Yes, black mold can grow on plaster. While pure plaster is inorganic and non-porous (offering no nutrients for mold), mold easily grows on top of it by feeding on organic matter like dust, dirt, or paint. Furthermore, trapped moisture behind the plaster can cause mold to seep through.
Most black mould issues are caused by moisture that cannot escape. Condensation is the biggest culprit in UK homes, especially during colder months when warm indoor air meets cold plaster or tiles and turns into water droplets.
Black mould is a type of common fungus also known as “Aspergillus Niger”. This is the same type of mould that grows as black fur on fruits, vegetables and grains. In homes, mould spores land on moist surfaces inside the home and begin to grow. Another 'black mould' common in the UK home environment is Alternaria.
Black mold won't grow on plaster, terra cotta block, gyp block, brick, concrete, etc. Black mold only grows on fibrous materials, like paper and wood.
Plaster walls are highly susceptible to mold growth when exposed to water. Drywall is typically treated to reduce the ability of mold to grow in the wall, but this doesn't stop it completely.
In A Nutshell: Misconceptions About Mold
Your home can be 100% mold-free: No, there are always mold spores in the air. Anyone can effectively remove mold: No, you need professional services for that.
If you're allergic to black mold, you may have symptoms immediately after spores come in contact with your body. If you're not allergic to black mold, you may not have any symptoms, or your symptoms may not appear for a long time.
Toxic black mold growth has a more potent and identifiable smell, like the smell of decay, wet soil, or rot. Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew.
For a natural solution to getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.
Black mold can cause health problems, so living in a house with black mold is not advisable. If you must stay in your house while black mold is being removed, make sure to seal off any areas where black mold is present and avoid coming into contact with it.
Chronic exposure can lead to long-term respiratory issues, making mold a serious health hazard if left unchecked. Asbestos exposure, on the other hand, is associated with more severe health outcomes, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Recognizing the warning signs of mold toxicity is crucial for early intervention and prevention of potential long-term health problems.
Black mold thrives in areas with excessive moisture, poor ventilation, and organic materials like wood or drywall. Common causes include water leaks, high humidity, flooding, and condensation. Regular maintenance and fixing leaks quickly can help prevent mold growth.
Condensation is the most common cause of damp. It's easily recognised by the black mould it causes —small black dots that appear near cold surfaces like window frames. Mould caused by condensation damp is characterised by black dots, like on this window recess.
Using vinegar could not be simpler. All you need to do is spray it directly on to the affected area, or alternatively, spray the vinegar on to a rag and then apply it on the mould this way. Wait for around 15 minutes, do it again and then finish off by wiping the area clean with a damp rag.
Vinegar neat kills the spores you need to leave it a little before wiping off as it penetrates the plaster you need to clean from the outside in with disposable cloths wipe and chuck otherwise you are just spending the spores.
patients with fibrotic HP due to mold may experience some improvement or may stabilize with mold remediation. Unfortunately, some patients with fibrotic HP related to mold may continue to progress even when exposure stops. Mold-related HP is not treated with antibiotics or antifungal therapy.
How can I address mold exposure?
Additionally, spraying a solution of equal parts vinegar and water or a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution into the air can help to kill airborne mold spores.
Summer: Peak Mold Growth Season
Summer is by far the worst time of year for mold growth. Warm air holds more moisture, and when combined with poor ventilation, it creates an ideal environment for mold colonies to thrive indoors.
While air filtration can help reduce airborne mold spores, an air purifier alone will not eliminate indoor mold growing on or beneath surfaces, such as walls and floors. Dr. Fineman emphasizes that effective indoor mold control requires managing moisture and humidity to prevent conditions that promote mold growth.
At night, your body is in rest-and-repair mode. But if you're breathing in mold spores for 6–8 hours straight, your immune system stays on high alert instead. This is especially dangerous for children, elderly adults, and people with asthma or respiratory conditions.
Most mold-infested homes can be saved: Even houses with extensive mold contamination can typically be restored to safe, habitable conditions through professional remediation, though the process may be complex and costly depending on the severity of the infestation.
For your health and safety, there are some items that should always be thrown out after falling prey to mold damage. They include: Most fabric/porous items. This includes clothing, towels, bedding, throw rugs and area rugs, curtains (and shower curtains), pillows, stuffed animals, soft dog toys, and similar items.