What is Black Mold, Its Symptoms, and Prevention

Black Mold or otherwise known as 'toxic black mold' is a fungus that feeds on cellulose (wood) and thrives in moisture-laden environments. Unfortunately for homeowners, most structures contain cellulose and potentially ideal climates for its establishment and growth. Recently, black mold has cost homeowners and insurance companies billions of dollars due to damage and insurance coverage. Many insurance companies now exclude mold coverage from their policies.

Exposure to black mold can lead to a variety of health problems. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold".

It may take careful investigation and inspection to determine if your home or business has black mold. Homeowners have even been known to elaborately hide mold problems when selling their house. Some common indicators of a mold problem are high humidity, moldy odor, water leaks, flooding, damp basement, wall stains, and poor drainage around the home. Building inhabitants may have respiratory problems, headaches, decreased attention span, difficulty concentrating, and dizziness.

If you find that you have a mold or black mold problem, hire a professional mold expert to remove and contain it. Personal protection equipment such as a respirator, gloves, and eye protection need to be worn during removal to prevent mold exposure. Mold and mold spores however cannot be completely removed from the home environment.

The key to treating black mold is prevention. Mold requires moisture for growth and propagation. By controlling indoor moisture levels it is possible to prevent mold growth from occurring.

Black mold prevention measures can include: fixing any leaking plumbing, cleaning up any water damage within 48 hours, improving exterior home drainage, limiting house plants, improving ventilation, using a dehumidifier, having adequate home insulation, checking for roof leaks, preventing ice dams, cleaning rain gutters, and regularly changing the A/C filter.

Sources:

http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldbasics.html

http://www.wyff4.com/news/14488356/detail.html