Chances are, you have heard about black mold or seen it in your house. Dark, musty stains on walls or ceilings trigger alarm among homeowners. What truly concerns people is: how dangerous is black mold?
This post outlines the characteristics of black mold, its causes, how to identify it, and how it grows, with a special focus on health risks. It provides important information regarding this menacing fungus.
What Is Black Mold?
Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, as it is known in biology, is a type of fungus that flourishes in humid and moist conditions. You can easily spot black mold in damp building spaces, including basements, bathrooms, and water-damaged zones. The black mold distinguishes itself from regular mold as it belongs to a hazardous category, while many types of mold are harmless by nature.
So, how dangerous is black mold? The general public is oblivious to its dangers. The health risks from black mold exposure amplify when you have a pre-existing respiratory condition, allergies, or immune system weakness.
Where Does Black Mold Come From
Black mold grows mostly where moisture levels are consistently high. Water seepage into walls, ceilings, or sections of flooring provides the ideal conditions for black mold to grow. The most typical environments where people discover black mold include:
- Leaky roofs or windows
- Flooded basements
- Burst pipes
- Bathrooms and kitchens have improper ventilation.
How Long Does Black Mold Take To Grow
Any water leak or moisture problem that is not fixed right away will lead to fast black mold growth. The amount of time required for black mold growth depends on the conditions in which it exists.
Under suitable moist and humid conditions, black mold grows within two days. It grows quickly but still takes some time for what you can call a full-on black mold invasion. Take mitigation measures whenever you spot patches of black mold because it can spread quickly.
Mold Growth Timeline
- Black mold starts its formation process in moist areas within the initial 24-48 hour period.
- Black mold spots will become noticeable after one week.
- After 2 weeks, mold colonies will become larger, spreading the mold across the area.
How Do You Identify Black Mold
In addition to its typical dark color, black mold becomes distinguishable through specific features that differentiate it from other mold types.
- Besides black, it also manifests in dark greenish-black and dark brown colors.
- Black mold forms with a moist and slimy texture but turns powdery or fuzzy over time.
- Its presence is easy to detect when you sense a musty and earthy odor in the house.
- For confirmation, hire a mold expert who can verify the exact type of mold that you have. They all look the same to a layman.
How Dangerous Is Black Mold
- Black mold can cause significant health problems for people with sensitivity or underlying health concerns.
- Black mold spores scatter in the air and cause allergic responses, which might result in breathing issues.
- Asthmatic people, people with chronic respiratory problems, and those who have weak immune systems are most vulnerable to black mold exposure.
- Regular exposure to black mold causes respiratory problems, including coughing and sneezing, which may induce wheezing. In severe situations, it can also trigger asthma attacks.
- Black Mold allergy symptoms include skin rashes, eye discomfort, and nasal discharge.
- It can lead to symptoms of sinus infections alongside nasal airway obstruction.
- Some people have also complained of frequent headaches and extreme fatigue.
- In some rare cases, long-term black mold exposure may cause neurological impairment, impacting memory function, dizziness, and mental disorientation.
You need to take care of mold because, depending on your exposure level and personal health, it can cause multiple problems. Avoid leaving mold unattended.
What Should You Do If You Have Black Mold in Your Home
The discovery of black mold at home can cause distress among residents, but there is no need to panic. First, understand how extensive the issue really is. You can easily take care of a small mold contamination under 10 square feet. Professional assistance is necessary to control mold spread when the infestation size exceeds 10 square feet.
Steps to Take if You Discover Black Mold
- Protect yourself by wearing gloves, an N95 mask, and goggles, as they can block mold spores.
- If possible, cut off the affected space so mold spores do not spread.
- Black mold spreads best in wet areas; therefore, you must resolve all moisture issues before you begin mold treatment.
- Specialized cleaning products can be used to remove mold or mold-affected areas, especially during large infestations.
- Hire expert help for extensive mold cases because mold specialists will execute safe mold elimination procedures.
Conclusion: Protect Your Health from Black Mold
In conclusion, black mold poses significant dangers for individuals with respiratory issues and those who have weak immune systems. Exposure to black mold can lead to different medical problems, including breathing difficulties and, in extreme cases, brain dysfunction symptoms. Protect yourself and your family from black mold by fixing the issue’s root cause, followed by immediately treating all infected areas. Don’t let black mold threaten your physical health.
The professional mold testing services at Blessed Assurance Home Inspections are just a call away. Blessed Assurance (BAHI) specializes in mold detection services and the complete and safe removal from homes. Contact us today to schedule a systematic inspection of your living spaces and professional mold removal services. Don’t let mold grow because your and your loved ones’ health comes first.