It’s been hot and wet here lately in the Upper Midwest so it’s time once again to talk about mold. One of the most common things we hear when it comes to mold is “it this black mold?”
First, lets start with the hard truth: The term “Toxic Black Mold” is a term made up by the media and by companies trying to sell something. The term is not based on any science. validation. Unfortunately, the term has become the warning cry from both private companies that use it to exaggerate the dangers of mold, and media organizations who seek to attract readers or watchers.
Is there such a thing as black mold? Of course! There are, depending upon who you ask, over 100,000 species of mold and at least 25% of them can appear black (or dark green) at some point of their growth cycle. Black mold is most often associated with the mold species Stachybotrys chartarum (due to its greenish black coloring).
The original association was largely due to statement made by the CDC in 1995 linking the death of an infant in Cleveland, OH who died as the result of a medical condition called Acute Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemorrhage (AIPH). Nine other infants were also diagnosed with AIPH and the infants found to be living in homes that had extensive water damage and mold. ONE of the molds being Stachybotrys chartarum. However, shortly after the original suspicions, additional information surfaced that proved the association was unfounded. However, the damage was done and Stachybotrys became widely known as evil toxic black mold.
Now, if you DO see “black mold” you can be sure of two things: you have mold and that it is black in color. That’s it. Scientifically, there is no mold genera or species that is called “black mold” or “toxic black mold.” Many species can be black, and many species can, under the right conditions, produce mycotoxins. However, no species produce mycotoxins all the time. Not even Stachybotrys.
So, should you be concerned about mold in your building? Yes, absolutely. And regardless of the color or the species. Yes, mold is everywhere and unless you are in an incredibly sterile environment (such as a hospital operating room) you’re breathing mold spores right now. But you should not have significant growth in your home, school or workplace.
Numerous studies have proven that excessive exposure to almost any type of mold can cause adverse health effects. We know that exposure to mold can result in upper respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing in otherwise healthy individuals. More importantly, a portion of the population is predisposed to experiencing adverse health effects due to mold exposure. For example: people with existing allergies, asthma, or emphysema and especially those who have a compromised immune system.
And it’s not just our health that is at risk, but our buildings are too. Even minor mold growth can result in serious damage to and degradation of building materials.
The bottom line is this: If you have visible mold, get rid of it whether you do it yourself or you hire a professional.
For more information feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer your questions or direct you to someone that can help. Of course we also provide mold training!
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