Mold’s presence in the human environment is inevitable. About 200 species of pathogenic fungi inhabit soil, water, and air and appear outside and inside buildings. For this reason, confinement in homes during the pandemic, often contaminated with large amounts of mold, has adversely affected the health of many people.
This article discusses the classification of black mold, the causes of its occurrence, ways to prevent the growth of fungi in the bathroom, how to remove them, and their impact on health.
What Is Black Mold, And How Is It Classified?
Filamentous fungi are commonly called mold. They are multicellular organisms comprising hyphae, filamentous, and branching structures that comprise the mycelium. If the cell wall of the hyphae contains a pigment that determines the color of the mold, then these are dark-pigmented fungi. If this pigment is not present, the fungi are clear hyphal.
Black mold is caused by, among others, the following species of filamentous fungi:
- Mildew: Rhizopus nigricans,
- Aspergillus niger: Aspergillus niger,
- Stachybotrys: A toxic fungus that forms a black mold. Its mycelium inhabits both the surface and the interior of the substrate.
Molds thrive in warm, moist environments, although some can survive drought for years. Unfortunately, mold spores are produced year-round and in very large quantities. They contain mycotoxins that are dangerous to health.
What Are Mycotoxins, And Why Are They So Dangerous?
Mycotoxins are harmful metabolic products for humans and animals. They originate from fungi and are transmitted mainly through the air. They are highly toxic to living organisms. They cause temporary and chronic food poisoning, which can end in death. They are characterized by extremely small particles that can penetrate deep into the bronchi. In addition, they are resistant to high temperatures, which means that ordinary washing and heat treatment do not destroy them.
So far, about 600 types of mycotoxins have been classified. Aflatoxin, which occurs in as many as four types of mold fungi from the Aspergillus species, is the most dangerous and is also used as a biological weapon.
What Factors Contribute To The Build-Up Of Black Mold In A Bathroom?
In a home and other buildings, conditions necessary for mold to settle and grow must be present. These include:
- Oxygen and nutrients, which are for fungi even small amounts of organic substances, such as dust and dirt from paint or wood;
- heat, humidity, water damage, and poor ventilation in rooms;
- Lack of air circulation in too-tight interiors, which characterizes modern construction;
- Construction errors caused dampness in the building.
Symptoms Of The Presence Of Black Mold
Signs of the mold presence are characterized by:
- Unpleasant odor reminiscent of hydrogen sulfide;
- Weakening of the strength of materials;
- Loss of color in the original item and change to black.
How Does Black Mold Affect Health?
The most vulnerable to diseases caused by molds are people with weakened immunity, such as those with AIDS or cancer. The dangers caused by molds also apply to children, the elderly, and the sick who take large amounts of medication.
Black mold can cause the following symptoms and diseases, among others:
- Headaches
- Nausea and malaise
- Problems with concentration
- Rhinitis
- Allergy
- Respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis or allergic alveolitis
- Diseases of the digestive and hematopoietic systems
Removing Mold From Bathroom Interiors – How To Do It?
What is a permanent mold killer? Black mold removal products such as homemade and store-bought cleaners can handle the growing spores in your bathroom. Upon detection, you should wipe out the spores and whatever stain it could leave you. Here are some of the top bathroom mold removal products you can use in every bathroom.
1. Bleach
Bleach kills mold only on tubs and tile’s hard, impervious surfaces. The chlorine in bleach can’t penetrate porous surfaces like drywall or wood. When these porous materials absorb the bleach’s water component, it provides exactly the opposite of what’s intended: moisture that mold has roots to feed on.
This results in a cycle of perpetual bleaching, sometimes where the bleach washes away the color of the mold, which leaves the homeowner misled that they have solved the problem. Should you decide to bleach mold, do so only where necessary on small surface areas because the United States Environmental Protection Agency does not recommend it. If you get the same black mold again in the shower, you may use borax or vinegar instead.
2. Borax
Borax is the other name for Sodium Tetraborate, a natural white mineral and salt powder compound used to kill mold. This fungicide, mixed with water, can kill mold on all surfaces, be it wood or metal. Though toxic if ingested, Borax does not involve harmful chemical fragrances like other chemical-based mold killers.
Mold typically grows well in acidic environments with a pH level of 3.5 – 8.0. Borax, with a pH of 9.13, kills mold and inhibits the germination of its spores. You can buy borax to eliminate mold for a few dollars in the laundry section at any supermarket.
3. Vinegar
As it is antifungal and antibacterial, white vinegar is an effective black mold killer on nonporous surfaces. However, vinegar is unlikely to prove effective as a mold eradicator on soft surfaces. It is almost impossible to apply vinegar to clean persistent mold on floor coverings or other malleable surfaces—replace the surface—it’s safer and also more effective.
Black mold removal products containing white distilled vinegar with 5% acidity and cleaning vinegar with 6% acidity have the same efficacy. However, vinegar’s acidity should be avoided to kill mold, as it may damage natural stone, waxed wood, aluminum, and cast iron.
Before you start cleaning mold, try to isolate the source of moisture that lets it grow, or it will return. Any mold growing in an area larger than 10 square feet in your bathroom should be removed by a professional if it has penetrated your heating, ventilation, or air conditioning.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
The other type of bathroom mold cleaner is hydrogen peroxide. This antifungal and antibacterial chemical makes it especially suitable for mold treatment. It does this by breaking down the essential parts of the microorganism. It is usually safe for solid surfaces and most synthetic fibers, although it might bleach natural fibers like wool. To prevent the bleach-like effect, ensure you use a solution of hydrogen peroxide, not hydrogen peroxide. Make sure to wipe off the hydrogen peroxide when you use it to remove the mold.
5. Baking Soda
Another method for getting rid of mold is baking soda, although it is mostly effective when mixed with vinegar. Mixing two parts of baking soda with equal parts water and one piece of white vinegar is advisable. The quantity of cleaners to be used depends on the size of the area to be treated. The paste has to be spread carefully on the mold. Let it dry. Scrub it with proper gloves on the hardened paste. Repeat the process until the mold is gone.
Final Thoughts
Therefore, black mold in the bathroom is not only an eyesore but a serious health risk. The bathroom falls under these wet conditions; consequently, it is more of a fertile breeding ground for mold spores that are bad for the body. More grave health issues might arise when this lethal mold spore meets up with people with little or no endurance. Those suffering from diseases related to the respiratory system, allergies, and others may experience related problems. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and moisture control can prevent mold growth and thus provide a healthy living environment. It is through the fight against black mold that the integrity of the home and its occupants can be protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which area of your bathroom does black mold most often appear?
Generally, the shower, toilet, and sink are some of the most common locations for mold and mildew. Many moisture sources in these areas can quickly become moldy, seen on the shower curtain and behind the sink or toilet. Mold may also grow on the surface of the tub or shower.
How can you protect your body from mold?
Fortunately, there are preventive measures that can protect people and make them aware of the risks of the harmful effects of mold. To do this, you should ensure:
- Proper air circulation in houses and apartments because mold does not like drafts;
- low air humidity indoors, e.g., by using an air dehumidifier;
- Dusting and vacuuming frequently, especially if you have furry animals, such as a cat, is a good way to maintain cleanliness in the home.