Removing Black Mold from Your Home

Removing toxic black mold is becoming increasingly important for homeowners due to health concerns. Both newer and older homes are at risk for toxic black mold. The process of mold growth has to be understood before you can effectively remove it. When elevated humidity reacts with a mold spore, roots called hyphae extend into the oriented strand board of a home and secrete an enzyme that digests cellulose material. Even more hyphae grow and spread through the air. As the mold grows, it bears fruiting bodies which form all new spores. When the spores float away, they land close-by and the cycles starts over again. However, not all black mold appears to be toxic. It is widely believed that non-toxic black mold is the most common. Despite that fact, this common black mold can still produce spore that can cause allergic reactions similar to pollen or pet dander. The cause of almost all chronic sinus conditions may be linked in some way to toxic and non toxic black mold. In any case, most professionals agree that it is better to remove toxic black mold as well as non-toxic mold and other types of fungi.

Here are a few important steps to take in the toxic black mold removal process. First, you must keep in mind that any semi-porous material in the area of the mold will have to be removed as well because it is most likely also contaminated. In areas where the oriented strand board cannot be removed, the surface must be cleaned thoroughly. Start by vacuuming up any loose materials such as the spores or hyphal fragments. Clean the surface area well and then seal it off to prevent any new hyphae from re-growing. Next, use a HEPA vacuum to clean up any stray spores, tiny broken bits of hyphae and particles of mold released into the air throughout the room. Follow with a damp cloth for dusting. The last recommended step is to use an air purifier in the room.
The key to this task is not to spread the mold around the room as you are cleaning. If the mold is in a tricky area in the house that may be harder to access easily, you may want to consider calling a professional mold and fungus remediation company.