I’m about to tear out some drywall that has water damage from a leaky roof. It had a lot of black mold growing onit which I cleaned off. I’m not sure what I’m going to find once I get insoide the wall. Is there any danger from this kind of mold? If so what precautions should I take, or is this something best left to professionals?
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Depends on where you live. If you live in Texas, you should increase your insurance, hire a good attorney (better yet, marry one), and kiss your wallet goodby. The evil mold (which, back when I was a kid, was simply mildew) has become the latest thing to sue everybody over.
Insist on the real MadMom - accept no substitutes!
Yes it seems to depend on where you live . The big stink over it is still not clear to me. There are several law suits pending over it right now. It was on the news and everything.
Any way here ; Look for the source of the moisture. Resolve it. Clean the mold off with bleach and soap, and paint . Thats the short of it with out more information.
I love to see mold on a repo Im trying to buy. Its realitively easy to fix where I live.
Still wondering what the big stink is about.
Tim Mooney
There are a lot of variables involved, so it's hard to state an absolute without seeing it.
How big of an area are you talking about? Under 6 sq ft? Any young kids in the house? Anyone have allergies or asthma?
Out of the 1000 or so molds listed in the US, only about 20 to 25 may be toxic to occupants. If you have any concerns , there are companes or heating and cooling system engineers that will come to your house and test, or tell you how to get it tested
Of the ones that can be dangerous, such as Stachybotrys or Memnoniella, they typically will occur on surfaces that are repeatedly wetted and that contain cellulose. This might include gypsumboard, ceiling tile, cellulose insulation, wood, carpet and others. Bleach will not kill the mold on these surfaces.
If black mold is growing on materials that contain cellulose it might be wise not to disturb them until they are shown not to contain toxic mold. Especially if the area is over 5 or 6 sq ft.
If a black mold infestation on cellulose-containing materials proves negative or it is a small area (and you want the risk), tape plastic over the infected area, remove and discard in heavy-duty plastic bags. Use a good mask
Any mold related work should be conducted to minimize exposure to yourself & your family.
Chances are it's nothing, but it's your choice.
It's not the habitat, it's the inhabitants.
Won't you be my neighbor
Edited 3/27/2002 11:11:47 PM ET by Barry E
Edited 3/27/2002 11:19:41 PM ET by Barry E
Could be micro sporifera funi- commonly known as 'funny spores'. :o) -Ken