The vent in my room has black mold in it; It was originally pink insulation. What is it and is It dangerous.?
I moved in 2 months ago and the vent doesn't work. I live near the beach.
I moved in 2 months ago and the vent doesn't work. I live near the beach.
Housecall Property Inspections
Favorite Answer
Probably not dangerous. Are you experiencing any symptoms? Typical symptoms might include dizziness, headache, scratchy/sore throat, coughing, difficulty breathing, itchy/watery eyes, etc.
Hire a home inspector who is qualified as an indoor air specialist and they should be able to test the mold for you. Or you can do it DIY as well. Get some clear scotch tape (the CLEAR stuff is important, need to be able to see through it). Gently press the sticky side into the black substance. Fold it over, and place in a zip-loc bag. Mail, or take to a local lab for analysis. Find a lab by Googling this:
http://www.google.com/search?aq=f&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=mold+analysis+laboratory
Good luck!
ed.grime
being near the beach you will have a higher humidity level than other locations. part of living near the beach. as far as the mold issue, get a sample, have it tested. the "bad" black mold is rare. there are 1000's of different molds. the pink insulation? remove the vent grille, clean out as much as you can. then clean the grille itself. after you can repaint with KILZ. its a primer/paint. bright white, and yuckies can't grow on it. also try cleaning/changing your return air filter monthly.