Mold growth is a common issue in homes and businesses. A property owner's first instinct upon discovering mold is to clean it up immediately to prevent it from spreading to other areas. However, mold exists in varying species and while some are harmless, some can also be dangerous.
Among these harmful types of mold which can grow indoors are Stachybotrys chartarum and Stachybotrys chlorohalonata – also informally known as "black mold." Without proper knowledge, cleaning black mold is a dangerous step for property owners to take. Mold remediation usually calls for professional service, provided by companies such as ServiceMaster of Cobb. It's not a job that can be performed by just anyone. Learn about why removing black mold on your own is not advisable.
What are the risks of being exposed to black mold?
- Health problems such as allergies; eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; nausea and respiratory distress
- Neurological issues such as brain fog, memory loss and seizures
- People with compromised immune systems, children and the elderly are more susceptible to the effects of black mold exposure.
Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Black Mold Removal
As mentioned, black mold can lead to serious health problems and aggravate existing ones. Black mold releases toxins, which is why professional mold remediation technicians utilize full-body suits, respirators and other specialized equipment to protect themselves and limit their exposure.Additionally, mold removal service providers know how to properly handle a black mold outbreak and are able to eliminate mold and its spores from your home or business with the right equipment and proven techniques. They have been exposed to a variety of mold removal scenarios and know how to deal with a specific mold problem. From professional experience, here are some dangerous scenarios that can occur when removing black mold:
1. Black mold that covers a large area. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the larger the area that the black mold contaminates, the more complex the containment and the cleanup can be. The improper cleanup of a small area affected by black mold can make things worse by releasing mold spores into the air, which follows that improper handling of a large-scale mold problem can present greater dangers. Also, cleaning mold on a surface level without addressing the root cause cannot eliminate it completely. An expert has the tools and knowledge to assess the mold situation and remedy it according to its cause, location, size and other factors.
2. Black mold that develops after flooding. Flooding can stem from a variety of sources, such as a burst pipe, a roof leak, or a sink overflow. Simply cleaning up the standing water may not be enough to stop consequential mold growth. A company offering both structural drying and mold remediation must be contacted to tackle the problem.
3. Black mold in your air system. Black mold on and inside your heating and cooling systems can indicate a system-wide outbreak, and mold spores may already have been circulated all throughout your house. In this case, you would need professional evaluation to detect and clean up the mold, especially if it is growing inside hard-to-reach areas.
4. Black mold that's growing on wood. Wood with mold growth may or may not be salvageable. It could also be difficult to detect mold if it grows inside walls or in the crawlspace. Contact an expert for professional advice and remediation.
