Dealing with Black Mold in Your Home

A. Hermitt
Black mold is a type of mildew or fungi that produces a powdery growth. Black mold can infect walls, carpet, wood, fabric and other household surfaces. It can cause health issues in people ranging from allergies to neurological issues.

Black mold is dangerous because it can cause mold poisoning. There are many symptoms associated with it. Mold poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms like skin and eye irritation, headaches, anxiety, and mood swings can mean just about anything. It is not until it escalates to coughing, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and firbromyalgia that people began to get suspicious. For anyone with asthma, black mold can be deadly.

Black mold can start off looking like normal wear and tear on a home. You may notice loose drywall tape, cracked and peeling paint, and slight wall discoloration. If the wear is occurring too quickly, you should investigate for moisture and mold issues. The most visible sign of black mold is the appearance of mold. Colors may vary from black to gray green, to white and orange, and shades of purple. Musty odors can also signal that you may have mold, as well as excessive mold in your bathroom and warped wood floors. If you are in doubt, you can test for mold with a mold testing kit.

If you think you have black mold you should take action immediately. Visit a doctor and check for health issued related to mold poisoning. Inspect your home for mold, from basement to attic. Remember to check behind book cases, and other furniture. You should also stop further growth of black mold be eliminating moisture in your home with dehumidifiers and eliminating leaks.

Black mold is easily treated if caught early. Areas under 2 feet can be cleaned and disinfected with bleach and water. The problem the mold may not be evident at this stage of infection. If the black mold problem is larger than 2 square feet, you should have a professional remove the black mold from your home. This will mean cutting out and replacing walls, flooring, and other infected materials.

Published by A. Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is an artist by nature and an educator by necessity. As a homeschooling mom of 10 years, she stays current in all things educational, and cutting edge to help her homeschool her children, and...   View profile

6 Comments

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  • Leann Lawrence 10/27/2010

    Salut! Merci pour le bel article. Je suis intéressé casino en ligne, mais s'intéressent à beaucoup de choses. Et pour le développement personnel en général de votre site est très intéressant!

  • Jenny Writer 2/6/2010

    Thanks for the info. Black mold is very dangerous. :)

  • Heather Inks 1/31/2010

    Black mold is more common in places prone to long rainy seasons and hurricanes. Thanks for sharing. God bless.

  • Jennifer Bove 1/26/2010

    sounds like something everyone should watch for

  • Kay Balbi 1/25/2010

    We had a problem and it was caused by a) too much insulation in the attic b) a flood in the basement, we remodeled and gutted the whole place

  • Loraine Alkire 1/25/2010

    I had a friend with this problem years ago. I forget how she cleared it up. We lived by the ocean but her apartment seemed to be the only one affected even though she was a meticulous housekeeper. Good Article.

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