Home Contact News About Mold Mold Testing Mold Removal Mold Stories Testimonials
  Mold Removal Least-toxic Products Lung Protection Do-It-Yourself Mold Contractor Duct Cleaning Enough Cleaning?  
Toxic Black Mold Removal
 

 

Effective toxic black mold removal must reflect the growth cycle of mold, addressing spores and hyphae. 
 
Let's review the life cycle of mold briefly by comparing the growth of a plant.


The growth of a plant

 

  • A seed lands on soil.
     
  • The rains come, and the seed starts to grow.
     
  • First, roots extend down into the soil and absorb nutrients.
     
  • Then, the stem and leaves begin to develop above the soil.
     
  • The plant grows and grows, until it begins to bear fruit.
     
  • New seeds form from the fruit.

  • The seeds float away, land, and are the start of the next generation.
     

The growth of mold


  • A mold spore lands on fertile ground, such as OSB (oriented strand board) on the basement ceiling joist of a new house.
     
  • Below-grade relative humidity is elevated.
     
  • Roots (known as "hyphae" -- pronounced high'-phee) extend into the OSB of the ceiling joist. The hyphae are actually the stomach of the mold. Hyphae secrete enzymes which digest the cellulose material and absorb nutrients.
     
  • Then, more hyphae begin to develop into the air. These aerial hyphae are like the branches of the mold.
     
  • The mold grows and grows, until it begins to bear fruit (fruiting bodies).
     
  • New spores form from the fruiting bodies. Only a day or two might pass for this cycle.

  • These spores float away, land, and are the start of the next generation.

What lessons can we glean from the life cycle of mold that are relevant to toxic black mold removal, as well as cleaning up other types of allergenic and toxigenic fungi?


  • Contaminated material that is semi-porous may have to be removed, because hyphae grow down into the material.
  • In cases such as OSB, where this material cannot be removed practically-speaking, the surface can be cleaned.
  • First vacuum off loose material, including spores and hyphal fragments.
  • Following cleaning, the surface should be encapsulated (sealed) so that buried hyphae cannot re-grow.
  • Then clean up stray spores, hyphal fragments (broken pieces of hyphae), and other tiny mold particulates that were released into room air.
  • Clean with a HEPA vacuum and damp dusting.
  • A room air purifier can also be helpful.

Question: This sounds like common sense. You mean that cleaning up mold is not rocket science?


Answer: That's right. you're basically looking at a meticulous cleaning job, along with taking steps not to accidentally spread mold around as you clean. Sometimes, the complexity of the task is such that hiring a professional mold remediation company is the wiser choice for black mold removal and removal of other types of fungi. Many times, however, homeowners can proceed on their own.


Top of page


Tell a Friend


EnviroHealth Consulting, Inc., 1-888-735-9649

Mold and other environmental inspections available in

  Connecticut - Maryland - New Jersey - New York - Pennsylvania - Virginia - Washington DC and other areas

may@createyourhealthyhome.com.

Updated 6-23-07