What If There Is Black Mold in Walls?

How Black Mold Forms

• All mold starts as a small spore. That spore will then travel through the air until it lands on a damp surface. Once the spore has landed, it will begin to grow. Mold can survive off digesting itself, meaning mold will not die out on its own. Mold can live on any damp surface including walls, flooring or food.

Health Risks of Black Mold

• According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, mold can cause minor to severe health risks in people. In most people who do not have a sensitivity to mold, black mold in an indoor environment can lead to respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation and mild allergic reactions. People who suffer from asthma can experience asthma attacks if they are around mold. People with sensitivity to mold can develop severe health problems, such as a mold infection in their lungs.

How to Treat Black Mold

• It is possible to clean black mold from your walls. First, lightly spray the area. Ensuring that the mold is damp before cleanup will reduce the chance of the spores becoming airborne and reattaching somewhere else. Next, clean the area with a soap to remove the spores. Finally, use a disinfectant on the entire wall to ensure the mold spores have been killed.

How to Prevent Black Mold

• The only way to prevent mold from forming in your home is to control moisture levels. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests checking your plumbing for leaks. Leaks in your plumbing make an excellent breeding ground for mold, so it is imperative to seal your home. Frequently check your windowsills for condensation. Condensation on the windowsill is an indicator that the temperature in your home is causing excess moisture. Also, run the exhaust fans in your kitchen or bathroom whenever steam is present. The exhaust fan will move the moisture in the air to the exterior of your home.

Black Mold After Flooding

• Flooding is a major cause of interior mold growth. Black mold that grows after a flood is often more severe then typical mold. After a flood, it is important to dry any wet areas as quickly as possible before the water can become a breeding ground for mold. The air quality in a home should be checked often after a flood to ensure moisture levels are controlled.