Like other types of mold, black mold is commonly found in dark, humid areas of homes. It
releases spores into the air that you can absorb through your skin or breathe in
. These spores can also catch a ride from you to other areas, spreading it throughout your home.
How serious is black mold in a house?
Based on current research,
black mold exposure is no more dangerous than any other type of mold exposure
. It is impossible to avoid exposure to mold — the spores are almost everywhere around us. In high amounts or in people with allergies, exposure to any mold may cause allergy symptoms.
What do you do if you have black mold in your house?
Cleaning Black Mold
Black mold, as well as any other mold that you find growing in your home, should be cleaned immediately. Mold on hard surfaces can be cleaned with “
commercial products, soap and water
, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water,” per the CDC's recommendation.
Can I stay in my house with black mold?
Can I Stay in My House With Black Mold? It
is recommended that you stay somewhere clear of mold spores until all black mold has been removed from your home
. This is because black mold is toxic and can cause immediate health issues and result in long-term consequences.
Why do I have black mold in my house?
Usually, it's caused by
excess moisture in buildings
, which can result from leaking pipes, rising damp in basements or ground floors, or rain seeping in because of damage to the roof or around window frames. In a newly-built home, damp can occur if the water used when the house was built is still drying out.
Can I remove black mold myself?
If the black mold growth in your home is small enough for you to treat alone, a
simple mixture of bleach and water
can help. … You can also find commercial black mold removal products. Apply the cleaner to the mold spot and scrub away the growth. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly when you're done.
What kills black mold instantly?
White distilled vinegar
is an affordable, natural solution to removing black mold. Its antibacterial acidic characteristics are exactly what you need to get the job done. Pour the undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle to apply to the area, or just go for it and pour that vinegar right onto the mold stains.
How do you know it's black mold?
Black mold, as the name implies, is often dark in color. When searching for black mold, look for
circular-shaped spots that are black, dark green or dark brown
. Some black mold can also take on shades of orange or have flecks of white within it. Most of the time, black mold has a slightly furry appearance.
How expensive is black mold removal?
The black mold removal cost of an unfinished basement can really vary. It could be as little as
$500
or as high as $4,000 depending on the scope and size – AKA how much mold is present and how much area it covers. If the attic and ducts are involved, the cost for those generally ranges from $2,000 to $6,000.
How do you know if mold is making you sick?
If you have a mold allergy,
your immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores
. A mold allergy can cause coughing, itchy eyes and other symptoms that make you miserable. In some people, a mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms.
How long can you live in a house with black mold?
When trying to determine how long a person can safely live in a moldy house, it is first important to determine the individual sensitivities of the individuals involved. In general, a person can live in a mold-infested house
for several years
although some people may experience severe discomfort.
Is black mold an emergency?
Even regular, run-of-the-mill mold can make you miserable and
should be dealt with immediately
. However, mold that is left untreated can develop into black mold, which is toxic to humans and can make you extremely ill.
Should I move if I have black mold?
Not only does mold damage the surfaces it grows on, it can also cause serious health problems. Depending on your sensitivity to mold and the extent of the mold growth, it could be a good idea to
move out of your apartment
if mold is present.
Does black mold wipe off?
If you see it growing on drywall, it's usually growing on both sides of the paper coating, so
wiping it off the surface doesn't always get rid of the colony
. Because it needs moisture to survive, black mold grows in damp places, such as basements, bathrooms, attics and garages.
How can you tell the difference between mold and black mold?
While other types of mold may have a fuzzy, light texture, black mold will usually be slimy or wet. Some early forms of black mold have a powdery feel.
Rub the mold with a paper towel
to determine the texture, but be sure to wear gloves, a face mask, coveralls, and safety goggles when going near mold.
What diseases can you get from black mold?
- Coughing.
- Postnasal drip.
- Sneezing.
- Dry, scaly skin.
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat.
- Nasal congestion.
