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

Harriet Hodgson asked:




Black mold loves moisture. Just a little bit on the siding of your house, the window frames, or wooden deck furniture and you are in trouble. “Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any surface, providing moisture is present,” according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This health hazard should be removed immediately.

I needed to remove mold from a hand-carved name sign my brother-in-law made for us years ago. He made it because our house can be hard to find. We hung the sign by the front door. The carved whale on the top of the sign suits the Cape Cod design of the house. Over the years, however, a dark mold slowly covered the sign, and we took it down.

How could I remove it? “Mold Resources,” an article on the EPA Website, says hard wooden surfaces may be cleaned with detergent and water. Absorbent surfaces , such as ceiling tiles and carpet, must be replaced. Extensive growth, such as basement walls, require professional cleaning.

An InspectAPedia Website article, “How to Clean Mold on Building Framing, Lumber or Plywood Sheathing and Use of Fungicidal Sealants on Wooden Building Materials,” contains more cleaning tips. Power washing is recommended for smooth surfaces like decks. Irregular and hard-to-reach surfaces may be cleaned with media blasting — power spray using baking soda or dry ice. Though you may clean surfaces by sanding them, it is not recommended. “This is a slow, labor intensive procedure which is impractical for any large area cleanup.”

I went to my local home store for more cleaning information. The store had mold test kits, house wash products, which were mainly bleach, and instant mold and mildew remover, a combination of bleach and lye. The wood cleaning products were available only in large sizes. A staff person recommended bleach diluted with water and his suggestion made me think of shower cleaner.

We had several bottles of spray cleaner on hand and I tested each one. The cleaner with the most bleach worked best. I put on rubber gloves, laid the sign flat, sprayed it, and rubbed it with a kitchen scrubble. I did this twice. Then I rinsed the sign and dried it with old towels. Hours later, when the sign was completely dry, I sanded it smooth and sealed the surface. The shower cleaner was easy to use and it may work for your wood cleaning job.

You may not think you have black mold. However, the EPA, in an article titled “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home,” says you should inspect your home for signs of mold, moisture, leaks, and spills. Controlling moisture is key to controlling mold, according to the EPA. If you find any, even a speck in the corner of a window, remove it immediately.

Since I can’t control the weather, I know I will have to clean the sign again. But that is years away. For now, the sign is clean, bright, and back where it belongs — by the front door. I love it and so do the neighbors.

Copyright 2009 by Harriet Hodgson

Black Mold

Jo I asked:


I worry about the mold will contaminate my wasing macine and colthes.

Male Yeast Infection Treatment

debbie b asked:


I have found black splotchy residue on the ceiling in 3 closets..it wont rub off. Now the ceiling of our screened in porch has a grey matter growing on it….whats up..is it mold or mildew and what do I do??

Damion Rutherford asked:


It should! Toxic black mold accounts for more than 90 percent of all allergy problems, according to research at the Mayo Clinic in 1999. Toxic black mold, also scientifically known as Stachybotrys, can not only be detrimental to your home’s foundation and your items you have in the home, but the mold can cause serious health problems that you need to be aware of.

Black mold is a harmful fungus that can lead to toxic mold syndrome, which causes asthma allergies, such as coughing and wheezing, etc. Toxic black mold has also been blamed for causing the deaths of some infants in the last couple of years. This toxic mold is not something to take lightly, especially if you suspect that you have it in your home. There are solutions!

Indoor air quality is essential to maintaining a healthy home. Clean air is obtained by prevent black mold and mildew from growing anywhere in your home. Read more on this topic on our section about indoor air quality.

Mold Testing – does it help?

Mold testing will let you know what types of mold are growing on your home, will identify what percentage of the air you breathe is actual mold particles, and how the different types of mold that is present will affect your health.

Mold kits can be bought to test your home yourself, the sample is gathered by you and then it is sent to a lab where it is identified. Take the proper precautions when taking the sample, wear a surgical mask and gloves, and clothing that is easily washable. Please keep in mind that the safest way to find out if you have mold in your home is to contact a mold remediation inspector. A Professional mold inspection completed by a mold inspector will give you an accurate assessment of mold growth in your home. Find out what services mold inspectors provide here.