Facts About Black Mold

Mold can live on almost any surface as long as it has plenty of moisture. Common places for mold to grow, besides the fridge, are bathrooms, attics, basements, and crawlspaces, or anywhere there is a constant supply of moisture, such as a leaky roof or water pipe.

Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is not toxic according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is actually toxigenic, which means that it may produce types of toxins called mycotoxins. There is not much known about many of the toxins produced by mold and there are ongoing studies to determine the effects that these toxins may have on humans and animals.

The CDC also states that, "There are very few reports that toxigenic molds...can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss." However, mold in buildings has been linked with upper resperatory infections and flu-like symptoms. So, while there is no proof that mold is deadly, at the very least, it has the ability to make people and animals sick.

I have heard many rumors about black mold that had me worried about being around it or or disturbing it. The rumor that concerned me the most was that, it is no big deal until you disturb it. What I found is that this is true to some extent, but it is not specific only to black mold. All molds release spores, and, if disturbed, they will release a bunch at one time. Also, all molds have the ability to cause allergic reactions and other health problems. And, although not all molds may produce toxins, this is also not specific only to black mold.

So, if you have mold, it really doesn't matter what kind it is, you should treat it all with caution and if cleaning or removing it yourself, use proper protective gear. In other words, whether you have black mold or some other type, you would want to be just as cautious and use the same methods to remove it. The method of removal would depend on the size of the area infected. As a general rule, if the area is larger than ten square feet, you may want to hire someone to do it for you.

Although mold has not proven to be deadly, care must be taken when cleaning and removing infested areas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published guidelines (see sources below), for safely removing mold and preventing mold growth.

It is not unheard of for individuals to clean and remove affected materials themselves, however; if you have a relatively large infestation, it may be more convenient and safer to hire a professional to do the job. Prevention can be achieved by fixing any leaks, adding ventilation, using dehumidifiers, or cleaning and drying areas where moisture is present.

CDC
Facts about Stachybotrys chartarum and Other Molds

EPA
Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings