A growing concern for many homeowners today is the risk of having mold.  Though there are many different species of mold, all different in how they affect us, there is one species that is particularly dangerous if we are exposed to it.  It is called stachybotrys or, black mold.

Dangers of Black Mold

Black mold is a highly toxic species of mold that can be extremely dangerous for humans.  It can cause a number of problems if ingested, and can even be fatal.

There are a number of various symptoms that could indicate that you have black mold hiding out in your home.  Some of them are:

  • Respiratory problems
  • Weakened immune system
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Mental impairment

If you believe that you have been infected with black mold, seek help immediately, and call a professional mold remediation company to inspect your home.

Identifying Black Mold

Probably the biggest indicator of black mold presence is the smell.  Black mold carries a musty, rotten smell that is fairly obvious to detect.  Since it grows in damp, dark areas, like the area under your sink, the smell is most obvious when you open the door.

Black mold grows best where it is dark and damp, so if you do sense an odd smell, areas that are exposed to moisture may be the first place to look.  Once you find the source of mold, you can get an idea of what kind of mold you are dealing with based on the color, beyond that, the testing should remain in the hands of professionals.

Black Mold Prevention

A great start for preventing mold growth is testing your home’s humidity level.  You’ll want to look for a hygrometer to test for humidity.  These can be found in any home improvement warehouse.  Upon testing, if you find your home’s humidity level to be above 55 percent, you should look to dehumidify your home.

Since humidity and moisture are large contributing factors to the growth of mold, you’ll also want to make sure you control any unwanted moisture from leaky pipes, faucets, or any other water source.  Keeping high moisture areas dry will dramatically reduce the chances of mold growth.

Keeping homes free of dirt, dust and grime is another way to prevent the spread of mold.  Since mold spreads quicker through organic material, keeping your home free of dust is a good way to prevent its growth.

Black Mold Cleanup

If you believe your home has black mold, it’s time to call in a professional cleaning company.  They will have all of the tools necessary to safely remove the mold from your home, and prevent future growth.

Remember, black mold is highly toxic and extremely unsafe to handle.  Don’t put you or your family at risk by attempting to clean it.

Be Safe

If you suspect your home may be experiencing black mold growth, above all other things, be safe.  Limit how much you are exposing yourself to and be sure to call a professional who specializes in mold remediation to resolve your issue.