By now you have probably heard of black mold. It is infamous for causing diseases and being "the most dangerous form of mold". Unlike usual molds that are commonplace in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, black mold causes more than simple allergy symptoms. Black mold is known for being lethal, which is why many homeowners and business owners are worried about it. But black mold is not always correctly defined.
What Is Black Mold
Many people believe that "black mold" refers to any mold growth that appears black. However, there are hundreds of mold varieties with dark colors and even black pigments. Generally, what people really mean when they talk about black mold is stachybotrys chartarum, also known as stachybotrys atra. This variety of mold has been linked to dangerous health concerns including lung cancer and other lung diseases, when spores are inhaled.
What Symptoms Does Black Mold Cause
Black mold contains mycotoxins that can cause a variety of symptoms known as mold poisoning. Some symptoms reported include headaches, aches, pains, as well as more common mold-related symptoms. Most mold varieties cause a variety of lung-related issues that are similar to allergy symptoms. These include wheezing, blocked airways, rashes, inflammation, and sore throat. Black mold is known to have more dangerous effects on adults and children who have asthma due to its effects on breathing.
How Do You Detect For Black Mold
Mold can be found throughout a home. Mold is most likely to be found in dark, damp, and warm areas of the home. This means that laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms, and kitchens are all possible homes for mold. Food and organic material can also promote mold growth which is why kitchens are especially mold-friendly environments. Black mold is known for its unique color, but it is generally impossible to detect with the naked eye. To know if you have black mold, you should hire a mold tester to come to your home and test the mold. After receiving the results of your test, they can recommend next steps including remediation and cleanup.
Contact DCM Environmental Testing
DCM Environmental Testing serves Massachusetts and the southern New Hampshire area with high-quality mold testing. If you need mold testing done for your business or home in the area, give us a call and we will be able to help you. Our team provides unbiased results that can help homeowners and property managers get a better understanding of what they are dealing with.
