The Dangers of Black Mold in Your Home
There are many different colours of mold, but one gets the most press: black mold. Recent news stories, media, and pop culture address the hazards of toxic mold and the importance of black mold removal have led many panicked homeowners to call the MoldTech team to learn more about mold testing and mold removal. These professional and safe services can identify and remove all species and types of mold and help you protect your home for a healthier and safer life.
Here’s what you should know about mold testing and mold removal in your home when it comes to black mold.
What is Black Mold?
There are two ways to answer the question, “what is black mold?” The first is that there are thousands of species of indoor mold growth. Some look black, and others may be blue, brown, red, green, or yellow. Some may have furry textures, while others may be slick or wet. When people refer to black mold, they’re usually referring to one specific type: Stachybotrys Chartarum. What differentiates this species of mold is that it forms mycotoxins that have serious adverse effects on humans (and pets too!).
Regardless of the colour, texture or type, mold growth indoors is a symptom of physical or environmental imbalances or problems inside a home. Regular mold testing can spot an infestation in the early days and prevent a more severe and large-scale infestation.
The Dangers of Black Mold
Mold growth is dangerous to human health for several reasons. You don’t need a specific allergy to experience a reaction to mold spores in your home, nor does mold need to produce mycotoxins for it to be harmful. While not much is known about the long-term effects of exposure to mold growth, here are a few common effects:
- Respiratory distress or difficulty breathing.
- Itchy, burning, or watery eyes.
- Nasal congestion.
- Dry, itchy skin.
- Headaches, brain fog.
- Fatigue.
When it comes to toxic black mold, you may experience additional symptoms, such as:
- Vomiting.
- Nausea.
- Cognitive impairment.
- Bleeding in the lungs or nose.
While mold testing can tell you if a patch of mold is producing mycotoxins, it’s almost beside the point — all mold, regardless of type, should be removed as soon as possible to prevent these health effects and mitigate damage to your home.
Tips for a Healthy, Mold-Free Home
The serious effects of mold exposure can be difficult to separate from more common conditions like seasonal allergies or the common cold or flu. That’s why MoldTech recommends regular mold testing and mold removal. Testing can help identify areas that are at risk of mold growth or that have new infestations. Early detection leads to early removal — saving you time, money, and eliminating the harmful effects of exposure.
At MoldTech, we’ve been helping families with black mold removal for over a decade and have perfected a science-based approach that ensures complete and safe mold removal. Want to learn more about our services or book mold testing for your home?
