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So, what exactly is black mold? “Black mold” refers to several species of mold (which is a type of fungus) that have a dark green or black appearance. One such type is Stachybotrys chartarum. The color of a mold isn’t associated with how dangerous it may be, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . Furthermore, no evidence links black molds like Stachybotrys chartarum to particular health conditions. Molds thrive in warm, frequently moist environments, including baths, showers, toilets, kitchens, and basements. They can also grow on wood, dirt, or paper. Mold may grow even more plentifully in humid climates or if you use a humidifier indoors. Regardless of color, all molds should be removed from buildings and homes. While being around mold may cause minor effects like a stuffy nose or coughing for some, it can cause stronger reactions in people with asthma, mold allergies, or weakened immune systems. Learn the effects of mold exposure, treatment options, and steps you can take to reduce mold in your home.

How are mold allergies and exposure diagnosed? There are no proven tests that show when or where you may have been exposed to mold. However, your doctor may check for mold allergies by reviewing your symptoms and performing one of the following tests: Blood test. Your doctor takes a blood sample and then sends it to a laboratory to measure the number of certain antibodies, which can indicate your immune system’s sensitivity to different mold species.

Your doctor takes a blood sample and then sends it to a laboratory to measure the number of certain antibodies, which can indicate your immune system’s sensitivity to different mold species. Skin prick test. Your doctor takes small amounts of mold and applies it to your skin using a tiny needle. Your skin will break out in bumps, a rash, or hives if you’re allergic to that type of mold.

How are mold-induced symptoms treated? Treatment for mold allergies and exposure symptoms may include: Nasal sprays or rinses. Over-the-counter (OTC) nasal corticosteroids, such as fluticasone (Flonase), reduce airway inflammation caused by mold allergies. Shop for Flonase online. A solution of warm, distilled water and saline can also help rinse your nasal passages of mold spores and remove congestion.

Over-the-counter (OTC) nasal corticosteroids, such as fluticasone (Flonase), reduce airway inflammation caused by mold allergies. Shop for Flonase online. A solution of warm, distilled water and saline can also help rinse your nasal passages of mold spores and remove congestion. OTC medications. Antihistamines, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin), reduce your immune system response, minimizing airway inflammation. Shop for Zyrtec and Claritin online. Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), help keep down swelling due to allergic reactions. Shop for Sudafed online.

Antihistamines, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin), reduce your immune system response, minimizing airway inflammation. Shop for Zyrtec and Claritin online. Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), help keep down swelling due to allergic reactions. Shop for Sudafed online. Montelukast (Singulair). This oral medication reduces mucus in your airways, which decreases symptoms of both mold allergies and asthma.

This oral medication reduces mucus in your airways, which decreases symptoms of both mold allergies and asthma. Allergy shots. Your doctor may recommend getting regular shots with small amounts of allergens to build up your body’s immunity to them over time. Keeping clear of mold is the best way to prevent it from triggering your asthma or allergies. When you can’t avoid it, treatment can help manage your symptoms. Take a deeper look at allergy testing and treatments.

How can I check for mold? It’s best to hire a professional to help you identify and remove mold, especially if you’re allergic or vulnerable to it. You should also consider hiring help if the mold covers more than 10 square feet, or if it’s hidden behind wallpaper, ceiling tiles, or other areas. Here are some steps for identifying and removing mold. Identifying mold in your home Look for spots or clustered growths, especially in warm, moist rooms. You may be able to identify mold by a musty smell. Experiencing asthma attacks or allergy symptoms in your home may also indicate there’s mold. Look for causes of mold growth, such as a leak, water damage, lack of ventilation, or old food, papers, or wood. Resolve any issues causing mold growth. Throw away anything affected by mold or contributing to mold growth. Removing mold from your home Cover yourself with a mask, gloves, goggles, and rubber boots. If you’re cleaning a lot of mold, you can also wear disposable clothing or a mold-resistant suit. Shop for protective masks online. Open all doors and windows to increase ventilation. Remove any objects from the area that haven’t been touched by mold growth. Throw away any other items that can’t be cleaned. Cut away and replace mold-damaged drywall, ceiling tiles, and carpet. Cover and scrub nonporous surfaces affected by mold with bleach, a fungicide, or detergent and water, then dry them. Don’t mix cleaning products together. Make sure the water problem is fixed and the area is dry before you renovate the room.

How do I manage mold? You can’t prevent all mold, but you can reduce the amount in your home. Here are some do’s and don’ts for keeping mold from growing indoors. Do’s Clean your home regularly, particularly areas like bathrooms that may be prone to mold.

Leave doors and windows open and run fans for ventilation when you bathe, shower, cook, wash dishes, or do other activities that can increase moisture.

Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor relative humidity (RH) below 50 percent. Shop a selection of dehumidifiers here.

Shop a selection of dehumidifiers here. Use an indoor air purifier with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, or install an appropriate high-efficiency filter in your furnace or ventilation system. This won’t remove the source of the mold, but it may help reduce allergy symptoms. Shop a selection of HEPA air purifiers here.

Shop a selection of HEPA air purifiers here. Fix leaks in your roof or walls to reduce moisture.

Make sure your rain gutters are clean and not blocking water drainage.

If your home is flooded, clean and dry it within 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Don’ts Don’t leave old books, newspapers, or wood sitting unused for long periods.

Don’t put carpet in rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Don’t ignore leaks from pipes or groundwater. Fix them as soon as possible.

Don’t paint over mold. Clean the area first.