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If you're wondering about black stains on brick at your home, the answer is that you're not looking at efflorescence. While efflorescence can be darker when certain types of salt are involved, black staining is caused by carbon staining, pollution from vehicles, and chimney soot. Black stains can also be caused by organic materials like lichen, algae, or mold.

A stain from a water leak will usually be brown and concentrated in a single area where the water is originating from. You may find it under a damaged section of roof, under an upstairs bathroom, or beneath your HVAC system. Stains from condensation are more likely to be widespread since they don’t come from a single point of water intrusion. Condensation stains also look blotchy and may smell musty, and they won’t be concentrated in a single area on your ceiling.

When used in the correct quantity and with the right procedures, boric acid will produce fumes with limited to no toxicity. You’re more likely to experience adverse side effects from boric acid toxicity by accidentally ingesting it or touching it with bare skin. All the same, wearing an air-filtering mask is a good way to keep even minorly toxic fumes out of your system. Don’t forget gloves, too!

Telling the difference between poisonous and nonpoisonous mushrooms is difficult even for trained mushroom experts and biologists! However, nature provides some red flags for poisonous mushrooms. Assume that any mushroom with a red cap or stem is poisonous. You should also assume mushrooms with white gills, rings, skirts, or a sack-like base are poisonous.