You've likely heard that black mold is not something you want to find in your home. But, beyond that, you're not alone if you don't know much more about what black mold is and why it needs to be removed.
At Clean Air Services, we provide black mold removal in Calgary, and we're here to tell you everything you need to know about this dangerous fungus.
What Exactly is Black Mold?
Black mold is a species of toxic mold known as Stachybotrys chartarum. It is typically black or greenish-black in colour and slimy in appearance. Black mold only needs moisture to survive and can easily grow and spread in warm and humid places such as basements, attics, kitchens, crawlspaces, and bathrooms.
Does Black Mold Pose a Health Risk?
Yes, black mold is often known as toxic black mold because it can pose a significant health risk. Exposure to black mold often results in upper respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms will be worse in those who have been exposed for a longer period, as well as in infants, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and people with existing upper respiratory conditions. Increased and prolonged exposure to black mold can eventually cause headaches, excessive fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, impaired concentration, and immune system suppression.
How Do I Identify Black Mold?
Black mold is often easily identifiable due to its unique appearance. It will also typically be the only mold present, as it kills off other types of mold when it begins to take hold and spread. However, black mold will not always grow in places that you can see. In fact, it can often be found near hidden water leaks inside floors, ceilings, and walls. In these cases, black mold is often identified by a distinctive musty smell. When paired with signs of a water leak, the smell can be a strong indicator that you have black mold or another type of mold inside of your home.
What Do I Do If I Find Black Mold in My Home?
Black mold removal in Calgary is not something that homeowners should try to do on their own. Attempting to remove black mold without the right skills and experience is often ineffective and might just cause the mold to spread to other parts of the house. Plus, homeowners are typically not familiar with the right safety precautions for mold removal. When black mold is discovered, it needs to be removed by a professional as quickly as possible.
Professional Black Mold Removal in Calgary
If you think you might need black mold removal in Calgary, then don't hesitate to call on the trusted mold removal experts at Clean Air Services. Our trained and experienced professionals are familiar with safe mold removal techniques and equipped with the tools to do the job right.
To request our services or for any other questions you may have about black mold and black mold removal in Calgary, just contact Clean Air Services today.