Black mold has been getting more and more news coverage
since hurricanes caused flooding in the Gulf Coast of the US
recently. But black mold caused plenty of health and
financial distress for thousands of people long before the
storms hit.
Black mold is also called toxic mold. Its scientific name
is stachybotrys chartarum. Once black mold begins growing in
a home, it”s hard to stop.
Black mold has even caused some homeowners to move out and
never return. There have been news stories about people who
have burned their homes to the ground because they believed
it was the only way to stop black mold. Juries have awarded
huge sums of money to homeowners who sued their insurance
companies because they wouldn”t pay for preventive repairs
once black mold set in. Some home builders also had to pay
large amounts when juries felt that shoddy worksmanship
contributed to the mold.
Most homeowner policies address the black mold issue. Some
pay for black mold-related repairs, but others set a limit
on how much they”ll cover when black mold appears.
While black mold is a problem, in most instances its growth
can be prevented or stopped before it causes excessive
damage.
What is Black Mold?
You”ve undoubtedly heard the phrase, “There”s a fungus among
us.” As funny as that line sounds, it”s no laughmatter to
anyone who”s had to deal with a black mold problem. Here
are the basic facts about black mold.
Black mold is a fungus that breaks down organic matter in
its environment.
Black mold is actually greenish-black in color.
Black mold grows on moisture-laden materials that contain
cellulose: wood, paper, drywall, and other similar products.
It thrives in damp humid conditions, like bathrooms and
basements.
Black mold does not grow on tile or cement.
Black mold spores can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin
or ingested on our food.
Black mold produces hazardous byproducts, called mycotoxins.
These toxins are believed to be linked to memory loss and to
severe lung problems in infants and the elderly.
Some people are more susceptible to black mold than others.
One person may become debilitated by exposure to black mold,
while another person sharing the same environment is
essentially unaffected. People with asthma are especially
susceptible to black mold problems.
Floating black mold particles are invisible to the naked
eye, so it”s impossible to see where they might have landed
— until they start growing.
Causes of Black Mold
*Black mold usually begins to grow because of:
*Leaky water pipes.
*Roof leaks.
*Clothes dryers and exhaust fans that vent under the house
or back into the room. Vent them to the outside.
* Flood damage. Houses that have been flooded are at serious
risk for black mold, especially in areas when are high
humidity and temperatures provide the mold with the perfect
place to reproduce before cleanup begins. Flooded homes–
especially those that sit in water a long time (as they did
in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina) are likely to suffer
extreme damage from mold.
*Ways to Discourage Black Mold from Growing:
*Install a dehumidifier in chronically moist rooms.
*Don”t carpet rooms that stay damp.
*Insulate pipes and other cold surfaces to discourage
condensation.
*Install storm windows to eliminate condensation on glass.
*Cover crawlspace dirt with plastic and ensure that the area
is well ventilated.
How to Clean Black Mold
Make sure the room is well ventilated before you begin. If
the mold covers a small surface area it isn”t too hard to
clean it with detergent and water. Allow the space to dry,
then apply a solution of 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of water
to help kill the remaining spores.
**** Never combine bleach and ammonia because the
mixture produces a toxic gas****
There are products available that are designed specifically
for mold. But keep in mind: black mold will probably return
unless you elminate the underlying problems that caused it
in the first place.
Professional Mold Removal
Severe black mold problems usually require professional
treatment by a company that provides black mold remediation.
Beware When Buying a Home
Have an air quality test performed before you buy a home. In
the past, air quality testing was ordered primarily to
detect radon gas, but tests for mold spore are becoming more
common. Some home inspectors offer mold tests, but they can
probably help you find someone who does. Mold testing can
cost $300-$800 depending on where you live.
If mold detected, find out where it”s coming from. Mold
should be removed and repairs should be made to ensure it
won”t come back. Talk to your real estate agent or to an
attorney to determine if a special contingency should be
inserted in the contract that will allow you to back out of
the deal if toxic mold or other molds are detected. Many
standard forms used by real estate agents include “mold
contingencies.”
For more tips on dealing with black mold visit
http://www.moldinfo.us
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