Mold will grow and flourish in a place where moisture, poor ventilation, and oxygen are present. While this fungus normally prefers colder climates, its spores will usually wait until the right conditions are created to reproduce and multiply.
There are many types of mold that can be found in commercial and residential properties. Some of these are not harmful, but there are three general types of mold that you should avoid, namely, allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic.
1. Allergenic Molds
As the name suggests, these are molds that can trigger allergic reactions and sometimes asthma attacks, particularly among those who are suffering from these disorders.
2. Pathogenic Molds
These are molds that can carry an infection, affecting healthy people as well as those suffering from acute diseases.
3. Toxigenic Molds
Sometimes called toxic molds, these are toxic or harmful fungi that can cause serious to severe health problems in people.
Black Mold
This is a type of mold that falls under the toxic or toxigenic classification and can be found in both commercial and residential properties. Also known as Stachybotrys, black molds grow in moist areas that have high humidity. The texture of this fungi is often slimy while sporting a dark green or even black color.
Black molds can also grow on cellulose materials such as cardboard, paper, and wood. They thrive and spread easily in bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, basements, and other similar places in the home.
Are Black Molds Dangerous?
Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by black molds, according to deepwaterco.com. These can cause serious health problems for people who come into contact with the fungi. Common symptoms of black mold exposure include fatigue, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Other symptoms are irritation of the mucous membranes, pain in the throat, difficulty breathing, nausea, headaches, and nosebleeds.
Black molds can also be dangerous to children and infants as exposure to the fungi can cause neurological problems and pulmonary hemorrhage.
Tips To Prevent Black Mold Growth
A mold removal company is the best option available to you if you want to remove black molds from your property. Hiring mold removal professionals will give you the assurance that molds can be effectively eliminated.
On your own, you can try the following tips to prevent the growth of molds:
1. Keep Humidity Low
Molds thrive in high humidity areas. Therefore, it is important to reduce humidity as much as you can.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends indoor relative humidity to be below 60%, so opt for a 30 to 50% humidity level. This has been found to be quite effective in preventing molds from growing.
2. Ensure Sufficient Air Flow
Good ventilation is essential to prevent humid air from becoming trapped indoors. It can also reduce moisture levels and dry areas on your property.
3. Use Mold Inhibitors
While building your house, mold growth on painted surfaces can be prevented by adding mold inhibitors to the paint. These are additives that can reduce the risk of mold proliferation.
4. Fix Leaks
Professionals should be called in if you need to repair any leaks in your walls or plumbing system. Neglecting to fix them can lead, not only to mold growth, but to property damage as well.
5. Dry Out Wet Carpets
Wet carpets and furniture should be brought outside the house for faster drying. Additionally, refrain from placing carpets or cloth rugs in bathrooms or other damp areas in your home.
6. Use Mold-killing Products
These are products manufactured to clean bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp places on your property and can effectively eliminate molds and spores. While there are many of these on the market, the hydrogen-based type is the best because one of its contents, white vinegar, is a great cleaner, disinfectant, and deodorant and can kill 82% of all mold species, including black molds.
7. Get Clean and Dry
Flood and water damage can lead to quick mold growth, so you need to ensure that your home is dried out and cleaned up within 24 to 48 hours, or even sooner if possible. To prevent further damage to your belongings and property, calling a restoration company is always a good idea.
Key Takeaway
Black molds can pose serious health risks to you and your family, so it is important that you get rid of them as soon as possible. To do this, you should get in touch with a reputable company that offers excellent mold mitigation and damage restoration services. Once home molds are effectively removed, there are several things you can do to ensure that these fungi are unable to stage a comeback. Fixing a leaky pipe, installing a mold inhibitor, maintaining low humidity levels, and using mold-killing products are some of the things that can be done with relative ease in exchange for having a safe and mold-free home.
