Black mold is one of the most common types of mold that manages to get into our homes and workplaces and unfortunately, it is also the type which is the most likely to cause illness and with prolonged exposure to high levels of this poisonous mold, permanent damage to the respiratory and nervous systems and organ damage.

While it’s exceedingly rare, there have been a small number of fatalities due to black mold exposure, mostly in infants whose immune systems are undeveloped and in adults with seriously compromised immune function. However, even if you notice no symptoms at all, black mold can be very dangerous and should be removed as soon as it is noticed.

There are actually several different kinds of black mold and not all of them cause health problems. Even experts can’t always tell the difference between the different strains of black mold by looking at them, so play it safe and assume that any black mold you see is a health hazard and remove it. Even non-toxic molds are unpleasant and unattractive fungal invaders in our homes which if permitted to grow unchecked can eventually cause damage to homes.

Black mold exposure can cause a number of different symptoms and not every person who is exposed to this mold necessary suffers the same effects. Common symptoms include respiratory problems including asthma-like symptoms, difficulty breathing and persistent cough. People exposed to mold may also have symptoms including difficulty concentrating, dizzy spells, fatigue and nausea. If anyone in your household is experiencing these symptoms persistently, it’s time to check your home for black mold and if there is growth present, to have it removed immediately.

Where Might Black Mold Show Up?
Like other molds and mildews, black mold needs moisture in order for spores to germinate and grow.
It grows best in darker areas, but will grow nearly anywhere if it has adequate moisture and warmth. Laundry rooms, bathrooms and basements are where black mold is most likely to find the conditions favorable to its growth, but it can grow almost anywhere in your home.

How Can Black Mold Exposure Be Prevented?
You can often prevent black mold from becoming a problem through regular maintenance of your home and watching out for signs of its growth. Mold grows where there is moisture, so never allow standing water in your home and make sure that pipes, ventilation and HVAC systems and appliances which require water are properly maintained with no leaks or drips.

It’s also a good idea to use paint with mold inhibitor when painting any walls in your home (or making a home improvement of repainting your walls with such paint). Keep an eye out for black mold, especially in rooms which tend to be humid, especially in the summer. Maintaining the humidity level of your home at 50% or less will generally inhibit the growth of black mold; a humidifier may be a good investment if you live in a damp climate.

Are There Times Where These Measures Won’t Keep Black Mold From Growing?
There are some situations where you might not be able to prevent black mold exposure through maintenance. Usually, you’ll spot black mold before it goes deeper than the surface and it can be killed by thoroughly cleaning the area with bleach and water. It is possible for black mold to become established inside your walls – if this happens and you or your family experience symptoms of exposure to this toxic mold, talk to a contractor who specializes in mold removal to discuss your options for eliminating this health hazard from your home.