Black mold is a scary thing to think about for any home or business owner. Many people worry about black mold exposure, but don’t know a whole lot about what black mold is or how it can affect you. Here is a little insight into what it is, where it can be found, and its side effects.
What Is Black Mold?
Stachybotrys Chartarum is the scientific name for black mold. Mold is classified into three groups- allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic. Black mold is considered to be a toxic mold. What makes it toxic? Black mold created mycotoxins- a dangerous carcinogen that can cause an array of medical issues and in some cases exposure can be fatal. Black mold doesn’t only affect people- it can have serious repercussions for animals too. Though the name might Insinuate that it is always black in color, it can actually be a range of dark colors like green or brown with a velvety or fuzzy texture. It is typically found as a group of circular spots.
What Are The Effects Of Black Mold Exposure?
It is no secret that black mold can have some terrible effects on your health, but it is important to note that it has negative effects on the structure of your home or business and your belongings as well. Most molds will eat away at the surface they inhabit and can cause unsightly cosmetic damage as well as more extreme damage.
Do you find yourself feeling under the weather frequently? If you suspect or know of mold in your home it could be causing you to feel unwell. There is a lot of variation between the different types of mold and how they can affect you. Some of the adverse health effects one might experience due to black mold exposure include:
- Respiratory infections and other issues
- Asthma attacks
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Runny nose or congestion
- Pneumonia and sinus infections
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Where Does Black Mold Grow?
There is one key component when it comes to where black mold will grow- moisture. Black mold thrives in a moist environment like bathrooms, basements, and in areas where there is a leak or standing water. It is best to maintain a healthy humidity between thirty and fifty percent in order to discourage mold growth.
Safely Removing Black Mold
It is not recommended that you handle black mold on your own. By handling mold you are increasing your exposure and putting yourself at risk. It is always advisable to work with a professional mold removal expert to ensure that black mold is completely removed. One of the most important factors to removing mold is addressing the moisture or water that is creating the ideal environment for it to grow. Mold travels through the air as mold spores, which makes the process of removing mold incredibly complex. If not handled properly you can actually cause mold to spread through your home.
Dealing with mold is a task no one should have to handle, let alone by themselves. If you think you may have a mold problem, working with a mold removal expert can get the job done quickly and effectively. Take control of your health and improve your environment. Contact Vortex Restoration immediately to get started on your mold removal process right away.
