Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Black Mold Will Often Grow On Account Of A Leak

Various kinds of mold grow in the household, most relatively benign and no more than a nuisance, although all mold should be treated with caution. One type in particular, however, is a much more serious matter. It is called Stachybotrys, and known colloquially as toxic black mold, or simply, black mold.


Toxic black mold is actually style of greenish in colour, though quite dark, almost black. It is somewhat slimy to the touch. Black mold grows on anything with a cellulose base, for instance wood, paper, cardboard and also wallboard or drywall. Sometimes it will grow under carpet or behind paneling, and can grow inside walls, where it can be posing a health risk without even being detected.

Black mold has been linked to Pulmonary Hemorrhage in infants, and may be very serious to anyone with a depressed defense mechanisms or to a child. Even healthy adults are at risk, and health effects ranges from itchy eyes and sneezing, to asthma attacks, shortness of breathe and dizziness.


Mold needs moisture to survive, and will only flourish in areas that have a constant supply of it. However, mold does not need much moisture to be able to grow. Even condensation, including from the sweating pipe, or from your advanced level of humidity, is sufficient. Improperly tuned air conditioner systems, constant steam from showers, or other high humidity factors can encourage mold growth.

Black mold will often grow on account of a leak or flood. A pipe or roof leak which has a constant small drip, specifically in a dark, warm space, will be a favourite place of mold. If you feel you may have a mold problem, do a visual consult with a flashlight into dark areas, and use your nose to guide you. If you find mold, usually do not disturb it, however, until you are prepared. Disturbing the mold will cause the spores to disburse into the air, and then you run the risk of breathing them in.

Mold mildew Colorado springs

There are several commercial mold killer products on the market. If the mold is easily accessible, then this is an option. Wear a mask when cleaning mold, and make sure to ventilate the home properly. Using an air purifier with a good HEPA filter is recommended. Shower and bathroom molds are usually easier than you think to deal with in this way.

In the event the mold is a lot more extensive, for instance due to a flood, it's probably advisable to call in the professionals. Often in the case of flood, a crew will enter the home with respirators and many plastic sheeting and actually cut away all the wallboard in the affected areas. The mold will grow on the wooden studs behind a wall, and must be treated with a chemical solution to kill it. Once the mold has been killed it is carefully scraped and vacuumed until it is all gone. Only then will new wallboard be used to replace the old and repair the wall. Carpets often must be thrown out, and the floor underneath thoroughly cleaned.

Black mold Breckenridge

Toxic black mold is definitely an unfortunately very common problem in many modern homes. Often, it is undetected, and only after suffering constant respiratory problems does a house owner start to suspect there can be a mold problem. If you have suffered flooding of any kind, then it is imperative to get the area dry as fast as possible. If you learn a persistent leak, once the leak is repaired you can begin to assess the mold situation. Many mold problems can be handled by using commercially accessible products, but much more serious mold growth should be dealt with by professionals.

1 comment:

  1. Your plumber can have caused this. You should call a water damage company in your area (if you are from dallas, you can call us) to have a look on this. If not you and your family can have real health issues over the long term water damage restoration dallas texas - mold damage

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