Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, produces mycotoxins that can be extremely harmful to people and pets. Most people are familiar with the concept of black mold and that it can be dangerous. However, they don’t often know much more than that. Because black mold is such a serious threat, all homeowners should know how it occurs and the signs that you need mold removal for your home.

Your Guide to Black Mold

How It Occurs

If you know what black mold needs to grow, you can prevent its presence in your own home. Mold needs a mixture of both oxygen and moisture to grow, and black mold requires more moisture than other types of mold. It will spread quickly if in an area of high humidity of more than 55% or with minimal light.

It can grow in any area that has organic material for it to eat and prefers materials high in cellulose. This could include drywall, cardboard, wood, or paper. It most commonly thrives in dark, unattended areas near a source of water. This could be underneath a sink, in a basement, in the crawl space beneath the house, behind a water-using appliance, or around the air conditioner.

Signs of Black Mold

Toxic black mold is usually greenish black, but since it tends to thrive in hidden spaces you may not see it right away. There are other signs, however, that you can look for which indicate you might need mold removal. Any visible signs of water damage such as water spots on your walls or soft spongy areas in the drywall mean that mold has the perfect place to thrive behind it; the water damage should be repaired, and the area should be tested for mold.

Mold has a musty smell, so if your home has an unpleasant earthy smell even when you try to air it out this could be a sign of hidden mold. As the growth spreads and releases its harmful spores into the air, your family may start to suffer some health issues. Mold exposure usually begins with allergy or flu-like symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, rashes, coughing, and asthma.

If you have any concern that there’s black mold in your home, don’t hesitate to call a professional. The more it spreads and the longer your family breathes in the spores, the more dangerous it will be. The home mold removal team at Henry’s Services are the Anchorage, AK, experts in full-service fire and water damage restoration. These services include mold removal and repairing your painting & drywall after it’s removed. Contact them online or at (907) 344-4200 to request a free estimate today.