What is black mold?
Posted by Marc Rasmussen on Sunday, March 21st, 2010 at 8:38pm.
Black Mold
Stachybotrys atra or commonly known as 'black mold' or 'toxic black mold' is the slimy, black substance which can lead to serious healh problems. Black mold is associated with poor indoor air quality that arises after fungal growth on water-damaged building materials such as drywall, wood or ceiling tiles.
Mold is found frequently in homes in a temperate climate like Florida. However, not all mold is deadly like black mold. Whenever you purchase a home your home inspector can take mold tests for you. Generally, a mold inspection runs about $250.
Mold spores can be transported easily by attaching themselves to hosts such as people, shoes, animals or the air. Mold typically grows where it is dark, damp and moist. I recently sold a condo on Longboat Key recently where there was an elevated level of mold that needed to be removed. The mold grew because the hurricane shutters on the condo were closed for a year and a half and the air conditioner was not turned up enough. The combination of darkness and humidity allowed the mold to grow.
Black mold has been linked to over 100 cases of lung disorders as well as baby deaths because of respiratory bleeding. It has also been known to be a contributing factor to illnesses such as astham or bronchities.
Black Mold Removal
You need to figure out the extent of the problem in order to remove the black mold. First you need to make sure the source of the moisture has stopped. If the moisture is coming from a water leaf you need to make sure the leak is fixed. There are some remedies that you can do yourself. However, that can be dangerous. You may want to consult with a mold remediation company.
For more information visit black mold removal.
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Share5 Responses to "What is black mold?"
There was a development in Litchfield Beach where black mold had eaten the fan blades off the ceilings fans. Scary stuff.
Posted on Sunday, March 28th, 2010 at 8:27pm.
Really bad health effects if black mold is present and untreated...I had a client in Palm Beach County that had to have whole one side of his home rebuilt. The home was being built and open to the elements of the hurricanes back in 2004....he has had major health problems ever since. That picture you included provides an accurate summary without even reading any further!
Posted on Monday, April 19th, 2010 at 6:26pm.
Wow, I haven't seen any of that out in our neck of the woods and I hope I don't.
Great info Marc
Posted on Tuesday, April 27th, 2010 at 3:53pm.
Finding the source of the water seepage or leak is really crucial when trying to eliminate black mold in a structure. Since mold often releases spores and can affect air quality, it is important to eliminate the humidity and water damage that can increase rates of growth.
Posted on Monday, March 14th, 2011 at 3:31pm.
Luckily, I haven't experience to have this kind of mold at my properties. Good thing you have shared this for future reference as well.
Posted on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 at 4:12am.