Black Mold Issues Growing in Virginia Beach, VA
There are three types of mold—black mold, toxic mold, and allergenic mold. This mold is in the air we breath. Low levels of mold are usually harmless but if levels increase they can cause adverse effects on people in Virginia Beach, VA who have allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions. Homes in high humidity areas such as Virginia Beach, VA are more prone to black mold.
Another name for black mold is Stachybotrys chartarum. It produces mycotoxins which are toxic substances produced by a fungus. Cases of black mold issues have been devastating for some area residents’ health.
What does black mold look like?
Black mold looks black or dark green in color. While it grows, it has a distinctive shiny and slimy form on surfaces. Once it dries out, it turns gray and powdery in appearance.
Other molds resemble black mold, and the only way to confirm that the mold is definitely black mold is to check it under a microscope. A mold inspection by a professional environment company such as Envirotex can check for black mold in Virginia Beach, VA homes.
Where does black mold grow?
A lot of moisture is needed for black mold to grow in your home in Virginia Beach, VA and because of this, black mold is found mostly in houses who have sustained significant water damage either by flooding or leaks that were never fixed. Black mold needs materials that are high in cellulose and low in nitrogen in order to grow meaning that it can grow on most indoor building materials at your home in Virginia Beach, VA including—
- Paper products
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Carpet
- Wallpaper
- Ceiling tiles
- Wood
Unfortunately, black mold can thrive in behind walls, in ceilings, and under flooring completely hiding from a Virginia Beach, VA homeowner’s view.
Family members can be exposed to black mold by ingestion. Mycotoxins can enter the body through inhalation or the skin. This type of mold in Virginia Beach, VA homes can damage the structure of a home and can significantly damage the health of family members.
