How to Determine if You Have Black Mold in Your Basement
Also known as Strachybotrys atra, black mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp or humid areas that receive little sunlight. A basement can be an ideal place for black mold to form, especially if there has been a plumbing leak, or water has seeped in through the walls or floor. It is important to determine if you have black mold because it can be a health hazard. There are several ways to check for black mold in your basement. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Check for black mold on the walls and floor. Black mold appears in patches or in streaks. It has a slimy appearance that is usually green or black in color. Black mold can also have a white color with orange spots. Check for stains that have a yellowish tint. Yellowish stains come from moisture, and can indicate black mold has already begun to form. Black mold can also grow on just about anything. Check for black mold on furniture, pipes and any other items in the basement.
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Check for mildewy or musty smells. Black mold has a distinctive odor. Check for signs of mold if you smell these odors. Be aware if you only smell these odors when the heating or air-conditioning units are running. It's possible mold growth has formed in these systems.
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Notice if someone develops allergy or respiratory problems when he is in your house. These can be other signs of black mold formation. Ask the person if he has these symptoms when he is not in your house.
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Check for signs of black mold poisoning. Black mold produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to VOCs can cause poisoning. Signs of poisoning include coughing, respiratory problems, nausea, headaches, skin rashes and dizziness.
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Check for mold with a black mold-testing kit. Testing kits can easily be purchased online (see Resources). Some hardware stores also have black mold testing kits.
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Send the mold sample to a lab for testing. Many mold-testing kit manufacturers have their own labs. There are also websites that have lists of labs, such as cal-iaq.org (see Resources).
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Tips & Warnings
Check for moisture everywhere in the basement. Although it might not yet be visible, black mold may already have begun to form in damp areas.
