By Paige Nelson

Black Mold is the culprit of many health issues from chronic respiratory problems to fatigue to memory impairments, among others. It is easily prevented with adequate ventilation which eliminates or reduces moisture throughout your home. However, if you do notice mold already growing, you can easily and safely remove it on your own.

The first thing you must do is determine the cause of the mold growth, meaning you must find the source of the moisture. If an appliance or fixture in your home is leaking water or "sweating" a lot, this must be professionally repaired before the mold can be removed for good. If you attempt to fix the problem without first solving your moisture issues, you are setting yourself up for an ongoing battle that you'll continually lose.

Before you tackle the mold itself, you must first find a suitable spray for the task. Many home improvement stores sell products designed specifically to target black mold spores, but many home solutions exist as well. If you want to use natural products, then a 50-50 mixture of vinegar and baking soda or one consisting of two parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide will do the trick as well.

Make sure to cover your eyes, mouth and nose with Protective Gear and to put on gloves prior to approaching or handling the mold. Generously spray the affected and surrounding areas and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure all of the toxic spores are killed and rendered inactive. Then, wipe up the black mold stain with a sponge or paper towels and discard these into a trash bag. Tie these up tight along with your gloves and other protective gear and then remove them from your home.

Black mold growth can be a frightful thing to see in your house. No one wants to live with mold growth, especially after knowing all of the health problems that it can cause. Being familiar with the above steps for the safe and effective removal of black mold from your home will keep you prepared and your loved ones safe.