If I suspect Toxic Black Mold, what should I do about it?

The Black Mold Smell Test!

Testing for Stachybortrys mold is actually just what expert technicians check for in homes and office buildings. That is due to the fact that the Stachybortrys is also named black mold and it can be very toxic. This particular mould is actually a greenish black slimy mould that is usually found on cellulose products, like wood and paper. It does have a strong odor, so one hint you should do some testing for Stachybortrys is the odd musty smell that you have. In a nutshell if you smell it your probably have it.

Testing For Stachbortrys

Anyone can do their own Stachbortrys  testing utilizing a specific  testing kit. This will save you a little money that a professional testing for Stachybortrys charges and you can do a similar thing. Inside the testing kit with respect to black mould, there is a petrie dish containing a disc. You won’t need to handle it when you use this package, so there really is no risk involved. You just introduce the disc to the air for about two hours and then close the lid to allow it to incubate for 48 hours. When you open it after that time, if there is a fungus growing on the disc, then this means that you have mold. It might or may not be black Stachbortrys.

The important point you need to look at when testing for Stachybortrys is; if you can smell it  you do have a concern!  If you have with black mold, it means you  have an issue with water or moisture and this has to be addressed. If you don’t look for and fix this problem, the it will only return. Testing for mold is only some the solution. One also will have to find the reason for the moisture in the basement.

Getting Rid of Black Mold

Black Mold Loves Moisture – So Get Rid of the Moisture

The problem causing the black mould might be condensation building up on the pipes in your basement or maybe the effects of not getting enough heating inside the basement. Nevertheless, there are occasions when the Stachbortrys black mold testing calls for extreme measures for you in order to get rid of the mold. If, for instance, the source of the black mold is the underlay under the carpeting, this means you will have to take up all the carpet and toss it out. Just screening for Stachbortrys mold will not help you eliminate the toxic Black in your home.

Call an Expert in Black Mold

It really is a good idea to call in an expert if you are concerned about Black Mold. If you think you are in this situation Call Ken Bradshaw of Total Home Services. Ken’s Office number is 604-523-2238 or he can be reached on his cell at 604-808-7039.

An interesting article on the effects of black mold can be found here.

Total Home Services services Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Surrey and most of the lower mainland.