Discovering black mold in your home is stressful, especially if you or a family member have been experiencing the harmful respiratory symptoms caused by black mold exposure.
Many homeowners are tempted to try and eradicate the mold themselves, thinking it may save them a few dollars, but be warned that attempting black mold removal without professional assistance is a dangerous undertaking.
Let’s take a look at what you as a homeowner
can do to mitigate the effects of black mold exposure -- and which fixes you should leave to the professionals.
What Is Black Mold?
Black mold is a general term used to describe common molds found in residential and commercial buildings. Scientifically, what we commonly refer to as ‘black mold’ is
Stachybotrys chartarum or
Stachybotrys atra.
For some sensitive individuals, exposure to the spores of
S. chartarum
and other mold families can result in unpleasant symptoms. If you suffer from a compromised immune system, asthma, or allergies, you face even bigger risks if the black mold is allowed to develop in your home.
Symptoms can vary, of course, depending on the health of the individual. Here are some of the most prevalent general symptoms:
Spores also induce allergic reactions in some individuals. The following symptoms are most common:
Not all of these symptoms are caused by
S. chartarum,
and many can simply be attributed to constant exposure to damp environments. Either way, there is a strong anecdotal connection between mold growth and the aggravation of asthma, general malaise, and other respiratory illnesses.
What to Do If You Suspect Black Mold at Home:
The first order of business is to find out where the mold is. Be sure to check every area of your home, as the mold issue could be more widespread than you think.
Here are the preliminary steps to take before calling in the
mold remediation experts:
1. Fix the Source of the Moisture
Mold needs a damp, dark place to grow because it thrives with a continual source of moisture. To stall the growth of black mold, be sure to fix any plumbing or roof leaks or any other kind of leak that might be spreading moisture to parts of the home that are supposedly dry.
Other underlying causes you have to address to stop the growth of black mold include excessive humidity and condensation, poor ventilation, and leaky HVAC units.
2. Clear the Area
The more open space you can create around the mold, the better. The affected area should be able to dry as best as possible. Installing one or more portable dehumidifiers is the best and safest way to dry the mold-infested area.
3. Call the Experts
Once you’ve cleaned and dried the areas surrounding the mold growth, it’s time to call in the mold remediation professionals. They are adequately trained and well-equipped to develop a safe plan to remove the mold effectively.
What Not to Do Upon Discovering Black Mold at Home:
1. DIY the Removal
It’s natural to want to take matters into your own hands, but a professional will have the tools and expertise to ensure the mold is completely removed.
Often, DIY solutions only remove surface mold. If you see only a small amount of mold, the problem is usually much more widespread in areas that you can’t see without the same specialized tools that professional remediators have.
2. Ventilate the Area With a Fan
Ventilating and drying the area is crucial, but using a fan will move spores around your home at a rapid pace, increasing the likelihood of further mold growth in other portions of the house. It’s better to use dehumidifiers and work to remove the source of the mold.
3. Hold off Calling for Help
Life can be hectic, and we understand that you might have too much on your plate, but when it comes to mold and the health of your family, you shouldn’t wait too long before calling in the experts.
Call the Mold Remediation Experts at Mold Masters Today!
Our team at Mold Masters understands that the humidity in Florida is a significant risk factor for mold development. Our team proudly services both central and southern Florida and is ready to tackle even the largest mold infestations.
Interested about our mold removal services? Call us at one of our offices (Central Florida: 813-606-6668, South Florida: 239-961-9995, North Florida: 904-397-4030). You can also
contact us online.
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