What is Black Mold — And Is It Dangerous?

Mold is a naturally occurring fungi found on the inside and outside of homes, and can cause a variety of health problems regardless of its color or type. Stachybotrys Chartarum — also known as black mold — is a toxic type of growth that typically results from a continuous water leak over an extended period of time. This type of fungus requires 100% water saturation and constant moisture in order to thrive — as opposed to other forms of mold that only require high levels of relative humidity.

Black mold is commonly found in areas with water damage, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Exposure to black mold can cause a number of adverse health conditions, including:

  • Chronic coughing and sneezing
  • Irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes of the nose and throat
  • Rashes
  • Fatigue
  • Persistent headaches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bleeding in the lungs and nose

EnviroVantage's Black Mold Services

Black mold inspection

Most types of mold are black, green, or gray, which means sometimes homeowners incorrectly assume they have black mold. If you aren’t sure whether you have mold in the first place — or you don’t have any visual signs but may suffer from allergy-like symptoms that can’t be explained — you can opt to bring in a certified mold inspector. This expert will conduct scientific air sampling and collect samples that will be analyzed in a lab.

If you can see the mold, regardless of its type, we encourage you to contact us directly, and we’ll be happy to come out and inspect the area — free of charge. You aren’t required to go through a mold inspector first, but it can be helpful to do so if you don’t see any visual signs of growth.

Black mold removal

The removal process is the same as it is for any other type of mold. Please find an overview below.

Damage caused by damp on a wall in modern house

Damage caused by damp on a wall in modern house

Black Mold Removal Service Areas: NH, MA, and ME

EnviroVantage provides residential black mold removal services in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. Please call 1-800-640-5323 for more information or to obtain a quote.

Locations

Headquarters:
629 Calef Highway (Route 125)
Epping, NH 03042

10 Spencer Street
Stoneham, MA 02180

680 Stroudwater Street
Westbrook, ME 04092

What is the Process for Removing Black Mold?

Here is an overview of the steps we take during of our mold removal process:

  • Identify and locate the source that allowed the mold to grow in the first place.
  • Form a detailed strategy by identifying the necessary steps to correct the issue, materials that are needed for removal or sanitation, and methods of reducing the risk of future mold growth.
  • Remove the mold through one of our numerous methods, such as:
    ·      Eliminating impacted materials
    ·      Using chemicals and dry ice treatments
    ·      Dehumidification
    ·      Using hydroxyl generators
    ·      Applying mold-resistant coatings

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Black Mold?

The cost for removing Stachybotrys Chartarum is the same as removing any other type of mold, which means it depends on two factors: the location of the mold in your home and how much is present. Costs can range anywhere from $1,500 to $50,000 (for a complete house gut), so it’s best to contact us about your specific situation.

Testing After Removal

After we remove the black mold, we’ll provide an independent verification process to validate that the work was successful. An independent mold investigator, other known as a hygienist, is hired to perform a post-remediation verification. The hygienist tests air and surface samples, and conducts a complete visual assessment of the work zone.

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Mold Removal Certifications & Training

We have more than 35 years of experience in black mold removal, and our team holds certifications from the following nationally recognized indoor quality organizations:

The head of EnviroVantage’s Residential Division is Chris Prior, who is both a certified mold inspector and certified mold remediation supervisor.

 

If you have any questions about black mold removal or would like more information, contact us and we’ll get back to you shortly.

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