Black Mold in my House

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This article is intended to help the reader and home owners with the identification of S. chartarum mold more commonly known as the infamous Black Mold or Toxic Black Mold.

Types of mold will range depending on your location and climate. With more than 100,000 mold species at approximately 4 micron or so in size you would be able to muster about 200,000 spores on the head of a pin. The more common types of mold found in our homes are Aspergillus mold, Penicillium mold and Cladosporium mold. Some of the less common types of molds found in households would include Stachybotrys mold, Memnoniella mold and Acremonium mold. Mold is dangerous in any form and should be addressed immediately.

In every home or dwelling mold will naturally exist, its everywhere covering our planet waiting. Mold will grow on almost anything where moisture can be found. Mold, mildew or bacteria play a very important part in our eco system providing the essential component necessary in the digestion and decomposition process of organics that are essential to human life as we know it. Giving the correct conditions, mold will grow out of control where a food source is available. Cellulose is a more common food source for the spores that create mold and feed the growth. Cellulose can be found in many types of building products such as drywall, plywood, carpet, cardboard and framing material.

Black mold spores will typically enter into a home through a heating system air vent, air ducts or passageway leading to the inside of the house. The spores will then cling to the source of the cellulose breeding ground waiting for the opportunity to grow and spread toxic black mold through your home wreaking havoc, causing the home owner potentially thousands in damage and repairs.

There are several signs that mold, or black toxic mold has infiltrated into your home. High humidity levels will contribute to the spread of spores and the growth of mold in the home. Consider purchasing an inexpensive digital humidity meter. Relative humidity levels that are greater than 55% will increase the possibility of mold growth. If you live in an area of high humidity consider installing a humidity meter in several areas of your home. Relative humidity will fluctuate from room to room and from level to level of your home. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier, water pipes in the house will occasionally sweat causing water and condensation to build up creating a perfect environment for mold to flourish. Attics, window sills and bathrooms are great places for mold the flourish. Carpeted areas such as bathrooms and basements are also great places for mold to grow. Be mindful of wet damp areas and wipe the down with a dry towel on a regular basis.

Everyone is at risk in the event black toxic mold is discovered in your home. Mold has a strong unusual smell to it and can be very dangerous. Large areas of a home infested with mold can cause lung infections and make it hard to breathe for people with allergies or underlying lung conditions. So, if you suspect mold growth in your home, be sure and evacuate the home immediately and call a mold professional. Have a professional mold test preformed as soon as possible. In the event the mold test is positive, devise a plan of action immediately; seek medical attention for all people exposed to any forms of mold.

Never take it upon yourself to clean your home of mold. Call a professional mold remediation specialist. Never use bleach to removal toxic mold. Bleach is ineffective at killing mold and will NOT keep mold from reforming on effective surfaces. Killing mold should be completed by an approved mold professional using an approved fungicide applied properly with an approved mold sprayer or fogger method. Remember, mold can be potentially very dangerous to you and your family. If you suspect that you have mold in your home, call a professional immediately and have the house tested. Your home and the health of you family could depend on it.

By: Bradley Skierkowski