Black Mold

Sarah Osborne asked:




There have been a lot of confusion as to whether chlorine bleach has the ability to get rid of mold and sanitize the infested areas for permanent results. The verdict is out, and it is proven to be ineffective for long lasting results as black mold removal since it is not able to totally uproot and kill all mold spores and prevent multiplication. In fact, bleach is only good for changing the color of the mold and watering the mold spores and roots. And there is an issue of wear and tear accelerated by chlorine bleach speeding up the corrosion of materials as well as wearing down the fibers in the porous materials. In fact, chorine bleach is not endorsed by EPA as a sanitizing agent to get rid of mold in the black mold removal process.

While it is true that chlorine bleach kills bacteria and viruses, it has not been effective when used to get rid of mold on non-porous surfaces. The key reason is that bleach itself is 99 percent water and water is the main component that the infamous fungus thrives and multiplies. Common scenarios are such that when liquid bleach is used on them, they multiply within a short period twice the amount than the original before the process.

Chlorine bleach simply does not penetrate into drywall and wood, only staying on the surface while mold continues to multiply inside the said construction materials. As liquid bleach is used, the liquid content continues to feed mold growth, rather than kill them and this literally causes the intense growth instead, hence spreading the problem even more then ever.

Chlorine bleach is incapable of get rid of mold by killing its roots. While many mold removal companies resort to strong but proprietary chemical agents to for mold cleanup which enables users to uproot the problem once and for all. These agents are often not bleach which is considered mild disinfectants largely used in the kitchen, bathrooms as well as laundry.

Any potency of chlorine bleach is literally diminished over time, from the moment they are manufactured and bottled into their plastic containers. Liquid bleach tends to loss more than half of its killing power even when unopened, after just three months from the moment they are bottled. The main reason is that chlorine is capable to escaping through the plastic containers.

Finally, chlorine bleach gives off pungent and harmful gases that are health risks to humans and animals. It contains a key component of dioxin, which has been established by studies to be one of the most toxic synthetic chemical known to man. Extensive use can cause severe health hazards inclusive of cancer.

Bleach is indeed an old approach which our older generations used for mold cleanup to get rid of mold. Unfortunately, its popularity is probably due to the fact that it is still believed to be the most handy black mold removal product easily available. There are other more effective and less health threatening cleansing agents for mold abatement like borate which we shall discuss in the next article.

Black Mold

Markus Skupeika asked:




Black molds and mildews are known for bringing about various health problems in human beings. Though they are essential for earth’s ecosystem, they are not at all good for our health. Indoor black molds can result in serious health issues for men, women, kids and seniors. Individuals with compromised immune system suffer a lot when exposed to black molds.

Black Mold Health Effects:

Mold spores are released in air. Hyphal fragments become airborne when stirred by any of the external forces. These airborne particles are so small in size that human eyes cannot see them. When individuals inhale moldy air, these particles enter into the system and easily make their way to lungs and other respiratory organs.

Black mold health effects may turn up to be very serious. Initially it looks like common allergic reactions to cold or dust. But ignoring the early symptoms can be dangerous.

Some of the symptoms of mold and mildew allergy are stuffy and runny noses, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, skin rashes, headache, irritation of throats and nausea. There can be other reactions of mold exposure too, it is better to consult a physician to know the exact cause of allergies.

Troubles can begin suddenly. Individuals may feel congested as soon as they enter into a mold infected room, basement OR come into direct contact with any moldy piece of fabrics, curtains, leather jackets, carpets, wallpapers and other similar household materials.

Should such symptoms occur, become careful. Mold infection is accompanied by a musty odor. This odor is the clue; it helps individuals identify the exact location of contamination. Humid places and the locations that had water damage are preferred by molds and mildews to grow in. Mold removal is the only way to get rid of such sticky molds.

Here is a list of black mold health effects:

Redness, irritation of eyes and watery eyes are known as common symptoms of mold infection. But the problem is these symptoms are also observed in cold and flu. Itchiness and redness can spread around the eyes and result in swelling of eye areas. Coughing, wheezing and sneezing also fall under common mold allergies.

If you have had no history of cold or flu in recent past, and you are suffering form these symptoms, it can be a case of mold exposure. To be confirmed, walk into other parts of the house, get out in the garden and go in to open air. If the conditions continue to be the same, perhaps you have cold. Otherwise, the place wherein your suffering started has got molds.

Direct contact with toxic black mold and mildews often result in skin rashes. Itchiness, swelling and tenderness are the general signs of skin allergies due to mold. These are also similar like other types of allergic responses, hence, difficult to diagnose unless the victim is sure of handling any contaminated substance.

Some individuals are more responsive to the molds; however, almost everybody shows some of the above mentioned symptoms with different intensity when exposed to molds and mildews. People with asthma and compromised immune system experience really bad conditions in presence of toxic black molds and mildews.

What kills mold?

Mold cleaning and mold removal both are important when it comes to killing mold. Exhaust fan, air conditioning system and dehumidifier can help you clear airborne mold particles. To clean mold infected substances, you can use mold cleaning products which are natural. Mold cleaners made of organic substances are free from side effects and quite effective too.

While cleaning molds, one should be careful enough so that cleaning-time exposure does not result into severe black mold health issues.

Black Mold

Gerard K. Lawson asked:




However, when exposed to toxic mold, people may experience more severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, nervous system disorders, and even organ malfunction. Memory loss, immune system abnormalities, and even damage to the brain have also been recorded.

The most common type of toxic mold comes from the genus Stachybotrys. Other mold genera notorious for effecting debilitating symptoms in individuals are Penicillium, Chaetomium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Acremonium, and Alternaria. Some of the more usual symptoms of a mold infection are sneezing, coughing, dryness in the throat, irritation of the eyes and the skin, nasal congestion, and headache.

Where is black mold found?

This fungus thrives in moist, dark places and are frequently discovered in rooms which aren’t properly ventilated. The attic, for instance, may be subject to moisture because of possible leaks in the roof. When moisture enters the attic and settles on old furniture, books, or old clothes, black mold may soon grow and multiply.

The danger of black mold in this case lies in the possibility of it being agitated at some time. If the homeowner visits the attic looking for an old costume, for instance, the black mold that has been silently thriving may be disturbed and in the process, its spores are spread all throughout the area.

In spaces such as this, the windows are usually closed to protect the belongings from the elements, but actually, the situation becomes worse when there is no proper ventilation in the room.

If there are any belongings exposed to moisture, they are hardly given enough chance to dry because natural air is not made to circulate in storage areas such as attics or basements.

Black mold growth is not limited to the interior areas of the home; shrubs and other greenery may also be infested by black mold, and this is apparent in the grey color it leaves on the plant’s leaves. However, unlike contamination in the home, affected shrubbery can easily be cleaned by hosing it down with water and perhaps wiping the leaves with an ordinary washcloth to rid it of the ghastly grey coloration that black mold causes.

You can also apply a fungicide that is effective in eliminating black mold yet does not carry the danger of black mold fungicides. Even exterior sidings can hold mold growth, but these can easily be cleaned with detergent and water.

The danger of black mold exposure becomes even more pronounced in people with histories of asthma. For them, even small amounts of spores that are inhaled can trigger a severe asthma attack. And we all know that serious cases cannot be remedied by a simple inhaler.

Individuals who are allergic to pollen are also vulnerable to the danger of black mold exposure. Mold spores that get into their respiratory system can give rise to serious reactions that may require hospital treatment. In addition, when black mold spores come in contact with the skin and the eyes, the irritation could last for a long period.

Black Mold

Jacqueline Yang asked:




Toxic black mold is so called because its spores have a greenish black coloring. This type of mold is most often found in humid areas within your home, such as your bathroom, laundry room and kitchen. As its name suggests, this type of mold can be extremely detrimental to your health, so it is imperative to clean and kill the mold before it has the chance to effect the health of those within your household.

Although some mold outbreaks can be very apparent, it also has the tendency of hiding in spots where you might not expect to find it. One way that you can determine whether or not there may be mold within your home is to look at any medical conditions or symptoms those in your family may be experiencing. Constant headaches and breathing difficulty, sore throats and nosebleeds are commonly seen reactions to a mold infestation. If these issues are familiar to you, it’s very important to either hire a mold removal company, or to thoroughly examine your home yourself for the possibility of a mold outbreak.

If it does become apparent that mold exists within your home, it’s important to immediately start the black mold removal process. If you feel confident in learning how to get rid of mold yourself, the first place you want to go is to a local home improvement store, such as Lowes or Home Depot. Explain to a customer service representative that you need to kill mold within your home, and they can direct you to all of the supplies that you’ll need to do this safely and effectively. It is important to read all of the safety labels on products that you purchase so you’ll know exactly what supplies you need and what health risks there may be in attempting this yourself. Another option is to contact a mold removal company in your local area. This may cost you several hundreds of dollars, if not more (depending upon the amount of mold in your home), but you can be assured that the black mold removal will be completed thoroughly and safely.

For long term black mold removal and prevention, it’s important to make sure that the humid areas in your home are equipped with ventilation fans, which will help to prevent the build up of moisture. Despite your best practices, you may experience a mold infestation in your home which simply cannot be helped. However, black mold – while a scary prospect to deal with – is not the end of the world. Follow these tips and suggestions, and a home that’s completely free of toxic mold can be yours.

Black Mold

Steve Gee asked:




Black mold is a fungus that spreads relentlessly in your bathroom

Very few bathrooms escape the dreaded black mold fungus. Sooner or later it finds a nice damp corner of your shower or your walls and begins to grow. Slowly at first then before you know it it’s all over your beautiful bathroom. Black mold is notoriously difficult to get rid of and control but a cure is possible. I reveal the secret below.

How to spot black mold in your bathroom

Well it’s difficult to miss it. It’s a black blight, which starts in corners and cracks then grows along joins and seals. The bigger it gets the faster it grows It loves to follow the lines of silicon sealer and grout between ceramic tiles. It seems to get inside the silicon sealer even the fungal resistant kind. It can turn your lovely bathroom into a dirty pit if you don’t do something about it quickly.

General measures to keep black mold out of your small bathroom

There are some common sense things that you can do to slow down the march of the black mold in your bathroom. Black mold thrives on moisture so keep your bathroom well ventilated. Open windows and doors after use and wipe down surfaces to encourage them to dry faster.

Wiping down all ceramic surfaces with a dilute solution of bleach every few days will also help to slow down the growth of the fungus.

Traditional remedy for black mold in the bathroom

The traditional cure for black mold has been to cut out the affected areas of sealer and grout and any bits of wall covering that is contaminated. Wash the whole place down with a dilute solution of bleach and then re tile, re grout and re seal. This cures the problem for a while but sooner or later, usually only a few months or weeks later, the black mold returns.

This is a very frustrating cycle to be riding on because you have to keep doing it. Many people eventually just give up and the black mold takes over.

The secret that can banish black mold from your small bathroom

Black mold in my small bathroom had been defeating my efforts to keep it under control and finally I decided to remodel the whole bathroom which I thought would get rid of it forever. Was I wrong! I managed to keep it out for a few short months but somehow it found it’s way in again.

I cut out and replaced the contaminated silicon sealer but this only slowed it down. Then someone told me about a product called ‘Mold and Mildew Remover’. You simply spray it onto the affected areas then leave it for 3-5 minutes before rinsing it off. This sounded too good to be true but I thought that I would give it a try anyway.

The person that told me about the product also told me that the secret was to be patient with it and not expect to see instant results from just one spraying so I set about treating the affected areas of my little bathroom 2-3 times a week and watched what happened. After the first month I dropped the treatment to 2-3 times a month.

The results were nothing short of amazing and fantastic. I thought that I saw an improvement after the first week and after the second week I was convinced that the black mold was at least not growing any more. After a month the patches of black mold were definitely smaller than they had been and after 6 months they are nowhere to be seen. They have completely vanished and I’m so very pleased with it.

Black Mold