Black mold tends to grow in damp, dark and humid places where moisture accumulates. Black mold can grow in both indoor and outdoor environments. Despite its name, black mold isn’t entirely black, but could also have a dark greenish hue. It develops a dark coloring when it’s mature. The infestation of black mold can be costly as well as dangerous because of the spores produced by the mold, especially for individuals with allergies or whose immune system is compromised. Black mold could become deadly if left to grow unrestrained. Take a look at some of the specific dangers of black mold.
What is Black Mold?
Black mold is a fungus and the most common species is Stachybotrys chartarum, known to produce mycotoxin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stachybotrys chartarum can grow on material with a high cellulose and low nitrogen content, including fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust and lint. The cause of the mold growth can be related to water damage, leaky pipes, condensation from an air conditioning system, excessive humidity or flooding.
Dangers Black Mold Pose
- Travel Indoors: The last thing you want is for black mold to take up residence in your home, but sadly it can happen. The spores of black mold, which are the real danger, can migrate indoors from outside through open windows, doors, heating, air conditioning unit and ventilation. Spores can also attach themselves to pets, clothing and even people that carry the mold indoors. Once transferred in, the mold takes root in moist areas of your home, where it flourishes and later cause structural damage to the house.
- Trigger Allergies: Black mold can cause an allergic reaction in individuals who are sensitive to the fungus. Exposure to black mold can cause an allergic reaction, with symptoms that can include stuffy nose, stomach pain, cough, diarrhea, wheezing, red or itchy eyes, or skin rashes. It may also trigger severe reactions such as fever and shortness of breath.
- Development of Asthma: Asthma in children, in particular, has been linked to mold growing in the home, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). If a disturbed mold source in the home release spores into the air, then any occupant in the home, adults or children inhales or ingests, it could result in an allergic response like asthma. Asthma can cause problems with breathing and chest pain.
- Opportunistic Infections: Black mold can cause specific health problems in people with a weakened immune system and not affect healthy people. Individuals receiving cancer treatment, organ or stem cell transplant patients, and people taking certain immune system-suppressant medicines are more susceptible to contracting mold-related infections.
Contact Moldguys Restoration
If you find that black mold has begun to grow in your house, contact MoldGuys Restoration. We’ll get the job done right the first time with our highly trained mold remediation experts and professional service.
