What Is Black Mold? Is It Dangerous?
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Mold can grow anywhere as long as there is
moisture, poor ventilation, oxygen, and food.
Although it grows in colder temperatures, its
spores wait for the right conditions to spread
again. There are different classifications of mold
found
in both
residential
and commercial
properties. While some of them do not cause
much harm, there are three mold classifications
you should avoid — allergenic, pathogenic, and
toxigenic.
Allergenic molds, as the name implies, are the
ones that cause allergies and allergic reactions,
including asthma attacks. Pathogenic molds
cause infections and other health problems in
people with good health conditions and those
suffering from acute illnesses. Toxigenic molds
or toxic molds produce toxic substances that
cause hazardous and severe health conditions.
One type of mold found in residential and
commercial properties is black mold, which falls
under the toxigenic classification. If you haven’t
seen or heard about black molds yet, here are
some essential things to know.
What Is Black Mold?
Stachybotrys, commonly known as black mold, is
a type of mold that grows in damp areas with
high levels of humidity. What does black mold
look like? Black mold has a slimy texture, and its
color is usually dark green or black. Additionally, it
grows on cellulose materials, including cardboard,
paper, wood, and hay. Often, it thrives and
spreads in showers, bathtubs, basements, toilets,
and kitchens.
Is Black Mold Dangerous?
Black mold produces mycotoxins — a toxic
substance produced by fungi. When people
get exposed to mycotoxins, serious health
problems can occur. The common symptoms
of black mold exposure are fatigue, coughing,
sneezing, nasal congestion, dry and scaly skin,
and itchiness in the eyes, nose, and throat.
Other symptoms include pain in the mucous
membrane, burning sensation in the airways,
difficulty breathing, fever,