4 Ways to Spot Black Mold
When we hear about “mold,” we often think of negative thoughts; yet many people aren’t exactly aware of how to spot mold around their homes. There are plenty of different types of mold, including one that goes by the name of Stachybotrys Chartarum, or black mold. Mold can pose serious problems for families, especially individuals with allergies or asthma. The first step to stopping this fungal growth is by spotting it, and with the help of our mold removal services, you can use these four tips to spot black mold in your home.
The Importance of Distinguishing Black Mold
Mold is much more common around the world than we may think, but the presence of mold in your home is never a positive for any homeowner. Fortunately, regular mold isn’t as harmful as the common toxic black mold, but both types can look extremely similar. Distinguishing mold is important because of the impact black mold can have on individuals with compromised immune systems, allergies, or dangerous levels of exposure.
Black mold is a toxigenic mold, meaning that continuous exposure can lead to the development of mycotoxins. Individuals exposed to the spores that carry these mycotoxins can eventually develop major respiratory issues, skin inflammation, fever, and rashes. When in doubt, professional mold testing services can identify the presence of black mold and let you know where it might be growing and how you can stop it.
The Color Is the Biggest Distinguishing Factor
Despite being named “black mold,” it can come in various colors. It can look dark green, black, or gray, depending on the location in your home where it’s growing. One of the most difficult parts of using color as your only distinguishing feature is that regular mold can also look black or green. While mold is often black or green, other types of mold can come in colors like white, brown, purple, or orange, so make sure you look for a darker, greener color.
Use Your Nose to Guide You
Another one of the five senses you can use is the smell. Black mold, and mold in general, have a very musty smell. The mold that is just starting to grow won’t have a strong scent. But once the mold is matured, it will begin to smell dirty or rotting, and it’s hard to miss when it starts to take over your basement. Try to identify black mold via the smell, and start with locations in your home that might be most affected by moisture.
Is the Mold Wet and Slimy?
Certain types of mold have a light, fuzzy, and almost welcoming appearance. Black mold, on the other hand, looks nothing like its counterparts. Black mold grows to look slimy and wet when matured, and you can determine its presence by how it feels. Remember not to touch black mold with your bare hands, though. Use gloves, face masks, and safety goggles when in the area, but remember that hiring a professional is the best way to identify mold.
Is Your Health Starting to Deteriorate?
Lengthy exposure to black mold can start to impact your health. Some of the most common signs of toxic mold syndrome — or the effect of large volumes of mold — include:
- Chronic Coughing/Sneezing
- Rashes
- Persistent Headaches
- Throat Infections
- Conjunctivitis
- Fatigue
- Sinusitis
Thoroughly Remove Black Mold With Mold Medics
If you didn’t know before, you certainly are aware now of the dangers present in black mold, and your best option for dealing with mold is to remove it completely. Mold removal isn’t a simple weekend DIY project. It’s a professional process that expert mold removal specialists should perform. The team at Mold Medics perform a quality job, ensuring that residents, businesses, and people near and far and protected from the effects of black mold. Reach out to us ASAP if you believe black mold might be present in your home.