What Is Black Mold
When you hear of a school being shut down until a black mold situation is being taken care of, you may have a couple questions:
- What is black mold?
- Why black mold is not my friend.
Black mold is one of over one million species in the fungi kingdom. Other fungi include mushrooms and yeast. Fungi is highly tolerant to change and will grow almost everywhere. Mold is the most common among fungi.
What is black mold:
- Appearance-slimy, greenish-black fungus
- AKA (also known as)-Strachybotrys chartarum or Strachybotrys atra
- Locations at risk-bathrooms, kitchens, shingled roofs, flooded areas, and any moist warm environment with high humidity
- Surfaces where it will grow-wood, ceiling tiles, drywall, paneling, cardboard, insulation, and flooring
- Identification-resembles other molds and can only be identified positively by testing
- Where nutrients are obtained-Carbon containing materials
- Needs-moisture, nutrient, and warm temperatures
Black mold symptoms can be caused by any mold due to the spores that are released. If you have a compromised immune system, asthma, or other health issue, you should avoid exposure to molds and protect yourself when the humidity is high or you cannot avoid exposure to mold.
Why black mold is not my (or your) friend:
- Invasive and destructive to surface it grows on
- Can intensify existing health problems
- Health risks (especially respiratory)
- Must be completely destroyed when cleaning
- Black mold symptoms include fatigue, rashes, concentration difficulties, and dizziness
- Irritant
Black mold is nothing new; it was described in the Bible with directions on how to identify and remove and also described in 1837 by Czech mycologist when found in the house of Prague. It could be in your home and causing health problems.
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