Black mold is a common problem for many South Florida residents. Our tropical climate has the drawback of being a great place for mold to propagate. A lot of the materials that were used to build your home are cellulose-rich, and when damp, promote the growth of this fungus.
There are numerous health risks associated with black mold that we will get into in this article.
You will need a black mold removal expert to attack this problem right away. Left unchecked, the problem will only get worse, putting you and your loved ones at risk. The CDC states that: “Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) and other molds may cause health symptoms that are nonspecific. It is not necessary to determine what type of mold you may have growing in your home or other building. All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal.”
Tri-County All Restorations are black mold removal experts! We will not just remove it, but also find the source of moisture causing the contamination. GIve us a call today at (954) 280-7868 to get this serious problem fixed right away.
What causes black mold?
Moisture in your home, combined with certain building materials can cause the growth of mold. Gypsum board, fiberboard, plywood, fabrics, and wallpaper have a high cellulose content, allowing mold to grow when conditions are right.
Humidity and moisture in these materials will cause black mold to flourish at pretty alarming rates. It can also grow easily on tile grout and painted surfaces. Even your upholstery and curtains can be harboring dangerous mold spores.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states; “Indoor molds can grow on virtually any surface, as long as moisture, oxygen, and organic material are present. When molds are disturbed, they release tiny cells called spores into the surrounding air.”
Some of the most common causes of moisture contamination in your home are:
- Roof leaks
- Plumbing leaks
- Damaged windows and doors
- Improperly sealed foundations
- Overuse of home humidifiers
If you think you have a mold problem – contact us to get a free estimate right away! Tri-County All Restorations has been serving Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach residents for over 25 years. Our commitment to excellent service and customer satisfaction is why we have the best reviews in South Florida. We have an A+ rating on Angie’s List, an Elite Service rating with Home Advisor, and over 44 Google and 21 Yelp! 5-star ratings!
Health issues related to black mold.
Inhaling mold spores is the most common way your and your family can be exposed. Mold fragments and spores become airborne, allowing you to easily breathe them in. They can also be absorbed through the skin, which is why we have to wear protective gear when cleaning a black mold infestation in your home.
Black mold, also known as toxic mold can cause serious health issues. It releases a toxic substance called mycotoxins which are known to create health problems. There are many different symptoms and illnesses that are caused by black mold.
- A 2012 study showed that exposure during infancy to three mold species common to water-damaged buildings was associated with childhood asthma by age seven.
- If you have a weakened immune system, you are more likely to develop serious health-related issues from black mold exposure.
- People with asthma and COPD can experience difficulty breathing when exposed to air-borne mold.
Some other common symptoms when you become exposed to black mold are:
- Skin rash
- Sinus and nasal congestion
- Eye irritation
- Blurred vision
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Wheezing
How to prevent and remove black mold in your home.
Prevention is the key to stopping mold.
There are many things you can do yourself to reduce the risk of having black mold in your home. Keeping your home as dry as possible is the best way. You should repair any leaks in your roof and have any plumbing issues resolved immediately.
Use the ventilation fans in your bathroom and kitchen when showering and cooking. A well-ventilated house will inhibit mold growth. Make sure the dryer has a vent that sends the air outside. Using a dehumidifier and/or air conditioning to keep the humidity below 50% will greatly help.
We Can Help!
When all else fails and you discover or think you might have black mold in your home, call an expert. Tri-County All Restorations are black mold removal pros!
We can provide a free consultation and analysis of your home. Our team will then come in and quickly remove all the mold and treat the surfaces to keep them from coming back.
For a FREE estimate call Tri-County All Restorations at (954) 280-7868