Why DIY Black Mold Cleanup Can Make Things Worse
Black mold is one of the most dangerous types of mold found in homes, and improper cleanup can lead to bigger problems than you started with. This toxic black mold, often Stachybotrys chartarum, is a type of mold that thrives in damp, dark places. In Los Angeles, where coastal moisture and older buildings can create ideal conditions, mold exposure can cause health issues for anyone, but it’s especially risky for people with weakened immune systems.
At Golden State Mold Inspections, we’ve seen how a small mold problem can become a major hazard when homeowners try to remove mold on their own. Before you grab bleach and a sponge, it’s important to understand how black mold exposure may cause health problems, spread mold spores, and damage your home.
Mold in Your Home and the Risks of Black Mold Exposure
Mold in your home isn’t always visible. You might smell a musty odor before you see mold. Black mold spores can become airborne mold, traveling through ventilation systems and causing new black mold growth in other rooms.
Black mold can cause serious health effects, especially for those who are allergic or sensitive to mold. Mold allergies can lead to allergy symptoms like congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and skin irritation. In some cases, mold exposure may cause asthma attacks or even a fungal infection.
Symptoms of Black Mold and How Mold Can Affect Your Health
Symptoms of black mold vary depending on the person. Exposure to black mold or contact with mold may cause coughing, wheezing, allergic reactions, rashes, headaches, and skin prick test results that show mold allergies. People exposed to black mold over time may experience that mold can cause their immune system to weaken, increasing the risk of fungal illnesses.
For some, black mold exposure may lead to mycotoxin-related illness. These toxins can cause health issues such as chronic fatigue, neurological problems, and may cause allergy symptoms that linger even after leaving the contaminated area. Mold can affect people differently, but common symptoms should never be ignored.
Causes Black Mold and How Black Mold May Grow Indoors
Causes black mold include high humidity, water leak damage, poor ventilation, and areas where wood products, ceiling tiles, or drywall stay damp. Black mold may appear as dark green or black patches and spread quickly if untreated.
Mold may grow after flooding, plumbing issues, or roof leaks. Without proper cleanup, mold can grow into large infestations. Even 10 square feet of visible mold growth can indicate a much larger hidden amount of mold inside walls or under floors.
Why Bleach and DIY Cleaning Up Mold Can Make Things Worse
Many homeowners try cleaning up mold using bleach mixed with a gallon of water, but this only cleans the surface. Since mold is a type of fungus that penetrates porous materials, bleach often fails to remove black mold completely. This means mold commonly grows back, sometimes more aggressively.
When scrubbing moldy surfaces without sealing off the area, you release mold spores from the air, turning a small mold problem in the home into a whole-house contamination. Mold is often found behind walls, so without professional mold remediation, you may miss specific types of mold that require targeted treatment.
Health Risks from Mold Exposure and Toxic Black Mold
Toxic mold exposure can be dangerous. Black mold exposure may lead to allergy symptoms, respiratory problems, and even cause health problems for otherwise healthy people. For those around mold, mold can cause worsening asthma and chronic sinus infections.
Inhaling microbial volatile organic compounds released by different species of mold can irritate the lungs and eyes. Species of mold, like Stachybotrys chartarum, release black mold spores that may cause health effects far beyond the initial exposure. People around mold may not realize that even a small amount of mold can cause health damage over time.
Mold Removal: Why Professional Mold Remediation Works
Professional mold removal and mold remediation teams use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums, air scrubbers, and moisture meters to detect indoor mold in hidden spaces. They seal off affected areas to keep airborne mold from spreading and use treatments that prevent mold from returning.
Experts know how to remove black mold safely without spreading mold spores into the air. They can identify forms of mold, handle common black mold, and treat growing in your home before it spreads. This process also helps prevent mold from taking hold again by addressing the mold causes like leaks and high humidity.
How to Prevent Mold and Reduce Allergy Symptoms
To prevent mold, you need to control humidity and repair any water leaks quickly. Improving ventilation in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements helps keep mold from growing. Using a dehumidifier and checking for visible mold growth regularly can help catch problems early.
If you’ve had mold exposure, treatment can help relieve allergy symptoms and reduce future allergic reaction risks. This may include medications for asthma and allergy, or steps to avoid exposure to black mold altogether. People who have mold problems should act quickly, as black mold can cause lasting health risks.
Breathe Easier, Live Healthier
Dealing with mold in your Los Angeles home or business is not worth the risk of trying to handle it yourself. Black mold exposure and toxic black mold can harm your health and your property if not identified and addressed quickly by trained professionals.
Golden State Mold Inspections has the skills, tools, and experience to perform thorough mold inspections, identify specific types of mold, and provide detailed reports so you can take the right next steps. Serving residential and commercial properties across Los Angeles, especially in coastal cities where moisture is a common issue, we are committed to helping you protect your property and your health. Contact us today to schedule a professional mold inspection and get the peace of mind you deserve.
Golden State Mold
204 Lomita St, El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 525-0619
https://goldenstatemoldinspections.com/