Possible Black Mold Infestation [solved]

Shurakai

Alrighty, so here's the dealio.

I have this: (Huge image in spoiler)

In my bathroom. This has been in my bathroom for a couple months and has been steadily growing.

I live in an apartment complex in a city in Alberta Canada. I have called the owners of the building that I live in (whom sell the apartments to buyers like my landlord) and told them I suspect black mold. They said the person who might want to know is out and would call me back. I have yet to receive a call back, and its been awhile.

Meanwhile, my landlord, lets call him Jerry, has stopped by and told me nonchalantly that its probably mildew and nothing to worry about.

Jerry is a cool guy so I took his word for it, but I also know that he would be in alot of shit if it ended up being black mold so it may have been in his best interest to lie, or perhaps he just doesn't know. In any case, he did not recommend a black mold presence test, which is the first thing I would have thought of to do. Of course, he or the owners of the building would have to pay for this test and any aftermath that may ensue.

So, a few questions I have on my mind.

a) Does this look like typical black mold, or just mildew? Some other type? It actually looks more brown/green than black, not sure if that matters though.

b) Should I press harder for a black mold test? How hard? How much will it cost them? If they refuse to do it, what are my options?

c) If it is black mold, what are my rights as a tenant in Alberta Canada? Will I have to pay for anything if I have to move out? Will they find me another place etc?

Dunadan019

That really just looks like mildew to me. by the look of the tiles, I'd say you haven't cleaned the walls or cealing in there in some time.

try some bleach or a bleach based cleaner.

Descendant X

It's mildew. We had the same thing in our bathroom.

I cleaned it up with a borax solution. It worked like a hot damn with a bit of work and impedes further growth.

WildEEP

Yeah thats mildew - and the spots arent an infestation. Infestations are patches that cover spaces larger than your palm.

Get a bucket, hot water, put in a few capfuls of clorox bleach and go to town on the walls.

Perpetual

It's mildew.

Black mold has a distinctive smell and can result in hospitalization within a short period of time.

If you've been fine for the past couple of months, I'd say you don't have much to worry about.

Robman

Bleach is fucking magic. But if you're really concerned, throw on a good dust mask before scrubbing that shit. You can buy a great mask for ~$5 at a hardware store.

Sipex

I've had black mold before, you'll know it if you see it (and smell it).

That there is definitely just mildew.

Sir Carcass

Perpetual wrote: »

It's mildew.

Black mold has a distinctive smell and can result in hospitalization within a short period of time.

If you've been fine for the past couple of months, I'd say you don't have much to worry about.

Yeah, if you're not coughing up blood by now (personal experience), it's probably not black mold.

Shurakai

Alrighty, thanks for the responses guys. Looks like the greater internet wisdom has declared unanimously that it is mildew.

I have never seen anything like it before, which is why I was so concerned. That, and I have been having health problems that could be blamed on mold poisoning. Nothing as dramatic as coughing up blood, but symptoms nonetheless.

Sipex

Oh hey, question relating to black mold.

My sister in law has some growing in her closet on a pile of moldy towels. She's apparently had it for a long time but the closet is air tight so they've been fine but they want to get rid of it (obviously). When I had mold it was on the walls so the landlord took care of it but I don't think her land lord will take care of hers since it's kind of her fault. She's asked us (my wife and I) to help get rid of it but we want to make sure we do this right.

What do we need to get rid of the mold? I know we'll need masks but what quality? Any specific type? We're obviously throwing the towels out and using rubber gloves too but what else will we need to do to help remove the mold?

bowen

I don't know, but I'd be more worried about spores than just removing it, that shit will probably stay in the air for a while.

Sipex

So, add onto the list, vacate the house and air it out for a few days.

edit: Nvm, found something

http://www.toxic-black-mold-info.com/moldclean.htm

Sir Carcass

When we had our mold experience, it was in an apartment that had developed a roof leak above our bedroom. Mold started growing in one corner and in our closet. The helpful apartment people painted over it, which I can confirm does fuck all to stop it. Months of doctor visits and hospital stays, and thousands and thousands of dollars later, moving out seemed to do the trick.