Some (Not-So-) Fun Facts About Mold
What Is Black Mold?
There are more than 100,000 known types of mold, many of them are black. Unless they are Stachybotrys, however, they are not “black” mold.
Stachybotrys chartarum is by all accounts the only “black” mold recognized by most professionals. There are many other indoor toxic molds, including Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria to name a few.
Do I Have Black Mold?
Mold will generally present itself with a musty, earthy smell, like dirt and rotting leaves. Stachybotrys or “black” mold smells especially strong. Mold needs food, water and a dark, stagnant environment with temperatures that neither freeze nor boil to grow. If your home has flooded or you notice excessive moisture on or around building materials, even dark rings on drywall indicating moisture damage, the conditions are ripe for black mold.
The first step will be to determine a mold species. This is done either by air or tape sample with examination under a microscope by and independent laboratory. However, TCB EnviroCorp, Inc. will go one step further, we help you find the causal factor.
Black Mold Testing
There are many different scenarios that can cause mold of any kind to grow. Helping our clients find the source is what we do.
Any mold can cause problems for people who are allergic, but those molds referred to as “black” or “toxic” are particularly dangerous. Chances are, if the conditions inside your home are hospitable to mold, you’re going to have it. If you suspect mold in your home, you should hire a professional to assess and remove it for you.