Black Mold Removal How To

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There are literally tens of thousands of species of mold found around the world, many of which are harmless to humans. (Penicillin is a good example of a mold's mycotoxin that benefits us.) In the United States, there are approximately 1,000 species of mold that grow in our environment.

When it comes to black mold, however, there is no single one that defines the term, "toxic mold." Rather, several species are most commonly referred to as toxic molds:

1. Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra, Stachybotrys alternans or Stilbospora chartarum)

2. Aspergillus niger

3. Memnoniella echinata

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the term "toxic mold" is not accurate. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. For more facts about Stachybotrys chartarum and Other Molds please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

In an article by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS mold requires food, moisture, oxygen and favorable temperatures to grow. They do not need sunlight to grow - in fact, sunshine and circulating air make it harder for mold to germinate.

For food, molds eat organic matter, including anything containing carbon or cellulose. In a housing structure, this can include ceiling tiles, wallpaper, carpet pads and carpeting, wood, drywall, cellulose insulation, paints, adhesives, and even concrete. In other words, all the things that are commonly used to construct a building.

Unfortunately for us, mold germinate in the same temperature range enjoyed by humans, i.e., 40° - 100° F. (At temperatures outside that range, molds simply stay dormant, and are able to remain in that state for years.) Most need a relative humidity of at least 60 - 70% to reproduce. However, in such events as a flooded basement or pipes bursting, standing water can exacerbate the situation significantly, escalating the growth of mold.

As a species, mold has evolved to survive under even the most extreme conditions. It can begin to grow on food in temperatures as low as 40° F, which is why food can go bad in the refrigerator. Depending on the species of mold, many stay dormant until the right conditions are presented. For this reason, mold abatement focuses on removing the mold and the source of water in order to keep it at bay.

While black mold takes longer than other types of household molds to grow, it will continue to proliferate if the conditions are right. Check for it two ways: 1) taking stock of how your family is feeling, and 2) whether you can see any mold growth.

The first sign that you may have it growing in your home is if you or a member of your family starts to show signs of an allergic reaction. Acute toxicity can come on quickly and strongly, whereas chronic toxicity will take effect over a much longer period of time. Symptoms can include headaches, stuffy nose, watery eyes, wheezing, or skin rashes. People with asthma will have increased asthma episodes. With on-going exposure, the symptoms get progressively worse, possibly leading to fevers and shortness of breath. For those who have compromised immune systems, they may begin to get sick with infections or even develop fungal infections in their lungs. They can get better, only to get sick a short time later.

Another sign that you may have toxic mold in your home is the visible presence of mold growth. Start by looking around in areas of your home which are damp and humid, including basements, bathrooms, crawlspaces, ducts, and attics. Smelling the tell-tale musty odor that is associated with mold and mildew can also lead you in the right direction. If you have had recent water damage to any part of your home, you should pay special attention to this area. Wood is particularly susceptible to black mold growth, as it retains moisture well and is a great source of food.

The three black molds that are toxic to humans are indeed black in color. Unfortunately, most people do not take visible mold seriously, or mistaken it for shadowing on a wall or some other staining.

Stachybotrys chartarum

Green-black in color, slimy and dark. These often look like a concentrated spot on a wall of varying size.
Relatively slow-growing
Requires high moisture content in order to grow to toxic levels.

Aspergillus niger

Black in color; appearance often confused with Stachybotrys
Often found growing on onions, it can also infest indoor areas
Can be fast-growing
Can cause Aspergillosis, a serious lung condition if large amounts of spores are inhaled.

Memnoniella echinata

Black in color; similar to Stachybotrys; sprayed on appearance.
Relatively slow-growing
Much less is known about this species.

When you are ready to remove the black mold yourself, take the correct steps to do it safely. While the mold growth itself is not dangerous, coming into direct contact with it can transfer spores to your skin, thereby making it more likely that you can become sickened. First of all, wear gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and pants, protective glasses, and a mask over your nose and mouth. Keep the area well-ventilated while you work, and make sure it has proper time to dry out completely after you have cleaned it. In a majority of cases, a mold colony can be scrubbed off a wall using commercial soap and water. Bleach can also be used (one cup bleach to one gallon of water). If you have a steam cleaner, this is another excellent way to remove mold colonies.

Often homeowners will discover mold growths that have so infected an area that the surface may not be salvageable. For example, ceiling tiles, carpet padding, insulation, and drywall are very absorbent, and may need to be replaced completely. Concrete, drywall, gypsum board, and underflooring can retain water too.

Professional remediation companies may use a fungicide or biocide while repairing the area to keep the mold from returning. They will have air scrubbers to remove airborne mold spores. A dehumidifier will remove moisture from the area and allow it to dry faster. If dealing with carpeting, professionals will also use an extractor to lift water out of the carpeting. The final step to any mold remediation service is to test to make sure all mold has been found and removed. Professionals will have the appropriate equipment that can check inside your walls, such as borescopes and infrared cameras to make sure the mold has been completely removed.

The main way of preventing black mold from returning is to reduce moisture levels in your home.

This can be done by running a dehumidifier in the hot, humid season. By keeping your indoor humidity to less than 60%, you make it harder for black mold to grow. Have you ever noticed how windows collect condensation in the cold winter months? This is because air cannot retain moisture when it is cold, and it has to collect elsewhere. These areas are a prime area for mold to grow, so keep your thermostat at a warm temperature. Installing a high-quality air purifier can filter out mold spores and put a stop to poor air quality in your entire home.

Because black mold likes to grow in moist, dark places that have poor air circulation, test your basement floors for cracks or leaks before carpeting them. Installing a plastic layer of sheeting followed by a sub-floor over the concrete floors. Better yet, avoid problems by opting to stain the concrete floors and use throw rugs that can be easily removed should water leaking occur.

If you want to finish the walls of your basement, inspect them for cracks and possible water leaks before covering them with fiberglass insulation and wall board. Most professionals will recommend adding a layer of plastic between the wall and framing, and using pressure-treated, moisture-resistant wood for framing. A vapor barrier is not recommended, as it could trap moisture inside the wall.

Checking around your home outside is necessary, as well. Is water collecting close to your home because of plants and bushes? Does rain naturally flow away from the sides of the home, or towards it? Do your downspouts take water away from the sides of the house? Gutters should drain properly, and be cleaned regularly to prevent organic matter from building up and overflowing to the ground below.