Black Mold: Fact vs. Fiction

Black mold is a topic surrounded by a lot of fearful misinformation. Because of this, if you’ve found dark colored mold around your house, you might be concerned for your health and how you can avoid prolonged exposure. The color of mold depends on what the mold feed on as it grows and not all molds produce dangerous mycotoxins. Mold removal and prevention will improve your home or business’ air quality.

Stachybotrys chartarum is the scientific name for the strain of mold commonly referred to as “toxic black mold”. It is usually dark black but can be other various colors and can be found anywhere in your home. This type of mold releases mycotoxins, a toxic substance present in mold spores that can be dangerous when inhaled or ingested.  This type of mold typically forms after the material it is on has been wet for 72 hours and needs continued moisture in order to grow further. One of the most common dark colored mold strains is cladosporium which is also common inside and outside of the home.

There have been reports of over 2-3 million different types of molds in the world.   While there isn’t evidence for all of them producing mycotoxins, some of these other varieties can cause severe allergy symptoms if you find yourself in close proximity to them.

Unfortunately, the easiest way to tell if a strain of mold can be more dangerous is whether you have symptoms.  If you’re experiencing rashes, chronic coughing, sneezing and fatigue, irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, and persistent headaches, you should seek medical attention and take steps to have the mold removed immediately.  

Given that the primary health risks of black mold will come from prolonged exposure, the safest and best way to deal with mold in your home or business is professional mold remediation.  If you suspect that your home in the Kansas City area has mold, you should contact Smart Restoration as soon as possible for professional removal and consultation on ways you might prevent future cases of toxic black mold. Call us at (913) 355-5303 or contact us through our website.