What is black mold? There is no single type of mold that is called black mold. In buildings many different types of molds can grow if the building is persistently damp inside. A number of these molds may appear black. Molds that may appear black include:
1. Stachybotrys species.
2. Memnoniella sp.
3. Some species of Chaetomium
4. Some species of Aspergillus
5. Some species of Cladosporium
Is Black Mold Toxic (Toxigenic)?
As we have seen black mold does not refer to a single type of mold. Some black molds are toxic (i.e., toxigenic) while others are not. For example, indoor species of Cladosporium are not known to produce toxins (mycotoxins) while some species of Stachybotrys and Aspergillus are known to be toxigenic.
What are Black Mold Exposure Symptoms?
As already discussed above black mold refers to more than one type of mold and hence there are no exposure symptoms specific to black mold. Mold exposure symptoms aren’t the same for everyone which is one reason it can be hard to diagnose. Mold exposure symptoms in individuals with respiratory disease or other lung problems may cause difficulty breathing. Mold exposure symptoms might also have an effect on those who are non-allergic or non-sensitized if exposed for a long time. If you have experienced mold exposure symptoms, the most important thing is to remove yourself from the contaminated environment immediately or to have the mold itself completely removed. The less time you are exposed, the better.
How to Get Rid of Black Mold
All molds regardless of their color or type are cleaned the same way. However the level of remediation depends on the amount of mold present.