Black Mold in Oxnard Homes

“Black mold” is a popular name, usually for Stachybotrys chartarum, a greenish-black mold that grows on materials that stay wet for a long time, such as drywall paper, ceiling tiles, and wood after a leak. But many common molds look black or dark green, and you can't tell the species by color.

Is black mold more dangerous than other mold?

The CDC says you don't need to identify the type of mold, and that all molds should be treated the same way when it comes to health risk and removal. Mold can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms in some people, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions can be more sensitive. If you have health concerns, talk to your doctor. This site can't give medical advice. See the CDC mold information.

What to do first

Find the water. Dark mold on a wall or ceiling almost always means a leak, condensation, or past water damage. Check plumbing on the other side of the wall, the roof above, and windows.
Don't disturb a large area. Scraping or sanding dry mold can spread spores. Keep the door closed and avoid running fans that blow across it.
Small, hard-surface spots (under about 10 square feet, per the EPA mold guidance) can usually be cleaned with detergent and water while wearing gloves, eye protection, and an N-95 respirator.
Larger areas, or mold on drywall, insulation, or carpet, usually mean the material has to be cut out under containment. That's a job for a remediation company.

Where dark mold shows up in Oxnard homes

Window frames and sills on cool mornings when the marine layer is in and condensation runs down the glass.
Bathroom ceilings and grout in small bathrooms without a working exhaust fan.
Behind furniture pushed against exterior walls, and in closets on the north or ocean side of the house.
Under sinks and behind washing machines and refrigerators where a slow leak has gone unnoticed.

Renters

California law lists visible mold growth, as determined by a health or code enforcement officer, among the conditions that can make housing substandard (Health and Safety Code section 17920.3). Tell your landlord in writing, keep photos, and contact your city's code enforcement office, or the County of Ventura for unincorporated areas, if it isn't addressed.

Hiring tips

Ask the company to show you the moisture source, explain containment, and put the scope in writing. Check the contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov and ask for proof of insurance. Be cautious of anyone who uses fear about “toxic black mold” to push an expensive job before inspecting.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if it's black mold?

You can't tell the species by color. Lab testing can identify it, but the CDC says identification usually isn't necessary because all mold should be removed and the moisture fixed the same way.

Is it safe to stay in a house with black mold?

That depends on how much mold there is and on the health of the people living there. Keep the area closed off, fix the moisture, and talk to a doctor if anyone has symptoms or health conditions.

Can I paint over black mold?

No. Paint doesn't kill mold or stop moisture, and growth usually comes through again. Clean or remove the material and fix the water source first.

Black Mold help around Oxnard

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