Black Molds: The Danger
Lurking in Your Home Danger! Black Mold May Be an Unwelcome
Guest in your Home!
We may presume to be safe in our homes but there is a danger that lurks behind many doors. Fighting mold in humid areas, specifically in basements and bathrooms, is a daily battle in some climates. It is a battle that must be waged as the effects of black mold or stachybotrys are dangerous and can be life-threatening.
Materials with a high cellulose content, which includes just about every material used in home construction, becomes a breeding ground for the dangerous greenish-black mold when exposed to excessive high indoor moisture or humidity.
The dangerous black mold is toxic and has been attributed to a number of diseases and has led to the death of some individuals when not diagnosed and treated with proper urgency. The toxins created by this dangerous black mold severely depress the immune system. Some individuals with minimal or early exposure report flu and cold-like symptoms such as: muscle aches, diarrhea, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. This exposure can also include symptoms associated with memory loss, dermatologic issues and even hair loss.
Prolonged exposure contributes to lymphoid tissue and bone marrow damage that leads to many fatal diseases. Yes, this black mold danger that might be lurking behind a basement or bathroom door might give you cancer. Vital organs, including: the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidney, thymus, spleen, intestines and lymph nodes, have been severely compromised with the continued and untreated exposure to this black mold danger. Hemorrhaging and necrosis within these organs are some of the ways they have proved to be affected.
Since many common molds can look similar to the dangerous black mold it is imperative to have the mold tested if you suspect the danger is growing in your home. It is typically slimy and wet to the touch and depending on the amount of moisture and how long it has been growing it may have gray/white strands giving it a “sooty” appearance. The slimy olive-gray mass or “mat” will have a ridged or smooth surface with similar smooth margins. The spores will appear more brownish in color. There may be a powdery surface on the dangerous black mold growth or colony when fungal spores are present. Microscopic examination is the only sure way to determine if the spores are in fact the dangerous stachybotrys or black mold menace.
If it is determined that you do, in fact, have this dangerous black mold taking up residence in your home it does not necessarily mean that your family has been exposed. Exposure generally results from ingestion or inhalation of the toxic black spores that have been released into the air.
Thankfully, even if the black mold danger exists it may not have the proper conditions to become a killer. Many factors like temperature, food source, pH, what it is growing on and humidity are some of the factors that determine whether it will become toxic.
To avoid black mold growth it is imperative to be diligent about home repairs, specifically those relating to plumbing and leaks from walls or roofs. It does require a high moisture environment and therefore can be controlled easier in climates that are below 55% relative humidity and are not subject to radical temperature fluctuations. Risk is greater in areas that are prone to flooding and it is imperative to clean and dry flooded areas as quickly as possible. Cleaning with chlorine can help with most molds but has limited effect on the black mold and while drying, or changing the humidity of the affected area should decrease the danger it could also lead to increased sporulation. Fire seems to have minimal affect and once a home has been contaminated it may be too late to actually repair or fix the issue. This is unfortunate and extensive contamination can be very costly.
If you suspect the dangerous black mold is sharing your home, it is best to consult a professional mold inspection company. As previously stated, it is not something that can be determined visually or by the naked eye and must be examined under a microscope. A positive result would then lead to further decisions on how to best eliminate the black mold and decrease the danger to your family. A professional can help determine your best course of action and it is advisable to seek their guidance sooner than later. Your family and even your pets life could be at risk. Consulting a medical doctor is also important if you suspect exposure. Apparently, one of the dangers of black mold exposure is that it alters human DNA. Psychological, immunological, neurological and pathological effects on the body can be permanent.
Diligent preventive maintenance is key and that drippy faucet may be far more than an annoyance.
Black Mold Testing Insight There may be a silent enemy lurking in your home, permeating through the cracks in your tile or looming over your shower head. You may never even see or smell this enemy until it is too late. What is worse, this deadly foe could be causing you and your family serious health issues, cleverly disguising itself as seasonal allergies or the flu. This toxic invader is known as black mold, a nasty fungus that can leave lasting effects on your well being, as well as damage the structure of your home.
This common threat is known by a variety of names such as toxic, house, household, black and toxic black mold. There are over one million types of fungus in the world, and most homes in the United States and Canada have some species of mold or mildew growing in them. In a survey conducted by researchers at Harvard, 50% of ten thousand households studied contained some category of mildew.
The worst part about mold is that in many cases the homeowner is never aware that there is even a problem. There is not always a smell, and mold can survive in a number of unseen places. If a mold problem gets out of hand, it can be very costly and difficult to eliminate, often requiring professional help.
The reason mold can be a tricky fungus to catch is that the places where it reproduces are often located in inaccessible or unseen areas of the home. This may include the inside of a wall, lurking in a crawl space or underneath the wallpaper, paneling or carpet. Mold and mildew could even be growing inside your heating and cooling equipment or air ducts, spreading toxins throughout your house.
Sometimes a peculiar smell will accompany a mold invasion. This is often described as a musty or earthy scent. There can occasionally be a visual indicator that mold is present. The rust on your plumbing is one example. Anything that uses water such as your fixtures, washing machine, and refrigerator, freezer or ice makers can leak or leave condensation. This makes for a perfect mold-friendly environment. Rust could be an indication that there is a problem and that mold could be on the way, or is already there.
There is no place and nothing in your home that mold will not attach itself to. From humid bathrooms to cold, dark basements, mold can be anywhere. It has been known to grow on the walls, in the carpet and even in the drapes. Not even clothing, books and newspaper are safe from potential black mold growth. This is why discovering if you have a mold problem can be so difficult without professional assistance from a mold inspector. (continued on right column) |
| (continued from left column) Some homeowners have turned to using home mold test kits when discovering if they have a mold problem. These home kits, however, are not always accurate There are many different factors, such as the heating, the air conditioning or even a draft caused by open windows, which can provide inaccurate readings. So follow the instructions carefully.
The best way to discover a pre-existing mold problem, or to stop one before it happens, is to hire a professional mold company. Certified microbial hygienists and home inspectors are the best bet when it comes to stopping and preventing deadly mold infestations.
An expert in black mold inspections will use the latest technology and equipment to measure the amount of spores in your house. According to the National Allergy Bureau, a low spore reading is between 0 and 900. Anything from that up to 2,500 is a moderate infestation. A high infestation is up to 25,000 and a reading over that would be considered a severe infestation.
Any mold found in your home can pose a risk to you and your family’s health, but toxic black mold (also known by Stachybotrys) is often the worst offender. Contact to Stachybotrys can lead to pain in the abdomen, bladder, spleen or kidney. It can cause repertory problems such as asthma. Toxic black mold has been linked to cancer, causes rashes and skin afflictions and has even been known to alter moods, impair vision and cause dementia. It is a serious problem that should be approached with every bit of precaution.
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a warning about the dangers of indoor air pollutants such as black mold. They have found that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than the air found outside. Since most people spend the majority of their time inside, it is critical that the air quality be up to a higher standard. This is why professional home mold testing is essential to the prevention of many terrible and terminal diseases. How to Clean Mold From
Contaminated Belongings Mold and mildew can be stubborn and difficult to remove from household items such as clothing, books and leather. Below are some tips for how to clean mold from contaminated belongings:
TEXTILES AND CLOTHING – As soon as the mold is found try to brush the fabric off outside. If possible dry them outside in the sun. Test the fabric for color-fastness for each of the following solutions. Dampen the stain with a salt and lemon juice mixture. Be sure to completely rinse. 1-2 tablespoons of powdered bleach (non-chlorine) which has either potassium monopersulfate or sodium mixed with a pint of water. Check the garment for the appropriate recommended temperature. Soak the stain for half and hour or more, and rinse well. You may need to soak overnight if the stain is old. For fabrics that are NOT wool, silk, or spandex, use two tablespoons of chlorine bleach in warm water (1 Quart). Soak the stain for five to fifteen minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
LEATHER – Check for colorfastness, then wipe the leather with a cloth moistened with diluted alcohol (one cup water + one cup denatured alcohol). Dry in a well ventilated area. If you find remaining mold quickly wash the spot with suds made with a mild detergent, soap or saddle soap. Wipe with a dampened cloth. After the mold is removed dry the leather product in the sun or air dry thoroughly. When fully dried, use a good leather polish. (AGAIN: Check for colorfastness before you use the alcohol-water mix.)
BOOKS/PAPERS - If you find the paper or books are still damp, dry it in a breezy well ventilated space. Brush any loose bit of mold clean with a dry cloth outside.
Gently wipe the stain away with a cloth soaked in a mild soap and wrung out well. Use clear water to rinse. When the stain is gone, pat the area where the mold was with a dry soft cloth. If the stain remains, try a water- chlorine bleach solution. Rinse the cloth with clear water and use a dry soft cloth as described above. Don’t get the paper soaked and don’t scrub.
To dry, spread the pages of books the best way possible like a fan in an airy place. If it remains damp put a little sprinkle of cornstarch in between the leaves to completely dry. After several hours, brush it off.
If you have damp wallpaper you will need to heat or air condition the wallpapered room to get the plaster and paper thoroughly dry.
RUGS, UPHOLSTERY AND MATTRESSES – First fully vacuum and/or dust off any mold. Toss the vacuum bag to get rid of the mold spores in the vacuum. If you can dry it in the sun do so. If after dry, the mold stays on the item, take a cloth moistened with diluted alcohol (one cup water + one cup denatured alcohol). Check for color fastness first. Dry the item thoroughly.
Carpets and rugs which show any mold should be cleaned using a carpet cleaner and quickly fully dried. Drying outside in the sunlight is best if possible.
PAINTED HOUSEHOLD SURFACES - INSIDE – If paint or plaster is moldy, apply a solution of household bleach (3/4 c) to one gallon of water. With clean water rinse and allow it to dry thoroughly before applying any wallpaper or paint.
WOODEN FURNITURE* - Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the mold. Use a clean soft cloth that has been dipped in a gentle detergent and water mixture, which has been almost wrung dry. In a small area work a bit at a time with the cloth, while rinsing in clean water. After finishing a small patch dry each area completely before moving into a new area. Should a white film develop after cleaning, a wax buildup may have occurred. You may use furniture cleaner to taka away the layers of wax. After that is complete you may apply a very thin coat of wax paste.
WOOD WALLS* - First scrub the wood with a solution of four to six tablespoons of wash soda to a gallon of water. Work a small area only. With clear water rise and quickly dry. Should mold continue to appear, use four to six tablespoons of tri-sodium phosphate and two tablespoons household ammonia mixed in a gallon of water.
CHECK FOR COLORFASTNESS. DON’T EVER MIX BLEACH AND AMMONIA. IT WILL PRODUCE A DEADLY GAS.
OUTSIDE – Fully scrub paint with mold with tri-sodium phosphate (2/3 cup)**, detergent(1/3 cup), one quart of household bleach, with three quarts of warm water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water when cleaned. Then use a commercial fungicide on the surface. Use a mold-resistant paint to repaint.
ROOF CLEANER – Use a mixture of tri-sodium phosphate (2/3 cup)**, detergent(1/3 cup), one quart of household bleach, with three quarts of warm water. Scrub in a small area so that the scrubbing and rinsing of the area is done before the mixture is dried.***
WOOD SHINGLES AND DECKS - Scrub the surface with a mixture of one quart bleach to three quarts water. Rinse completely. There are commercial cleaners available as well. Read any directions carefully.
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