by Mold-B-Gone | Oct 12, 2022 | Black Mold
Mold is found in many households in the U.S., and while it can be unsightly, it’s usually not a cause for alarm. It is a fungus commonly found in damp areas and can cause serious health problems if left unchecked. The primary difference between mold and fungus is that mold is green or black, while fungus can be any color.
Also, a fungus is composed of microscopic spores, while a mold is composed of filaments. The fungus typically grows on food or soil, while mold usually grows on damp surfaces.
Read more: Mold vs. Fungus: Their Similarities and Differences
Black mold can be black, green, or brown. It’s often found in damp areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. If left unchecked, black mold can cause serious health problems.
Read on to learn about black mold and its dangers.
What Is Black Mold?
Black mold, known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is a mold that thrives in damp, dark environments. It’s often found in homes and buildings damaged by water or flooding. Black mold can cause serious health problems, including respiratory illness, neurological damage, and even death.
Signs of a Black Mold Infestation in Your Home
1) Visible Mold Growth
You can find black mold anywhere in your home where there is moisture, such as in damp basements, showers, or leaky pipes. The mold may appear as black specks, streaks, or blotches and can quickly spread if not removed.
2) Musty Odors
Black mold emits a gas called mycotoxin, which smells musty. If you notice this musty smell, it’s essential to investigate further to see if mold is present.
3) Respiratory Problems
When inhaled, black mold can cause several respiratory problems, including:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Bronchitis
- Inflammation of the lungs
- In severe cases, black mold inhalation can even lead to death.
How To Prevent or Get Rid of Black Mold: Tips
1) Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is key to preventing the growth of mold. Be sure to ventilate any areas in your home prone to moisture, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Use exhaust fans or open windows to help circulate air and keep these areas dry.
2) Humidity
Mold thrives in humid environments, so it’s essential to keep the humidity level in your home low. Use a dehumidifier to help remove excess moisture from the air.
3) Water Damage
One of the most common ways mold enters the home is through water damage. If your home has experienced flooding or a leak, dry the area thoroughly and repair any damage to prevent mold from growing.
4) Cleaning
A good cleaning routine is essential for preventing the growth of mold. Be sure to clean any areas of your home prone to moisture, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Use a mild detergent and water to clean these areas
5) Mold-resistant products
Many products, like paints, caulk, sealants, etc., have mold-resistant features. You can use these products in areas more prone to moisture and susceptible to black mold growth.
While black mold may not be as toxic as other types of mold, it can still pose serious health risks. Exposure to black mold can cause several respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
You may wonder if cleaning or removing black mold is safe. It is better to call experts for mold removal in Atlanta, like Mold B Gone. We use the best EPA-registered products, and our approach is always efficient and effective.
by Mold-B-Gone | Oct 4, 2022 | Mold and Infants, Mold Inspection
23-year-old Juliana, from New South Wales, Australia, had to be evicted from her home after authorities condemned it. The cause? A rampant mold infestation caused by a year of damp, wet weather.
“It’s really disgusting,” she told to NCA NewsWire. “It started out just in the corners of our bedrooms and living area, but at this point it’s taken over most of the walls and roofing spaces. Even after multiple attempts to remove it, it keeps growing back thicker and in new spots.”
Juliana and her two roommates were all affected. The mold spread to their personal belongings and may be the cause of a mysterious illness.
“Both of my roommates have been sick for the past six months with no explanation – a constant cough and runny nose,” Juliana said. “We’re pretty certain this is from the mold growing in their bedrooms.”
Even though they tried to deal with it themselves, the constant rain and damp weather created the perfect conditions for the mold to re-emerge. Their landlord stepped in to try and deal with the problem, but it was to no avail.
Ultimately, the three housemates had to leave the home because it was condemned.
She’s not the only one that has been dealing with mold. People living in places like Georgia, with humid climates and damp winters, are at increased risk of mold in their homes.
What Are The Signs of Mold In My Home?
Mold development can be concealed. Mold may develop behind walls or above ceiling tiles. Therefore, inspecting for mold in any wet area is critical, especially if water damage has occurred.
Begin by performing a visual survey of your home. Look for stains or discoloration on floors, walls, window panes, ceiling tiles, textiles, and carpets that indicate mold or excessive moisture. Examine the area for evident leaks, dampness, floods, or a musty stench. If you detect anything strange, take immediate action!
How Can I Remove Mold From My Home?
Do not attempt to remove mold yourself. Although mold seems simple to kill, it is not simple to eliminate. One mold spore can spawn a huge infestation quickly. Many landlords and homeowners are tempted to remove mold by themselves to save on costs. However, the risk is much greater than the initial cost of mold remediation and is seldom done correctly. If the mold gets out of control, you might need to have your home demolished like Juliana’s home was.
We recommend hiring the most trusted professional in your area. If you’re in or around Atlanta, Mold-B-Gone is an excellent choice.
Mold-B-Gone: Atlanta’s Mold Remediation Experts
Our highly skilled team of certified mold removal experts specializes in whole-house cleaning. We have done mold removal services for thousands of homes and companies in Atlanta over the years and never failed a test on any house or commercial structure. Since we opened our doors, we have had a 100% rating for our mold cleaning service in Atlanta. Give us a call at (470) 545-4467 today!
by Mold-B-Gone | Sep 20, 2022 | Green Mold, Mold Facts
Mold is a fungus that can grow almost anywhere there is moisture and organic material. In some cases, it can be dangerous to your health. According to EPA, mold can cause a variety of respiratory problems, as well as skin irritation. Taking action immediately is essential if you think you have mold in a home.
The first step is to identify the type of mold you’re dealing with. Many of us do not know the difference between mold and fungus. Mold is a fungus that can grow on wet surfaces. It’s often green, black, or white. On the other hand, the fungus is a plant-like organism that feeds on organic matter.
Read more: Mold vs. Fungus: Their Similarities and Differences.
One of the dangerous forms of mold is green in color. Green mold is also known by its scientific name, Stachybotrys chartarum. This mold is often found in damp or water-damaged areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Read on to understand green mold, its dangers, and how to get rid of it.
What Is a Green Mold?
Green mold is fungi that can grow indoors and outdoors. It thrives in moist, warm environments and can often be found in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and on or around building materials that have been water damaged. Green mold can also be found in food that has gone bad.
While green mold is not necessarily more dangerous than other types of mold, it can cause health problems for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. Green mold can also cause damage to the material it is growing on.
For example, wooden beams or drywall covered in the green mold may need to be replaced.
If you think you have green mold in your home or business, it is essential to have it removed by a professional as soon as possible.
Tips and Tricks By Professionals to Remove Green Mold
1. Identify the Source of Green Mold
It is probably the most critical step as you need to know where the mold is coming from to remove it properly. Some familiar places for mold growth are leaky pipes, windows, or roofs; condensation on cooling coils of air conditioners; and damp basements or crawlspaces. You should also check for any water damage, as this can be a breeding ground for mold spores.
2. Isolate Affected Areas
After identifying and locating the source of green mold, isolate all affected areas so that the spores do not spread. You can do it by sealing off the rooms with plastic sheeting and using a HEPA filter. Experts wear proper protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and respirators while handling moldy materials.
3. Ventilate Your Home
Open your windows and allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home to help dry out any affected areas. The more quickly you can dry out these areas, the less likely new mold will grow.
4. Use a Commercial Mold Removal Product or Solution
These contain chemicals that can kill mold and mildew.
5. Remove All Material That May Have Been Affected by Mold
Any material in your home that has been affected by green mold (e.g., drywall, insulation, carpeting) needs to be removed and replaced. This is because cleaning and disinfecting these materials will be challenging, and they may continue to harbor mold spores even after you’ve removed the visible mold growth.
Contact Mold-B-Gone for the mold removal company in Atlanta. We are experts in mold remediation and will get rid of your green mold problem quickly and efficiently.
by Mold-B-Gone | Sep 6, 2022 | Mold Facts, Mold in Wood
Mold spores in the air are inevitable, and so is the mold growing on your wood furniture. No matter how often you clean or how well you ventilate your home, there will always be a few spores that slip through and take root in the dampest corners of your house.
Read more: 7 Places Mold Hides In Your Home!
Wooden furniture is especially susceptible to mold growth because they are often kept in humid environments. The good news is that mold on wood furniture is relatively easy to remove, as long as you take the necessary precautions.
Here are a few tips and tricks for removing mold from wood furniture:
1. Identify the Source of Moisture
There are different sources of moisture that can cause mold to grow on wood. These include:
- leaks in the roof or walls
- high humidity levels
- flooding
- damp basements or crawl spaces
If you can identify and fix the source of moisture, this will help to prevent mold from growing back.
2. Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a way to remove mold from unfinished wood and cabinets. If the humidity in your home is too high, it can create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Using a dehumidifier can lower the humidity levels and make your home less hospitable for mold.
It is a machine that helps to remove water from the air. Dehumidifiers can be used in many settings, such as during construction, flooding, or high humidity levels.
There are two types of dehumidifiers: desiccant and refrigerant.
- Desiccant dehumidifiers work by absorbing moisture from the air.
- Refrigerant dehumidifiers work by cooling the air and condensing the water vapor.
3. Open Windows and Doors To Allow for Air Circulation
Mold growth is often the result of stagnant, humid air. Allowing fresh air to circulate throughout your home is essential for preventing mold growth and removing existing mold. If possible, open windows and doors to create a cross breeze and improve airflow. You can use fans to help circulate the air in your home.
4. Vacuum the Furniture
Vacuuming is the first step in mold remediation. Use a HEPA filter to avoid spreading spores while you vacuum. If you don’t have a HEPA filter, seal the bag after each use to prevent spores from escaping.
Use a brush attachment to vacuum moldy areas. If the mold has penetrated deep into the wood, you may need to sand the affected area before vacuuming.
After vacuuming, use a damp cloth to wipe down the furniture. This will remove any mold spores that are left behind.
5. Mix Vinegar and Water for Cleaning
The best cleaning solution for white mold on wood is a mix of vinegar and water. Use equal parts vinegar and water; if you’re using distilled white vinegar, use one part vinegar to four parts water.
This natural solution is safe for people and pets and effectively cleans mold off wood surfaces. Apply the mixture to the affected area with a sponge or cloth and scrub until the mold is gone.
6. Sand the Wood
Sandpaper is a great way to remove mold from wood. Be sure to sand in the grain direction to avoid damaging the wood. If you are searching for a mold removal specialist in Atlanta, contact Mold-B-Gone. Our highly trained professionals are experts in mold removal and will work diligently to rid your home of mold.
by Mold-B-Gone | Aug 23, 2022 | Killing Mold, Mold Facts
Amie Skilton from Australia was 37 years old when she moved into an apartment with her now-husband. She was perfectly healthy: she traveled around the country giving keynote speeches, did “fun runs”, and worked as a naturopath and nutritionist.
Then she started to get sick. She noticed allergy symptoms, she gained over 20 pounds, and she started getting chronic fatigue. Amie even started to forget her own name.
Shaken and puzzled, her now-husband took her to the doctor’s office, where they performed a battery of tests. All the tests came back fine, stunning the doctors.
She was referred to a neurologist who later diagnosed her with Type III Alzheimer’s. Type III Alzheimer’s disease is also known as inhalational Alzheimer’s and is caused by airborne toxins.
Amie had a mold expert check her home and found that the underside of the carpet was lined with black mold. This mold grew after a pipe leaked and soaked the carpet, and Amie didn’t know about it until she was already sick. Luckily, after moving out of the apartment, her brain function returned to normal. But who knows what could have happened to Amie if it had gone unchecked?
Today, Amie is a qualified mold testing technician in her native Australia who educates others about the dangers of mold.
The Dangers of Black Mold
Toxic black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, grows in wet conditions under the carpet, drywall, and flooring. They produce highly poisonous spores that can cause respiratory illness and fatigue. But not everyone is affected equally.
In Amie’s case, her genetic predisposition caused a severe reaction to mold spores. Just as some people are intolerant to lactose or gluten, some people are strongly affected by toxic mold spores. Most people won’t know until it’s too late.
What To Do About Black Mold In The Home
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best way to deal with black mold in the home is to prevent it from growing in the first place. Water damage is usually the cause, and it’s best to call a specialist immediately if a leak is ever found.
Another cause of mold growth is a high level of humidity in the home. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth. Keep humidity levels between 30% and 50% in the home, and check your humidity levels with a meter. A single room might be more humid than others; if that’s the case, a dehumidifier can help. If you’re having persistent issues with humidity in your home, call an HVAC specialist.
The truth about black mold is that once it’s found in a home, it needs to be removed by a professional. Professional mold remediation experts have the tools necessary to remove black mold and prevent it from causing further health issues. Otherwise, it’s best to move to a clean home if you find black mold.
Mold Remediation in Atlanta
25% of the human population has a genetic predisposition to mold-related illness, and most people don’t take the chance: keep your family safe with mold remediation in Atlanta by Mold-B-Gone.
Mold-B-Gone is the premier mold remediation company in Atlanta, specializing in whole-house mold removal. We clear mold caused by water damage and humidity. 100% of our client’s homes have passed a mold inspection in Atlanta after working with us. Best of all, we offer a 5-year written guarantee on all mold removal services.
Speak to a mold removal expert today; call 470-545-4467 and enjoy peace of mind knowing your family is safe.
Read Amie Skilton’s full New York Post story here.
