What is Black Mold?
What is commonly referred to as “black mold” is a strain of mold called “Stachybotrys chartarum.”It is a greenish-black color and is less common than other types of mold, but while people usually consider black mold to be particularly dangerous, all types of mold should be treated with the same level of concern and be removed to help prevent potential health risks.
Where Does Black Mold Grow?
Black mold grows on objects composed of high amounts of cellulose and low amounts of nitrogen, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust and lint.
Black mold grows in moist areas, meaning Miami and South Florida present the perfect opportunity for black mold to grow in your home or office. Water damage, high humidity, leaky pipes, condensation and flooding can contribute to an environment conducive to black mold growth.
Identifying Black Mold
There are several ways you can identify black mold in your home or office. Once you’ve found mold, it’s important that it is removed immediately and the surrounding area cleaned.
Smelling Black Mold
Black mold has a distinct smell, and if it’s concentrated in a single spot it is often noticeable when you are in that area of the room. Because black mold can grow within your walls, the smell may be more difficult to detect or you may not associate the smell with mold as it is not visible.
Seeing Black Mold
Black mold is easy to distinguish from stains or scum, making it easy to spot. Be sure to frequently check damp areas where moisture usually collects.
Health Symptoms Related to Black Mold
Unfortunately, one of the ways to detect the presence of black mold in your home or office is through experiencing a decline in health. Because black mold can grow in hard-to-reach areas, you might experience the symptoms of black mold without seeing or smelling it. Black mold may cause you to feel dazed, congested, like your eyes are watery and it could instigate respiratory issues, such as asthma, or even cause rashes. You may even feel better shortly after leaving a building with black mold or worse upon entering one.
Stanley Steemer of South Florida Helps Prevent Black Mold Growth
As black mold is composed of microscopic spores that are circulated throughout your home and office, dirty air ducts make unhealthy amounts of black mold growth possible. South Florida is hot and humid, and there will always be some level of mold present in a building. However, the key to ensuring your home or office is healthy to reduce the amount of mold as much as possible. Stanley Steemer thoroughly cleans and sanitizes your air ducts in order to prevent black mold growth associated with dust and debris buildup. We also offer water extraction services that are crucial in preventing mold growth after you’ve experienced water damage or flooding.
Contact Stanley Steemer of South Florida today for an air duct cleaning quote to help ensure you have the cleanest, healthiest home possible.