Toxic Black Mold
Black Mold | Toxic Black Mold
You may have heard of black mold from the media, friends, or family. It is the mold everyone talks about due to its micro-toxins it produces. Its real name is Stachybotrys, but everyone calls it “Toxic Black Mold”. The micro-toxins it releases into the air are what is known for causing serious health conditions in individuals. Black mold is a type of fungi that has long tube-like structures which is called hyphae. When the hyphae grow, it forms mass colonies which can vary in shape, size, textures, and colors. Stachybotrys is a slow growing mold and associated with a water damaged area that has been left untreated for a long period of time. Most molds grow in about 24-48 hours when the right conditions are met. With Stachybotrys, it takes a longer period to grow and colonize because of its slow growing nature, and appears in about a week or two. Normally, it is accompanied by other types of mold such as Pennicillum Aspergillus and Cladosporeum. Hopefully this helps see why it is so important to address a mold problem as soon as you suspect one might be present. The sooner that you act and detect an indoor air quality issue, the easier it will be to deal with and less problems it will cause.
Testing For Toxic Black Mold
When testing for Stachybotrys, both air and surface sampling should be performed. Using both air quality and a surface swab is beneficial because it is only airborne if someone rubs up against it or touches it. If an air quality sample is taken, but Stachybotrys is present, it may not show up in the results due to its localization on the surface. If any trace of black mold is detected when testing either by an air test or a swab, professional remediation is needed.
Mold releases tiny spores into the air that are not visible to the naked eye; they are called mold spores. Mold reproduces by releasing the spores into the air, landing on an organic substance, and receiving adequate nutrients and conditions such as water and heat to grow. When the spores start to grow, that’s when you can see visible mold growth. When an individual is exposed to these conditions for a long period of time or at high levels, serious health conditions may occur. Such symptoms are: sore throat, fatigue, trouble breathing, discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, cognitive impairment, and a rash. Mold symptoms effect people differently, so symptoms may vary depending on the person’s hypersensitivity.
Stachybotrys is not easily identified because typically all mold looks the same. If you think you may have Stachybotrys in your home, the only way to tell for sure is if a sample is collect and analyzed under a microscope. But to an expert mold assessor, Stachybotrys can be identified as thick in context and greenish-black in color. Stachybotrys is usually slimy because of its wet layer on top, but if the water source runs out, it can appear dry and powdery.
Black Mold Test Kit
Many convenience stores offer an “at home testing kit.” It may be favorable to go out and purchase one of these kits because of its inexpensive and easy accessible nature. In reality, every home or business contains mold, but what is important is knowing what the elevated levels are or the type. These outdoor mold spores find their way inside the home or business by open windows or attaching themselves to your clothes or shoes. With the at home petri-dish testing kit, mold will start to go no matter what area or the house or business you place it in. The problem with these testing kits is they do not analyze what type of mold is present or what is acceptable or not acceptable based on the levels of mold spores. Not only can the at home testing kit may be misleading, but there are no outside expert mold assessor helping to confirm where the source of the problem may be coming from or to answer any questions you may have.
There are many factors that contribute to mold growth. Some examples are as followed:
Flooding is always one of the most common reasons why a mold problem may exist. Water damage to a home or business is a long and hard process when trying to fix the problem. Flooding affects sheetrock, wood, insulation, and/or carpet. To try to avoid these problems swift action is necessary. Most individuals think that air drying is the best way to solve any water damaged area; but that is not the case. When a large area like carpet or drywall becomes wet, it is necessary to call a professional water damage restoration company. These companies come equipped with industrial dehumidifiers and air movers that dry out building materials in a fraction of the time. But, if you are looking to save money or time, then remove any saturated materials that has been damaged by the flooding.
Humidity is another major configure in mold growth. Most molds need over 55% humidity to start growing, so it is important that levels are either at or below this reading. Since outdoor molds travel inside a home or business naturally, high humidity may cause mold to start colonizing. Dark and poor ventilated areas such as a closet, bathroom or under a sink, would be an ideal spot of mold to colonize. To resolve some humidity problems, it is best to turn on the fan above the stove when cooking or turn on the fan when taking hot showers. Many homes that have been vacant for quite some time are associated with mold problems; like foreclosed homes. This is because there is no ventilation, air conditioning, or control of humidity while vacant. Air conditioners are a natural dehumidifier and can help reduce the colonization of mold spores when running.
Condensation is accompanied with humidity as stated above. Condensation occurs when humid air comes in contact with a cold surface. Some common mold growth may be seen in spots around a window sill or A/C vent because of the context of the area. With these conditions, most likely it is not Stachybotrys that is forming, but another common mold called Cladosporium.
Plumbing issues are another common source to mold growth. Plumbing issues can be harder to identify because they are covered by a wall of under flooring. Any discoloration on a wall or floor without factual knowledge of a flood would indicate there might be a plumbing problem. Plumbing issues can go unnoticed for long periods of time due to a pipe burst, slow leak, or a failed vapor barrier. During our visual inspection, the inspector may recommend in-wall cavity sampling if they believe there could be a plumbing issue behind the wall. Plumbing scenarios will need professional intervention.
Roof or window leaks are very similar to plumbing issues and can be easily identified by discoloration on the walls or ceilings. If the leak is very heavy, pooling of water or collapse building materials may be seen. To determine how advanced the situation is, depends on the location of the area and the extent of the problem. As noted before, action needs to be taken and all building materials need to be discarded to prevent spreading of the mold problems. A unique situation involving a leak would occur in the attic because air quality samples are normally taken inside an indoor living environment. Attics are generally not considered living environments, but attic leaks can cause elevated levels in air quality samples if the problem is great enough. It is best to always have the attic inspected for any visible mold growth or signs of a leak.
Not everyone has a basement, but to the one’s that do, it is important to note that they are one of the most common places for mold to grow. Heavy rains, foundation cracks, poor draining, and sump pump failure are all causes for the basement to flood. Basements are typically damp and dark, which gives mold the ideal setting to grow and colonize. Black mold growth is more common in finished basements due to the organic building materials that provide food for the fungus to grow. As stated, if the building materials have any contact with water damage, they need to be discarded properly.
Removing Black Mold
Special advancements need to be taken when removing Stachybotrys from a home. It cannot be taken lightly like some other molds that may be present. Since black mold grows on porous surfaces like wood and dry wall, it cannot be wiped away or cleaned. All building materials that contain Stachybotrys need to be discarded right away. Since the fungi produces micro-toxins, it is important to call in a professional remeditator. When a professional comes in to correct the problem, they put up plastic barriers to contain the spores during remediation; this helps from spreading the problem elsewhere. Running air scrubbers is also part of the process to take the dirty air of mold spores and return clean air into the environment. Cleaning of framing includes but is not limited to using antimicrobial solutions, scrubbing, hepa vacuums, and anti-microbial sealants. Whenever you are trying to remove Stachybotrys from an indoor environment, it is important to get a clearance test to make sure the job has been completed correctly.
Many individuals assume they have Stachybotrys in their home at the first sign of a mold problem. This is untrue. Although it is affiliated with high moisture, humidity, and heat like other molds, Stachybotrys favors only porous surfaces. Unless you have been accompanied by a water intrusion, leaks, or elevated humidity, you are most likely safe from the micro-toxic black mold. On the other hand, if you have had a recent water damage, leak, or moisture problem it is not uncommon to find this species if the problem is not taken care of immediately. Although Stachybotrys is uncommon, it is not considered rare.
Research has liked health related conditions to Stachybotrys exposure. Although it is hard to tell exactly what health conditions are liked because mold effects each individual differently. Some individuals are more hypersensitive to mold exposure then others. Infants and young children are more common to show health related issues due to their lowered immune system. Evidence suggest that young children develop asthma due to high elevated mold exposure. Young children, elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are usually the highest risk for developing complications from mold. Toxic black mold can cause permanent damage to one’s health. Some associated health risks include: respiratory problems, skin inflammation, hemorrhage, damage to internal organs, mental impairment, tiredness, and/or nausea. Some extreme cases have even lead to death. The longer an individual is around Stachybotrys, the more damage it may cause.
If toxic black mold if found in the home, the mold inspector should indicate if vacating the premises is needed on the protocol provided. If the mold inspector indicates to vacate the property until rememdiated, it is best to temporarily relocate until resolved especially if you are suffering from mold symptoms. There is a possibility that belongings you take with you when locating may contain the micro-toxins from the toxic black mold. If Stachybotrys is located in an isolated area, containment areas can provide and prevent the spread of mold spores throughout the home or business.
If you have a surface sample that you would like us to test, we can certainly help you. But it is highly recommended that you proceed to a full inspection to see how far the problem has spread or locate the source of the problem. We also recommend getting the inside air quality checked compared to the outside air quality. This is help us determine what other mold may be present and what the elevated levels are. It is important to know all types of mold that is present in the home not only for your safety, but for the home or business too.