Is Black Mold in the Shower Dangerous?
Cleaning the shower is one of the more tedious chores out there. However, it must be done to keep your bathroom pristine and sanitary.
Table of Contents
During your last cleaning, did you notice an unsightly buildup of black gunk? Some unnerving thoughts may have crossed your mind at this moment: Do I have a case of black mold on my hands? Is it dangerous? How do I get rid of it?
If you have found yourself in this situation, you need to take the proper steps to handle the situation. Read on to learn more about what black mold is, the risks it can present, and how to prevent it.
Is Shower Mold Always Toxic?
This is a difficult question to answer. To start, we will debunk a common myth.
There is no one type of black mold. Rather, the phrase refers to any variety of molds of the genus Stachybotrys. These different types of fungi can range from green to black in color.
Mold is known for producing toxic metabolites called mycotoxins, which can be very damaging to human health. However, mycotoxins are only produced if two conditions are simultaneously met:
- There are competing bacteria present
- The fungi are “eating” and producing secondary metabolites
A common misconception is that the mycotoxins in mold can lead to severe short-term health effects like:
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Memory loss
- Body aches and pains
- Changes in mood
Though these sound scary, Medical News Today has reported that there is no research to back up these claims. With that being said, the mycotoxins produced by mold can still be harmful in other ways. They can result in mycotoxicosis, which can lead to long-term effects like Parkinson’s disease, depression, and certain types of cancers, according to Dr. Matt Pratt-Hyatt.
Can You Get Sick From Shower Mold?
The possibility of mycotoxin production is very low when compared to other dangers that mold can present.
According to the CDC, these fungi can have a wide range of effects on different types of people. For example, it acts as a very severe irritant for people with a sensitivity to it. They will experience symptoms like a stuffy nose, red eyes, itchy skin, and wheezing.
Individuals who have an allergy to mold will also experience some negative side effects. Their reactions will often be heightened, and they will likely experience fever and shortness of breath.
Other pre-existing conditions can also amplify a person’s reaction to fungi growth in the shower. For example, a person with immune suppression might be at a higher risk of developing an infection. Or, a person with a chronic respiratory disease like COPD or asthma may experience more severe symptoms.
How to Prevent Shower Mold
Not only does black mold ruin your shower’s shiny look, but it also presents very real health risks to you and your family.
Luckily, there are some steps you can take to prevent it from showing up in the first place:
Keep Your Bathroom Dry & Well-Ventilated
Mold thrives on moisture in the air, so do your best to eliminate it from your bathroom. Leave the bathroom door open after a shower and whenever else possible. Wash and dry your bathmats, towels, and washcloths frequently to discourage fungi growth.
Consider purchasing an exhaust fan. You can run this for several minutes after your bath or shower to expel excess moisture.
Use a Shower Curtain
Invest in a decorative shower curtain and accompanying plastic liner. Tuck the plastic liner into the bathtub rather than hanging it over the tub. Whenever your plastic liner starts to show signs of fungi growth, replace it immediately to keep the fungi out of your bathroom.
Clean It Up Right Away
Even if you already see some black mold spores in your shower, it’s not too late to do something about them.
As a homeowner, you need to stay attentive to dark spots in your shower. They might be colonies of mold just waiting to grow uncontrollably.
As soon as you notice something resembling black mold in your shower, begin the cleanup process by following these tips:
- Prepare your cleaning solution: You can get stubborn fungi off of a shower wall with a bleach-water solution. Use 1 cup of bleach for every 1 gallon of water. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.
- Work in a well-ventilated space: Open as many doors and windows as possible to provide fresh air.
- Wear protective gear: As you treat the problem areas with your cleaning solution and a cloth or sponge, wear eyeglasses and non-porous gloves to protect yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shower mold black mold?
It is possible. There are a few varieties of black mold that could grow in your shower, but there is no one breed that lives in the shower. Ask the experts to analyze your situation.
How do I know if mold is black mold?
Check for a dark black or brown color, musty smell, a slimy or chalky texture, and water damage. Those are the signs of toxic black mold.
Can I remove black mold from the shower myself?
Some home remedies will work — like a combination of hydrogen peroxide and water. But this serious problem usually requires expert assistance. Always wear gloves and a mask when touching harmful substances.
Call All Dry USA for Professional Help!
Have you noticed some dark spots building up on your shower walls? Perform a thorough cleanup and follow the preventative measures we’ve described above to keep mold growth at bay.
If your situation has gotten out of hand, the experts at All Dry USA are ready to step in. Call us today for comprehensive black mold treatment! We perform thorough mold remediation services to make your home and bathroom safe places to be.
- Complete Guide to Smoke Damage Cleanup - 17 July, 2024
- Essential Steps in Commercial Fire Damage Restoration - 10 July, 2024
- Effective Smoke Remediation Techniques for Homes and Businesses - 3 July, 2024
With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.