Black mold is a type of toxic mold of which the scientific name is Stachybotryschartarum which is caused when areas of your property are exposed to moisture. Black mold is loves water-rich environments which is often found in areas like your basement, bathrooms or other areas that are prone to moisture. Black mold removal is tricky because toxic mold cannot only cause structural problems it can cause severe health problems for those exposed. In most cases you should hire a certified professional to assess, plan, implement and evaluate what is going on with your indoor air quality.
The most effective way to determine what type of mold you are dealing with is by having your property tested for mold. You can purchase do-it-yourself kits, which you take the mold samples or you can hire a certified industrial hygienist or mold tester who will do the entire process from start to finish. Mold testing is the most important phase and the test results are only as good as the samples that are taken. In most cases special equipment is necessary to look behind walls and to take various humidity and moisture levels. When it’s your health and the health of your family and pets are on the line, it is really the best practice to invest the money and not take chances with something as serious as this toxic black mold.
Part of the professional visiting your property is to help determine what the case of increased moisture is. Failure to do this will only result in mold growing back and all your money and time will be wasted. Once you have the results of the types of mold the spore count you once again will be faced with the decision to remove the mold yourself or hire a certified professional. Should you be dealing with an area larger than a 10x 10 or if you have documented black mold it is recommended that your hire a certified professional. Visit moldremoval.net to review articles and videos relating to your indoor air quality.
If you decide to embark on this yourself safety should be your number one concern. Follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommendations. Always wear protective equipment during any testing or removal of mold. This would include as the minimum standards Protective eye equipment like protective eye gear, a respirator mask, gloves, and protective clothing. You should pay special attention to sealing off the affected rooms with some type of plastic to create a barrier so you will not contaminated the rest of the property and some type of ventilation needs to be used to create negative pressure.
You must remove the mold using products to not only kill the mold but the toxic mold spores. You should use vacuums that have the heppa filters and all molds should be placed in plastic bags. Various states have guidelines of disposing of mold or other contaminates so before you dump check your guidelines to prevent the potential for hefty fines for not following guidelines. The final process is to have a follow up mold test done to ensure that your indoor air quality is back to acceptable levels.