The Safe Handling and Removal of Black Mold

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

If you see black mold in your home call SERVPRO.

Black Mold

Toxic black mold, or Stachybotrys, is not a species that should be handled by any DIYer. The health risk and threat of spread make this one of the most dangerous species, and only qualified professionals, certified in the best mold remediation practices, should be brought in to remediate your home.

1. Leave it to the Professionals

A mold remediation specialist in the St Michael, MN, area has gone through the required training and has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to remove all types of mold from your home safely. They are aware of and use the most current safety measures for removal, keeping you and your family safe in the process.

2. Characteristics of Mold

Toxic black mold is not unique in its characteristics from other mold species. Even the black color is not an immediate giveaway that it is toxic. The mold must be tested to determine species and potential health risks. However, while testing is the only definitive way to diagnose a mold problem, several common characteristics of mold are its textured and fuzzy appearance along with its variety of colors.

3. Controlled Removal

Mold cleanup is highly reliant on what is often deemed a controlled removal. Since infestations can be made of millions of tiny spores, it is essential to control airflow and movement in the space to be remediated. This means that areas are often taped off with plastic sheeting, including ductwork and windows. The idea is to limit spread as much as possible.

4. Restoration

Since most infestations can be found originating in wall cavities and ceilings, the remediation process will often require the removal of drywall and insulation, which can leave your house in disarray. Thankfully, many remediation specialists belong to restoration companies, meaning that your home will be repaired before the job is deemed complete.

While a DIYer should never handle toxic black mold, it may also be safe to say that no mold infestation should be treated by someone inexperienced. The amount of work and caution required in mold removal most likely mandates professional assistance.