Black mold treatment
Discovering a mold problem in the home is not something most people dream of. In fact, most people don’t know they have a problem until black mold symptoms begin to affect family members living in the home. And even then, determining the cause of those symptoms can lead many to erroneous conclusions about the cause of health problems.
The most common symptoms resemble the common cold, a mild case of the flu, or even allergies. Runny nose, eye irritation, sneezing, coughing, and fatigue can all be signs of a reaction to mold. If you or someone in your family seems to have persistent symptoms that just won’t go away, it may be a good idea to check your home for black mold.
Since mold spores need moisture to grow, the first places most people look are bathrooms and basements. It typically starts in a dark, damp area and begins to spread from there. It grows on almost any surface, including ceramic and cement tile, but grows best on cellulose materials such as drywall, wood, wallpaper, and carpet.
There are two basic ways to find out if you have a black mold problem; You can either do a visual inspection and try to find it that way or purchase a test kit, which is available online or at local home stores, and test your home air for spores. If the test shows a positive result, you will still have to find out where it is growing through visual inspection.
Once the mold infestation has been located, it is time to decide the best route to treat the problem. That will depend on the size of the area and the materials involved. Hard surfaces can be easily cleaned with a bleach solution consisting of 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. For larger areas and more porous surfaces, such as drywall, carpet, and tiles, it may be a good idea to seek professional help, as this may require the removal and replacement of damaged materials.
If you decide to do your own black mold treatment, it is important to follow proper procedures to ensure your own safety and prevent possible future outbreaks. When using a bleach solution, you should:
1. Do not mix bleach with other cleaning chemicals, particularly ammonia, as this can and will produce dangerous fumes.
2. Make sure there is a good source of fresh air in the area to be cleaned. Open all doors and windows for good ventilation.
3. Wear protective gloves and eye protection. A surgical-type mask is also recommended.
4. Be sure to heed and follow the instructions and warnings posted on any cleaning product you use.
Before the actual cleaning begins, there are a few other things that need to be considered. First, black mold spores become airborne and can become airborne during the cleaning process. To prevent them from spreading to the rest of your home, turn off the HVAC system and block airflow to the interior parts of the house. If there is an exterior door or window nearby, place a fan in the opening to draw air and mold spores outside. A portable air filter can also be used to help clean the air of stray floats.
If your home has been infected with black mold, then a treatment plan should be in place. Failure to properly treat an outbreak can lead to regrowth and ongoing health problems at home for you and your family.