The Truth About Toxic Black Mold
No mold is good mold, but the mold that homeowners fear the most is “toxic black mold.” This is partially due to news stories about it and content produced by mold removal companies that employ scare tactics to get customers and make more money.
The truth is that black mold isn’t necessarily as bad as it’s made out to be. While it shouldn’t be taken lightly, there’s no reason to freak out if you find black mold growth in your home. Keep reading to learn how to distinguish fact from fiction regarding black mold.
What is black mold?
Black mold is the common name of Stachybotrys—and, as you can probably tell, it gets that name from its black appearance. Just like other types of mold, Stachybotrys thrives in damp, dark areas. Black mold can spread rapidly if it’s left untreated, so bringing in a professional as soon as you spot it is always recommended.
Is black mold dangerous?
While the common belief is that black mold is more dangerous than other types of mold, that’s not really the case. Black mold can cause allergy symptoms like headaches, itchy eyes and runny noses for some people. Exposure may also trigger pneumonia if someone has a pre-existing condition. We know that’s scary, but other varieties of mold can do the same thing.
The best way to keep yourself from these symptoms is to treat mold as soon as possible, regardless of its color.
Can black mold cause cancer or kill you?
We know living with allergy symptoms is miserable, but there’s no reason to fear getting cancer if your home has black mold. We’re not sure where the idea that black mold causes cancer came from, but it’s certainly a misleading statement.
The good news is that black mold cannot kill someone on its own. However, developing pneumonia can be deadly, especially for elderly individuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 50,000 people die from pneumonia each year. Be sure to seek treatment right away if you’re feeling ill.
What’s the best way to treat black mold?
As we mentioned above, hiring a professional for black mold removal is the best route to go. Pros will remove the visible mold and treat other areas of your home to ensure it doesn’t come back.
But if you want to work on it yourself before calling a professional, black mold can be cleaned up with Clorox or other bleach-based solutions. If you’re going the DIY route, be sure to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a mask, gloves, long sleeves and long pants.
Let Ahold of Mold Environmental tackle your mold issue
Instead of trying to handle your mold infestation by yourself, call the experts at Ahold of Mold Environmental. In addition to our mold removal services, we also perform mold testing for anyone who suspects they may have a mold issue in their home or office. Give us a call today to get a quote for our mold treatment services.
Categorised in: Mold Prevention
