What is black mold? Should I call someone for mold removal (San Diego, CA)?
Black mold (stachybotrys chartarum, also know as stachybotrys atra) is a greenish-black mold that grows well on materials like fiberboard, paper, dust, and lint. Like other molds it can grow both inside and outdoors when moisture, air, the right temperature, and fuel/food coincide. It is not unusual to find it in the home environment but not as common as some other kinds of mold. You may have heard that black mold, sometimes called toxic black mold, is dangerous, even deadly.
Is black mold deadly?
Black mold gained a lot of attention in the 1990’s when 10 cases of bleeding lung syndrome in infants in Cleveland were linked by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to Stachybotrys atra, “a toxic mold that had bred in flood water left standing in homes”. The CDC, however, is cautious about confirming a direct connection between the black mold and the syndrome. It says that a possible association exist but that further studies need to be done.
But is it toxic?
Yes, no, yes. Black mold is what’s known as a “toxic” mold in that it releases mycotoxins into the air with its spores, but it is not toxic or poisonous in and of itself. The hazards associated with mold that produce mycotoxins should be treated the same as other common molds. Indoor mold exposure is linked to upper respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing or wheezing in healthy people and can trigger asthma in people with asthma. Studies also suggest that there is a link between mold exposure and the development of asthma in children.
How do I know if I have it?
Knowing whether or not you have black mold is not as important as knowing the you have a mold problem in general. If you can see large quantities of mold or smell its musty odor you should have it checked out. It means that you have a moisture problem that needs to be fixed, you may be risking property damage, and you are being exposed to mold spores that may cause you health issues.
Should I call for mold removal?
Calling a specialist like Clean Earth Restorations to check on your mold issue is the safest way to deal with a mold issue. We have over 16 years of experience in the San Diego, CA area in detecting and removing mold. Call us today if you are concerned about black mold or any kind of mold and mold removal. We will provide a free estimate.
