Toxic mold, also known as black mold, is a dangerous growth that can harm your health. Learn more about toxic mold, its effects, and how to remove black mold
Mold growth, if left unchecked, can become a massive issue for you and your family. Toxic mold can grow unfettered for months without detection. And you can't just paint over mold if you discover it. But what is toxic mold? How do you spot toxic mold and get rid of it?
Let's find out.
Toxic mold, or black mold, is commonly a fungus called stachybotrys chartarum. This type of mold is the culprit behind mold that causes mild to moderate health symptoms.
With such a sensitive topic, it’s vital to lay out the important information in the open. Here are five fast facts about toxic mold and how to deal with it as a home or business owner.
Mold is a large part of our ecosystem. Mold spores, exposed to moisture, create the perfect conditions for stachybotrys chartarum growth.
For example, if a home recently had extensive water damage in the basement. All it takes is some wet drywall and mold spores to combine, turning into toxic mold that needs hasty removal.
Stachybotrys chartarum can create mycotoxins, which are spores and toxins. Mycotoxins can cause illness and death in humans and animals.
However, there has not been a strong link between mycotoxins produced by stachybotrys chartarum and death.
But if you're sensitive to mold, allergic reactions can be severe.
Black mold exposure is a big deal. Those with existing health problems, especially respiratory issues like asthma, are at risk. Common toxic mold symptoms are:
Contact your doctor or medical professional if you're experiencing these symptoms regularly.
Although mold spores are present everywhere, it doesn't mean you can't avoid mold entirely. For mold growth, there need to be various conditions met.
To prevent mold growth, use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to ensure the air quality in your building is healthy.
Likewise, keep an eye out for anything you may typically overlook. This includes leaky faucets, minor leaks in the ceiling, and other water damage.
Also, make sure that both your kitchen and bathrooms receive proper ventilation. Good air quality can make the crucial difference between toxic mold growth and business as usual. Again, all it takes for a toxic mold foothold is a flooded basement, wet carpet, or some burst pipes.
You must remain vigilant, especially after extreme weather events.
While toxic mold can cause uncomfortable and dangerous symptoms, there hasn't been a strong link between it and lung cancer or other chronic conditions.
Frustratingly for everyone looking for answers, there needs to be a lot more research on the link between health and black mold. In short, the scientific community still needs time.
However, just because mold in your building won't cause a chronic health issue doesn't mean you can ignore it.
Luckily for Inland Empire and San Diego homeowners, there's a surefire way to take care of mold problems quickly and efficiently.
Luckily, you don't have to confront mold alone. People shouldn't have to worry about their health in their own homes. That's why the mold removal experts at Five Star Restoration, serving the Inland Empire and San Diego, are only a call away.
The mold removal process, beginning with a mold diagnostic provided by the team, detects mold and its source. The team will find the mold, its source, and which species of mold it is. Even if the mold in your home isn't black mold, you need to get rid of it immediately. Prolonged mold exposure is hazardous to everyone's health.
Along with ensuring your home is safe, the home repair and reconstruction professionals at Five Star Restoration provide more services.
Need to clean up after a grease fire? Need drywall installation tips? Or maybe you need to board up your business after a natural disaster?
Five Star Restoration commits itself to help home and business owners in the Inland Empire. That means mitigating dangerous living conditions and creating a safe, healthy environment for everyone.
For more information about Five Star Restoration's client services, call today and speak with home repair and reconstruction experts!
If you are not sure your location is in the areas we cover, or if you'd just like to chat or ask a question, give us a call.
We are committed to an excellent finished product and even better customer service. Rest assured that when we show up for your restoration needs, you'll be informed, confident and stress-free.
