Black Mold is a term commonly used to
describe a slimy, greenish-black substance which can result
in serious health risk. This infamous mold is also known
as Strachybotrys chartarum and more often as Strachybotrys
atra. It has been closely linked to the death of babies
from respiratory bleeding, and as a contributing factor
to illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.
According to the CDC(Center of Disease Control), this
mold is responsible for over "100 cases of lung disorders".
Virtually everyone has one type or another of mold somewhere
in their home. Although not all types are toxic, it is
sometimes difficult to distinguish types without lab testing.
Thus it is imperative to treat and remove all molds as
if they're potentially harmful.
Regardless of the type of mold found, a home containing
mold is not essentially a healthy home. Mold spores are
very easily transported to different areas by attaching
themselves to various hosts. These hosts would include
people, animals, shoes and they even enter through open
windows and doors. The spores then thrive and grow where
it is damp and moist. Very toxic molds can develop from
water seepage, and while black mold is "less common than
other mold species it is not rare".
Areas and substances where black mold can be found include
water soaked wood, ceiling tiles, wall paneling, cardboard,
even items made of cotton. Black mold can grow on drywall
and insulation and can infest areas in the floors, walls
and ceilings.
Moisture is essential to the growth of black mold, and
when it is wet it is shiny in appearance. If you were
to physically touch a spot of black mold, it would feel
slimy and would smear on the area.
When you are contemplating clean up of black mold, you
need to verify the extent of the problem. Many of the
infested areas will be relatively small and be a result
of small leaks or plumbing problems. After discovering
the root of the problem and rectifying it, you can disinfect
the area with bleach.
A mixture of one cup bleach to a gallon of water is sufficient
to disinfect the area. Apparently adding a touch of dish
soap to the mixture will also aid in dissolving accumulated
grease and dirt in the area. You are to apply the bleach
mixture to the moldy area and leave it to saturate the
area for approximately fifteen minutes. After this you
must take care to thoroughly dry the cleaned area.
Spores from dried mold are very dangerous and should be
cleaned with caution. You should never scrape or scratch
at dried mold as the spores would then be released into
the air and pose an inhalation risk. A respiratory mask
and eye protection are necessary and adequate clothing
to prevent skin contact is recommended. If the problem
is more internal such as on insulation or throughout a
carpet, the only solution is to remove and replace the
items.
As well an infested area of over 2ft is considered a "heavily
infested" area and professional help should be consulted.
Mold problems resulting from flooding should also be managed
professionally to avoid possible health risk.
According to the CDC, there are some preventative measures
you can personally take to battle black mold. The following
are some of their suggestions; keep the humidity of the
house down, make sure there is adequate ventilation inside
the home(especially in the kitchen and bathroom), add
mold inhibitors to new paint before painting, use mold
killing products to clean and do not use carpet in the
bathroom.
Black mold issues are something everyone should be aware
of and know how to combat. Search through any news source
and you will see that toxic mold is a common cause for
school closings. If the school board will go through such
measures to eradicate the problem then we should be just
as cautious.
It is also important to remember that like all other types
of fungus, there are some people who may be more sensitive
to the effects of black mold. People who have allergies,
respiratory disease or any type of immune suppressing
disease should be especially wary of this toxic mold.
