How Safe Is Black Mold Removal

Toxic mold, or black mold, has earned the label due to the severe health hazards it causes. This is a different type of fungus that thrives in areas that are damp. They favor materials that are fibrous such as paper, ceiling, wood panels, cardboard, and carpet. The fungus will contaminate and grow in the home where there is a constant dampness caused by leaky water pipes or flood damage. Black mold removal should be done as soon as possible or it will spread to other parts of the home.

The toxins contained in the fungus spores will cause allergic reactions, skin rashes, coughs, hemoptysis which is a cough that produces blood, nausea and vomiting, respiratory infections, eye infections, and fatigue. These are just some of the illnesses caused by black mold that have the potential to be life threatening.

The removal of the fungus is never safe, however with the right precautions the members of the household and the one removing the growth will be safe from contamination. When removing the fungus it is best to use fungicides and antimicrobial agents. It is important to first locate the source of the problem and eliminate it.

The life source the fungus is humidity and moisture. When the cause is a leaky pipe, it must be fixed before any other step is taken. After fixing the leak it is time to begin removing the fungus. It is important to restrict the growth to one location to prevent spreading and contaminating other areas. This is done by covering the contaminated area with plastic sheets wall to wall and ceiling to floor. Use dehumidifiers to dry the fungus area. Do not use fans since they will only spread mold spores into the air contaminating it.

After the fungus is contained and the area is dry, it is time to kill the growth. The individual working to eliminate the fungus must have the proper protection to protect themselves from contamination. Protective gear includes gloves, a mask, a biohazard suite, and goggles to protect the eyes.

The area is then sprayed or fogged with a fungicide that is natural and organic. The natural and organic agents are much safer to use. Never use bleach because it does not kill fungus. The fungicide should be allowed to remain for about an hour to be sure that it does its job.

When the fungus has been killed it is time to begin removing it by scrubbing the area with a special cleaner. After the fungus has been removed it is important to dispose of the contaminated materials and replace with those that are resistant to fungus to prevent it from returning. It is imperative to take this preventative step to make certain that the health of those living in the home is protected.

Removing black mold should be left to the experts. There are several reputable removal companies that are equipped to take care of the fungus problem professionally. Check out a few and inquire about their removal procedures and the type of fungicides they use. Compare costs, but do not go with a company just because they are the cheapest, make sure that they will take care of the fungus correctly.