Black Mold Health Risks and How to Get Rid of It

Around 70% of homes currently have mold. Mold is one of the biggest pains for homeowners as it can cause damage to the structure of your home.

If you’ve discovered black mold in your home or business, it’s important to take action immediately. Black mold is a type of fungi that can release spores into the air, which can cause a variety of health problems if inhaled. In some cases, black mold exposure can even be fatal.

So what are the specific black mold health risks associated? And what’s the best way to get rid of it? Keep reading to find out.

Health Risks Associated With Black Mold

Exposure to black mold can cause a variety of symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, black mold exposure can also lead to more serious conditions like asthma and pneumonia.

In very rare cases, black mold exposure can even be fatal. So, if you or someone in your home is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

Once you’ve seen a doctor and ruled out any other potential causes for your symptoms, you can begin the process of getting rid of the black mold in your home.

Health Symptoms of Black Mold Poisoning

Black mold symptoms can vary from person to person, and range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Watery eyes
  • Itchy throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Asthma attacks
  • Pneumonia

In very rare cases, black mold exposure can lead to death. If you believe you or someone in your home is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Once you’ve seen a doctor, they can help you determine if the symptoms are indeed being caused by black mold exposure.

How to Get Rid of Black Mold

Getting rid of the black mold isn’t easy, but it’s essential if you want to protect your health. Here are a few tips on how to get rid of black mold:

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1. Find the Source

One of the most effective ways to get rid of the black mold is to address the source of the moisture problem in your home. Reducing humidity levels and ensuring that areas are well ventilated will make it difficult for mold to grow.

In addition, it is important to fix any leaks or other sources of water infiltration. By taking these steps, you can create an environment that is inhospitable to mold, making it easier to keep your home mold-free.

2. Clean Non-porous Surfaces

Bleach and water are effective ways to clean black mold from non-porous surfaces in your home, such as countertops, floors, and walls. The bleach will kill the mold, and the water will help to rinse it away.

However, it is important to take care when using bleach, as it can be corrosive. Make sure to wear gloves and a mask, and open the windows to ventilate the area while you are working. In addition, you should only use a solution of bleach and water on small areas of mold.

3. Clean Porous Surfaces

It is more difficult to remove from porous surfaces such as carpets and upholstery. This is because the mold can penetrate the fibers of the material and release spores into the air.

In addition, bleach is not effective at killing mold spores, so it is not recommended for use on black mold. If you have porous items that are affected by black mold, the best course of action is to throw them out. This will help to prevent the spread of mold spores and protect your health.

If the mold has spread, you may need to call in a professional to help you clean and remove the affected materials.

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4. Prevent Future Problems

To prevent black mold from coming back, it’s important to keep your home clean and dry. Fix any leaks or other moisture problems right away, and use a dehumidifier to keep the air in your home dry.

In addition, make sure to regularly clean areas where mold is likely to grow, such as showers, baths, and toilets. Clean them thoroughly by scrubbing with soap and water, and drying them completely.

5. Call in the Professionals

If you suspect that you have black mold in your home, it’s important to take action right away. The first step is to identify the source of the moisture that’s causing the mold to grow. Once you’ve done that, you can start taking steps to clean up the mold.

However, if the problem is too big to handle on your own, or if you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself, it’s best to call in a professional. A professional mold removal company will have the experience and expertise to safely and effectively get rid of the black mold in your home

Also if the mold has started to cause any water damage, it’s a matter of urgency to call water damage restoration services.

Have You Been Affected by These Black Mold Health Risks?

Black mold is a serious problem that can cause a variety of black mold health risks. If you’ve found black mold in your home, it’s important to take action immediately to get rid of it. Use the tips above to clean up the black mold and prevent it from coming back.

If you’re not comfortable handling the problem yourself, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. They can take care of the issues for you so you don’t have to worry.

Want more tips to keep your house clean? Check out our blog!