I have mold on the inside wall of my house?

Question

I purchased a house in NY in July, storing boxes in one room. I recentlt moved a cardboard box that was in a corner that was next to an outside wall. i found the wall to be wet and had black mold? what is this from?

Answer 1

People have died from bad reactions to mold. the worst is BLACK mold. Have it removed immediately.

Molds can grow from moisture trapped inside a structure due to inadequate ventilation (a common occurrence in modern air-tight, energy-conserving construction); from a leak from a broken pipe, roof, window or wall; or water seepage from alongside or under the dwelling, which is a landscaping/drainage problem. Perhaps the original leak was already repaired months ago but undetected water flowed to a sealed cavity in another part of the house and it taken this long to grow in a closed, dark, damp environment.

The public has become increasingly aware of the health risks associated with molds. Certain sensitive people, including the elderly, young children and those with respiratory ailments, often suffer adverse affects from prolonged exposure to or increased levels of molds. Common symptoms include eye, nose and throat irritation, excessive colds, nausea, compromised immune systems and respiratory complications such as lung infections or asthma. However, completely healthy individuals with no history of allergies can also react to amplified levels of molds.

Answer 2

"Black Mold" is a term commonly used to describe a slimy, greenish-black substance which can result in serious health risk. This infamous mold is also known as Strachybotrys chartarum and more often as Strachybotrys atra. It has been closely linked to the death of babies from respiratory bleeding, and as a contributing factor to illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. According to the CDC(Center of Disease Control), this mold is responsible for over "100 cases of lung disorders".

Virtually everyone has one type or another of mold somewhere in their home. Although not all types are toxic, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish types without lab testing. Thus it is imperative to treat and remove all molds as if they're potentially harmful. Regardless of the type of mold found, a home containing mold is not essentially a healthy home.

Mold spores are very easily transported to different areas by attaching themselves to various hosts. These hosts would include people, animals, shoes and they even enter through open windows and doors. The spores then thrive and grow where it is damp and moist. Very toxic molds can develop from water seepage, and while black mold is "less common than other mold species it is not rare".

Areas and substances where black mold can be found include water soaked wood, ceiling tiles, wall paneling, cardboard, even items made of cotton. Black mold can grow on drywall and insulation and can infest areas in the floors, walls and ceilings.

Moisture is essential to the growth of black mold, and when it is wet it is shiny in appearance. If you were to physically touch a spot of black mold, it would feel slimy and would smear on the area.

When you are contemplating clean up of black mold, you need to verify the extent of the problem. Many of the infested areas will be relatively small and be a result of small leaks or plumbing problems. After discovering the root of the problem and rectifying it, you can disinfect the area with bleach. A mixture of one cup bleach to a gallon of water is sufficient to disinfect the area. Apparently adding a touch of dish soap to the mixture will also aid in dissolving accumulated grease and dirt in the area.

Seeing fuzzy black or green spots on a bathroom wall or kitchen ceiling? Chances are it's mildew--the common name for the various spores that are both a health hazard and a homeowner's nightmare. Once inside walls and ceilings, mildew is tough to remove. Send these nasty interlopers packing quickly.
Walls
Instructions

* STEP 1: Wear rubber or latex gloves. Spray the wall with a solution of 1/2 cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) chlorine bleach, 1/3 cup (3 fl oz/80 ml) powder laundry detergent and 1 gallon (4 l) hot water, working from the base of the wall up. (Or you can use a commercial mildewcide, though it's much more expensive than mixing your own.)
* STEP 2: Gently scrub away surface mildew using a plastic scrubber sponge.
* STEP 3: Using the scrubber sponge, rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
* STEP 4: Once dry, consider applying a coat of paint containing an antimildew agent so you don't have to do this again any time soon.

Answer 3

Wet and black are not sings of "good" mold. You need to go to a home depot and get a home mold test kit. Then when you get the results, you will probably need to call in a professional to have it removed. I had dangerous mold in my home last year and my children were coughing up blood and having terrible headaches. Please do the test, it is worth the money.

Answer 4

Sounds like there is a leak somewhere where water is getting in, is this corner close to the airconditioning unit? If it is it could be coming from it-hope you find the problem soon. When we bought our house 2 yrs. later we found out all the plumming in the kitchen had rotted and rusted and the water was running under our house, had alot of damage over time-thank GOD for home insurance. They paid for $27,000.00 worth of repairs for 3 rooms.

Answer 5

Bleach the mildew, let dry. Paint with KILZ mildew block paint. Don't use a humidifier in winter. Check to see if you have adequate insulation above. Be certain you have good air circulation in those places, or install a ceiling fan. Don't be freaked by those other answers, it will be fine.

Answer 6

Call the inspector for your area as when he see's that it will be documented and taken care of. Don't let that go as mold can affect your health the longer it's there. So take action right away.

Answer 7

Age. You may need to replace the sheetrock with a new non-paper lined sheetrock. It also sounds like a leak, something which you should patch up before you replace the wallboard.

Answer 8

Black mold can be very dangerous to your health. You need to get that professionally removed.

Answer 9

Moisture is the culprit. Your insurance co needs to be informed as they might make the repairs. It's cheaper for them to fix it than to pay hospital bills later.

Answer 10

get a dehumidifier. read this link, i reckon the EPA knows what they are talking about.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html#Ten%20Things%20You%20Should%20Know%20About%20Mold

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