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Is Black Mold an Overrated Issue?

Black mold can be found indoors, outdoors, in the workplace, at home and in any city or country. People are exposed to mold organisms through biological particles regularly. Indoor black mold has been linked to property damage and health problems in animals as well as humans.

  1. Definition

    • Black mold describes a slimy, greenish-black substance found on water soaked wood, paneling, ceiling tiles, cardboard, drywall and insulation that can manifest on walls, floors and ceilings.

    Causes

    • Environments that have temperatures above 60 degrees and humidity greater than 70 percent are considered ideal circumstances for black mold growth. Those environments coincidentally are also ideal temperature levels for most humans. Causes of black mold can include flooding and water leaks, sprinklers spraying the sides of a building, damp basements, water intrusion, damp HVAC air ducts and water overflow from sinks or sewers and humidifiers.

    Warning Signs

    • Odors are often a sign of a potential black mold problem. If someone living or working in a building begins suffering unexplained allergic reactions, there could be mold present. A Mayo Clinic study by researchers Drs. David Sherris, Eugene Kern and Jens Ponikau published in the September 1999 issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings journal found that most chronic sinus infections that afflict about 37 million Americans are a result of molds.

    Health Issues

    • Health risks connected to black mold's volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can include allergic reactions and irritation causing central nervous-system disorders leading to respiratory bleeding, asthma, bronchitis. headaches, decreased attention span and dizziness. Less common is mycotoxicosis and invasive diseases such as aspergillus, mucor, rhizopus and cladosporium.

    Regulatory Compliance

    • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued information bulletins intended to mandate responses to evidence of mold and moisture situations in buildings by managers and anyone responsible for building maintenance.

    Conclusion

    • A great deal of information suggests black mold is dangerous. Black mold should be investigated when suspicions arises and eliminated as soon as possible.

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