Molds are fungi that cause problems for property owners and managers. There are many kinds of mold, but one that causes most concern is black mold. Also called toxic mold, this fungi results not only in property damage but also serious medical conditions. It is necessary for people to learn facts about this fungi, so they would know how to prevent dealing with it in the first place.
Black Mold
Black mold is also known as Stachybotrys chartarum or Stachybotrys atra. It was given the name because of its color, since the fungi appears greenish-black. This mold grows in residential homes and commercial buildings that have enough moisture. Moisture results from water damage that is caused by flooding, water leaks and infiltration, as well as condensation. Molds also need organic matter as sustenance, and this kind of fungi feeds off of materials that are high in cellulose and low in nitrogen. These includes the likes of paper, fingerboard and gypsum board.
In reality, there is no such thing as a toxic mold. This is because molds themselves are not poisonous. However, some molds are toxigenic—they can produce toxins (mycotoxins in particular). Black mold is one of those toxigenic types. It produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are responsible for the musty smell that comes from mold-infested areas. This is the reason why the growth of this fungi is linked to poor indoor air quality.
Because of its toxigenic nature, black mold can be life-threatening. Healthy people who have been exposed to it can experience a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms include headaches, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and throat irritation. This mold can cause or worsen allergies, sinusitis and asthma. In addition, this kind of fungi can also cause infection to people who already have weak immune systems; this means that those with HIV/AIDS and people who undergo chemotherapy become more at risk when exposed to mold. Studies also show that indoor mold can compromise the health of children.
Black mold removal should only be done by professionals who have years of experience in cleaning mold from homes and building. Only the mold specialists have the right protective clothing and respiratory gear to carry out the job without increasing the risk for exposure. The professionals also have the expertise to safely and effectively eliminate the mold. Hence, it would be extremely risky for inexperienced individuals to attempt cleaning the mold themselves.
