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Every year, thousands of people are sickened by a hidden hazard lurking in their homes: black mold. While there are many misconceptions floating around the internet about how hazardous this substance actually is, the fact of the matter is that it can still cause serious health consequences. Here are a few tips for keeping your family safe from black mold.
Can Black Mold Kill You? What You Need to Know
In small amounts, toxic black mold (stachybotrys chrtarum) isn’t dangerous. However, it can easily adhere to surfaces in your home, like carpet and drywall, and release spores into the air. These spores can then create health issues with consequences ranging from a mild allergy to significant illness.
Typical health issues associated with mold in your home include shortness of breath, runny nose, allergies, and more. Those with a weakened immune system—such as infants and seniors—might experience much more serious effects. Prolonged or exceptionally bad exposure can lead to bleeding in the lungs or severe respiratory failure. Thus, if you suspect black mold in your home, it is important to take steps to eliminate it as soon as possible.
Tips for Preventing Black Mold
Often present when certain areas of the home have been exposed to moisture, black mold feeds on organic material. Common areas where this type of issue is found include carpet, flooring, drywall, and sub-flooring. Usually, there’s been some kind of flooding or leak in the past that has created the mold issue.
Household bleach can usually remedy small instances of black mold. However, bigger problems might require replacing carpet or drywall to help get rid of the overall problem. The easiest way to prevent the growth of black mold is to make sure to fix leaks as soon as they are noticed. Also, keep moisture-prone areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, adequately vented.
When to Call a Disaster Restoration Company for Black Mold
At what point does a mold problem become bad enough to require help from a disaster restoration company? This answer depends on the reason for the mold growth and the level at which it has gone untreated. Small areas can usually be treated by the homeowner, while large infestations require tear out and disposal of household building materials.
While most minor instances of black mold will not kill you, it can still be a significant health hazard that needs to be dealt with immediately. Contacting a disaster restoration company is often the best option to protect your family.
Do you suspect you have a black mold problem in your home? Our team of trained experts at Zona Restoration can help. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.