Black Mold

What toxic mold is and its potential health risks.

"Black Mold" is a term used to describe a slimy, greenish-black substance which can result in serious health risk. This infamous black mold is also known as Strachybotrys chartarum and more often as Strachybotrys atra. It has been closely linked to the death of babies from respiratory bleeding, and as a contributing factor to illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.

black toxic moldThe toxic mold environmental risk may be one of the next major real estate concerns, especially in property development areas where major flooding has occurred. The problem is that this not only includes known residential and commercial flood areas incidents, but also numerous minor water releases due to plumbing failures, conductive condensation, house water leaks and accidents. The toxic mold concern could also be a problem where fires occurred at residential properties.

Black Toxic Mold in the Home is a Major Concern

Mold Concern - One might not be able to permanently eliminate the entire toxic mold from the structure. There also remains a great propensity for future reoccurrence. The health risk/hazard could be back again. Therefore, we must recommend that great care be exercised to remove and dispose of all products, which have been contaminated by the toxic mold contaminated. Some of the reactions related to toxic mold exposure include lung tissue damage, and memory loss. This may depend on the chemical sensitivity, genetic disposition, predisposing health history (such as allergies, asthma, smoking, etc.). For some, the exposure to the toxic mold spores may just be a “health risk” and to others, it may be a real “health hazard” (potential life-threatening and loss of “quality of life”.)

Black Mold produces a mycotoxin that causes animal and human mycotoxicosis. This type of mold is thought to be a possible cause of the “sick building syndrome”. In May 1997, the Journal of the American Medical Association carried a news article titled “Floods carry potential for toxic mold disease”. Children’s exposure to air-borne Stachybotrys spores is thought most likely to cause pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding in the lungs).

The Stachybotrys fungi (black mold) cannot be identified by a routine visual inspection. The only method to determine the type of mold present is by sample analysis by an accredited laboratory. Also, it is important to keep in mind that the toxic mold is only a toxic risk or hazard if a person breathes or comes into contact with the spores.