Is Black Mold Dangerous?
When you’re buying a home or maintaining one, you often ask yourself, “What are the potential hazards and issues that need attention?” You might end up listing different things, but it’s time to recheck that list. Have you added one major health hazard – black mold? If not, you should add it right away.
Black mold is an issue that no homeowner or homebuyer should ignore. It’s known for its dark, often slimy appearance and can thrive in damp, poorly ventilated areas of your home. In addition to the unattractive look and unappealing smell, it can potentially trigger a variety of health concerns.
You might be surprised, but around 47% of buildings in the U.S. are reported to have a mold problem. So, there are very few chances that this nasty issue will spare your house. Also, if you or anyone in your family suffers from allergies, asthma, or a weakened immune system, then black mold is very dangerous.
But what is black mold, and what causes it? Also, do you need a mold inspection or mold testing to handle it? We’ll answer it all in this blog.
Is Black Mold Dangerous?
Yes, black mold is dangerous. And it’s especially true if it’s left untreated. Certain types of black mold, particularly Stachybotrys chartarum, release toxins called mycotoxins that can lead to different health issues once inhaled. As we mentioned before, if anyone in your home has respiratory issues, allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems, then they’re especially susceptible to its harmful effects. In such a case, you can request a mold allergy test from your doctor to determine whether or not you are sensitive to breathing in mold spores.
The most common issues associated with black mold include:
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Red, watery eyes
- Sinusitis
- Skin rashes
- Wheezing
Is Black Mold Deadly?
If you are wondering if black mold can kill you, then nope. It’s not typically deadly, but it can pose serious health risks. Although it’s rare for black mold exposure to lead to death directly, if you’re exposed to it for a longer period, then it will surely impact your health.
In extreme cases of high-level, prolonged exposure, black mold leads to severe health issues (worse than we have already mentioned). But, yes, death from black mold alone is highly uncommon. However, this doesn’t mean you should just ignore the issue. You must address and remove it ASAP.
What Kills Black Mold?
Even if black mold doesn’t directly affect your health, it’s still recommended that you remove it from your home once it’s found. Black mold makes your home look and smell unclean, and left untreated; it can continue to spread and eventually damage your property. Depending on the severity of the affected area, you may or may not be able to kill black mold yourself.
Let’s have a look at some of the home remedies you can use for killing black mold:
Bleach
If you want to kill mold on non-porous surfaces like countertops and tiles then you can use a solution of bleach and water. The solution has to have 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. However, bleach doesn’t penetrate porous materials, so it’s less effective on drywall or wood.
Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural and effective mold killer. You can spray undiluted vinegar directly on affected areas. Leave it for an hour and then scrub it off. Vinegar penetrates porous surfaces, making it useful for areas like wood and drywall.
Hydrogen Peroxide
A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution can be applied directly to moldy surfaces. It’s effective at killing mold. Unlike bleach, it doesn’t produce toxic fumes. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and wipe clean.
Should you choose to kill black mold yourself, remember to wear protective gloves, eye coverings, and a mask or respirator. Getting up close to black mold puts you at greater risk of inhaling mold spores, so take the proper precautions.
Is All Black Mold Bad?
No, not all black-colored molds are inherently dangerous, though some types (especially Stachybotrys chartarum) can pose significant health risks (as we have already discussed above). However, many other types of mold can also appear black or dark in color and are not necessarily harmful.
For instance, molds like Cladosporium can also appear black but generally have less severe health effects, often causing mild respiratory irritation or allergies. Despite this, any mold, regardless of color, can trigger allergies or exacerbate respiratory issues, so it’s best to remove mold as soon as it’s detected and take precautions to prevent future growth.
Should You Schedule a Mold Testing or Inspection for Black Mold?
If you suspect black mold in your home, you can schedule a mold inspection and testing to maintain a safe and healthy living environment. These processes can help identify the mold type, its extent, and the specific areas of contamination.
You can schedule a mold inspection if you notice any visible mold growth, experience persistent musty odors, or if anyone in your household has unexplained respiratory symptoms.
On the other hand, you can schedule mold testing to identify airborne mold spores and confirm whether black mold or other potentially harmful mold types are present. Professionals will use specialized equipment and expertise to assess mold problems and can recommend effective remediation options based on your needs.
Conclusion
Black mold is more than just an eyesore in the home—it can be a serious health hazard if left unchecked. While not all black molds are toxic, certain strains, like Stachybotrys chartarum, release harmful mycotoxins that can aggravate respiratory conditions, allergies, and more, particularly for individuals with existing health issues.
The key to protecting your home and health is prompt action: address dampness, regularly inspect areas prone to moisture, and take steps to remove any mold as soon as it’s discovered. If black mold is suspected but challenging to remove, consider professional mold remediation services to ensure it’s handled safely and effectively. Remember, a mold-free home is a healthier, safer place for everyone.
The BrickKicker offers professional mold testing that can help you determine not only how to get rid of your black mold problem but also how to cut it off at the source. Schedule an appointment with our experts to fight the causes of black mold today!