Black mold how does it form

Black mold, also known by its scientific name, Stachybotrys Chartarum, is a greenish-black fungi that grows on damp surfaces and hidden moist areas. Excessive and continuous moisture is the leading cause of a black mold infestation. On average, this species of mold takes 8 to 12 days to grow and spread when given the right conditions. Usually, homeowners find black mold in bathrooms, kitchens, basements and crawl spaces.

Black mold is considered a health hazard because it produces harmful mycotoxins, which are known to damage respiratory and immune system health. Its spores are also irritants, causing itchy skin and eyes, as well as sneezing and sniffling. Black mold grows in high-moisture areas, typically attributed to water leaks or unmitigated standing water. Improperly remediated water damage can also promote black mold growth. Pay particular attention to bedroom windows, where black mold thrives—especially on older, single-pane glass.

If you have children, inspect their bedroom windows regularly. Black mold may be mistaken for other types of mold that grow in similar places, including aspergillus mold. Not only can you see and smell a mold infestation, but you can also monitor your family for any changes in health conditions. Because these symptoms are similar to symptoms of other, more common illnesses, many people never attribute their health problems to black mold.

Black mold dangers vary from person to person and depend on the length and amount of exposure. People with compromised immune systems or existing respiratory illnesses are at greater risk of developing serious symptoms like lung infections. Any level of black mold exposure is considered undesirable. Healthcare professionals agree that even small amounts of mold should be removed as precaution, even if everyone in the home is healthy.

Black mold removal and cleaning. Before treating mold on your own, prioritize ventilation and protective gear. Ask the pros. Clear the air. Protect yourself. Create a bleach mixture. Watch for water. Keep it clean and dry. Final word on black mold: Best avoided—but not deadly. Black mold FAQ. How big is a black mold spore? What are mycotoxins? Can natural products like tea tree oil work on black mold? However, we recommend looking to the pros if you need help with a larger mold colony.

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Sign Up. All rights reserved. Back To Top. They are naturally found in the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors. Since spores are tiny and lightweight, they become airborne easily, every time we vacuum or walk on the carpets or even sit on our couch. Because mold spores are not visible to the naked eye, it is hard to tell which surfaces are contaminated.

Therefore, the mold has to be completely cleaned before you renovate or move to a new home. Mold usually thrives in warm, humid conditions.

Temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius are ideal conditions for mold to grow and multiply. Cold, wet and freezing conditions during the winter months is also a good time of the year for molds to multiply. Mold is often found near sources of water where it easily grows and reproduces. Why is black mold so dangerous? Black mold releases toxic spores that linger in the air and attack your respiratory health.

The potency of these toxic spores has proved to be the most detrimental to human health. Black mold often appears as slimy and greenish-black. If its water source runs out, black mold can also appear as dry and powdery. Sometimes mold invades spaces that are hard to see and reach.

It spreads fast, burrowing into walls and ceilings and hiding in cupboards and under carpets. Quite often, people are exposed to black mold without even knowing it. If you or anyone in your home is experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms without knowing why, you may be exposed to mold. Black mold should be approached with extreme caution. Tackling black mold without proper knowledge and equipment is unsafe. The suspected contamination should always be examined and removed by professionals.

A professional black mold removal service will tackle the contamination with advanced equipment and technology. For instance, protective masks and gear should be worn at all times, to ensure maximum safety. Black mold, scientifically referred to as Stachybotrys atra or Stachybotrys chartarum , is typically black or dark green and often linked to serious health problems. Even though black mold poisoning typically affects horses, cows, and pigs, humans can become infected if they inhale or ingest the spores.

Symptoms of stachybotryotoxicosis include skin rashes typically around the armpit or other spots prone to perspiration , throat and sinus irritation, burning eyes, and a decrease in the production of white blood cells. In conclusion, the best way to avoid the negative effects of black mold poisoning is to minimize your exposure to black mold. You can do this by preventing its growth in the first place. Black mold, typically green or black, in your home can be extremely hazardous to your health.

Learn about black mold poisoning and start preventing black mold growth today.