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Hazards of Black Mold

Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is a type of mold that in this form is highly toxic and dangerous because it can easily breed on certain products commonly used in home building. Breeding and thriving in humid conditions where a food source is plentiful, this mold may be difficult to eradicate completely once it becomes established.

  1. Conditions

    • High cellulose materials and humidity are the breeding grounds for this spore. Water from any flooding or leak in a home and drywall, insulation, fiber board or other cellulose materials are a perfect recipe for black mold to proliferate. The moisture and food source in the cellulose give the spore everything it needs, and it can grow in areas behind appliances, under floors or within walls that a homeowner cannot detect or see. Exposure to toxic black mold in the home can go undetected for a long time.

    Illness

    • The Environmental Protection Agency cannot establish a threshold for exposure for this mold; it affects individuals differently but can cause extreme health problems and even death in at-risk groups such as infants and the elderly. Respiratory problems such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, cough, sore throat and even bleeding in the lungs can occur. Skin irritation, burning of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, fatigue and other problems are all conditions that can be caused by this mold.

    Identification and Eradication

    • Not all black-looking mold is Stachybotrys. Mildew in the shower is not the same, and others that appear to be black do not necessarily mean that it is the toxic variety. Visual inspection is not a foolproof method, and often this mold grows in areas where it is not visible, so air testing is generally necessary. If health problems are occurring and mold is present, it is best to leave the area until confirmation of the safety of the occupants can be assessed. Completely ridding the location of mold can also be difficult; the source of breeding needs to be removed and any infected materials. In some cases the mold has proliferated to the point it is impossible to contain, and the location needs to be completely destroyed. In less extensive cases, the damaged areas are removed and destroyed, the areas thoroughly cleaned, and new materials installed. To avoid further exposure, eliminate the original cause of the mold.

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