BLACK MOLD

Black mold is sometimes referred to as spores, toxic mold, mold, microbial contamination or infection control. Black mold has had a lot of media interest recently around schools, hospitals and residential units. Black mold occurs when moisture through leaks, floods or condensation enters an organic material in a building. Black mold may not be black. Some black mold can appear white or green. Black mold classically effects drywall, ceiling tile, carpet and furnishings. It has been seen on concrete walls(salt), in pipe ducts(deposited dust) and construction sites.

The health effects of black mold are not fully understood. Most common health related complaints from black mold include flu like symptoms, dry eyes, sore throat and cough. Some people have claimed more long term effects from black mold including learning difficulties and asthma. Black mold effects immunocompromised individuals more than healthy adults. Patients undergoing chemotherapy, the very old and very young are particularly vulnerable to black mold.

To assess black mold there has to be an understanding of the structure and envelope of the building. Black mold can occur through a number of envelope, ventilation or failure causes. Once the cause of moisture is rectified the black mold can be effectively remediated. Black mold is remediated through a combination of controlled demolition, dry ice blasting, abrasion and cleaning techniques. Sampling for residual black mold is required to verify that the black mold has been adequately remediated.

Black mold can be avoided by vigilant building management practices. Black mold will only germinate when organic materials are allowed to remain wet for 48 hours or longer. A diligent building owner can avoid black mold by frequently assessing and maintaining building protection, piping, ventilation and airborne humidity. This level of diligence is not standard practice in building management. We expect that proactive building owners will put in moisture sensors in years to come so that future black mold incursions can be avoided.

Black Mold | Environmental Consulting