Common Signs and Causes of Black Mold in Minneapolis Homes

Black mold is a problem. It’s a disgusting and potentially dangerous growth that can affect not only your home, but your health, too. Even worse, black mold is everywhere. There are mold spores in the air you breathe, the clothing you wear, and on your pet after a long walk through the park.In your home, black mold will settle into an accommodating, out-of-the-way spot and begin to reproduce. Before long, you’ll have black mold in every room, under the floorboards, and elsewhere. If you want to prevent that horror from becoming a reality, you need to know the signs and causes of black mold. Then, you can schedule professional mold remediation.

What is Black Mold?

We’ve all heard horror stories about black mold. Still, not many know what black mold is or how it’s caused. Essentially, black mold is a type of fungus known for its distinct dark green or black coloring. It also produces a noticeable musty or damp, mildew-like odor.

Black mold typically grows on surfaces with cellulose, including fiberboard, wood, gypsum board, or even paper products, like books or magazines. Mold loves a warm environment. It grows with a bit of warmth, moisture, and darkness.

Black Mold Poisoning

Black mold poisoning is a type of mycotoxicosis, which occurs when you breathe in mycotoxins released from the black mold infestation. The symptoms of such poisoning are similar to a respiratory tract infection, like the flu or common cold. These include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Stuffy Nose
• Runny Nose
• Itchy Skin or Eyes
• Nosebleeds

After a longer period of time, black mold poisoning can worsen. These symptoms include:

• Chronic Coughing
• Frequent Chest Colds
• Allergic Reactions
• Memory Loss
• Anxiety
• Nerve Issues
• Unexplained Weight Loss

Causes of Black Mold in Your Home

In order for black mold to grow and flourish in your home, the right conditions are necessary. These conditions include:

• Mold spores in the air
• Food sources
• Darkness
• Warmth
• Oxygen
• Moisture
• Time

Signs of Black Mold

Once black mold has settled into your home, signs will begin to appear. These signs, which often vary, include:

• Musty Smell – Black mold produces a musty odor that strengthens the closer you are to the growth. The growth is generally behind wallpaper or under tiles.
• Dark Spots – One of the early signs of black mold is a dark ring or noticeable spots near the water damage that’s causing your mold problem.
• Respiratory Irritation – A common early sign of black mold is respiratory irritation leading to headaches, coughing, and sneezing.

At the first sign of black mold, contact Restoration 1 of Greater Minneapolis. Give us a call at 612-200-2302 for 24-hour mold remediation services .

About The Author

David Tynes is the general manager of Restoration of Greater Minneapolis. David has years of experience in home and commercial restoration, and he is certified as a restoration professional by the IICRC.