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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 is a diagnosis-led mould specialist, 15,000+ homes treated - diagnose the cause, match the method, treat the home, and prove the outcome. We use a dry fog sterilant called InstaPURE which reaches every surface the air touches, oxidising and destroying the living mould, bringing spore counts down to outdoor-air levels. 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 bonds to the surfaces the fog reaches and leaves a durable layer that helps inhibit regrowth. 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 vinegar (acetic acid), water and oxygen, then airs out. No lasting residue. EverPURE is a mineral-based solution. Both are applied under a full COSHH assessment, with actives authorised at manufacturer level.
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. Then we prove it - your home's reset to outdoor-air levels, in a written report you keep.
