Black mold (scientific name Stachybotrys Chartarum) isn't a new health issue, but it seems that awareness of the dangers it poses has finally reached the mainstream. Black mold exposure can have serious health effects. Here's a few ways to detox from black mold exposure.
Black Mold Detox By Distance
Black mold exposure is a serious health issue that can have lasting effects.The best way to detox from a black mold exposure is to distance yourself from the source immediately and stay away. This may be difficult if the mold is in your home, but it's necessary to minimize further exposure while you address the issue. When you are away from the black mold environment you can plan your next steps.
Removing the Mold Source
Once you're away from the immediate source of exposure, focus on removing the black mold. This may involve hiring a professional mold remediation company, especially if the infestation is severe. Black mold thrives in damp places with access to paper, wood, or any other sources of cellulose. Anything that has black mold growing on it must be cleaned or thrown away. Personal protection such as an N95 respirator, gloves, and safety goggles should be worn whenever working around black mold. If you suspect there may be mold in an area there are a number of home mold test kits that can help you determine what is in the environment. Even if you think you have removed all the mold from an area, clean a little further just in case.
Cleaning the Air
Even after the mold is removed, spores may linger in the air that could trigger an allergic reaction. That's why it is important to clear your home's air as well as the mold sources. Start by opening as many windows and doors as possible to encourage outside ventilation. If possible use fans to circulate and move air through the structure. This should remove a large amount of the leftover black mold spores from the room. Close the windows and doors then use a high-quality air purifier to help remove any lingering mold spores while improving overall indoor air quality. Simply choose an Intellipure portable air purifier to remove black mold spores quietly and efficiently. Intellipure's DFS technology uses electronically enhanced filtration to attract and capture ultrafine particles (99.97% filtration down to 0.3 microns).
Black Mold Allergy Treatment
If you're experiencing allergy symptoms from black mold exposure, several treatment options are available:
- Antihistamines - helps reduce allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching.
- Decongestants - helps relieve nasal congestion.
- Nasal flushes - helps clear out mucus and allergens from your nasal passages.
- Nasal anti-inflammatory spray - helps reduce inflammation in your nasal passages.
- Inhaler - helps open up your airways when experiencing asthma symptoms
- Allergy shot - helps desensitize your body to black mold allergens over time.
Remember, it's crucial to consult with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.
How To Prevent Black Mold Growth
Now that your home is free from black mold you don't want it to come back. Here's how to keep black mold from taking hold again:
- Keep indoor humidity levels below 50% if possible. Your air conditioner works as a dehumidifier as part of its normal operation, but you may need a standalone dehumidifier if the air is especially damp in your area.
- Use the vent fan in the bathroom while bathing/showering.
- Use the vent fan in the kitchen when cooking.
- Keep the roof in good repair to prevent any water leaks.
- Waterproof and seal the basement or crawl space to prevent water from entering under the home.
- Regularly clean bathrooms to prevent mold from taking hold in damp areas.
- Use ceiling fans or other fans to move air around the house for better air circulation.
- Thoroughly dry any carpet that gets wet, or replace it if it cannot be completely dried.
- Choose mold-resistant sheetrock for areas likely to get wet (like basements or bathrooms).
- Use mold resistant paint for water prone or damp areas.
It's too easy to render black mold problems as an "out of sight, out of mind" issue but ignoring it won't make it go away. Detoxing your home from black mold will be harder the longer mold is allowed to run rampant. Address the issue as soon as possible, remove the black mold source, and keep it from coming back.
