Black mold is a very real danger to anyone living or working in a home or office building. This fungus can weaken the structure, but far worse is the health hazard that it presents. Black mold produces pathogens which if inhaled can cause serious respiratory problems. Preventing this nuisance from becoming a presence is worth any cost incurred.
Black mold is not like common dust spores. It can’t be effectively prevented by washing the walls with soap and water. The United State Environmental Protection Agency firmly states that the way to control any mold growth is to control moisture. That makes credible sense as one realizes that moisture is the avenue on which black mold spores grow and spread through a building. Trouble starts developing when the relative humidity inside reaches fifty five percent. A good HVAC system can keep moisture under control, but new filters must be periodically installed to keep mold from developing on them. A humidity meter can help a home or building owner stay alert to the rising humidity levels. Dehumidifiers are also excellent means of keeping moisture levels low.
Rain gutters can literally pour mold-spawning water into a house. Extenders can be purchased for the downspouts, allowing water to be diverted away from the home. Often, routine inspections can uncover potential breeding grounds for black mold. Peeling or splotchy wall paper is possible evidence of moisture buildup, and new wall paper removes the potential problem. Bathroom and ceiling tiles should also be checked and replaced if there are signs of mold forming on them.
There are natural ways to prevent black mold from gaining a foothold and the simplest of these is a basic homemade vinegar spray. The acid found in ordinary apple vinegar makes a space intolerable for black mold to form or grow, and spraying a shower curtain with vinegar periodically will prevent mold from becoming established. Scrubbing an area with borax and water is another good preventive measure. Fabric and rugs may need something else, however, and any mold deterrent ought to be checked for the chemical content before being used on any surface. While there are some very good mold prevention chemical products on the market, a single application is not sufficient. As such, routine applications are recommended for keeping black mold at bay.
It was mentioned earlier that making sure black mold doesn’t gain foothold is worth the expense. As with many household pests, the cure certainly costs more than the prevention, for depending on the extent of the contamination, the price associated with getting rid of this fungus can be steep. Because of the toxins found in some molds, special clothing and protective gear will have to be worn and professionals may have to be called in to deal with the problem. Advanced cases of black mold infestation have resulted in families being force to leave and seek temporary lodging during the clean-up. The worst that can happen is for the house to be condemned and torn down, although this level of severity is fairly rare.
Preventive measures can stop a major disaster from happening. The costs of keeping suspect areas dry are quite reasonable when one considers that insurance companies may or may not cover mold damage. A little effort and prudent investment in the necessary products, equipment, and preventative recommendations for keeping moisture under control can definitely save a lot of grief later, both in terms of structural damage to a home or building, and health complications to the individuals occupying them.
