August 4th, 2009 — Black Mold Removal, Health Risks
Black Mold is a toxic form of mold and can have serious implications on a person’s health. This post is designed to inform you of the protective gear available and why you should be wearing it. This is not the typical, over the top, health and safety post. Black Mold kills so be prepared during Black Mold Removal.
A quick note on black mold removal companies; they should be certified by your state and come well recommended. It is easy for a stranger to not care about spreading the contaminated and not realizing until its to late.
Here are our top 10 tips for safety during black mold removal.
1. Dust Masks
Dust masks are an essential part of the kit; they prevent any inhalation of the mold spores. A respirator is ideal but also expensive, so a dust mask will suffice as long as it is of good quality.
2. Protective Clothing
Clothing that covered all exposed skin should be worn at all times. Ideal made of a fabric that is easy to wipe down and clean or be binned afterword. Tyvek suits are perfect but not necessary.
3. Goggles & Ear Plugs
Wear goggles and ear plugs to prevent mold spores entering places that are almost impossible to clean.
4. Remove Pets & Family Members
Evacuate the house of any family pets or loved ones. Anyone who is not involved in the cleaning process is at risk during the clean-up operation. Anyone with health conditions such not be helping with the clean-up as an added precaution.
5. Have Plenty of Breaks
Black Mold clean-up can take hours or even days. Be sure to have plenty of breaks and time for fresh air to ensure your renewed health through out. Any feels of dizziness or shortness of breath should be treated with respect and immediate removal from the environment is recommended.
6. Removal of Materials
All cleaning products and contaminated materials should be taken out in sealed heavy-duty plastic packaging to ensure it doesn’t contaminated further areas.
7. Prevent the Spread
All items used in the clean up should be properly cleaned also before exiting the area. Clothing should be removed, and placed in a sealed area until it can be cleaned separately form other clothing.
8. Air Purifiers
Use air purifier during and for a short time after the clean up to maximize the removal of any mold spores in the atmosphere.
9. Seal Off The Contaminated Area
Use plastic sheeting and duct tape the seal the area off to prevent the mold seeping out of doorways or ventilations systems and contaminating other rooms of the building.
10. Dry Out the Area
After cleaning ensure the area is dry to prevent another build up of mold.
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August 4th, 2009 — Black Mold
Places to Look for Black Mold
It is no good knowing how to remove black mold unless you know where to look for it and can fully discover the extent of the problem to prevent it growing back. Any place where moisture can occur, that is dark or shaded and contains even the smallest amount of heat is prime ground for Black Mold. Here are the places you should be looking.
Black Mold in Basements & Cellars
Your don’t have to bend the mind far to see why mold would grow here. This is the most common area mold is found within the home. Initially check the area for damp spots and gathering moisture. This is the most likely place to the growth to begin. Examine wooden beams carefully. These lead to and support the rest of the house so these rotting are bad for everyone.
Black Mold Under Floor Boards and Baseboards
These trap a lot of moisture that is spilt or brought in my humans every day. They also gather many small crumbs and dirt; all these provide conditions for the mold to thrive on.
Black Mold Under Drywall & Plasterboards
Mold often grows in small cavities within your walls. This is unavoidable and happens a lot. However it normally affect the nearby plasterboards and drywall. If you have suffered from a nearby mold problem it is worthwhile to remove a small section the test for the presence of black mold.
Black Mold In the Ceiling
When plumbing fails and a leak begins the roof is often the first place for it to show up. These small leaks can provide fast and ideal conditions for mold especially with hot water pipes heating the spaces. Look out for stains forming on the roof. If you see growth here is urgent you investigate and it can spread rapidly to every room in the house.
Black Mold Behind Wallpaper
Mold in these locations is normally very visible as peeling begins as it eats away at the dust gathered by the glue in the paste. Discolouration should occur altering you to its presence.
Black Mold Inside Furniture, Draws and Cabinets
These types of places provide the perfect hide away for mold. Moisture can occur from clothing or products kept within. Mold is often found behind the draws, they grow underneath where heat and darkness are vast.
Black Mold in Moist Areas
Black mold can easily get a foothold in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens where surfaces and crevices are routinely exposed to moist conditions. These places can be hard to spot, and in an area where we expose the body to surfaces can be an extremely dangerous place for it to grow. Ensure you check these areas regularly when cleaning.
Once you have located the extent of your black mold, its time to begin the clean-up. Click here for Black Mold Removal Techniques
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