Breathe Easier When You Know the Facts About Black Mold Removal

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold is everywhere. It's only when mold spores are exposed to moisture that mold poses a threat to your family's health as well as your home.

You may know it as black mold, that dark green, tarry fungus that invades people's homes following devastating floods and other natural disasters. What you may not know is that black mold, or the species Stachybotrys chartarum, can be found in virtually any household where moisture or water problems exist, and this bioorganic growth could expose your family to such serious health risks as sinus and respiratory infections, asthma, skin irritations, and in extreme cases, even liver and kidney cancers.

Using a packaged test kit or undergoing a complete mold inspection on your property are the only ways to know for certain if black mold is present in your home. But before you go out and hire a professional mold inspector, it's a good idea to do your own thorough check of the premises, paying close attention to potential problem areas such as musty odors, rotting wood, noticeably warped walls or ceilings, visible staining, and flaking wallpaper. Any of these household indicators could signal the presence of black mold buildup.

Once you've detected the possibility of black mold in your living quarters, it's important to act fast. Mold can permeate the porous surfaces of a home, and since it needs only 24 hours to germinate and grow, it can spread very quickly from place to place, infecting other areas of your household. Common building materials such as wood, drywall, carpet, and fiberboard are particularly conducive to mold growth. All it takes is the right mix of moisture, nutrients, and temperature for the reproductive cycle of mold to occur--even in the cleanest homes.

If your mold and mildew removal needs are confined to a small area, they can generally be resolved by a thorough cleaning with commercial products, such as soap and water or a bleach solution. Any absorbent or porous materials, including drywall, carpet, and ceiling tiles, as well as any cleaning products/tools that came into contact with the moldy surfaces, should be sealed in heavy-duty bags and removed from the home as soon as possible through the nearest exit.

If the area to be cleaned is larger than 10 square feet, however, you may want to contact a professional who specializes in black mold removal. Given the time-sensitive nature of mold remediation, it's crucial to find a licensed and insured mold specialist who can work promptly to seal off the entire area, remove all traces of the toxic fungus, and take steps to prevent the mold from returning. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, even dead mold can trigger allergic reactions, so it's not enough to kill the mold; it must also be removed. To ensure a safe, chemical-free environment in your home throughout the cleanup process, look for a mold removal company that uses only non-toxic, eco-friendly products, containing zero phosphates, phenols, and chlorides.

Whether you know the name Stachybotrys chartarum or not, you need to know about black mold and the dangers it can pose for your family. So don't wait for allergic reactions, respiratory problems, or even certain cancers to question the presence of this hazardous fungus in your household. Learn how to recognize the telltale signs of black mold in your living quarters and take immediate steps to remove it once and for all from every inch of your home. You and your family can breathe a lot easier once you know the facts.

Maria Allen is a senior SEO marketer for Prospect Genius. She specializes in health issues and local online advertising for businesses from coast to coast.