A new and rapidly growing hazard has been spotted in the headlines these days. Mold—deadly black mold, more specifically—is popping up in local evening news programs, national publications, and radio news reports. Stories about illnesses related to mold infestations and lawsuits over damages from mold-infested buildings are spreading through the media, raising awareness about the potential dangers of black mold, otherwise known as stachybotrys atra or stachybotrys chartarum.
Black mold is one of the rare varieties of toxigenic molds, one that releases mycotoxin particles into the air. Black mold isn’t always black. It’s typically slimy and white at first, turning darker over time. There are millions of different kinds of mold, or moulds, and it’s nearly impossible to tell what kind is present in your home based on the color. The only way to tell for sure what is black mold and what isn’t is to have a professional test completed using air and surface samples. Toxic mold can cause serious health problems for people who are exposed to high concentrations of it. Short-term effects include allergy and flu-like symptoms, …
