How Long Does It Take for Black Mold to Grow?

5 min read

Mold can be found everywhere in nature. It breaks down organic matter, such as dead leaves, and returns nutrients to the soil, playing an essential role in the environment. Given the right conditions, mold can grow and even flourish indoors, feeding on organic materials like paper, wood, wallpaper, gypsum board, wood, natural fibers like cotton and silk as well as cardboard. Further, mold can feed and grow on any material, like plastic and metal, if it has food, grease, dirt, or other organic matter.

In this article, we dive deep into the topic of black mold to answer these questions and more:

• What Is Black Mold?
• What Causes It?
• Is It Dangerous, and How Long Does It Take for Black Mold to Grow?

What Is Black Mold, and What Causes It?

Many species of black mold can grow indoors. However, when people talk about “black mold” or “toxic black mold,” they’re usually referring to the species Stachybotrys chartarum.

Similar to other species of mold, Stachybotrys chartarum enters buildings through doors, windows, and other openings. Black mold spores can attach themselves to your clothing or your pets when you’re outdoors, so you end up taking the fungus home with you.

Areas of moisture in your home, such as rooms lacking ventilation, humid basements, and any places where a water leak or flooding has occurred, are ideal environments for black mold to grow. Left unchecked, black mold colonies can spread beyond the damp or humid area to the rest of your home as long as the basic conditions for their survival are met. These are:

• Food: These include cellulose-based building materials and organic matter.
• The right temperature: Many species of mold grow at the ideal temperatures for human comfort, or between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Humidity: You can usually spot mold growth along with signs of water damage on walls and floors.
• Oxygen: Mold can survive without light, but it cannot grow without oxygen.

Since it is impossible to get rid of all organic materials in a home, and keeping the house oxygen-free and at boiling or freezing temperatures is impossible, the best way to prevent mold growth is to address excess humidity.

Black Mold Growth Rate

If you’re wondering, “How long does it take for black mold to grow,” the answer is not long at all. The growth rate of black mold can be rapid, but it still depends on its environment. Generally, however, black mold can grow and form a colony within one or two days.

Black mold can become dormant if you remove its food source, if the indoor humidity is low, and the indoor temperature is too hot or too cold. However, it can regenerate.

Is Black Mold Dangerous?

It is essential to note that while black mold has developed a bad reputation for health risks, all types of mold can pose risks to a person’s well-being. However, black mold is one of several species known to produce mycotoxins, substances that are harmful when eaten, absorbed into the skin, or inhaled.

Research suggests that mycotoxins can negatively impact the health of both humans and animals. These toxic substances can trigger symptoms in people with asthma, allergies to mold, lung conditions, or a weak immune system. These include:

• Chronic cough
• Sneezing and runny nose
• Red, irritated eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness

What to Do if You Spot Black Mold in Your Home

If you spot a greenish-black patch in your home, don’t panic. The first step is determining that it’s mold and not something else, like mineral stains or plain dirt.

When it has grown enough to be visible to the human eye, black mold often appears as round spots clustered in patches on walls and floors. Contrary to its name, black mold is not always wholly black—new colonies can appear greenish-black, green, gray, or even white around the edges. Over time, black mold will turn darker.

Here is a simple way to test if the dark circles on your wall or floor are patches of mold. If they come off easily with a piece of cloth or by scraping them with a spoon, they’re probably not mold. Meanwhile, if it leaves a stain or mark when you try to clean it off, it is likely mold.

Alternatively, you can contact a mold remediation professional to determine whether the spots in your home are black mold. Keep in mind, however, that any kind of mold regardless of color or species should be immediately removed to prevent health risks and further property damage. Contacting a mold removal professional once you suspect a mold infestation in your home is always a wise choice.

Choose Restoration 1 for Expert Mold Remediation in Treasure Valley

Mold infestation is a serious matter, as mold can damage your property and put the health of your household at risk. If you suspect mold, don’t hesitate to contact Restoration 1 for professional and timely mold inspection and remediation solutions.

Our team of specialists works to control the contamination and remove the infestation using specialized products and proven techniques. However, we don’t just eliminate mold—we address the moisture issues that are the root of the problem.

Contact us today to learn more about our services. We are ready to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.