Mold is a deadly living substance and a type of fungus present almost anywhere, even in the air we breathe. It usually grows in dark environments where the temperature ranges from 60-80 degrees. It is easy to find in nature and can appear in your house, office, vehicle, or any area where you spend your time.
The growth of mold is so widespread that sometimes it gets out of the homeowner’s control. It is harmful, as it can infect human beings. Therefore, it is essential to recognize mold and identify it to get rid of it fast.
A typical mold with the scientific name “Stachybotrys atra” is a black mold. In this guide, we will discuss how to identify black mold.
What Is Mold?
A mold is a type of fungus that can be a potential threat to human health. Mold requires a quick clean-up and requires the necessary steps to prevent it from growing back, as it can affect a person’s health severely if not removed. Black mold is commonly thought of as toxic when breathed in, as it produces mycotoxins that cause health problems. If you feel your home has been infected with mold, here is how to understand the signs of black mold and the measures to take in order to keep you safe.
Indications Of Mold
A few indications that can help you recognize black mold are as follows:
Smells Produced By Mold
Most of the time, mold occurs in a place where water damage frequently happens. With this, you will most likely notice the moldy smell. If there is a presence of a peculiar odor, do not neglect it. Instead, make sure to catch the scent and investigate the area properly to find the exact place that needs to be treated.
Noticeable Marks Of Mold
Surface mold or the water invasion signs consist of peeling, bubbling paint, stain, ceilings, and swelling walls. If you notice this, then it is the most appropriate time to look for mold. Sometimes, roof leaks, flooded rooms, flooded basements, and broken pipes are not managed well and this is why they can start to show signs of mold growth.
Signs Of Black Mold On The Human Body
Though it is scary to think about, sometimes our bodies can detect some mold issues that are not visible with the naked eye. If your body is infected by black mold, you are more likely to experience symptoms that can include:
- Sneezing
- A runny nose
- Red eyes
- Skin Rashes
Ways To Recognize Black Mold
Other than the ways already previously listed, there are a few other ways to identify black mold.
1. You Need To Be A Spy
To identify the mold, you have to be a spy. This is the initial move you have to take if you are seeking out mold near you. First, check if there is any water that is accumulating under the bathroom sink. Review if there is a sticky sign in the basement. Sometimes, you might notice the rapidly growing mold; you can easily spot its large patches or sliminess. Apart from all this, to identify black mold, you can check for home stains on the walls, floors, and discoloration on the ceilings. At the same time, you need to give close attention to the furniture, carpet, and wallpaper specifically near the window that is exposed to moisture and shows excess stickiness.
2. Follow Your Nose
The next thing to ensure you identify the mold is to follow your nose. Indeed, mold gives off a damp smell. Most of the time, you will observe it in the basement or in an area where the ventilation is inferior. If you smell something unusual, follow the smell. More probable will be the chance of finding it under the kitchen sink. Or maybe you will see it close to the basement. By following the smell, you can find the place that has been infected by black mold.
Moreover, you can also check furniture or carpeting, particularly in the areas where there is high moisture, which are the most probable places of black mold.
3. Do Not Ignore The Crawlspace
If you have a crawlspace in your house, there are chances for more leaks and moisture to build in this area, which will be a good tool for growing black mold. This is why it is essential to assess the crawlspace from time to time to detect leaks coming from the house. If you want, you can use the help of a professional inspector to keep track of moisture levels over time. Besides this, they will also help install pumps to reduce the moisture level below the required level for mold to flourish.
4. Your Family
Is anyone in your family feeling some odd respiratory signs? Is their doctor also finding difficulty in diagnosing them or providing them the proper treatment? Then, it would help to look for black mold, as sometimes this virus causes allergic signs that are somewhat hard to identify. If you have also observed any of your family members suffering from recurring health issues without any appropriate clarification, then maybe it is time to look more closely for mold infection to find the exact problem inside the house.
5. Setting Clues
In some cases, it is necessary to inspect for mold before sensing any smell or observing anything. For example, if you experience heat, humidity, or flooding near your home or a leak in a pipe or the roof, it is better to work on it and fix it quickly. Take your time and inspect your home to catch the early signs of growing mold. The more quickly you identify this problem, the easier it will be easy to solve the issue. Even after wiping the mold out of the shower or grout in the tiles, it is better to take some extra minutes to inspect the potential problem areas near your home.
Black Mold Infections
Black mold is a toxigenic virus. Several allergic effects can happen because of deadly mold. It holds a highly slimy texture that is sometimes black or dark green. This is why it is given the name of black mold. It is harmful, as it causes health issues. If you are exposed to mold, you may experience symptoms like:
- Difficulty breathing
- Sinusitis
- Weakness
- Depression
- Sluggish pains and discomfort in the mucous layers
- Burning sensations in your airways
- Tightening in the chest
- A persistent cough
- Nosebleeds
- Fever
- Painful headaches
If you are facing any of the symptoms mentioned above, take medical consultation immediately.
In Conclusion
Mold spores are dangerous if you inhale or ingest them. The level of infection varies from person to person. Allergies can also be the outcome of a person’s reaction to mold. In order to be on the safer side, you need to wear gloves or a mask while treating black mold. Be sure that you have cleaned up the entire area to get rid of any kinds of microscopic spores so that there is no initiation of a new type of mold. The primary health concerns related to black mold are allergy and irritation. The main symptom of black mold infection is a respiratory problem, and people with weaker immunity are more prone to get infected by a black mold fungus.
