Mold
Mold from Water Damage – All Your Questions Answered
Mold from water damage has adverse health effects – the most common of which is mycotoxicosis. Studies show that mild poisoning can cause headaches, mood swings, body pains, and even nosebleeds and memory loss.
What's even more concerning is that mold can cause childhood asthma and is shown to worsen asthma and other respiratory issues.
Exposure to mold spores in some cases causes infections, among other health issues.
Among other things we may wonder, how to identify mold growth? How to prevent it? And what are the methods of mold remediation?
We focus on answering these queries and more.
Mold vs. Mildew
All species of microscopic fungi that grow in multicellular filaments come under the umbrella of mold. These microbes thrive on organic matter of all kinds, including clothing, ceilings, walls, and even floors.
Moisture is a prerequisite for mold to thrive – which is why it's most commonly found on shower walls and basements, where moisture levels are high.
Mildew is the same as mold – the term "mildew" refers to mold growth.
How to Identify Black Mold?
Identifying mold isn't complicated. Here are the signs you must look for:
#1 Musty, Stale Smell
If you notice a weird smell in any room in your home, make sure you thoroughly check it for mold from water damage.
Mold growth causes a stale and musty smell. If you don't see anything at first blush, removing wallpaper, plastering, and tiles to take a look is a good idea. The mold may be thriving under these layers.
It's easy to be accustomed to the smell of your home. If you notice water damage, having a friend come over and check with a "fresh nose" is also an idea.
#2 Spots and Dark Rings
Darks rings and spots on walls and ceilings are early signs of mold growth. Although these spots aren't indicative of mold growth in and of themselves, they are a sign of water damage, which can lead to mold growth in as little as two days.
If you see these in your home, quickly mop the spot up with disinfectants.
#3 Skin and Lung Irritation
If you're frequently having headaches, find yourself sneezing and coughing, or have itchy skin or eyes, your home may have mold from water damage.
Black mold can cause these symptoms, so if you're experiencing them continually, it's best to have your home checked out.
#4 Visible Mold Growth
In some cases, home and business owners can visibility see the growth on the walls and ceiling. Most black mold is black, but it does appear in many other colors. You may see a dark, almost furry-looking growth.
Sometimes, the mold may even be white, orange, brown, or even green.
Regardless of the color of the growth, when you spot it, make sure you work to get rid of it or hire professionals to do it for you.
How to Identify Black Mold On Drywall?
Stachybotrys smells especially stale and musty. The smell almost guarantees mold growth from water damage.
If there's been a water leak in your home, or your home is flooded or has excessive amounts of moisture, the conditions are perfect for the growth of black mold.
The only sure-shot way of learning if the growths you see are black mold is to have it tested.
How Dangerous Is Black Mold?
As mentioned earlier, black mold can cause mild poisoning, leading to headaches, body pains, mood swings, and even memory loss.
But the truth of the matter is – living in moldy environments can cause severe health effects or none at all. It all depends on the health of residents.
Older people, infants, those with weaker immune systems, and also those having respiratory issues are more susceptible to having strong reactions to mold growth.
Some of the most common reactions to exposure to mold include:
Stuffy nose
Wheezing
Red, itchy eyes
Fever
Shortness of breath
Asthma attack
Mold growth can have concerning health effects on infants. Besides increasing the risk of the development of asthma, mold exposure can cause acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage.
If you have a child and notice water damage, ensure that the issue is pinpointed and dealt with as quickly as possible.
How to Prevent Mold Growth?
Preventing mold growth in your home is as simple as routinely carrying out maintenance procedures.
Ensuring that all parts of your home are free of excess moisture and there are no water leaks, condensation, flooding, or filtering will keep your home clear of mold.
Here are some specific recommendations that will help keep your home free of mold:
Use air conditioners or dehumidifiers to keep your home's moisture levels between 30% and 50%.
Use dehumidifiers during humid months.
Ensure that your home has enough ventilation. One of the best ways to do it is to install exhaust fans in your bathrooms and the kitchen.
Ensure that your clothes dryer vents lead to outside the house.
Fix leaks promptly, regardless of where they are in the house.
Clean and dry your home thoroughly after flooding.
How to Get Rid of Black Mold?
Black mold will not only distort how your home looks, but will also affect your health.
The best way of getting rid of black mold is undoubtedly by contacting a team of professionals. However, if the mold growth is minor and manageable, you can follow these steps below to remove it yourself:
Step #1: Find the Source of Moisture
The first thing you must do is find where the water is coming from. Check your faucets and fixtures, including those in your shower or bathtub, to ensure there are no leaks.
Also, check the exposed plumbing in your home for damage. In warmer temperatures, leaks from exposed plumbing can lead to the growth of black mold.
Water heaters are also a hotspot for mold growth.
Black mold removal is critical since it can severely affect your health if left untreated. But before you begin to remove it, you must first confirm whether it is black mold or not.
It is typically black and has a strong smell, but to make sure it is black mold, you can either get a testing kit from your local hardware store or contact a team of professionals to have a look at it.
Step #2: Protect Yourself
Wearing a respirator and gloves is a must. You must also ensure that your whole body is covered – wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
It's also vital for you to protect your eyes. Wear safety goggles.
Step #3: Prepare the Area
Preparing the area for mold removal the right way is critical. It helps ensure that the spores don't accumulate and grow in another part of your home.
Make sure the air conditioning/heating is turned off. Moving air around the home when removing mold is not a good idea.
Seal the doorways of the room with tarp and tape.
If an exhaust fan in the room connects to the outdoors, use it to move the airborne spores outside the house.
Step #4: Treat the Area
One of the best ways to remove black mold yourself is to mix one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and then mix that concoction with five parts water.
Put the concoction in a spray bottle, and spray away while wiping down the affected area.
Alternatively, you can also use the mold and mildew removers you find at the store.
Step #5: Clean Up
Thoroughly disinfect the room that has the mold before you unseal the doors. Use disinfectants generously.