Black Mold - The causes of indoor air pollution are numerous. They include the obvious, such as the presence of black mold. Even if there is black mold present, further study is needed, as there are several molds, which produce black spores including the common fungi cladosporium, alternaria and rhizopus. 

We understand that there are often several steps involved in determining the health risk due to any black mold present. For example, the collection of air or wipe samples may be needed to determine the particular type of fungi that is the cause of visible black mold present in a home or business. A.Alan's Reliable  personnel have the necessary skill and expertise in removing and preventing the re-growth of black mold. 

Can you battle Black Mold?
Stachybotrys (Black Mold) is a greenish-black mold that grows on materials with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. Growth happens when there is moisture from water damage, excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth. 

Is the mold in my building Black Mold?
Stachybotrys occurs widely in North America, it is very common to find it in homes. Black Mold requires water soaked cellulose (wood, paper, and cotton products) to grow. While wet it looks black and slimy perhaps with the edges white, and when dry it looks less shiny. But it is not the only common black mold to be found in these conditions. 

The Stachybotrys fungi cannot be identified by a routine visual inspection. Remember all black mold is not necessarily Stachybotrys. It could be non-toxic black mold. The only method to determine the type of mold present is by sample analysis by an accredited laboratory. Also, it is important to keep in mind that the mold is only a toxic risk or hazard if a person breathes or comes into contact with the spores. Wet mold is not an indoor air quality health risk, but there is a significant potential for the mold to dry and released into the air. 

What are the health effects? (see Health Concerns and Health Benefits)
Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However some people are sensitive to molds. Stachybotrys is toxic. And if the spores are inhaled they can lead to a variety of ailments and even death. Experts say that it sometimes takes years before the effects of black mold exposure are detected. This type of mold is thought to be a possible cause of the sick building syndrome. 

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) list the following as symptoms from exposure to Stachybotrys mold:

1. Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, and difficulty in breathing
2. Nasal and sinus congestion
3. Eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, light sensitivity 
4. Dry, hacking cough 
5. Sore throat
6. Nose and throat irritation
7. Shortness of breath
8. Chronic fatigue
9. Skin irritation
10. Central nervous system problems (constant headaches, memory problems, and mood changes)
11. Aches and pains
12. Possible fever
13. Diarrhea
14. Possible hemosiderosis
15. Immune suppression 

Preventing mold
Keep humidity level in your house below 50 percent. Use air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months. Make sure your home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms. Use mold inhibitors, which can be added to paints. Clean bathroom with mold killing products. Do not carpet bathrooms. Remove and replace flooded carpets

Remediation of Black Mold
The removal and/or disinfection of these items can be performed by A.Alan's Reliable. In fact, ARS employees are highly trained and experienced in containment procedures. Containment procedures are needed when removing mold contaminated building materials so as to prevent the dispersal of mold spores into non-contaminated areas of a building or dwelling. Improperly removed mold contaminated building materials can result in widespread illness among the building occupants. The illness is a result of mold spores being spread into a building or home as the contractor failed to use proper containment procedures. Mold spores become airborne easily, and if a containment fails, the airborne spores will readily spread into adjoining areas and possibly the ventilation system.