What Are Toxigenic Molds?
Toxigenic molds are types of mold that can cause serious health problems when their spores are inhaled or ingested. Health problems that toxigenic molds can cause include respiratory problems (shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma flare-ups), allergic reactions (coughing, sneezing, rashes), cognitive problems, sinus infections, headaches, fatigue, and more. In this article, we’ll talk more about toxigenic molds, how to identify them, and the two most common categories of toxigenic mold there are. For more information about toxigenic mold or to request a free estimate on a mold testing service in Massachusetts, please contact DCM Environmental Testing Co. today!
How Do You Identify Mold Growth?
The only way to know with 100% certainty whether or not your home or building contains mold is to hire a professional mold testing company in your area. However, there are some signs that you can look for yourself to try to identify mold growth. Check for mold in damp, humid places like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, within cabinets, around HVAC systems, etc. Mold growth may also be identified by musty smells, allergy or cold-like symptoms, peeling paint, and more.
Types of Toxigenic Molds
Toxigenic molds can become toxic under certain conditions that allow them to produce small molecular toxins, known as mycotoxins, which usually spread through mold spores. There are a few different varieties of toxigenic molds, two of the most common of which include:
Black Mold
Black mold, scientifically known as Stachybotrys Atra or Stachybotrys Chartarum, is a greenish-black fungus that mostly grows in flood-damaged buildings or walls containing cellulose or paper products. While the mycotoxins produced by black mold are potent, studies show that only a few strains of Stachybotrys Atra are harmful.
Aspergillus
While the mycotoxins produced by aspergillus are less potent than those of black mold, they are far more common. Aspergillus can be found in almost every mold-friendly environment and is known to cause a lot of health problems, especially for people with compromised immune systems or lung conditions. Aspergillus is typically blue-green in color with a suede-like surface.
Contact DCM Environmental For Mold Testing Services in Massachusetts!
If you have any questions about mold testing or suspect that there is any type of mold in your current Massachusetts home or a home you are considering purchasing, please contact our team at DCM Environmental today for a free quote on our unbiased mold testing services! Give us a call at (617) 481-5782 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
