You’ve probably heard about black mold and its harmful effects on human health in the media, even if you’ve never seen it personally. Black mold is one of the more common types of mold which can be found growing in moist, usually dark areas in homes and commercial buildings. There are actually several different types of black mold, not all of which are toxic. However, if you see black mold growing in your home or workplace you should always treat it as if it were hazardous and begin black mold remediation at once.

Black mold can cause serious health problems and while a rare event, has proven fatal to people with severely compromised immune systems and very young children. With something as potentially dangerous as this fungus, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Carry out preventative measures to deny black mold the conditions it needs for growth by removing standing water immediately, keeping humidity levels under 50% using dehumidifiers and keeping pipes and other potential sources of leaks properly maintained. The best weapon you have against the growth of toxic black mold is prevention.

It’s a good idea to make thoroughly checking your home for black mold growth a part of your household cleaning and maintenance routines. Check areas where moisture could collect and be sure to give rooms with higher humidity levels (especially bathrooms and laundry rooms) extra attention. If you see black mold, you should remove it immediately if the growth is small and appears to be confined to the surface. If you catch black mold before it can spread far, black mold remediation is often as simple as a thorough cleaning with bleach and water.

There are situations where you may have black mold growing in your home where you won’t be able to see it. Small cracks in the walls, especially in older homes can become the perfect place for black mold to grow unabated, eventually causing structural damage and causing illness.

You should check any suspect areas for black mold’s telltale musty odor, though it may not always be possible to detect this. If you or anyone in your home starts experiencing the characteristic symptoms of black mold toxicity (including respiratory irritation, asthma like symptoms, headaches, nausea, fatigue and difficulty concentrating), you should have your home professionally inspected by a contractor who specializes in black mold remediation.

In most cases, a routine of prevention, regular checks for mold where it is most likely to appear and prompt, thorough cleaning and disinfection when it appears can keep black mold from becoming a serious problem. Typically, homeowners can prevent or control black mold without needing professional help. It’s only when toxic mold finds a hiding place where it can grow without interference that it tends to become serious enough to make professional black mold remediation services a necessity.