How to Spot Black Mold Growing in Your Home

The majority of homeowners recognize the importance of acting fast when they find black mold in their homes. Unfortunately, not enough people really know how to look for it. While it might seem like spotting mold growth is easy enough. It can actually be quite difficult if it is in a discrete or hidden location.

Homeowners shouldn’t just assume that their home is safe though. Instead, they should learn more about black mold and how to spot it in their home so that they can request a mold removal when they need it most.

What is True Black Mold?

One of the most important things to point out is that not all black mold is “Black Mold.” There are over 100,000 different types of mold, and they can come in a variety of colors, but black is one of the most common. As a result, many homeowners mistake one type of black mold for the more notorious variety.

True “black mold” is actually known as “Stachybotrys.” Its color is typically more of a greenish-black, and the mold has a fuzzy or flat texture in most cases.

Why Does Black Mold Grow in Homes?

Like many other mold types, black mold thrives in moist environments. Therefore, it usually grows in homes after there has been some sort of water intrusion event, such as a pipe leak or flood. 

This type of mold specifically thrives on materials that have a high cellulose content because it feeds the microbes. Paper, wood, fiberboard, and gypsum board are just a few examples of 

The mold also grows in areas of the home that are humid and dark. Those conditions help it to thrive, and as long as it has access to those conditions, it will continue to grow. It can eventually spread to other areas of the property.

Is Black Mold a Health Concern?

One of the reasons that it is so important for homeowners to accurately identify black mold is because it has developed a reputation for being the most toxic mold type. The good news is that it actually hasn’t been found to be more dangerous than other toxigenic mold varieties. However, it can have a significant impact on human and animal health.

One of the biggest concerns is that Stachybotrys chartarum can produce mycotoxicin, which can cause serious health complications in high-risk individuals. While mold is most commonly associated with respiratory irritation, toxigenic varieties, such as black mold, can cause some other rare health conditions. Therefore, it’s crucial that homeowners stay aware and regularly inspect their homes, even if they haven’t noticed any recent water leaks. 

Common Symptoms of Exposure to Black Mold

Many people often fail to associate some of their health problems with mold growth. However, these symptoms can often be the first sign that a mold removal is necessary. Since black mold thrives in dark and damp spaces, it usually grows in areas where homeowners either can’t or don’t spend a lot of time.

Instead of physically spotting black mold, some homeowners feel the effects first. The most common symptoms of black mold exposure include:

• Lung Irritation
• Eye Irritation
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Headaches
• Congestions
• Worsened Asthma Symptoms

If the mold growth is severe, homeowners and their family members may experience more serious side effects. These symptoms can include brain damage, joint pain, memory loss, pulmonary hemorrhage, and loss of mobility.

Signs of Black Mold Growth

Aside from health symptoms, there are many other signs that can indicate black mold growth if homeowners know what to look for. The following are just a few of the most common signs of a black mold problem:

• Musty Smell: If you notice a musty smell coming from an AC unit, the bathroom, or another area of the house, it could indicate a mold issue.
• Dark-Colored Grout: Mold commonly starts in the bathroom, so it’s very common to spot it in the grout between flooring and shower tiles.
• Peeling Wallpaper or Dark Spots: Water damage can cause wallpaper to peel and mold can grow behind it. Black mold may also appear as dark spots on drywall.

Though these signs usually indicate a mold problem, they might not necessarily be caused by black mold growth. To confirm, it’s important that homeowners contact a professional mold removal company who can identify the exact type of mold. 

Request a Thorough Inspection from a Professional Mold Removal Company

Homeowners who are worried that they might have a black mold problem should contact DRYOUTpro PLUS, INC. right away. They are available 24/7 for emergency mold removal services, so customers can call if they suspect a serious situation. They also have a convenient online form that homeowners can submit for less urgent matters.