The Dangers Posed By Toxic Black Mold In Houses
Toxic black mold in houses are dangerous to the health of the occupants, aside from having the ability to destroy parts of the home and other properties, such as sofas, walls, ceilings, roofs and others. There is a possibility that the illness of a member of the household is caused by toxic black mold because it has been associated with several health problems, including abdominal pain, asthma, allergies, cancer, dizziness, fibromyalgia, infertility, rhinitis, sneezing, sinus congestion, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, vision problems, vomiting, spleen pain, and ringing in the ears. And because the cellulose in many building materials, upholstery, clothing and others is food for molds; the mold eats them thereby reducing their structural integrity. But black mold in houses may not even be immediately apparent because they could be hidden inside ceiling and wall cavities or under carpeting, paneling and wallpapers.
The possibility of having toxic black mold in houses has also increased because of the use of less expensive building materials, like plywood and plasterboard, that are more prone to having mold growths when they are damp. Some of the common places where mold grows in homes include basements with water problems or those with dirt floors, books, newspapers, magazines, clothing, bathrooms, kitchens, drapes, drywall, humidifiers, paint, plants, rags, paper, equipment and ducts for heating and cooling, wood products, upholstered furniture, and wallpaper.
It is therefore important to check for any signs of mold colonies. These include a musty odor, water stains, dark spots that are located within the areas of vents, and an unexplained surface discoloration. Visible signs are the most obvious and it may also be advisable to obtain a sample from the suspected areas and to send it to a professional laboratory so that they can test if it contains toxic black mold. An important area to test is the concrete slab in the basement that does not have a moisture barrier. After this, it is vital to apply a mold and mildew remover to the different surfaces where mold is likely to be present. You can make use of vinegar and other common household products like bleach, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. You may also purchase the commercial mold removal products for those tough spots.
If there are dark areas in the home, this may be due to water leaks or cracks in some of the structural parts of the home. It may be necessary to call in a contractor or a plumber to make the repairs so as to minimize the availability of water for mold growth. After making the repairs, it may be advisable to apply paint that has EPA-sanctioned mold inhibitors.
To further minimize the possibility of the growth of toxic black mold in houses, adequate ventilation is also necessary. Exhaust fans can help in reducing the humidity in bathrooms, basements and kitchens. It is also advisable to ensure that the relative humidity is not conducive to the growth of molds by buying some hygrometers. You can adjust your air conditioning system to lower the humidity or you can purchase dehumidifiers.
