Black Mold, A Silent But Deadly Part Of Your Home

What is black mold and where do you find it in your home? Black mold is a fungus. It is a fungus that grows on almost any surface you can think of. You can find it on your walls, on your clothes, on your furniture and on many other objects.

How does black mold get into your home? The answer is simple. You do not end up with black mold in your home simply because you are dirty or have an unkempt home. All black mold needs is some dampness, a little light and the right temperature and humidity.

The problem with black mold is that it is not only unsightly but it is also harmful to your health and the health of your family. Black mold poisoning can be a very serious condition. Black mold is also known as toxic mold and thousands of people suffer from black mold poisoning each year. What are the symptoms of black mold poisoning?

The symptoms of black mold poisoning are varied but there are a few key areas that are affected. The most common symptom of black mold poisoning is respiratory trouble. Black mold affects the human respiratory and nervous systems. Symptoms may include difficulty in breathing, coughing, asthma attacks and irritation to the mucus membranes which causes a runny nose, phlegm on the chest and other symptoms. Black mold poisoning occurs when the black mold makes food out of the surface it is growing on.

What happens is that the black mold breaks down the surface, which gives off volatile organic compounds. It is these compounds that cause the poisoning, not really the mold itself. Black mold poisoning should by no means be taken lightly, in some cases it can lead to bleeding in the lungs. For an infant whose lungs are not fully developed yet, this bleeding can be very dangerous and even fatal if left untreated.

Black mold spreads easily once it has established itself in your home thanks to airborne spores. These black mold spores further the respiratory problems experienced when black mold is around. One of the best ways to control the development of black mold in your home is to do regular checks of your house from top to bottom. Just because you cannot see it on your walls does not mean that it is not hiding in the ventilation or air-conditioning. Keep dampness to a bare minimum and as soon as you spot an outbreak remove it pronto. Keeping your house black mold free is keeping your family healthy.