Remedying Black Mold And Mildew Growth Is Essential To The Health Of Your Home
One of the most common molds seen in homes is black mold or mildew. Black mold can grow in any area of the home where conditions present themselves, but black mold is most often seen in the bathroom and is what most people commonly call mildew.
What Does Black Mold Look Like?
The term black mold is used loosely by the general public and can actually refer to a variety of types of mold and mildew. Black mold is exactly as it sounds - black in color and can have different textural appearances. Dusty looking, powdery mildew, downy mildew, slime coverings, or leathery molds are all forms black molds and mildews can take. Black mold is very common in bathrooms where moisture is ever-present.. Basement black mold is also common (another nice, moist environment mold likes to grow in).
The identification of the mildew is of little concern unless it is a serious infestation of toxic black mold producing mycotoxins that cause illness. If toxic black mold is a serious concern, a mold removal expert is your best resource for identification and safe mold remediation. Be wary of molds that make people sick in the house that are otherwise not bothered by molds.
In most cases, the kind of mold species growing in your home is irrelevant; the important thing is to deal with the mold and put every effort into killing it and controlling it.
Health Symptoms of Black Mold Growth
Black molds can negatively affect the health of people in the home who are sensitive to molds and/or have health problems that can be exacerbated by mold spores. Normally healthy people with normal immune symptoms are not usually affected unless mold growth is present for a very long time and remains unchecked. Physical black mold symptoms of infestation include:
Runny nose
Skin rash
Watery or irritated eyes
Cough
Congestion
Aggravation of asthma/increase in asthmatic episodes
Symptoms are most likely to occur in people with a mold or mildew allergy, respiratory infection/disease, or suppressed immune systems (such as HIV patients and transplant patients).
Toxic black mold exposure can produce the following symptoms (sometimes referred to as symptoms of black mold poisoning):
Fatigue
Nausea
Respiratory irritation
Eye irritation
Headaches
When mold or mildew is seen in the home, the only thing to do is to clean mold and mildew. A commercial mildew remover or homemade solution of chlorine and water is best for mold and mildew removal. Large areas, serious infestations, and toxic black molds should be removed by mold removal professionals.
Mold maintenance is never any fun, but essential to the people living in your home. The best defense against mold is to be on alert for musty smells and molds visible to the eye. The presence of either signals mold growth that needs to be dealt with either by yourself or a professional mold removal company. Keeping mold at bay ensures everyone can live and breathe comfortably in your home.
