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What is black mould?
Black mould, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum or toxic black mould, is a type of mould that is dark green or black in colour and has a slimy texture. It is commonly found in damp, poorly ventilated areas, such as basements, bathrooms and kitchens, and can grow on a variety of surfaces, including drywall, carpet, insulation and wood. Black mould produces mycotoxins, which are toxic substances that can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation and neurological problems.
What causes black mould?
Black mould grows in warm, moist environments, and is often found in areas with high humidity levels, poor ventilation, or water damage. Common causes of black mould include condensation, leaks or water damage, poor ventilation, and high humidity levels. Black mould can also grow on building materials like wood, plaster and drywall, which provide a food source for the mould.
What are the health risks of black mould?
Exposure to black mould can cause a range of health problems, particularly in those with weakened immune systems, respiratory problems, or allergies. Common symptoms of black mould exposure include respiratory problems (such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath), nasal and sinus congestion, eye, nose, throat and skin irritation, headaches and fatigue. In severe cases, exposure to black mould can cause more serious health problems, including neurological symptoms, immune system suppression and in rare cases, pulmonary haemorrhage.
How to get rid of black mould?
Mould must be treated in a way that destroys the mould first before it is physically removed. Even if mould is physically removed before it is properly treated, a colony can regrow from a fragment. If mould is not thoroughly treated before being physically disturbed, it can also release millions of spores into your air. It is essential that the entire mould colony is properly treated, not just the visible parts, to ensure that the problem is fully resolved.
Even bleach does not kill mould. This is a common misunderstanding. Bleach does not penetrate porous surfaces like tile grout, wood or drywall. The roots of the mould (the hyphae) are inside porous materials and bleach cannot reach them. Bleach also contains a high percentage of water, which can actually encourage mould growth.
How does Pure Maintenance treat black mould?
Pure Maintenance UK offers an innovative, patented dry fog technology, treats and reduces mould contamination and helps inhibit regrowth. We use a dry fog sterilant called InstaPURE to completely treat and reduce all surface and airborne mould contamination. It denatures mould at a molecular level (destroys the proteins and cell walls of mould to render it inert) and, like all sterilants, destroys the mould first before it is physically removed.
Our second dry fog, EverPURE, is our anti-microbial film. We apply it once the mould in the home has been treated. It forms a covalent bond with all surfaces which prevents mould from coming back. The anti-microbial film is made up of positively charged nitrogen molecules with carbon atoms stacked on top. Microscopically, it looks like a bed of nails as the carbon atoms create a spike. Any new pathogens introduced to the property following our treatment are electrostatically attracted to the positive charge and the carbon spike pierces the outer membrane, inhibiting them on contact.
InstaPURE breaks down into hydrogen, oxygen and trace amounts of acetic acid (white vinegar). EverPURE is a mineral-based solution. Both are applied in accordance with COSHH and HSE requirements.
Pure Maintenance UK treats mould problems at a molecular level. By treating the mould at this level, Pure Maintenance is able to both treat the mould and reduce future re-growth. This improves the air quality of your home and protecting the health of your family.
