Black Mold Removal & Testing in Berkeley, CA

Mold may be a common nuisance in businesses and homes, but it requires immediate attention. Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), in particular, is a serious health threat. It can cause neurological symptoms, nausea, organ complications and a long list of other disorders. It can also threaten the structural integrity of your building.

Mold outbreaks can affect almost any part of your home or business – from the walls to the ceiling, the bathrooms, kitchen tiles, windows, the basement, furniture and insulation. It can also grow in the air ducts and HVAC system as spores spread from one room to another.

Black mold tends to inhabit areas that have been exposed to moisture for an extended period of time. It is particularly common behind walls and under floors due to water leaks. It can also grow on ceilings.

Black Mold Detection Is NOT a DIY Job

Black mold can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin, so you should never attempt mold remediation without the help of a professional. Also, finding all outbreaks within a building and removing them thoroughly requires industry-standard equipment and techniques.

If you need mold removal in Berkeley, contact National Indoor Environmental Testing. Our team of mold remediation specialists can evaluate your property and address the root of the problem. Schedule a black mold test today by calling 855-349-2356.

Toxic Black Mold Causes Respiratory Illnesses and Allergic Reactions

Because mold is so common, many business- and homeowners underestimate its harmful effects. Stachybotrys chartarum spores carry mycotoxins, which can enter the body by breathing or touching. Symptoms include:

• Breathing problems;


• Nose bleeds;


• Runny, stuffy or itchy nose;


• Bleeding gums;


• Throat irritation;


• Swelling of the lungs;


• And bleeding within the lungs.

Exposure to mycotoxins can also cause circulatory system complications such as irregular heartbeat, internal bleeding, low blood pressure and bleeding within the brain. You may also notice vision problems such as eye inflammation or blurry sight. Prolonged exposure to lack mold can also lead to reproductive complications.

How Long Do the Health Symptoms Last?

Prolonged exposure to toxic black mold can be potentially fatal – especially for infants and the elderly. In most cases, though, people’s symptoms gradually improve after removing the mold outbreak. It is critical that you address this problem immediately.

Common Causes of Black Mold Growth

In the outdoors, black mold grows in moist, warm environments – often on plant debris or soil. Indoor black mold can grow on most building materials.

Stachybotrys chartarum grows in undisturbed, moist areas. It often happens due to water leaks that the property owner does not notice. It is common behind walls, underneath the floor and above the ceiling.

Toxic black mold takes a long time to grow compared to other strains. The growth site must be moist for at least one week, and the mold takes up to 12 days to colonize.

Professional Mold Remediation & Inspection

You should schedule a professional mold inspection as soon as you notice the signs of an outbreak, which may be health symptoms or visually seeing the growth. This is particularly important if your home or business has suffered recent water damage.

Because black mold is toxic and grows in hard-to-reach places, it is essential that you leave this project to the professionals. At National Indoor Environmental Testing, we use fiber optics and moisture meters to spot potential growth sites. Our technicians use industry-standard techniques to remove mold and prevent future outbreaks. We can also identify and address the initial cause of the growth, which may be a broken or leaking pipe.

Even if the mold is visible, you should not attempt to remove it without professional help. Without the proper tools and experience, you may expose yourself to harmful mycotoxins and cause spores to spread throughout your home or business.

If you miss just one outbreak, it can spread throughout the building. A mold inspector from NIET can identify all growths.

Black Mold Removal & Inspection in Berkeley, California

Berkeley residents trust National Indoor Environmental Testing’s professional and experienced staff. We understand how serious a mold outbreak can be, and we will waste no time in removing the growth and making your home or business safe and mold-free. Call us today at 855-349-2356 to learn more about our services.