Black mold, formally known as Stachybotrys chartarum or Stachybotrys atra, is a type of fungus that disperses by releasing spores throughout the air. Other words and phrases that have become synonymous with black mold are ‘toxic black mold‘ and ‘sick building syndrome’. When ingested, inhaled, or in direct contact with skin, black mold can pose serious health concerns to humans, ranging from simple allergic reactions to more severe lung disorders, and even death. Most often connected to poor indoor air quality that occurs after fungal growth on water-damaged building materials, black mold is typically a greenish-black color, although it can range from gray to brown as well.
In order for black mold to develop in residential homes or commercial buildings, certain conditions must be present: a source of water or moisture (including humidity), a source of food, and a substrate or surface area capable of sustaining growth. The moisture necessary to begin the decaying process caused by mold can be supplied from a plumbing leak, a humid crawl space, and even normal breathing and perspiration from human beings. Necessary nutrients for mold spores include carbon and cellulose, which make common building materials such as plywood, drywall, carpets and other kinds of organic matter, perfect for black mold to feed on. Further, poor ventilation increases moisture levels, providing the opportunity for visible mold colonies to form.
Because black mold is generally found in damp or humid environments, the most common areas for mold problems to occur include bathrooms, kitchens, basements, attics and crawl spaces. It can also be found, and is important to look for, beneath carpets and wall paper, as sometimes mold can grow and spread throughout walls or floors without you ever knowing about it. Since moisture is the key to this fungus growing, homes that are located in humid climates, or have experienced previous water leaks, are more likely to experience black mold problems due to both factors contributing excess moisture.
In most cases mold can be removed from hard surfaces by a thorough cleaning with commercial products, such as distilled white vinegar for hard surfaces and baking soda for rugs and carpeting. For absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles, drywall, and in some instances carpet, it may be best to throw them away if they are infested with black mold. If you have an extensive amount of black mold or if you do not want to deal with mold removal yourself, it may be best to contact a professional mold remover. Either way, it is important that extreme caution be used to ensure that mold spores do not become airborne so as not to be breathed in, or settle into another part of the house to grow again. Lastly, always make sure to use protective equipment when inspecting or removing mold.
Ubiquitous in nature, black mold and mold spores are common place, at least to some degree, in most households and workplaces. Although black mold found indoors does not typically affect healthy individuals, mold spores present in large quantities can pose serious health risks to humans. Additionally, people with a known history of allergies, as well as people with weakened immune systems or underlying disease, are more susceptible to health problems related to black mold. There are thousands of different mold species that can cause a wide range of black mold symptoms. How a person reacts to black mold is based on individual sensitivity. If someone in your household is experiencing symptoms related to black mold exposure, it is best to consult your family physician.