Stachybotrys chartarum is a scary name. More commonly known as toxic black mold, it is a standout amongst the most notorious and hazardous molds that can develop in the walls, floors, and ceiling of a home. It’s a darkened green color with either a powdery or gooey texture.

There are other species of molds that resemble black mold’s appearance, so analysis by a mold expert is necessary to distinguish the difference. The main conclusive approach to recognize Stachybotrys chartarum is to have a specialist look at it under a magnifying lens.

How Can Black Mold Affect Your Health?

Black mold can be very harmful to your health. Overall, the effects of living in an environment that is contaminated with black mold are temporary. When the black mold is removed, or the person is removed from the environment, most symptoms will subside. However, there have been cases where toxic black mold was fatal.

Some people have suffered lasting health ailments as a result of mold exposure, as well. Long-term exposure to black mold progressively impacts a person’s health. That’s why it is vital to remediate black mold as soon as the problem is noticed.

Toxic black mold may cause the following health issues:

• Breathing problems and shortness of breath
• Skin irritation
• Lethargy
• Queasiness
• Mucosal membrane irritation
• Confusion or psychological difficulties
• Decreased immunity
• Organ damage
• Ruptured blood vessels and internal bleeding

Black mold can even affect your pets’ health. Dogs and cats may suffer from skin irritation, open sores, and respiratory tract illnesses when exposed to mold for weeks or months.

Treatment for Exposure to Black Mold

Medical science has yet to develop a specific course of treatment for toxic mold exposure. Removing the mold with professional mold remediation techniques or removing the affected person from the mold-ridden environment is the only way to stop mold exposure symptoms. Once an individual is far from the mold source, their body will recuperate, and the manifestations will cease. Unfortunately though, if an individual suffered permanent organ damage, they won’t recuperate from that harm.

Where to Investigate for Mold Growth in the Home

Mold flourishes in warm, wet areas and can develop on most indoor surfaces. It needs a great deal of dampness to thrive. You may discover it where there is a leaky water pipe, in the spaces between walls, in wet ceilings or on floorboards.

Black mold grows when and where water is present for between a week to 12 days. Toxic black mold tends to kill off other forms of mold and dominate the area.

Inspecting for Poisonous Black Mold

If you suspect your home has mold issues, it is essential to have your home evaluated by a professional mold remediation company. Homeowners who don’t know about the dangers of a toxic mold may not realize they have a serious health threat in their home. People often ignore the signs of mold-related illness because the symptoms of mold toxicity may seem like a cold or allergy attack.

Sometimes only a professional can find the source of mold, since it may not be apparent or visible to the naked eye. When you have a mold assessment done it is imperative to analyze the water issue that caused the mold growth, as well as the mold itself.

An expert black mold remediator will have the diagnostic tools to analyze where the black mold is developing. He or she can also measure levels of moisture. These are the clues to finding concealed water line breaks or areas of the house where water is getting in from an outside water source.
Strong, musty odors, water-stained walls, and ceilings bowed drywall and cracked or peeling paint are also signs of a developing black mold problem.

Learn How to Get Rid of Toxic Black Mold

Once a mold problem is diagnosed, the remediation process should soon begin. Total removal and replacement of the affected structures may be necessary.

Drywall, ceiling tiles, and floorboards may need to be ripped out. Workers who remove mold-damaged materials should wear protective gear, including goggles, respirators, and gloves.

Use an industrial dehumidifier to remove excess water from the air. A dehumidifier should run non-stop for days or possibly weeks to completely dry out the structure.

Likewise, a strong HEPA filter can clean the air and rid the home of microscopic mold spores that could make inhabitants sick.

How to Get Help to Find and Remove Mold from Your Home

Call the mold remediation pros at SunCoast Mold Remediation if you fear that mold has taken hold in your home. You’ll get a free consultation and quote for remediation services so that you can rid your home of unhealthy, destructive mold quickly. SunCoast offers 24X7 Emergency Mold Remediation Services and guarantees all work performed. Call (561) 203-4911 today and solve all of your black mold problems now.