Toxic Black Mold - All Facts in One Place!

What is Black Mold and Why Exactly is It Dangerous?

Black mold is a general term for dark-colored mold - usually black, green, or a combination of the two colors. Black mold grows on materials with cellulose content, like food items, wood, cotton, and paper, and usually requires a high moisture content and warm (room) temperatures to thrive.

All molds are dangerous, but black mold is often referred to as toxic mold because of the poisonous mycotoxins they release in your food or the atmosphere in your home. These mycotoxins are harmful to your health and can cause several health problems when you are exposed to them.

So, in addition to giving surfaces in your home a dark makeover, black mold also causes toxic mold symptoms like wheezing, itchy eyes and respiratory tract, and asthma attacks. Black mold can also cause fungal infection and inflammation of areas that come in contact with its spores.

Common Places Where Black Mold Grows

Black mold grows on almost anything or any place that is biodegradable and retains moisture (or high humidity). But if you're ever going to be a million steps ahead of a mold infestation in your living or office spaces, you need to know the places black mold is commonly found and will likely thrive.

Examples of areas where black mold grows - that you should keep an eye on are:

1. In the bathroom on the walls, within joints, and between tiles.
2. In the kitchen around and within the sink, above the cooker, and behind the refrigerator.
3. Within your HVAC system.
4. In the basement on the floor and walls.
5. In the attic, very close to the roof.
6. Around water fountains or swimming pools.

How to Identify Black Mold in the Home

Before embarking on black mold removal, you may first need to detect the presence of black mold in your home. So, here are some telltale signs that can point you to a black mold infestation in your home.

• Visible black or greenish-black stains on damp walls, furniture, or surfaces.
• A musty odor fills the air around the affected area.
• Degradation of walls, boards, and furniture surfaces.
• You can also identify this mold type by looking out for black mold symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, aggravated asthma symptoms, skin reactions, and respiratory tract inflammation.

However, if you suspect you have mold growing in your home but cannot locate the infestation, you will need the help of mold experts like Mold KO to detect and remove black mold from your home using sophisticated equipment.

Common Causes of Black Mold Growth

Black mold is a natural part of our ecosystems - pretty much the same way ants are. So, they are present in unnoticeable amounts in every place that supports life. However, they become noticeable and start to grow on surfaces and walls in your home when certain conditions are attained. Yes, you can say that the following conditions are the common causes of black mold:

• Retained moisture from floods, leaks, plumbing failures, and spills.
• Warm temperatures.
• Poor ventilation which can prevent moisture from drying out.
• A food source such as cellulose is found in wood, paper, and clothing materials.

In a nutshell, if you've ever had to deal with mold, you most likely had unmanaged moisture problems leading to black mold growth.

Preventative Measures To Stop Black Mold From Growing In Your Home

Right about now, you may think, "Well, I already know so much about this black mold. Now, how can I keep it out of my house?"

We at Mold KO are happy to give you all the enlightenment you need about how to stop black mold from growing in your house.

There are many preventative measures for black mold growth you can practice in your home to keep those irritants away. These measures are simple home practices that prevent mold from pitching a tent in your living space.

1. Always assess new homes for mold infestation before moving in.
2. Fix water leaks or plumbing issues as soon as they occur.
3. Thoroughly dry water (or liquid) spills around the home.
4. Use a dehumidifier as needed to keep the relative humidity level in your space optimal.
5. Ensure that your kitchen and bathroom are adequately ventilated when you cook or use the shower. Now that's because the steam that isn't let out will eventually condense and moisten the surfaces in these areas of your home.
6. Hire professional help to dry your home after a flood or significant water leak.
7. Clean your upholstered furniture as often as possible so they do not become hideouts for mold.
8. Declutter regularly so you can fish out any hidden potential mold infestation.
9. Use mold-repellent paint or tiles for the walls in moisture-prone areas of your home.

How To Safely Remove Existing Black Mold From Your Home

There are tons of videos online that show step-by-step processes of removing existing black mold from your home. But the question is: how safe are those DIY mold removal methods? Remember, we are not talking about dust or food stains here. We're dealing with toxic black mold that creeps around through its spores (that can easily get into your body).

So, when it comes to removing existing black mold safely, the safest way to go is to hire professionals. When you hire our professionals to remove black mold, you not only save yourself from the risk of exposing yourself to this dangerous fungi. You also give your home a good chance at being mold (and sickness) free.

And don't forget, even after the professional mold treatment is done, you can ensure that mold does not pay you another visit by keeping every part of your home dry and adequately ventilated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Mold

How do I identify if it's toxic black mold or not?

The easiest way to know if the mold growing in your house is black mold is to look out for its color. If it has a greenish-black hue, then you're most likely dealing with black mold. However, remember it is safer to call in the mold experts as soon as you notice mold growth.

Is it OK to live in a black mold-infested house?

Absolutely not OK!

Black mold infestation is as dangerous as any infectious disease - the flu, COVID-19, and tuberculosis - because it can make you sick upon contact. So as soon as you notice the presence of black mold in your home, call for professional help and get rid of its enabling environment.

How long does it take for black mold to grow?

Black mold grows quickly - 24 to 48 hours after a water leak, flooding, condensation, or spill. This is the main reason it is quite necessary to manage moisture problems as soon as they occur.

Can black mold disappear on its own?

Unfortunately, black mold infestation will not disappear but will grow worse if left unmanaged. The more available food and moisture are, the wider the infestation will spread.

Can black mold be non-toxic?

Not exactly. Black mold is toxic and will remain a health hazard if allowed to grow within your living space.

What does black mold smell and look like?

As its name implies, black mold takes on a black color and leaves dark (black or green) woolly or velvety stains on the affected surface. Black mold also has a musty and sometimes decaying smell that announces its presence.

Take the Needful Steps to Get Rid of Black Mold - Call Us

Here is the best mold removal advice you will ever receive.

As soon as you notice mold growth or infestation:

• Do not touch black mold or try to clean it off the affected surface because you will only spread the spores to other areas in your home.
• Close off the affected area if possible.
• Call Mold KO on 888-253-4551 - so our experts will help rid your home of those annoying fungi.