Regenesis Home and Garden

How to Deal with Toxic Black Mold

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Toxic black mold grows anywhere moisture gathers, particularly dark areas with little exposure to sunlight. The primary cause is long periods of high humidity, but flooding, water leaks, and poor air circulation in humid areas are other frequent perpetrators. Mold remediation can sometimes be very difficult.

Signs of a mold problem include a mildew smell, and an increase in allergy symptoms or respiratory problems for the inhabitants of a space infected with mold. Sometimes the odor is the only sign present, but may not be evident unless an air conditioner or heating system is running and circulating air. Mold can be seen growing on a surface, but the area in which it is growing may not be easily reached for inspection. Mold often grows in places with little light and chances are good that it might be out of control by the time it is spotted. Mold can grow inside walls, behind bathroom fixtures, and around roof and wall joints where leakage can occur.

A great number of people are allergic to mold, which is a fungus known to cause irritation particularly for those who suffer from asthma or a suppressed immune system. Exposure to mold may cause coughing, runny nose, and can even lead to infection. Many sinus infections are a direct result of the presence of mold in a home or place of employment. A high incidence of sickness can often be a sign that there is a mold problem somewhere nearby.

The only controllable factor in the prevention of mold is moisture. Using dehumidifiers and an air conditioning system with a set thermostat in mold-prone areas, checking frequently for leaks in roofs, walls and plumbing, and providing adequate ventilation can help prevent or stall the growth of mold. Some home and commercial insurances deny mold claims, so the best way to avoid large repair costs is to avoid mold growth in the first place.

Treating toxic black mold in a home or work location may require replacing drywall, insulation, tile, plumbing pipes or faucets, or patching or replacing roofs or flooring. The sooner moldy materials are taken out and dry materials are installed, the better. Mold will spread quickly and cause more costly damage over time given the right overly-wet conditions.