Pictures of Black Mold

Stachybotrys is a genus of molds, or asexually reproducing, filamentous fungi that is closely related to the genus Memnoniella. Black mold or toxic black mold is the most infamous species of S. chartarum. Toxic black mold is frequently associated with poor indoor air quality that arises after the fungal growth on the water damaged building materials.

Black Mold, or Aspergillus niger, is a fungus and one of the most common species of the genus Aspergillus. It causes black mold on certain types of fruit and vegetables, and it is a common contaminant of food. If large amounts of spores are inhaled, a serious lung disease aspergillosis can occur. Aspergillosis is particularly frequent among horticultural workers breathing in peat dust which can be rich in Aspergillus spores. It is less harmful, though not entirely free from risks, if eaten and digested.

Black mold is a term used to describe a slimy, greenish black substance which is a serious health risk. Mildew or mold which is commonly known as black mold or toxic mold, is a type of fungi that develops and grows on surfaces in the form of powdery or downy substance. High humidity, damp surfaces, moderate temperatures, and light provide the best conditions for mold growth. Black mold is toxic and it grows on walls, wood, cloths, food, carpets and basically any part of a home. However it is not only combined to growing confined to walls and cloths, etc, but it can grow inside equipment such as air conditioners and HVAC systems etc. air purifiers and HEPA filters are recommended to to be the most effective way of capturing allergens and mold.

Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. The mold spores move through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, etc.  When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, especially if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and its spores in the indoor environment, however the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

Black Mold Removal Steps

Solve Moisture Problem

Since moisture is the main cause of the mold problem, then you need to fix the problem before doing anything else. Find the source of water accumulation and stop it. The quicker you address the problem, the less extensive the damage will be.

Minimize Dust and Seal Off Area

To prevent mold spores from being spread all over the house, you will need to properly contain each area because the spores will likely be air borne. Seal off and clean each room the best you can to prevent the other areas of the home from being disturbed. When cleaning it is important to minimize dust levels, as dust can get mold spores air borne and allow then to spread to other areas.

Cleaning the Mold

When cleaning the mold you need to get it wet by lightly misting it, as dry mold is more likely to become air borne. Use soap to remove as much as the mold as possible, and then apply disinfectant to kill the mold spores that are still there.

Removing the Mold

The mold must be carefully removed and discarded into heavy duty plastic trash bags. Do not carry the bags throughout the house, because doing so will increase the risk of spreading the mold. Put the bags directly out side through a window or any other opening that is possible.

Verifying a Successful Clean Up