Common areas include wood trims on bathroom walls, cabinets underneath kitchen or bathroom sinks, and wooden furniture found in damp basements. Because wood is highly porous, the mold is able to grow on the surface while also growing roots deep within. Black mold growth on wooden surfaces can be particularly difficult to remove. Black mold typically grows in a circular pattern, with round colonies ranging from less than an inch to many inches across. It may also spread in the form of a concentric circle pattern.
However, it is also common to see dark or black irregular patches of mold, ranging from a few inches to several inches across. Most black mold shapes and patterns will appear slimy or shiny due to the moisture of the environment in which it grows.
However, if leaks have been fixed, the mold will appear to be dry and even powdery. In addition to damp rooms and moisture-exposed wood, mold can grow in some less obvious and less visible spaces as well. Porous surfaces, such as drywall and carpets, are particularly susceptible to black mold growth following moisture exposure. Water can also accumulate near the corners of walls after a flood or leak, causing the mold to grow within these nooks and crannies.
Like most molds, black mold starts to grow as fuzzy white fibers, looking similar to a cotton ball. However, this is not commonly seen outside of the laboratory environment, as this small, light mold is often well-hidden in a home environment. As black mold develops and begins to produce spores, it may look gray or green in the center with white around the edges. As the spores fill in and the mold reaches maturity, it develops its characteristic black hue.
While black mold in the home is typically found at full maturity, keep an eye on any gray or green mold as well, as it could be black mold in its earlier stages. If a homeowner finds black mold in their home, the next steps will depend on how significant the spread is.
If black mold has moved into the walls, it is recommended to hire a mold-removal specialist to stop it from spreading further. Mold Prevention: Black Colored Mold vs. Black Toxic Mold. Even so, toxic or not, mold prevention is the key to a safer home. What is Black Colored Mold? What is Black Toxic Mold? The Causes Any type of mold capable of releasing mycotoxins is definitely toxic.
The Effects Black toxic mold can cause serious health problems. Symptoms Mold prevention is always an option, but ignorance can unintentionally bring on a lot of health issues. Mold Prevention Mold prevention is always the best defense to stopping mold growth. Let's talk about the path to your Mold Solution. Choose the way you'd like to connect and help is on the way. Not ready to talk to someone? Take our free online self-assessment and get clarity. Take the 2-Minute Self-Assessment.
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This blog post will discuss black mold: where it comes from, how to prevent it, and how to identify it if you find any in your home or office building. It is characterized by its unique appearance, as it is darker than most types of mold.
All molds are biohazards that can produce toxins and should be removed immediately when found. Black Mold can originate from many different sources. It thrives in damp areas with a lot of cellulose, such as cardboard or paper items. Black mold is also present in some foods that are high in cellulose and low acidity e. However, mold can grow in any warm, wet areas of the house such as basements, showers, crawlspaces, and especially on windows. It can form as the result of your ventilation not working properly or if you have leaky pipes.
If you suspect you have leaky pipes in your house, you should check your basement thoroughly for mold. You should also check showers, corners, and crawlspaces if you think your ventilation is not working properly. One of the best ways to tell is by checking the humidity. A home with high humidity likely has a moisture problem. Musty smells suggest mold, mildew or rot. Household odors that linger may indicate too much moisture in the air. Frost and ice on cold surfaces from condensation can be a sign of excess moisture in the air as well.
It is difficult to see and identify black mold. The first clue that it may be present in your home comes from the symptoms of exposure, such as nasal congestion or coughing. However, only a trained professional can accurately diagnose whether black mold is present by having a professional analysis completed. Another way to tell is a musty smell. Most species of mold and mildew cause a musty smell throughout your home, and the highest concentration of that smell likely has the most.
If your mold infestation is mild, there are a few things you can do to help get rid of it. When using a mold removal substance, make sure to test on a small area of your surface first to avoid ruining the material. Mold spores are dangerous and can cause or aggrivate many different respiratory issues. If you already have a respiratory illnes such as severe allergies, asthma, or COPD, avoid doing this yourself.
A mixture of bleach and water scrubbed on the moldy surfaces will kill the mold spores and disinfect them. Let the mixture kill the mold, then scrub the surface.
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