What Is Black Mold & Is It Dangerous?

There are many black mold facts or myths out there, and when you think that it is growing in your home, it is best to have the truth. 

Black mold is often a greenish or black color and is found on materials with a high cellulose content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, and paper. 

Black mold growth results from water damage, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. 

The most common places to find black mold are bathtubs, showers, toilets, kitchens, and basements. 

Even though you may not see or smell it, mold can still lurk in your home. Besides smell and noticeable spores, there are telltale signs of black mold such as peeling wallpaper and warped drywall. 

You might wonder, what is toxic black mold and is black mold dangerous?  Black mold is not necessarily dangerous but if someone has a mold allergy or an underlying condition, the presence of mold can lead to negative health effects.

When you suspect that there may be black mold growing in your home, contact the certified professionals at HRS to get started returning your home to its pre-damaged condition.

 

Black Mold Vs. Toxic Mold

To learn how dangerous is black mold to you and those in your home, you might first ask about underlying health conditions.

For those who are sensitive, are young or elderly, or suffer medical conditions, exposure to black mold can be dangerous. This leads to the toxic effects so often described in the media.

In some severe cases, black mold exposure might even be deadly.

 

Is Black Mold Dangerous?

You may have heard the terms “deadly black mold” or “toxic black mold” but the naming is more sinister than the reality. The association stems from a CDC study in 1995 suggesting a link between black mold and a deadly condition called Acute Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemorrhage (AIPH). 

However, the CDC retracted this particular finding two years later in a follow-up study. Nevertheless, if someone is exposed to a large amount of black mold over time and they are particularly susceptible, it may be lethal. 

Even if it’s not deadly, all mold can spread and cause illness. “Any mold is bad mold” and should be removed.

 

Symptoms Of Black Mold Exposure

Black mold can be dangerous for those who are sensitive to its spores or who have underlying health conditions. 

Those who have been exposed to black mold or who suffer toxic mold syndrome may show black mold symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, stuffy nose, red or itchy eyes, skin rash, and sore throat.

These black mold symptoms can be dangerous for young children and those with respiratory problems since they experience black mold symptoms to a greater degree. If family members or employees in your workplace experience these effects, it may indicate the presence of black mold.

 

What Causes Black Mold To Grow? 

Black mold grows and will continue to grow as long as the following conditions are present: water, humidity, and porous, breathable material like wood, particleboard, or insulation.

The key to its growth is continued moisture, which can be inevitable in bathrooms and kitchens.

 

What Does Black Mold Look Like? 

Discovering a growth might lead you to wonder what is toxic mold and what causes it to grow? 

Black mold can be greenish-black in appearance and appears in clusters that resemble inkblots. Black mold has a dank and musty odor and is usually found near cracks in walls and flooring.

 

Where Can Black Mold Be Found? 

Black mold can be found in nearly every part of a home or building. 

From basements, attics, garages, bathrooms, kitchens that contain plumbing, to near any openings where rain or snow may penetrate. 

Black mold can be found in the openings of doors, windows, and A/C units.

 

What To Do If You Find Black Mold? 

We don’t advise that you clean the mold with household cleaning products which could cause a reaction upon contact. Household cleaners may mask the smell of the mold but they likely won’t remove it for the long term. 

A professional mold removal company such as HRS can identify the source, treat and remediate the mold in your home. If you try cleaning it yourself, it will be hard to determine its type and therefore, the best way to remove it.

 

How Does Black Mold Remediation Work?

HRS’ mold remediation technicians survey for the presence of mold, test to gauge the extent of its spread and type, clear up the affected areas, and remove the conditions that caused it. 

Our trained team helps homeowners in Denver remediate mold and water damage in the least time and with as little stress as possible.

 

Black Mold Inspection

HRS’ trained technicians will investigate the presence, source, and extent of mold in your affected property. 

It may be necessary for us to perform tests to ensure that all affected areas are identified. 

We utilize professional tools like thermal cameras and moisture meters to root out anywhere mold can live and hide. Once we know where all of the mold is, we test it to determine its type.  

Black Mold Remediation

Black mold remediation is the process of drying the affected areas and applying anti-mold cleaning solutions so mold cannot return. 

As leaders in professional water and mold remediation, we use a specially formulated solution and professional-grade tools that can kill mold spores that are invisible but exist on the surface.

 

Black Mold Restoration

Black mold restoration refers to our team of licensed contractors and professionals returning the area affected by mold to its original state. 

Black mold restoration includes the entire timeline of inspection, removal, cleaning, and ensuring the area is treated to prevent a future mold outbreak.

Why Choose HRS Restoration Services? 

HRS is licensed, bonded, and trusted by some of the largest commercial contractors in the Denver and Phoenix metro areas. We bring our experienced restoration experts to your home or office so you can get on with your life and your business. 

We’re connected to our local communities and our reputation depends on our customers’ experience. We are at your service any time that a loss occurs and work diligently to gain your trust.

 

Contact HRS Restoration Services Today! 

The longer mold exists and grows in your home or office, the greater likelihood that you, an employee, or a customer will experience the physical effects of exposure. 

Call HRS, a trusted leader in the remediation services industry so we can remove the mold responsibly and thoroughly. 

Since mold often develops when there is a leak or an abundance of moisture, our trained technicians are ready to mitigate any water damage you may also have. We can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Always Available

Anytime of day, any day of the year, HRS is here to fix what may seem overwhelming and intimidating. Our professionals in Denver are here to help 24/7.

what is iicrc and Why is it important?

IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Formed nearly 40 years ago, it is a non-profit organization that establishes globally recognized standards for the cleaning and restoration industry, as well as providing certifications, journeyman and master designation, and education.

By choosing a firm with IICRC certified team members, you are assured the cleaning professionals have undergone rigorous training and will handle your disaster restoration with the highest standard of care.

Approach

Helping Our Customers Immediately.

Figuring out what steps to take when disaster strikes can be a daunting task. HRS is here 24/7 to walk you through the process and bring your home or business back to habitable condition(s).

Taking care of emergencies so you don’t have to.

At HRS, we understand the panic that can set in when your basement floods or a fire breaks out at your business. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to repair damage and give you peace of mind.

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Investigate

Clean

Repair