Re: Is this black mold?

I really wish they had never termed the phrase 'black mold'. It eeks of misinformation. They should have used the term 'toxic mold' for it instead. Some molds which are black are not harmful. Some very harmful molds are not black. Black mold came from a description of the mold stachybotrys.

     Any bathroom which does not have a fan to exhaust the moisture will inevitably end up with some degree of mold problem. You definitely have some degree of mold problem. Looks like someone keeps painting over it. Then it gets more moisture, grows some more, and bleeds through the paint. Painting, even with paint containing mold inhibitors, only masks a problem which is still there, usually hiding and growing inside the walls.

     To correctly eliminate the mold growth problem the following needs to be done. All affected building materials need to be safely torn out and replaced, using proper remediation protocols. The mold spores, along with their mycotoxins if it is a toxic mold, have floated throughout the home and into all your possessions. Any moisture or humidity over 50% gives them the moisture to grow. All these mold spores need to be killed and then captured using air cleaners and vacuums which have true hepa filters.  Otherwise you will find yourself in a revolving door of mold growth and health problems.

     You might want to have a reliable mold testing company test your home to identify the type and concentration levels you are dealing with. Having your home tested before and after remediation can give you peace of mind that the problem is solved. The more information the better, to take the guess wotk out of it. This is especially important if there are any future legal actions being contemplated.

     I would install a fan in the bathroom with a humidistat control. Then whenever the humidity exceeds the set humidity level it automatically comes on. Once the humidity drops below the set level it turns off. Worth every penny.