Black Mold Detection

Most people don't realize that black mold detection is a complicated process, because they assume that identifying black mold spores is as simple as looking at a surface to see if it looks moldy. Don't let yourself fall into this line of thinking, because misidentifying or ignoring the signs of black mold may result in a number of problems for anyone who is exposed.

Black Mold Health Problems

The reason that a black mold problem is so serious lies in the fact that it can cause serious health problems for people who are exposed to black mold spores. In fact, many people don't begin the black mold detection process until after they have become sick, because it is the illness that makes them look for the cause of the problem.

In the beginning, the symptoms are mild and may include headaches, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, sinus infections, skin rashes, coughing, and a lack of energy. If the mold problem is left untreated and exposure continues, then these symptoms will become worse and can escalate into serious problems such as chronic fatigue syndrome, vomiting, cancer, and even death.

The problem with these symptoms is that they often start out as if the person has a cold or the flu. So, they don't think about black mold because it is assumed that they are ill with a virus. But, the diagnosis is questioned when they are still sick a few weeks later, and some people may be ill for a few months. As long as the black mold is present, the person will continue to be sick.

How to Detect Black Mold

If you are experiencing health problems that may be a result of a mold problem, then it is important to begin the black mold detection process as soon as possible in order to prevent more serious health conditions. The best way to identify the extent of black mold spores present within the building is by working with a professional who can use high-end testing equipment to test surfaces, air quality, and HVAC systems.

Don't make the mistake of trying to use an at-home testing kit, because these kits are not reliable and most people don't understand how to use them correctly. Sometimes people make the mistake of using an at-home kit and they don't do the testing right, and then they have a false sense of security when the results come back showing that they do not have a mold problem.

You can follow this link to get a list of local Mold Testers that can accurately test the air quality of your home.

Cleaning Up Mold

Black mold detection is only the first step in the process, because once it has been determined that black mold spores are present, then you need to take immediate action to clean up the contaminated area and prevent additional health issues. But, this cleanup process needs to be done with care, because using the wrong cleanup techniques may result in the mold spreading even further through the building and cross-contaminating other areas.

Many people make the mistake of trying to clean up the mold by treating it the same as dirt: they spray the area down with a standard household cleaner, use a rag or scrub brush on the area that looks dirty, and then wash it down with water. This cleanup method is not good, because the black mold spores probably will not all be killed and the scrubbing process could send those microscopic spores moving through the air to cross contaminate other areas of the home.

If you want to protect the health of yourself and other people who may have been in contact with mold, the best approach is to use a professional for black mold detection and cleanup. Once all of the mold has been located, a professional should be hired to properly remove the mold, determine what caused it to grow, and mold-proof the home so it does not return.

Benefits of Having a Professional Handle the Clean Up of Mold in Your Home

Some homeowners are concerned about the cost of hiring a professional to clean up mold in the home. The cost of hiring a professional can vary greatly depending on the extent of your mold problem and where you live. If you have only a small amount of mold and are somewhat handy around the home, you may not need a professional to do the job. There are a number of benefits to hiring a professional, though.

A professional knows how to locate all the mold in the home, including mold in places that homeowners often miss (such as mold growing in air ducts or inside walls).
A professional knows what products work best on different types of mold.
A professional has all the necessary equipment to remove mold safely.
Having a professional handle the clean up protects you from further exposure to potentially harmful mold, which is especially important if you have mold-related health problems or any kind of respiratory disorder.

Most qualified mold remediation professionals will offer a free consultation. Click here to find Qualified Professionals in your area. Even if you’re not sure you want to hire someone to handle the clean up in your home, we recommend scheduling a free consultation because you can get valuable information that will help you do the job correctly.

Additional Reading:

Black Mold In Houses - Additional information on black mold detection, testing, removal and prevention of recurrence.

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