What Is That Black Mold Growing On My Shower Ceiling?

That black mold is a natural process by which dead matter is broken down and recycled into the environment. It is natural, but it is not healthy for you. When this natural process occurs in your shower, it is unsightly and potentially harmful to your health. Exposure to mold can lead to major health problems and be a big pain in the neck to mold allergy sufferers.
This black or gray mold is common in bathrooms and basements. It is a certain type of mold that grows on materials such as ceiling tile, wood, cardboard and insulation. It thrives in the humidity of your bathroom. If you live in a humid climate, your steamy bathroom is a great place for mold to grow.

Most species of black mold are non-toxic. The mold that grows in the shower is not as bad as some mold that can be found in basements, crawlspaces and heavily water-damaged areas.

However, continual exposure may cause health problems, especially to those who have asthma. Through exposure to black mold, you can develop an allergy to it. You should clean up that black stuff as soon as possible and keep it from coming back.

The best way to get rid black shower mold is to use anywhere from a cup to a gallon of bleach mixed with warm water. Then wash the area with a good detergent. This may not totally get rid of the black discoloration, but it will kill the mold. If you can, it is best to repaint or re-tile the surface if the damage is severe.

It is important that whenever you are dealing with mold, you protect yourself. You should wear a face mask and rubber gloves, and be careful about what touches what. Another idea is to make sure the room has good ventilation. Good ventilation will also help prevent future mold problems.

If you know that you are allergic to mold, or are allergic to any cleaning products commonly used, don’t do it! Get somebody else to do the mold clean-up. When you are cleaning, if you get a headache or have difficulty breathing, stop and take a break. If you have a lot of mold to clean up, do it in short intervals.

If the bleach and detergent cure doesn’t work, you may have a more serious species of mold growing in your bathroom, and it may require a specialist to get it out. In general, if it doesn’t go away with bleach and detergent, assume that it may be toxic and avoid it. Toxic molds, which are not nearly as common, may lead to more serious health problems.

If you have recurring mold problems in a certain part of your house, such as the shower, you can guy a humidity sensor for as low as $20. If the humidity sensor shows the room’s relative humidity to be 55% or over on a regular basis, you’ll need to get a dehumidifier to prevent continual mold problems.

Getting Rid Of That Black Mold Around Shrubs And Ivy

Have you ever seen that sooty, gray stuff on the leaves of your shrubs or ivy? That’s mold. It’s another variety of the same stuff you find on your bathroom tiles or in parts of your house that have water damage.

Usually, we talk about mold as a problem inside the house, but mold can grow anywhere. In fact, it is most commonly found in the wild, where it breaks down decomposed matter and recycles it into the ecosystem.

You will often see the exact same type of mold growing in other parts of your yard, like a sidewalk or a tree.

The good news is that mold is not very harmful to your plants. This is a variety of mold that is not toxic. You may have noticed that you can simply rub it away with your finger and thumb and it’s gone.

In some severe cases, the mold can block the sunlight and prevent photosynthesis. In that case, the effected plant may wilt more quickly than others. Too much mold on the leaves can block sunlight and weaken your plants, so it is good to remove it and keep it off.

This gray mold is more of a problem because it affects the way your shrubs or ivy look. It’s ugly and it keeps the green from showing through. You want those shrubs and ivy to look as good as they can.

Causes

This mold is caused by insects feeding on the plant. Certain insects leave behind a fluid called “honeydew” on the leaves of plants. This honeydew keeps the leaves wet and produces ideal conditions for mold.

Any plant that is favored by insects that leave behind honeydew can easily develop mold problems. This includes many of our favorite shrubs and ivies.

You may have seen tiny black flies around your shrubs. These guys are the culprit. This is a common type of insect that causes mold problems. There are many others as well.

Prevention

The best way to keep mold off your shrubs and ivies is to keep the honeydew producing insect off of them.

This may require a bit of research. You first have to find out what insect is causing the problem. Then, you must keep the insect away using some traditional method such as pesticides.

In addition to pesticides, there are a variety of organic sprays that can help keep off the bugs. Horticultural oil is favored by organic farmers as an alternative to pesticides. You can find more information on horticultural oil here.

If you want to let nature run its course, another option is simply to periodically clean your plants. Spraying water on the leaves will help to make it easier to rub off the mold.

You can use a small amount of soap to remove mold, but be careful. Some plants may be effected by the chemicals in the soap.

I suggest you try out a small area first. Wash a small area with soap and check it later to see if it is okay. With this little test, you can make sure that you don’t damage your shrubs with the treatment.

Are My Health Problems Caused By Black Mold?

Black mold is a common household problem. You may have black mold growing in parts of your house that you didn’t even know existed. And, black mold in your home may be causing health problems you aren’t aware of.

Black mold grows in any humid and warm place. It is commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as any part of the house that has much moisture. It also grows in hard-to-get-to places like crawlspaces, attics, under carpets and inside walls.

The major health problem caused by black mold is a mild allergic reaction that most people suffer from in varying degrees. Like household dust, most of us have some kind of adverse reaction to exposure to mold.

This allergic reaction often resembles minor cold or sinus trouble. In its mildest form, you will sneeze, have a runny nose or nasal congestions, and itchy or red eyes. In more severe cases, you may suffer a headache, fatigue or fever.

Most black mold is non-toxic, so the health problems are not terribly severe. Some people are more sensitive to mold than others and will have more trouble with household black mold health problems.

Black mold does pose a risk to those with health problems such as asthma or chronic sinus trouble. Mold affects the lungs and respiratory system, so in asthma sufferers, it can bring on an attack. Constant exposure to black mold can be dangerous for asthma sufferers.

Also for those who have chronic sinus trouble, black mold may be a health problem. The symptoms of black mold exposure often resemble closely those of sinusitis. Your sinus suffering may be due to environmental factors rather than sinusitis.

The health problems caused by black mold are often difficult to trace back to the mold itself. Mold is often felt before it is seen, so it is often difficult to figure out that black mold is the cause of the problem.

The best cure for black mold health problems is to be aware of and control the mold in your house. Every house has black mold. As a general guideline, keep in mind that any place that is often humid is liable to get black mold.

Black mold can grow on food, in trashcans, in showers, under carpets, in crawlspaces, behind walls, on plants and in any area that has been wet. Periodically check under carpets for black mold growing there, and make every effort to keep your house mold free.

One way to check for black mold is to do a mold test. You can do this yourself by buying a mold tester from a home-goods or hardware store, or you can hire a professional to check your house. This can help you find areas with black mold that may be causing health problems.

If you are particularly sensitive to mold or suffer from asthma or sinus trouble, it is probably best for you to not try to clean up the mold yourself. If the problem is severe, or if the moldy area is difficult to get to, you may wish to consult a professional. Look under “Fire and Water Damage” in your local yellow pages.

Dealing With Black Mold In The Attic

Your house’s attic is a great place for black mold to grow. But, nobody ever goes up there, so it’s not much of a problem is it?

Actually, it can be quite a problem for the rest of the house. Black mold in the attic should be cleaned and dealt with quickly to ensure that it does not cause further problems to your house and your family.

Where Does It Grow?

Wood – People often find black mold in the attic on wooden beams and plywood used for the roof. Mold naturally feeds on wood in the environment, so it is an ideal place in your home.

Vents – Often mold grows around the vents in the attic which lead to the bathroom, kitchen or other humid parts of the house. These vents must be cleared of mold or the spores will end up in your heating and cooling system.

Walls – Mold loves to grow in walls. If your gutters are not properly maintained, water will run down along the walls of the house and cause mold to grow there.

Ceilings Below – Moldy attics will lead to moldy ceilings. By the time the mold gets into the ceiling in your home, it is very difficult to clean up. This is one reason why you should be careful about mold in the attic.

Insulation – Black mold can grow inside your attic’s insulation. This is an area that can become wet easily. In this case, your house’s ventilation may be spreading mold spores throughout the house.

How Should It Be Cleaned?

If there is a serious black mold problem in the attic, it may be best to contact a professional. If the mold covers more than 10 square feet, of if it grows in a hidden place that is impossible to get to without doing some construction work, you should leave it to a professional.

If you do the job yourself, it will be a big job. Scrubbing moldy areas with soap and borax should get small bits of mold out. If you have to remove a wall panel or other large material, you should line the attic with plastic. You don’t want the mold to come into contact with anything else, so make sure everything is contained in plastic before you move it through other parts of the house.

How Can It Be Prevented?

Many attic black mold problems are due to age or poor construction. When a house is built, it needs to have a good attic ventilation system installed. Otherwise, humidity from the house will collect there.

On wood, scrub the mold with bleach and repaint it. There are paints available that are specifically designed to prevent mold growth. If the problem on your roof is serious, you may have to do major reconstruction work.

To keep further mold problems from occurring in your attic, install an attic fan or better ventilation. Routinely checking your vents and air ducts will also help keep mold problems from getting out of hand.

What Are The Symptoms Of Black Mold Sickness?

Black mold is commonly found in houses and workplaces, and it can lead to a variety of health problems. You may be suffering from black mold sickness and not even be aware of it.

Black mold is most commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens. However, it flourishes in practically every part of the house. You can find black mold in closets, basements, trash cans, refrigerators, inside pillows, under carpets, inside walls, and many other places throughout the house.

Black mold is also found outside. Airborne mold outside is a major cause of allergic reactions.

Because mold is found virtually everywhere, a variety of common symptoms may be traceable to exposure to black mold.

A common symptom of black mold allergy is nasal congestion. Like dust, black mold’s spores can become airborne and may be ingested into the lungs. If you suffer form chronic nasal congestion or runny nose, you maybe suffering from black mold allergy.

For example, certain rooms or parts of your house may cause you to suddenly become congested. This may be because there is mold in the room. Mold can find its way into spaces under rugs, in crawlspaces, around tiles and in old furniture.

Black mold is found most often in humid parts of the house. This means primarily the kitchen and bathroom. If you have black mold growing on your shower tiles or in parts of the kitchen that are often wet like the drying rack for dishes, this could trigger an allergic reaction.

Another common symptom of black mold related sickness is headaches and fatigue. Some mold allergy sufferers report getting headaches or feeling unnaturally tired when they are exposed to black mold.

A persistent cough may be the result of black mold allergy. If you suffer for a cough for a long period of time and do not exhibit any other cold symptoms, this may because of black mold growing in your house.

Black mold allergy symptoms may resemble those of hay fever. These include sneezing, red or irritated eyes, runny nose and rashes on the skin. In severe cases, you may suffer a fever. Some people who suffer from black mold allergies experience shortness of breath and wheezing.

If you have a fever or suffer from chronic sinus problems, black mold will cause you particular trouble. If you have asthma, it can lead to asthma attacks and poses a serious health risk. In this case, you should make sure your home is as mold-free as possible.

For those who suffer from sinusitis, exposure to black mold will most likely irritate your sinuses. You may have increased sinus headaches and nasal decongestion as a result of exposure.

Black mold is not terribly dangerous, and it is impossible to completely stay away from it. Still, most people have an allergic reaction when exposed to it. It is often difficult to trace your symptoms to black mold, but if you keep your home as nearly mold-free as possible, it will greatly reduce the symptoms of black mold sickness.

The Danger Of Black Mold: Recognizing The Symptoms

Black mold is found nearly everywhere and while most symptoms of mold allergy are not serious, there are dangers. Most black mold is not terribly harmful, but it can become toxic, and recognizing the symptoms can help to reduce the danger of black mold exposure.

Black mold lives by feeding on dead, organic matter. It thrives in humid, warm environments. Most homes and buildings contain some mold, especially in hard-to-get-to places. Mold also grows outside on plants, trees and sidewalks.

The danger of black mold exposure is caused by tiny spores which can become airborne. These spores may cause difficulty breathing and other minor irritations such as headaches and itchy eyes. Most people are sensitive to mold and suffer minor reactions.

However, there are some kinds of mold which may become toxic and pose a more serious health threat. Here are some symptoms of black mold exposure:

Suppressed Immune System – In severe cases of toxic mold exposure, sufferers have trouble with their immune systems and become more susceptible to colds and other diseases. It is hard to trace this specifically to mold exposure, but studies have shown that there is a connection.

Asthma or Respiratory Problems – All mold is dangerous if you suffer from asthma or respiratory problems. Mold spores most commonly enter the lungs and there wreak havoc on your respiratory system. Toxic mold can cause long-term damage to your lungs and sinuses, so it is very important that it be removed as soon as possible. Exposure to a high level of toxic mold can lead to respiratory infections.

Exposure to toxic mold may be a factor in the development of asthma and breathing problems. It definitely brings on asthma attacks for those who suffer from asthma. This is why it is especially important for asthma and respiratory illness sufferers to keep their homes as mold-free as possible.

Nose, Eye and Throat Irritation, such as: congestion, dry cough, itchy or watery eyes, and sore throat. Everyone is sensitive to mold to a varying degree. Some are most sensitive than others. These nose, eye and throat symptoms are common for nearly everyone who is exposed to mold, whether toxic or not.

Fatigue and General Achiness – Many people that have been exposed to toxic mold experience fatigue and a general feeling of malaise. If you often feel tired, drowsy or achy, this may be due to the presence of toxic mold in your home. This is a severe case and the level of toxicity may be dangerous to your overall health.

Memory Loss, Mood Swings and Appetite Suppression – When toxic mold spores get into your lungs, they can get into the bloodstream and affect all kinds of bodily functions, including your brain. If you experience these symptoms, your health is in great danger from toxic black mold.

How Do I Know If I Have Toxic Mold?

It is difficult to tell whether mold is toxic or not without a full mold inspection by a licensed professional. For the sake of your health, you should work to remove mold from your home whenever possible.

If you can see or smell mold, remove it immediately. If you experience any symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, eye irritation, fatigue or rashes, this may be an indication that you have a mold problem.

Is Mold Hazardous To Your Health? Common Mold Related Health Problems

Mold is everywhere. Check under the carpet, behind the walls, on the shower tiles, in the coffeepot, and there it is. It’s an unavoidable part of life that can be controlled, but never totally eliminated.

Since we have to live with mold, it is important to be aware of mold related health problems. How can the presence of mold in your home adversely affect you?

While some types of mold contain toxins, most mold is non-toxic and not life-threatening. However, our natural reactions to mold cause many minor irritating problems, and there is some risk for potential long-term trouble.

If you suffer from asthma or any other breathing disorder, mold may be a very serious health risk for you. You should try to keep your home free of mold as well as possible, and talk to your physician about ways to limit the danger.

Here are some common mold related health problems:

Nasal Congestion. Most people are mildly allergic to mold. The most common symptom is a stuffy nose. Even though you do not have a cold, you may get a stuffy nose when you enter certain rooms or houses. If you suddenly get congested in certain parts of your home, this may be an indication that you have some mold growing somewhere that you can’t see.

Headaches. Along with the stuffy nose, many people get headaches. Have you ever gotten a headache when you are in a dusty place? Mold works in the same way. If you have constant headaches for no apparent reason when you are at home, you may have a mold problem.

Itchy or Watery Eyes. Mold produces airborne spores which can irritate different parts of our bodies. Most commonly, these spores get into our nasal cavities or lungs, but they can also irritate your eyes. The symptoms include itchy, red or excessively watery eyes.

Difficulties Breathing. In very severe cases, you may experience a shortness of breath. This would only be the case if you have a serious mold problem. If you are working in an old building or in an exceptionally humid environment, you may experience shortness of breath due mold. In this case, the room needs to be aired out and it may be hazardous for you to spend time there until the mold is under control.

Skin Irritation. In some cases, mold spores may irritate the skin and cause a rash. This is not common, but it does occur.

Asthma. If you have asthma, constant exposure to mold can be a serious health problem. Mold spores will bring on asthma attacks and cause you breathing trouble. If you are asthmatic or especially sensitive to mold, you must keep your environment as mold-free as possible.

It has not been scientifically proven, but many medical professionals believe that continual exposure to mold in childhood may be a factor in developing asthma. For this reason, be extra careful about mold in your home if you have young children.

Mold grows all over the place, but especially in warm, humid environments. Your house may have a mold problem that you can’t see, so it’s important to pay attention to these symptoms and get rid of the mold!

How You Can Stop Black Mold!

Black mold can cause a variety of health problems. From minor allergic reactions such as stuffy nose, sore throat and headaches, to major long-term damage that can impair your memory, damage your nerve endings and cause irreparable damage to your internal organs.

But, you can stop black mold! Here are a few steps you can take to eliminate mold where it lives!

Finding The Mold

So, how do you know if you have a mold problem? Look for high humidity and water damage. Most homes are great places for mold to grow because it thrives in dark, wet, warm places.

By the time you develop and diagnose mold-related symptoms, it may be too late. If you want to stop black mold, you have to go out looking for it. You can find mold in:

Humid parts of the house. This includes kitchens, bathrooms and other places where there is water and humidity. Look for mold in ceiling tiles around your shower, in drains, places around the sink or leftover food.

Hidden places. Mold loves to grow under carpets, in walls, in crawlspaces, in attics and behind things. Keep an eye on those elusive places in your house. Move things and look behind them.

Places where there has been water damage. If there is water damage in your house, you can be sure to find mold there. Leaky pipes, badly maintained gutters, chimneys where there may be chipped brick and any place rain has gotten in are sure to have mold.

Finally, just follow your nose. Most people can sense mold by either their sinuses reacting to it, or by the musty smell it gives off. Take note of the parts of the house that irritate your nose.

Cleaning Up The Mold

For small mold cleanup jobs, good old soap and water is the best. This means a lot of scrubbing, but it will get the job done. You can also buy mold removal products in stores. Bleach is pretty controversial for mold cleanup. The general consensus is that it works on tiles in small doses, but you should be careful because it can cause damage to other materials.

If you have a serious mold job that may require some construction work, you should call a professional. If there is black mold in your insulation, all over your attic or in your drywall, this may be a job you can’t handle yourself. It also may be dangerous too. Look in your yellow pages.

Keeping The Mold Out

Remember that mold likes humidity. Keep your house below 60% humidity in all rooms. If you need to, buy a dehumidifier. Always keep an eye out for the humid parts of the house like the bathroom and kitchen. Be on the lookout, and when you see mold, get rid of it immediately.

Proper ventilation is also key. Install fans in those humid parts of the house. Make sure you get enough outside air. Sunlight also helps stop mold.

If any part of the house gets wet, or wet things are brought into the house, dry them completely as soon as possible. This is a great opportunity for mold.

Mold is everywhere and we all have our little encounters with it. But, if you keep these tips in mind, you can stop black mold!

How Is Toxic Mold Related To Weight Gain?

There are lots of stories out there by those who have suffered the effects of toxic mold exposure. Some varieties of black mold are toxic and their spores can find their way into your body and wreak havoc.

We usually associate respiratory problems and cold-like symptoms with mold exposure. In cases of toxic exposure, the effects become more complex. These toxic spores can damage the cells in any part of your body.

Often you hear of fatigue, memory loss, mood disorders and nerve damage as symptoms of toxic mold. But, what is the relationship between toxic mold and weight gain?

Toxic Mold And The Digestive System

Toxic mold can affect your digestive system. Toxic spores kill the cells in your body, and they can destroy the lining of your stomach and keep your digestive system from functioning properly.

While this usually results directly in vomiting and diarrhea, there have been cases where sufferers have begun to lose or gain weight uncontrollably. Stories and testimonials of those who have been exposed to toxic mold almost always mention sudden weight gain as a symptom.

Sick Building Syndrome, Mood Swings, and Weight Gain

More commonly, toxic mold can affect your moods. Those who suffer from toxic mold exposure often suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, and this can be the cause of excessive binge eating.

Many cases of toxic mold poisoning come from what is commonly called “Sick Building Syndrome.” This is when people who spend time in a certain building, such as a workplace, school or home, begin experiencing strange health effects with no apparent cause.

It is often reported that those who suffer Sick Building Syndrome begin putting on weight as a result. There is no common medical explanation for this, but one of the key symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome is a variety of mood disorders which are related to weight gain.

Treatment

If you feel that your weight gain may be mold-related, see a doctor immediately. It is not a bad idea to keep a diary of when you experience certain symptoms. You can show this to your doctor and it will help them diagnose your condition.

The best treatment for mold related illnesses is to get rid of the mold. If you believe you may have been exposed to mold in a sick building, the building should be inspected for mold. Toxic mold poisoning may be the result of a company’s negligence, and if this is the case, you may be eligible for a cash settlement.

If your organs are damaged by toxic mold, it may be too late to save the dead tissue. By seeking medical treatment as soon as possible, however, you may be able to stop prevent further damage. Most medical doctors will refer you to a specialist who can get you on a program of detoxification, part of which will be diet control.

Toxic mold is a much bigger problem than most people realize. If untreated, the long term health consequences can be very dangerous. Control the mold in your home and workplace and you can keep your body toxin free.

Toxic Mold In Walls: The Hidden Enemy

One of the toxic mold’s favorite places to grow is behind the wall. Unfortunately, toxic mold in walls is hard to find. How do you know if you have toxic mold in the walls, and what can you do about it?

Mold grows everywhere. It is important in nature for breaking down dead material and recycling nutrients. It’s not so useful when found in our homes, however, and can cause health trouble from minor allergic reactions to very serious medical conditions.

The best place for mold to grow is in a wet, warm and dark place. This is why the walls of your home are ideal. Mold can often be found growing in “hidden” places such as this, and it is difficult to find and deal with.

First, you must determine if you have a mold problem. Then, the problem must be fixed. You must remove the offending mold, and then take measures to prevent the mold from growing again. If you have mold in your walls, it may be an indication that there is a water problem in your house.

Finding The Mold

If there is mold growing somewhere that it cannot be seen, you will often smell it first. Mold has a musty, earthy smell. You may also notice that you have an allergic allergy when you enter your home, or certain parts of your home. This probably means you have mold hiding out somewhere.

Before you go poking around for mold, you must realize that disturbing the mold could cause spores to be released. These spores can get into the air and cause health problems, or contaminate other areas of the house.

If there is a water leak, or some part of your house where there has been water damage, you most certainly have mold. If you are unsure, you may wish to call a professional. Hidden mold is especially hard for homeowners to clean themselves.

Cleaning Up The Mold

Cleaning up toxic mold in walls may be a big construction job. For this reason, it is best to consult a professional. When you are dealing with toxic, or any kind of mold, you should always wear goggles and protective clothes. You do not want the mold to come into contact with anything else, including yourself.

Look for a mold specialist, who has experience in mold cleanup. Check to see if they are familiar with the EPA’s mold guidelines, and those according to the ACGIH, the American Conference of Governmental Industry Hygienists.

It’s very important to clean up the mold quickly. The presence of water causes damage to houses and lowers property value immediately. The longer you let the problem go on, the worse it will eventually be to clean up, and the more damage it will do to your home.

Deal With The Water Problem

When there is water or something wet in your home, dry it quickly. Make sure damp areas are dried completely. Water leaks in the house may come from the roof or gutters, so make sure to do regular maintenance in those areas.

Keep the humidity level of your house as low as possible. If necessary, buy a dehumidifier to run sometimes. This will reduce humidity.

Make sure your house gets plenty of outdoor air, circulation and sunshine. It’s a good idea to run the bathroom fan often, since that is where mold often builds up.

Most importantly, deal with your mold problem immediately, before things get worse.