Living in South Florida, mold is present all around us, it can develop from leaves decaying, or grass being cut, however, this type of mold referred to as penicillum/aspergillus is typically harmless in low levels. There are so many varieties of mold but only certain species can be considered harmful to your health, and result from direct water intrusions.
Toxic black mold or black mold is a name commonly used for Stachybotrys (aka Stachy). It is one of the most infamous toxic molds because it can grow in houses and is extremely dangerous to humans. Stachybotrys is known as a toxic mold because it produces toxins called mycotoxins. Toxic black mold is a greenish-black gelatinous mold. It is usually slimy because of a wet layer on the top. However if a toxic black mold colony’s water source runs out it can appear dry and powdery.
Can mold make me and my family sick?
Mold can affect the health of people who are exposed to it. People are mainly exposed to mold by breathing spores or other tiny fragments. People can also be exposed through skin contact with mold contaminants (for example, by touching moldy surfaces) and by swallowing it. The type and severity of health effects that mold may produce are usually difficult to predict. The risks can vary greatly from one location to another, over time, and from person to person.
Toxic Black Mold Symptoms
The mycotoxins of toxic black mold can possibly cause people to suffer symptoms. The general types of symptoms caused by toxic black mold include:
- Respiratory problems
- Skin inflammation
- Hemorrhage
- Irritation of the mucous membranes
- Damage to internal organs
- Mental impairment
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Immune system suppression
Toxic Black Mold Removal
Never try to remove toxic black mold on your own. Disturbing toxic black mold can make it release huge amounts of spores and mycotoxins throughout your home, making your symptoms much worse.
If you have toxic black mold in your home you should talk to South Florida Water and Mold Restoration, Inc., a professional mold removal service experienced in removing toxic black mold. We can remove the mold with minimal disturbance, while also containing spores and mycotoxins.
Where Toxic Black Mold Grows and What Causes It
Toxic black mold grows best in warm conditions and is found in many countries throughout the world. Outdoors, toxic black mold grows in soil and on plant debris. Indoors, toxic black mold needs materials high in cellulose and low in nitrogen to grow on. This means toxic black mold can grow on many common indoor building materials.
When toxic black mold does grow in the home it’s usually in a place out of sight. Toxic black mold needs a lot of moisture for a long time before it can begin to grow. This is why it often grows where there has been a water leak hidden from view. Leaks inside walls, above ceilings or under floors are common causes of toxic black mold.
Toxic Black Mold Treatment
There is no cure or antidote which can be taken for toxic black mold. The only solution is to remove the toxic black mold from your environment safely or remove yourself from the environment. Once you are away from toxic black mold your body will start to recover and most of your symptoms should go away over time. However some of the damage from toxic black mold can be permanent so it’s important that you hire a professional mold remediation company to solve your problem.
Call South Florida Water and Mold Restoration at 954-923-3340 for a free consultation, we are always available to discuss your mold removal concern.