Toxic
Black
Mold
Health
Issues -
Dangers
of Black
Mold
Common
Breeding
Grounds
for
Toxic
Black
Mold and
Mildew
Toxic
Black
Mold
Problem
#1
Leaky
air-conditioning
duct
joints,
especially
those
running
through
a hot
attic,
create a
moist
environment
for
toxic
black
mold &
mildew.
Solution:
Seal all
air
conditioning
duct
joints
with the
special
flexible
mastic
tape
available
at
heating
and
cooling
supply
and do
it
yourself
hardware
stores.
Toxic
Black
Mold
Problem
#2
In warm
environments,
impermeable
vinyl
wall-coverings
can trap
moisture-laden
air as
it moves
from the
warm
exterior
to the
cooler
interior.
Toxic
Black
Mold
degrades
the
drywall
and
adhesive
behind
the
vinyl
wall-covering.
Solution:
Use
paint or
apply
wall-coverings
with
permeable
paper
backings
that
don't
trap
moisture
on
exterior
walls.
Toxic
Black
Mold
Problem
#3
When
washing
machines
in a
room
without
a floor
drain
overflow
or hose
connections
burst,
water
with no
point of
exit
will
soak
into
adjacent
carpet,
drywall
and
insulation.
Solution:
Always
provide
a floor
drain
near the
washing
machine.
Install
an
overflow
pan
directly
under
the
machine
or
install
a 1-in.
lip at
the
doorway
to
contain
overflows
in
main-level
or
second-story
laundry
rooms.
(An
overflow
pan is
available
for
about
$125
plus
shipping
from
AMI,
800-929-9269.)
Toxic
Black
Mold
Problem
#4
Water-resistant
drywall
used as
a the
backer
quickly
degrades
once
subjected
to
moisture.
Solution:
Install
cement
backer
board,
which
will
remain
structurally
sound
even if
repeatedly
subjected
to
moisture.
Toxic
Black
Mold
Problem
#5
Poorly
ventilated
bathrooms
allow
surface
mold to
grow.
Solution:
Install
a
bathroom
fan (or
at
least,
open a
window)
to
exhaust
moisture.
Remove
surface
mildew
by
scrubbing
the area
with a
1/2
percent
bleach
solution.
When the
area is
dry,
prime it
with an
alcohol-based,
white
pigmented
shellac,
such as
Zinsser
Bulls-eye,
and use
a paint
containing
mildewcide.
Toxic
Black
Mold
Problem
#6
Poorly
constructed
crawlspaces
promote
mildew
growth.
Bare
earth
floors
transmit
huge
amounts
of
moisture.
Solution:
There
are many
regional
differences
and
solutions.
Cover
bare
earth
with
6-mil
poly
sheeting.
Heat,
cool and
humidify
the area
the same
as the
rest of
the
house.
Toxic
Black
Mold
Problem
#7
Freshly
cut
firewood
stored
indoors
emits
huge
amounts
of
moisture.
Solution:
Store it
outside.
Toxic
Black
Mold
Problem
#8
Humidifiers
(especially
reservoir-type
central
units
and
portable
units)
provide
both a
growth
medium
and a
distribution
system
for mold
and
mildew.
Solution:
Clean
and
treat
the
reservoir
often
with an
antimicrobial
solution,
available
at most
hardware
stores.
Toxic
Black
Mold
Problem
#9
The
condensation
pan
directly
under
the coil
of your
central
air
conditioner
can
harbor
mold.
Solution:
Before
each
cooling
season,
clean
the pan
with a
1/2
percent
bleach
solution
and make
sure the
continuous
drain is
working.
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