Molds, a type of fungi, travel through the air as spores and land on surfaces where they can grow and thrive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says black mold is only one of many types of mold and is not the most common, although exact statistics on how often black mold develops in homes and other buildings is unavailable. Black mold has been linked to some specific health problems that make it a particular concern, especially in households with a young child or infant and for people with existing respiratory or immune disorders.
Description
The mold referred to as black mold is a species called Stachybotrys chartarum or Stachybotrys atra. Actually greenish-black in color, this mold can grow on moist household surfaces. Once a colony of black mold has taken up residence in a home, it can release spores that travel to the lungs of inhabitants and cause disease.
Health Problems
Black mold has been linked to upper respiratory tract infection and disease, especially in people with chronic lung conditions. According to the Cleveland Clinic, infants exposed to black mold may develop bleeding in the lungs and may be more prone to dying of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. Black mold may affect the central nervous system--including the brain--and cause sleep disorders, personality changes and memory problems. Allergy symptoms are also common upon exposure to black mold, including coughing, sneezing, a runny nose and itchy or red eyes.
Risk Factors
Babies and young children are most susceptible to the health problems caused by black mold. Pregnant women, elderly people and people with compromised immune systems should also try to avoid exposure to black mold. If you have a respiratory disorder, such as asthma, it may worsen upon encountering black mold.
Location
Because mold is present in the air, it can get into any home through doors, windows or a household ventilation system. People may also carry it into the home on clothing or in hair. Once inside a home, black mold can set up a colony on any moist paper or wood-based surfaces. This can include ceiling tiles, drywall, wood paneling or in the backing underneath carpet if any of these places have been exposed to moisture.
Removal
Try a professional cleaning service for removing mold if the problem is extensive. Complete eradication of Stachybotrys chartarum may require leaving the home for a few days. If the infestation of black mold is limited to a small area on a hard surface, using a 10 percent bleach solution to clean the area may get rid of the mold. If the affected surface is an absorbent material such as drywall or porous ceiling tile, throw away the material; cleaning can't remove all of the mold from such a surface. If the area continues to stay wet, more black mold will likely grow there.
Member Comments