When you hear the word mold, your mind instantly sees fuzzy green or black spots growing in high moisture areas. But mold is unavoidable, and mold spores are all around us. It is documented that 70% of all homes have some kind of mold in them.
You may wonder where and how mold grows, and what the health concerns are for black mold growing in your home. Keep reading to learn about some of the black mold causes, and what you can do to prevent mold growth in your home.
Black Mold Causes
If you have ever lived in a house where the basement has had water damage from flooding, then you know the mold risks that come with it. A flooded basement is a breeding ground for mold even after you have cleaned up the water and dried the carpets.
That’s because mold loves humidity, and basements can be high humidity areas. Moisture is the most important element for mold to grow but it’s not the only thing it needs. Mold also needs oxygen, but even if you could deprave black mold of oxygen, mold can still survive in a dormant state for millions of years without any air.
Mold also needs minimal light to survive and can grow and spread in complete darkness but it thrives in areas with small amounts of light. Studies have shown that ultraviolet light and areas that have a lot of light can kill the mold.
Health Risks of Black Mold
Black mold causes many different health problems, so if you or a family member are experiencing any of the following, it might be a sign you have a mold problem.
Respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing can also be a sign of black mold along with coughing, itching, and watery eyes.
These health concerns and symptoms can feel closely related to those of allergies and can affect those with allergies more than others. Children and older adults, as well as those with a weakened immune system, will also be more affected than anyone else.
Prevention of Black Mold
Being proactive before mold can grow in your home is the best thing you can do. Mold spores can travel through the air and can come in with you on clothing so be sure to remove clothing and take showers to remove these spores.
Control humidity levels in your home and pick up a dehumidifier for the basement to help take moisture out of the air. The CDC recommends keeping the humidity levels in your home between 30% and 50% all day long.
Check those areas with high moisture like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are well ventilated so that condensation does not occur. All these things may be a good way to prevent mold, but there is no guarantee, which is why if you suspect there may be mold, it’s a good idea to test for black mold.
Hire a Professional
With over 20 years of experience, we know how to handle mold problems when they arise. Black mold causes many issues that can lead to costly home repairs if left untreated. If you live in the San Diego area and think you might have mold growth, then let our well-trained experts help you.
We are a family-owned business that understands how much your home means to you, so contact us today for a 24/7 response time.