Any mold in Alexandria, VA homes could bring health issues for family members, especially Stachybotrys. Those Alexandria, VA family members with lung problems, compromised immune systems or just allergies to mold are more susceptible to health problems around mold. No type of mold is healthy in a home.
Stachybotrys chartarum, otherwise known as black mold is not actually black in color but rather a greenish-black color. There are over 100,000 types of mold, many of which are black and can be found in homes in Alexandria, VA. However, unless the mold is Stachybotrys, it is not “black” mold and might not even be toxic.
The black mold itself, in Alexandria, VA homes, is not what you would call poisonous. Some molds are “toxigenic” which means that they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins). Usually, mold only releases spores when it is disturbed in some way. Sometimes all it takes is the breeze of a closing door or the vibration of a hammer at your Alexandria, VA home. Also, black mold does not release mycotoxins all the time, and just because the spores are released, doesn’t mean the toxins do.
To properly remove black mold from homes in Alexandria, VA requires a lot of expensive equipment and expertise, so it is best to leave the job to the professionals. Any area under 3 feet by 3 feet that has been infected by mold, the EPA says a non-professional can do the job. Anything more than that can be a health risk, and if you do not know what you are doing, you can contaminate other parts of your home in Alexandria, VA.
How Professionals Perform Black Mold Removal
- The infected area must be sealed off from the rest of the house.
- A negative pressure environment to ensure black mold is not carried to other parts of the house.
- A HEPA vacuum is used to remove any visible growth.
- Any materials that cannot be disinfected and cleaned such as drywall and carpet are removed.
- Infected materials are properly bagged and disposed of.
- Infected areas are treated and allowed to dry.
Anytime you are dealing with black mold, the source of the moisture that is causing black mold growth at your Alexandria, VA home will need to be repaired.