What is Black Mold?

Stachybotrys chartarum, often called stachy or black mold, is the most infamous of molds thought to be dangerous. This type of mold can grow inside of homes and humans and animals may be sensitive and have adverse health reactions to it because it produces toxins called mycotoxins.

Potential Symptoms:

• Skin inflammation
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Respiratory problems
• Damage to internal organs
• Immune system suppression
• Mental impairment

If you find or suspect black mold in your home, it’s important to take steps to have it removed properly and quickly to avoid adverse health or structural consequences.

Where black mold grows & what causes it

Mold or black mold that may be dangerous to some individuals can grow both indoors and outdoors if there is a warm, moist environment.  When mold grows outdoors, it’s typically found in soil, on plants, debris or any organic material where moisture is present.

When the toxic black mold grows indoors, it needs materials high in cellulose and low nitrogen to grow on as well as a lot of moisture, which include most common building materials. Because the mold needs moisture, it tends to grow where there has been a water leak, inside walls, above ceilings, under floors or in any area with high relative humidity or lots of moisture.

Inspection & Testing

If you believe you have mold in your home, an inspection should be performed as soon as possible. During inspections, it’s important to not only find the growing mold colony but the water source that caused it.  A complete inspection should identify all areas of mold growth and eliminate water or moisture sources so prevent future growth.  A mold remediation plan should follow the inspection and identification of mold growth and its source.

Removal

You should not attempt to remove mold on your own, especially toxic black mold. A professional experienced in removing black toxic mold will be able to remove it properly and with minimal disturbance possible while containing the spores and mycotoxins and avoiding cross contamination.

Professionals follow published specific standards and procedures and earn certifications for the safe and complete return of your living or working space to proper environmental conditions.

Contact the certified professionals at EnviroVantage if you have questions about mold remediation services.