The Bigger Picture Regarding Toxic Black Mold

Is Black Mold Harmful? Here's The Real Deal.

Mold does not have a detrimental impact on many people. Mold, on the other hand, can induce allergies in those who are allergic to mold. It can make their lives miserable in these instances. Mold can potentially cause serious medical problems in a tiny percentage of people who have existing health concerns. Many of us have heard about the perils of "toxic black mold" and may be concerned about black mold poisoning, but the fact is that black mold is a far more controllable problem than you might think. If you have a black mold problem in your home, it's important to have it remediated by a professional mold remediation company like DRYOUTpro PLUS, INC.

At the same time, you don't need to live in fear of black mold. It's not as harmful as many people believe it to be. When you know what you're up against, you can be better prepared to cope with it.

With that in mind, this blog will give you the basics of toxic black mold and what you need to know about it. The aim of this article is not to alarm people, but rather to educate them so they can decide how best to handle their particular situation.

What is Black Mold?

Black mold is the popular term for a kind of mold known as "Stachybotrys," which is considered to be particularly hazardous to one's health.

Many of us have heard about the perils of "toxic black mold" and may be concerned about black mold poisoning, but the fact is that black mold is a far more controllable problem than you might think.

Symptoms of Black Mold

• What Is The Appearance Of Black Mold? Stachybotrys is frequently referred to as "black mold" because of its dark hue. Black mold is most commonly seen in areas where there has been flooding or water damage, such as attics, basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Is Black Mold Dangerous? The response to the above question is, “It could be, but the vast majority of black mold problems we encounter are nothing to be concerned about.” If you Google “black mold,” you will undoubtedly come across a plethora of websites and articles extolling the hazards of the substance. We've seen a long and dramatic list, ranging from seizures to cancer to death. However, the majority of instances are not cause for concern because: It has never been shown experimentally that black mold is more dangerous than other forms and colors of mold. Mold sensitivity affects just a tiny fraction of the population (severe allergic reactions). Most horror stories originate from persons who have had significant, long-term exposure to mold (such as living in a highly moldy basement for years), but most instances involve tiny patches of mold development that are cleaned up promptly. So, what's the big deal about black mold? A lot of it has to do with a general lack of knowledge about a foreign chemical that appears particularly nasty and menacing.
• What Are Mycotoxins? Mycotoxins are poisonous substances generated by various fungus. (For example, “eating a poison mushroom can make you sick.”) You may have heard of the word “mycotoxins” because it is frequently discussed in mold-related literature, as mold is a part of the fungus kingdom. Mold mycotoxins are responsible for some people's allergic responses to mold. Because nearly all forms of mold generate mycotoxins that can cause allergies in sensitive people, serious mold specialists are attempting to shift away from the focus on black mold and toward the motto that “no mold, no matter what color, belongs in a healthy home.”
• Can Black Mold Make You Sick, Cause Cancer, Or Kill You? We know that black mold, as well as many other forms and colors of mold, may cause severe allergies (stuffy head, migraines, itchy eyes, sinus difficulties, and so on) in certain people. Living with such allergies is dreadful and painful. In that respect, black mold may undoubtedly make some individuals very ill. There is no scientific evidence that black mold causes cancer. However, we know that it may cause serious health problems in certain people, such as pneumonia, which can lead to death if not treated. But guess what? Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of factors (colds, flus, and different diseases). As a result, we believe that making the connection between black mold and risk is an unjust one. Certain persons who are susceptible to black mold develop severe allergies. That much we are certain of.

Health Effects Of Black Mold

Various forms of mold, according to the EPA, can cause health concerns in some people. Allergies are the most common cause of these health issues, which include stuffy noses, headaches, itchy eyes, difficulty breathing, and so on. These illnesses can be more severe in children, the elderly, and people who have other health problems. The CDC basically says the same thing: mold can cause health problems in some people but not in others.

According to the CDC, Stachybotrys black mold has not been proved to cause significant medical problems other than those listed above. In other words, the symptoms of black mold have only been shown to be comparable to those of other molds. The CDC merely notes that various forms of mold may cause health problems, that symptoms should be addressed with a doctor if they persist, and that no color or type of mold should be present in a facility.

You might be wondering, "What's the big deal if all we know for sure is that mold causes allergies in some people and possibly serious health problems in a small percentage of other people?"

Our response is to envision yourself as one of those mold-sensitive individuals. Constant allergies, feeling unwell all the time, and being unhappy in your own house. It even has a scientific name: Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Mold, coupled with other issues such as radon and Chinese drywall, can all contribute to Sick Building Syndrome. Sick Building Syndrome is a horrible way to live, and we wouldn't wish it on our worst enemy!

Bottom Line

No mold belongs in a healthy house. Be it black mold or any other color of mold, Everything should be treated the same way. Remove any mold that you find and wipe down any surfaces that might be affected. While it's not always possible for contaminated items to be rendered mold-free, the best option is usually to remove them from your living space and throw out whatever can't be saved (preferably after a thorough cleaning).

If you find mold in your house, especially black mold, clean it up as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse. And remember, prevention is always the best cure. Keep your house clean and dry, and be on the lookout for any signs of mold growth. It's much easier to take care of a small problem than to deal with a full-blown infestation.

And that's the bottom line. Mold is a nuisance, but with the right knowledge you can keep it in check.

Black Mold Remediation Company Serving Florida

Contact DRYOUTpro PLUS, INC. at (772) 288-4222 today for 24 hour water cleanup, fire damage restoration, or mold remediation along with any of our other services or get an instant quote from our website. Our black mold remediation company will get to your Florida home or business in 30 to 60 minutes.

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