Black Mold, also known as Stachybotrys Chartarum, is a greenish-black fungus that grows well in materials with a high cellulose content. In homes, that includes drywall, carpet, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, flooring and more. Water damage, flooding and a dark, moist environment can create the conditions that allow mold and fungus to grow.
Carpets, particularly those made of organic materials, can provide a great environment for mold contamination. When moisture or water accumulate within and under a carpet without the opportunity to completely dry, carpet mold can form.
President and CEO of H&H Environmental Construction and Consulting Inc, Kevin J. Hinchey, is raising awareness of the increase in mold remediation scams in both residential and commercial properties.
When faced with the discovery of mold, many homeowners use bleach because it easily removes the dark stains and appears to remove the mold. However, bleach is not an EPA-approved biocide and it is not a recommended solution when removing mold or eliminating mold odors.
Five years ago, the Guinness couple had their home tested for hidden mold. The result of that test was a massive, five-year, house-flipping project that the couple is just now completing.
Homeowners looking to rid their homes of the dangers of mold exposure at an inexpensive cost often turn to commercial mold removal kits. But do these self-help solutions work – and are they safe?