What is Black Mold? Dispelling the Myths & Revealing the Truth
December 27, 2011
Just its name is enough to send you in a panic -- black mold. This menace often headlines in the news and has a circular black pattern that will be slimy on wet walls and sooty and grimy on dry walls. But will all black molds harm you? How does black mold form? It’s time to answer the question: what is black mold?
Myth: All black mold is toxic
This is simply not true. When it comes to mold, black is just a color that is determined by the environment and conditions the mold is growing in. As a matter of fact, black mold, also known as Stachybotrys, contains about 50 different species. The species that receives the most attention is Stachybotrys Chartarum. This particular species is thought to be responsible for the deaths in King Tut’s tomb and the incident in Ohio were 16 infants died of pulmonary hemorrhaging. Black mold can be tested to determine if it’s toxic.
Myth: Black mold is the deadliest mold
To answer, what is black mold; we must first understand that the color of the mold does not always indicate how dangerous it is. White molds that may appear harmless can have the same devastating effects as toxic black mold. Don’t let color fool you.
Myth: Black mold spreads the quickest when it is wet
Black mold tends to develop more slowly than its other toxic comrades. It takes weeks to form compared to aspergillus and penicillium that only take a few days to materialize. Once the mold is no longer slimy and dries up, the organism forms cellular legs, Hyphae legs, which enable it to spread and grow in other areas. At this point the mold can spread like wildfire.
More tidbits that help answer what is black mold?
Where does it grow?
Black mold thrives in high-cellulose materials such as wood, wicker, hay, paper and cardboard. In order for it to start growing, conditions must be wet or very humid for weeks. It is not uncommon to find this type of mold in areas that have suffered water damage like floods or water leaks.
What are the effects of toxic black mold?
This depends on how long one is exposed to the toxins and the volume of the mold. Often, the symptoms include headaches, fatigue, fever, irritated eyes chronic coughing and in extreme cases vomiting, bleeding in the lungs and throat, and even death.
The next time somebody asks you, “what is black mold” you’ll be able to share your new found knowledge. Be sure to come back to the Trask Research blog often to learn more about mold and mold remediation.
