How common is black mold?

It is present almost everywhere, including the air. In general, normal amounts of mold in the environment do not pose a substantial health risk to healthy people with regular immune system function. There is no single type of mold called “black mold” — many molds are black.

Is black mold common in houses?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common indoor molds are cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria and aspergillus. Stachybotrys chartarum, often called toxic mold, is rare. This heavy, dense, black mold is most often caused by a long-term moisture problem.

Is black mold a big deal?

Myth: Black mold is more harmful than other mold

This species can produce toxins but aren't toxic or poisonous. Black mold or toxic mold is the same as other mold in your home and should be treated the same for clean up purposes. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria.

How often does black mold occur?

It colonizes in one to twelve days and grows at one square inch per day. In less than a week, it can cover surface areas of several square feet. Unfortunately in most cases, mold is widespread and already a big problem before a problem is even suspected by the homeowners.

What are the chances of dying from black mold?

In reality, all molds — including black mold — can produce toxins, but exposure to mold is rarely deadly. People are exposed to mold through spores that are released and travel through the air.

10 Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity in Your Home - Black Mold Symptoms

What percent of homes have black mold?

If you're wondering what percentage of homes have mold, the answer is around 70%. This is a terrifying statistic for homeowners.

What percentage of US homes have mold?

According to experts in MOLDY, more than half the houses in the U.S. have mold problems, and 28 percent of the population have genes that make them highly susceptible to mold-related health issues. Environmental mold is a far bigger concern than asbestos or lead paint, and it affects us all, says Asprey.

Is black mold always toxic?

Black mold may not be toxic, but it can be an allergenic. Nigrospora is an example of a black colored mold. There is no evidence it is toxic to humans or other living organisms. The most common black mold is Cladosporium, which has no known toxic side effects.

How quickly does black mold affect you?

These symptoms usually first appear 2 to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss. Work-relatedness may only become apparent over long holidays if symptoms resolve and then recur on return to work.

Where is black mold usually found?

It thrives in damp areas with a lot of cellulose, such as cardboard or paper items. Black mold is also present in some foods that are high in cellulose and low acidity (e.g., nuts). However, mold can grow in any warm, wet areas of the house such as basements, showers, crawlspaces, and especially on windows.

What should you do if you find black mold?

Create a bleach mixture

If the black mold growth in your home is small enough for you to treat alone, a simple mixture of bleach and water can help. Add one cup of bleach to one gallon of water and apply it to the moldy spots. You can also find commercial black mold removal products.

What happens if you breathe in black mold?

When people with allergies inhale mold spores, they can experience sneezing, runny nose, red and itchy eyes, headaches, skin rashes, throat and lung irritation, difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks and more.

How do you know if it's black mold vs regular mold?

While other types of mold may have a fuzzy, light texture, black mold will usually be slimy or wet. Some early forms of black mold have a powdery feel. Rub the mold with a paper towel to determine the texture, but be sure to wear gloves, a face mask, coveralls, and safety goggles when going near mold.

Is it OK to live in a house with mold?

The CDC, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warns about the dangers of living with mold in the home: Respiratory tract symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, and swelling of the throat. Those who have asthma and allergy problems are especially at risk.

Can mold be completely removed from a house?

However, the reality of mold is this: Even though some mold can be removed from the home by cleaning thoroughly and taking out rotten materials, it can never be removed completely, which is why getting rid of it is often referred to as “mold remediation.” The important thing is to handle a mold issue promptly to help ...

Can mold behind drywall affect you?

Doing this is very dangerous because the mold hidden in your walls is as risky or even more risky than the one you can see on the surface. These risks include health implications and structural damage. Mold is risky to your health and loved ones.

What does mold poisoning feel like?

Primarily, mold illness is associated with allergic reactions that mimic seasonal allergies. Respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, watery eyes, and skin irritation are the predominant symptoms.

What are signs of black mold?

What are signs of mold sickness?

Can I paint over mold?

Mold is a fungus that will thrive where there's enough moisture to encourage its growth. Using mold-resistant paint works to prevent mold growth, but it won't kill it once it's started to grow. You can paint over mold, but it will always reappear if you don't stop it in its tracks.

Do most old houses have mold?

In short, the answer is yes. Older buildings are more likely to have mold issues. Newer homes, however, can have mold problems that are just as serious if the owner does not implement proper prevention strategies.

How often is mold found in homes?

According to the WHO, 15 percent of houses in cold climates show signs of dampness, and about 5 percent have signs of mold problems. In warm climates, however, it is estimated that 20 percent of houses have dampness, and 25 percent have mold.

What states have the most mold problems?

Texas ranks #1, and following Florida is Oklahoma, South Carolina, Nevada, Arizona, California, South Dakota, Tennessee and Kansas. It sounds bizarre that dry states such as Nevada and Arizona could rank so high for mold occurrence but it is possible.

What kills mold permanently?

Bleach kills virtually every species of indoor mold that it comes into contact with including mold spores which leaves a sanitized surface making it resistant to future mold growth.

Why do so many houses have mold?

Mold thrives in houses where leaks, floods, poor ventilation, humidity, and other sources of moisture have been left unattended. The key to preventing its growth is, according to Mr. Provitola, to deal with any water issue within 24 to 48 hours from occurrence.