Black mold is a type of higher mold fungi. It is toxic and therefore causes a variety of diseases in humans and animals. The fungus appears on the walls and ceilings of damp, poorly ventilated rooms and grows unusually quickly. A few days after its appearance, it is already in the fruiting phase, actively throwing out a myriad of tiny spores. They say that in the old days, houses infected with mold were burned. It was believed, and not unreasonably, that the building on which the fungus settled was unsuitable for habitation. The opinion of the ancestors is confirmed by modern scientific research. Black mold on the walls in the apartment and bathroom is an alarming signal that a dangerous neighbor has appeared in the house. Therefore, it needs to be eliminated as early as possible.
Health Hazard
The most common symptoms associated with mold are muscle and joint pain, skin diseases, runny nose, difficulty breathing, lethargy, apathy, and fatigue. Fungi often cause damage to various internal organs. The spores cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Often numbness of the extremities and inflammation of the joints of the spine (ankylosing spondylitis) begin to develop.
Molds cause irritability, anxiety, chronic insomnia, and frequent headaches. They are extremely dangerous for pregnant women, as they lead to impaired fetal development.Malignant tumors, necrosis, kidney damage are the result of long-term influence of fungi and their microscopic spores. The most common diseases caused by exposure to black mold are:
- muscle pain;
- fatigue, weakness;
- sinusitis, rhinitis;
- headache;
- depression, anxiety, restlessness;
- insomnia;
- frequent dizziness;
- inflammatory diseases of the throat;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- rash.
The body of a healthy person is reliably protected from the toxic effects of black mold. But any minor illness or surgery weakens the immune system. In such cases, the body becomes extremely susceptible to mold spores. Allergy sufferers will be the first to feel worse. Coughing, asthma attacks, and various skin rashes will appear. People who do not suffer from allergies may not immediately notice the harmful effects. This does not mean that the insidious microorganism does not have a destructive effect.
How to remove black mold?
If a large surface of the wall is affected by a black coating, then repairs are required. In situations where dark spots are just beginning to appear, they are destroyed with potent drugs. The products can be industrially produced or prepared independently. First, thoroughly clean the wall from visible black spots. To do this, wash it with warm soapy water using a brush or hard sponge. When the surface is dry, generously apply the chemical solution to the walls. The procedure must be repeated several times, even if the fungal spots have disappeared after the first application. When working, you should remember about safety precautions.Be sure to wear a protective mask, special glasses, and rubber gloves.
Folk methods of struggle
The most reliable method is to make repairs in rooms affected by black mold. But if the ceiling or walls are only slightly darkened, then it is permissible to use improvised means.
Vinegar essence
Regular table vinegar is an affordable but effective product. Black mold spores cannot survive in an acidic environment. Therefore, it is used as a disinfectant liquid. The vinegar essence is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:4, then the mixture is used as a traditional detergent. The advantage of the method is that it is completely safe and contains no harmful chemicals. Daily wiping of contaminated walls with a strong vinegar solution is recommended in homes where small children or allergy sufferers live.
Tea tree
Tea tree essential oil is a natural antifungal drug given by nature. It effectively eliminates black mold without causing side effects. Mix two teaspoons of essential oil with 500 ml of water. Apply the aromatic liquid to the blackened wall for two to three days. It will effectively destroy fungal cells and prevent their reappearance. If 15 drops of tea tree oil are heated in an aroma lamp, the number of spores in the air will significantly decrease. The aroma holder can be replaced with a small bowl made of glass or ceramics. Hot water is poured into the container, the required amount of oil is added, and then left in the room for 20-30 minutes.
Essential oils
Many essential oils have antifungal effects. Although they are not as effective as tea tree, they can to a certain extent reduce the risk of mold infestation in your home. The drugs are added to water or any detergents purchased at a household chemical store. Essential oils of lemon, cinnamon tree, bitter orange, clove, and eucalyptus have the best effect. Scenting rooms with these products will help remove spores from the air and fill the room with a pleasant smell.
Grapefruit seed extract
The extract has proven itself as a reliable and harmless way to destroy black mold. It is used to treat walls both inside and outside the building. It copes excellently with mold, certain types of fungi, bacteria, and harmful microorganisms. Simply dissolve 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract in two glasses of water, and a powerful antifungal agent is ready. When using, it is important to avoid contact of the liquid with the eyes and mucous membranes.
Boric acid
Boric acid is an effective all-purpose cleaner. Long-term use of the product does not provoke the formation of malignant tumors and genetic changes. It should be remembered that getting boric acid into the body is unsafe. When using a medical product, be sure to wear protective gloves.
Baking soda
Fungal cells do not develop well in an alkaline environment. Therefore, another safe means for destroying black plaque is sodium bicarbonate. Moisten the walls with a strong solution of baking soda.The next day the procedure should be repeated.
Sometimes housewives clean black plaque with chlorine bleach and aggressive preparations based on it. As the latest research has demonstrated, these products do not affect mold spores. Bleach perfectly brightens walls, creating a visual effect of cleanliness. But they do not kill the spores, and the black spots will soon reappear.
It happens that attempts to remove black mold on your own are unsuccessful. After all, it is not easy to remove from porous surfaces. In difficult cases, you need to seek help from the appropriate services.
