black mold infestation can be dealt with if you are very careful and follow the guidelines. If you have very large areas please seek professional advice. With regular inspections you can prevent black mold from growing in your home in the future. For more information on toxic black mold and it's removal see Toxic Black Mold Symptoms and Removal or Toxic Black Mold Removal

What is Black Mold? Seven Signs Your Home May Need Mold Remediation

Finding toxic black mold in your home is no picnic.

It sounds horrible: Like a computer-generated monster in a summer tentpole movie, it crawls across the landscape, engulfing a screaming populace until a plucky scientist finds a solution. On a small scale, that's actually what it looks like, too: A slimy, greenish-black mass that lives in the darkest, wettest corners of your home. To science, black mold known as Stachybotrys atra, and it can deal substantial damage to your home and health.

But don't get too scared. Black mold can't grow opposable thumbs and attack you in your sleep or use up all your cell phone minutes. But it can get into your lungs, sinuses and digestive system. Because mold releases spores to reproduce, the air in a black mold-infested building gets choked with those spores, which are harmful if inhaled or swallowed.

Here are seven things to look for if you suspect you have a black mold problem.

A flooded or leaking basement. Imagine this: A big storm hits, overwhelming your basement sump pump. The pump breaks and your basement floods. You sigh, drain the basement, and get a new pump. But the flood created prime conditions for black mold. Even if you think you pumped out all the floodwaters, if any wood or concrete soaked up a lot of water, that might be enough to allow black mold to thrive. Check your basement regularly for leaks as well -- sometimes, a trickle or a little condensation is all it takes.

Musty or mildewy odors. Black mold has a very specific smell. You might associate it with a house that hasn't been lived in for a long time. If you smell it, look around in damp, humid places with little ventilation.

Trees in the rain gutters. When rain gutters have tiny trees growing out of them -- or any plants at all -- they're almost certainly blocked. If that's the case, water can seep through the ceiling and walls, dampen your home's insulation, and create a breeding ground for black mold.

Allergic reactions, despite a seeming lack of allergens. Most of us know what we're allergic to, and we know whether it's in our environment or not. If you're sneezing and wheezing and there's not a cat to be found anywhere, you might be experiencing the effects of black mold. This is doubly likely if the other people in your home have similar symptoms.

Warped floors. Sometimes water collects in the gaps between poorly sealed floor slats. And if your floors become warped this way, it's a good bet you have black mold as well. You'll need to replace the floorboards, so it might be a good opportunity to hire a mold removal company.

Peeling paint or discolored walls.Yellow stains on your walls or ceiling is a good sign of excess moisture. And excess moisture is a good sign of black mold. Look for black or green discolorations on the walls. If you can actually see it growing, the health risk is pretty strong.

Unexplained headaches. Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of black mold poisoning. And if you have frequent headaches you can't explain, feel dizzy, or have trouble concentrating, call a doctor. After that, call a black mold remediation specialist, who can test for mold in your home. You may have Sick Building Syndrome, a collection of ailments stemming from mold exposure.

Coughing up blood. The most advanced symptom of black mold poisoning, this is a good reason to get yourself to a hospital immediately. There are any number of reasons you may cough up blood, but if your doctor tells you you've been inhaling the compounds that result from a black mold infestation, it's a good bet your home or workplace is affected.

Michael Kirby writes about home improvement projects (like mold removal and remediation, basement waterproofing, and DIY deck construction) and a wide variety of other topics. He writes for dozens of clients, including Right Way Waterproofing, whom you should call if you think you're experiencing a mold infestation.

Visit Right Way at http://rightwaywaterproofing.com/

Black Mold And How To Stop Mold In Houses By Finding The Source

To effectively stop mold from growing in your house, you will have to stop the source or destroy the source that it grows from. In order to kill mold, you will need to effectively kill the source. Mold are living organisms which eat and live on building materials and other items in your home. Sometimes mold can be found on ceilings, around air conditioning ducts, and other warm, moist areas.

Mold in the basement is a very common problem with most homeowners. In order to stop mold in the house, you will need to control humidity and also lessen the moisture in the home. If you had a water damage or moisture intrusion in vents inside of your home, more than likely you had a mold problem. It is important to find the source of a problem. If it was a leak, then you will need to find when this leak is coming from. Black mold is a moisture type of mold. In order to kill black mold safely, you want to make sure the source is either removed entirely or you use an organic natural cleaning product in your home.

Since most chemicals, such as bleach, will only temporarily clean the mold, it will usually come back if it is not taken care of correctly. A correct mold killer should be organic and also must have a preventative method to stop the amplification of black mold. Mold killers are effective ways to stop mold from back and save your home. Using mold killing products may save you thousands of dollars in remediation bills. When a mold problem breaks out in the house, you will usually need a mold inspector to look at the area. If the column is not extensive, you will most likely need to use a cleaning product that removes mold and prevents it from coming back.

What is important to understand is black mold is toxic and can be harmful. In order to stop black mold in houses, you will need to use a natural product or have professionals look at the area. Be sure to check perimeter walls for any moisture damage. Your windows may also want to be looked at for moisture staining. If you had a leak on the ceiling area, then any moisture stains on the ceiling should be sprayed down with a mold killer or removed entirely.

Perimeter walls are usually the source of most mold problems. The perimeter wall will at times allow moisture intrusion inside of your home. This moisture will seep into the home and become a major problem. Be sure to do your own full inspection when looking for black mold and mildew. In order to effectively stop black mold in houses, you must look for the source. Control your humidity values and make sure moisture is not too high to promote mold amplification. If you have black mold growing on the surface of the walls, then it is wise to use a natural cleaning product to remove the mold and also prevent it from coming back. There are natural cleaning products which create clear barriers to prevent mold growth and improve indoor air quality.

While black mold is a huge issue, you will need to take action in preventing mold and mildew and removing it correctly. Use natural cleaning products that remove mold and break up the DNA. Also, it is wise to use a natural product that prevents mold amplification. Mold and mildew are very common in most homes. Many mold symptoms are caused from the common mold spores that creep and crawl in small areas of your home.

By breathing these toxic spores into your body, they will cause health issues that will come on stronger later. In order to relieve yourself of common mold symptoms, be sure to step outside to get fresh air and improve your indoor air quality. Look for professional advice and also use natural cleaning products that do not contain bleach, harsh chemicals, or other chemicals that may hurt you and your family.

Stop black mold in your home with natural cleaning products that remove and block mold from growing.
Have questions ask the expert about free toxic mold advice

Removal and Prevention of Black Mold

Black mold is a problem people have been dealing with for years. However, it hasn't been until recently that we are beginning to understand the negative impact it can have in our lives. Toxic types of mold do not discriminate and they are quite common. Black mold, in particular, has caused numerous health problems ranging from headaches and dizziness to full on breathing difficulties requiring hospitalization. It is for this reason, entire schools and workplaces have been shut down for mold treatment.

How to Identify Black Mold

This type of mold has a greenish-black appearance and a slimy texture. It can be difficult to judge by appearance alone if mold growth is black mold, but can be a good indication that it requires removal. No matter the color of texture of mold, it should be considered dangerous as any mold in the home will be spreading spores which may be toxic. A musty or moldy smell can often be the first sign and a good indication that there is a mold problem in the home.

Black mold often colonizes on porous organic surfaces such as drywall, ceiling tiles and carpet. It is especially at home on drywall which has sustained a continuous bout of water and humidity levels consistently over 60 percent. Identifying which type of mold is present is an important step in determining how to remove the problem. It is widely assumed this is an expensive process. However, there are inexpensive ways of testing for toxic mold which can be done yourself. Keep reading for how to test whether you have a toxic or mild mold problem.

Symptoms of Toxic Black Mold Poisoning

If you have a black mold problem in the home, even at small degree, it is likely someone will be affected. These spores are high-level allergens producing mycotoxins which flow through the air, your air/heating system and will be inhaled into the lungs. Short term problems include headaches, colds, flu, frequent sinus infections and respiratory problems. Long term, the effects of toxic mold poisoning are still being studied, however, the results we do have are not good. Memory loss, weakness, permanent respiratory difficulties and possible debilitating disease. It is best to not take any chances. If you suspect a mold problem go first to the source.

Where to Start

A water leak or problem is the appropriate place to begin when it comes to an obvious or suspected mold growth. In some cases, this may result in a plumber coming to the home to repair any damage from busted pipes, leaking shower stalls or a broken water heater. Having to hire a professional plumber should be considered as a necessity when the job is out of the scope of the home owners expertise. Like mold growth itself, putting this off will only result in further damages to your home and a decline in health.

Once the leak issue is fixed, you may consider testing for the severity and type of mold.

How to Test for Mold Growth

Testing for black mold or any toxic mold can be done in two ways. Surface testing or air sample testing.

Surface testing usually consists of applying a strip of sticky tape to an exposed mold surface then sampling for the type. This is an easy way to test for whether you are dealing with toxic mold but is not effective in determining the severity of the problem and in many situations, actual mold growth can be out of view.

Air sampling draws particles into a reservoir to allow for organic testing of mold spores. This is an effective way to test for mold growth concentration leading to an assessment of how much mold you are dealing with and the type involved. Do keep in mind that in many cases, different types of toxic mold can coexist even within the same colony.

The most effective measure of mold sampling is a combination of both methods. By doing a little research, one can find cost effective do it yourself mold testing kits of good enough quality to at least rule out the consideration of having a professional mold remediation company consulted.

Black Mold Removal

Black mold or any toxic mold for that matter can be removed safely by home owners when the surface area affected is less than three by three feet. If you suspect dealing with a larger problem than this, a mold removal company may be consulted to come out to your home for an inspection and estimation of cost.

If you decide to remove toxic mold yourself, you should begin by turning off your air/heating unit. Not doing so will result in spores being distributed all about your home where they can form additional colonies of growth. If the mold problem is in a bathroom, you may have an exhaust fan which can be turned on to help funnel any spores released during cleaning to the outside. If no exhaust fan is available, try creating a draft through an open window.

Always seal off the area in which you are removing dangerous molds. This can be done by sealing off the area with polyethylene sheets and tape. The purpose of this step is for containment, as it is of highest priority.

Using a mixture of soap and water, gently remove the mold from the surface area. Afterward, apply a coating of mold disinfectant to the area it once was and a wider area several feet out to ensure all spores have been disinfected. Dormant mold spores can live on for several years, so it's important to kill all you can.

If the surface you are cleaning is damaged permanently, it may need replaced completely. Although, this isn't always necessary. However, because the are porous, wet drywall or ceiling tiles which have become warped and moldy through constant moisture will most likely need replacing.

A dehumidifier can be used to both dry out an area after clean up and keep humidity levels below 60 percent continuously to prevent further mold growth. Consider relative humidity sensors as well since no part of the home will have the same humidity level present. Both of these can be purchased for a reasonable cost.

Black mold can end up being a huge cost and health problem if it is left to grow without interruption. Take action as soon as you see or smell any mold, assume it's dangerous. Your home and family will thank you for it with good health.

Black mold is a common problem in homes in which a water leak combined with an area of high relative humidity causes a mold colony to form. If you suspect mold in your home, more information can be found at Black Mold Advice