Most people often ignore a tiny mold in the bathroom or on the basement wall. But when it comes to the black mold, the scenario becomes different. This toxic fungus has a scary reputation.
Black mold poses multiple risks to your health and your property. Let’s discover how dangerous this mold is for you and why professional mold inspection is your best line of defense.
What is Black Mold
The black mold, scientifically known as Stachybotrys Chartarum, is a toxic mold species that thrives in damp, humid, and poorly ventilated spaces. It appears dark green to black in color and often feels slimy when touched. This type of mold is commonly found on materials like:
- Drywall
- Wood
- Insulation
- Ceiling tiles
- Carpet padding
Here is an interesting twist: not all black-colored mold is toxic. That’s why it is essential to get a professional inspection instead of making assumptions based on looks.
Where Does Black Mold Grow
Mold loves moisture. If there are leaky pipes, roof damage, flood aftermath, or even consistent humidity, it is likely to grow rapidly. Some of the most common places in a home that this mold prefers to hide are:
- Behind walls or wallpaper
- Around leaky windows or HVAC systems
- Under sinks
- Inside crawl spaces or attics
- Around previously flooded areas
In short, where there is a water issue, mold can be found growing.
How Dangerous is Black Mold
If this mold is left untreated for an extended period, it can pose significant health hazards. It releases mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can cause a range of health problems, especially to people with:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Weakened Immune System
- Chronic Respiratory Conditions
What Black Mold Can Do to You
The health risks associated with mold vary from person to person. Mold allergies are very common, but here are some other reported symptoms too:
1. Respiratory Issues
If you breathe in air that contains spores of back mold, then you may have to deal with:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of Breath
- Chest Tightness
If you already have respiratory problems, exposure can trigger the condition into severe attacks.
2. Sinus and Nasal Problems
The mold spores irritate the sinuses and the nose. Breathing in a mold-affected area, you may have to deal with:
- Runny Nose
- Nasal Congestion
- Sinus Infection
- Post-Nasal Drip
All these situations can feel like seasonal allergies, but these can last longer.
3. Skin and Eye Irritation
Exposure to the toxic type of mold can cause:
- Itchy Skin
- Rashes
- Hives on the Skin
- Red Watery Eyes
- Blurred Vision
- Eye Discomfort or Itchiness
Individuals with sensitive skin are more likely to experience severe skin irritation. Staying in a mold-affected area persistently causes extreme discomfort to the eyes.
4. Fatigue and Headache
This one is the frequently reported effect. The exposure to toxic mold can lead to:
- Chronic Tiredness
- Trouble Concentrating
- Frequent Headaches or Migraines
These symptoms can worsen if exposure continues.
5. Severe Reactions
Severe reactions aren’t common, but there is a possibility that they can occur if you ignore mold growth in your home for an extended period. People with compromised immune systems can have:
- Lung Infections
- Neurological Symptoms
- Organ Damage
Although these aren’t common, they highlight the importance of taking black mold seriously.
Can Black Mold Kill You
Black mold isn’t typically fatal to healthy individuals. However, for vulnerable individuals, infants, the elderly, and those with autoimmune disorders or lung conditions, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
So the simple answer is that it is not something that causes instant death, but ignoring it for longer can be risky for your health.
How to Know If You Have Mold at Your Place
All types of mold can be sneaky. It often grows in hidden spaces or areas that are least visited. But there are a few warning signs you can watch for:
- Dark green or black spots on walls, ceilings, or baseboards
- Discoloration behind wallpaper or paint
- Persistent musty or earthy smell
- Odors that get stronger when the windows are closed
- Ongoing allergy symptoms that improve when you leave home
If you have noted one or more of these signs, it’s time to take a mold inspection to know if there’s a serious problem at your place.
What Happens During a Mold Inspection
Once you have scheduled an inspection with Linkhorn Home Inspections, you can expect a certified mold inspector to check your place thoroughly. The inspection consists of the following steps:
- Visual Assessment: The inspector checks your home for signs of mold growth or water damage.
- Moisture Mapping: They use tools to detect moisture behind the surfaces.
- Air Sampling: They test the air for mold spores to determine air quality
- Surface Sampling: Once mold is found, they collect samples for lab testing
- Detailed Report: You’ll receive a report showing test results, the type of mold in your home, the severity of the issue, and recommendations to prevent future growth.
Final Thoughts
The black mold isn’t just an eyesore. It is marked as a health hazard. Indeed, it doesn’t cause serious illness all the time, but it poses real risks to your health that you can’t ignore. Whether you suspect mold growth or are dealing with any symptom indicating the presence of mold, get an inspection at the earliest. Know what type of mold is here and what your next step should be.
At Linkhorn Home Inspections, we have licensed inspectors who know about the safety measures while dealing with the mold and ensure to describe to you the cause of the mold growth and how to prevent it in the future.
