The presence of black mold is a problem that many home and business owners face. Black mold, also known as stachybotrys chartarum or stachybotrys artum, is typically a greenish black color and is often detected first by its distinctive smell long before it is seen. Milder or smaller growths may not emit a strong smell and may be found by accident. It can be very toxic and mycotoxins can be produced by it. If you are exposed to this, it can be inhaled through your lungs and can cause significant health problems.
This type of mold likes to grow on softer surfaces that are high in cellulose and fairly low in nitrogen. It can grow on harder surfaces, which are easier to remove it from. Water or high moisture is needed for the mold to really take hold, which is why it’s commonly found in damp areas like basements, attics, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Left unchecked, black mold can create a serious threat to your health as well as the integrity of your walls and inner structures. A few of the many health risks include breathing problems, asthma symptoms, nausea, vomiting, deteriorated immunity. The people most at risk if exposed to black mold are infants and children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
The CDC emphasizes the need to get rid of any kind of mold, as well as to remedy the underlying cause as quickly and efficiently as possible. No matter how long the mold has been in a building, it should be addressed and removed immediately before it has a chance to grow and cause further damage to people and property. For more information on how to properly remove black mold, see our write-up on black mold remediation.
We have guides on our site about the dangers of mold, how to remove it, where and why it can be in your house and many other pages that can help educate you on the topic. Our homepage is filled with links to some of the most useful content on our site. With this knowledge you can then figure out what is the best course of action for you to take with regards to the mold. If you also need someone to remove the mold immediately, we have experts who can help you out right away.