On call 24/7: 
What is Black Mold and how does it effect Baltimore Maryland Homes ?
History of Black Mold In Baltimore Maryland
The scientific name for “ Black Mold “ is : Stachybotrys chartarum. The term “ Black Mold “Black mold” was first mentioned and documented by August Corda a mycologist in 1837 in Prague Czechoslovakia . He noticed a black substance growing on an interior wall of a residence .
Visual Appearance Of Black Mold
Black Mold usually has a black or greenish looking color , but don’t assume that all black mold looks the same . There are thousands of mold species and new ones being found daily . Although I am not a medical professional or give medical advice , not all black mold is harmful . Think of Blue Cheese or Penicillin . These are common and well known products that people use everyday . The issue is not if mold is dangerous , but the amount of mold and mold spores . Every house has a certain level amount of mold living in hidden areas . Most homes are generally safe . But the issues lie in the amount of mold , what kind of mold it is, and the physical sensitivity of the occupant of the person .
Location and Moisture
On a daily basis I get calls from customers who live in Baltimore Maryland asking me if my company SI Restoration ( www.si-restoration.com ) offers a lifetime warranty for black mold removal or black mold remediation .
The customer gets a quick answer with a apologetic no and reason why . Here is the reason why I say we can’t offer a 100 % lifetime warrantee .
If you read the fine print of any black mold removal or mold clean up company in Baltimore Maryland , you will notice that their lifetime warrantee states that if you have moisture at anytime , the warrantee is voided or no good . And why is that ? Well it takes three main ingredients to make mold .
- Food Source- dust particles , carpet , drywall
- Warm temperatures – 70 degrees and above
- Moisture- High humidity , water damage , leaky roofs.
So if you have all three above you can be almost sure you will get black mold growth. If you leave one ingredient out , you can be assured no black mold will grow. So you can see how a lifetime warrantee can be offered as long as you don’t have moisture . It’s dishonest to offer a mold removal or mold clean up warrantee .
Black Mold Exposure And The Health Risks
There are many health risks with Black Mold exposure . Here in Baltimore , we have many different temperature changes and weather that includes high moisture like rain, high humidity , and plumbing issues like toilet over flows , pipe breaks and water heater busts . Not to mention hurricanes and rain events . As we have learned , moisture is the main ingredient of the three ( temperature and food source ) that guarantee black mold to grow. Here are a few reported health issues related to Black Mold growth .
Allergic Reactions:
Black Mold growth creates mold spores similar when a flower creates pollen . Just like pollen, Black mold creates mold spores that cause animals and humans to sneeze and have runny noses, and itchy eyes.
Respiratory Issues
Exposure to mold can cause or worsen asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
Toxic Effects:
Black mold produces mycotoxins, which can cause severe health problems in humans and animals
Symptoms of Black Mold Exposure:
-
-
- Chronic coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Skin irritation or rashes
- Headaches and dizziness
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
-
Those with weak Immune Systems
Hospitals and medical facilities are very concerned about mold growth and increase black mold spores counts, because of patients and occupants who have a weak immune system. People who have cancer, AIDS, and other issues with weak immune systems can actually die from exposure to black mold . A person with these issues does not have to be in a hospital to have the same effect . Ask a medical expert for advice on what to do .
How does one know if they have Black Mold behind walls ?
- If you smell a musty odor
- If you see growth on your walls or carpet
- The feeling of dampness or you see your walls damp or coming apart .
- Occupants of the home or building are feeling ill and you don’t know why .
- Get it tested
How do you remove black mold ?
Your first reaction should be to rent or hire a mold remediation company that has commercial dehumidifiers . Let’s be clear that the dehumidifier that you bought from a hardware store or department store most likely is not a commercial grade even if says it can be used for commercial uses. Ask a professional or your hardware store expert. Mold remediation companies in Baltimore Maryland can rent dehumidifiers to you .
The smell should go away , but don’t stop there . If you are still concerned , have a qualified mold tester or testing company .
Preventing mold in bathrooms
Bathrooms as you can understand , are a haven for moisture and water . As we discussed , it’s the essential part of mold growth . Yet the majority of black mold complaints are located in the bathroom . So what can one do to prevent mold growth from happening in a bathroom.
It's actually a very easy answer. If you keep the bathroom clean everyday and use the air vent fan on before and after taking a bath or shower , your chances of mold growth will diminish . Please do remember that cracks in your calking and tile will lead moisture behind walls and floors and may crate mold .
Conclusion
Bottom line black mold in Baltimore Maryland can be prevented with moisture control and a clean home. If you have questions or need advice and you live in the Baltimore Maryland or Washington DC area please go to www.si-restoration.com or call Jeff at 410-458-5371. If you live outside these areas go to www.iicrc.org . You can also look up these web sites to learn more about black mold .
https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/data-research/facts-stats/index.html