There are many modern health dangers found in homes across the world. From household products that can be poisonous to faulty wiring, there are dozens of killers lurking in the very place we feel safe and secure. One of the deadliest phenomenons however is one that cannot readily be seen, smelled or heard but has some of the most drastically negative effects on our health. Black mold, also known scientifically as Stachybotrys, is a deadly form of mold fungus that can grow almost anywhere undetected until deadly symptoms make themselves apparent or someone dies.
What is Black Mold?
All molds are a fungus that grows in cool, damp and dark places although not all these factors are needed for its formation. It usually occurs as a result of water damage that has not been cleaned up properly or is hidden such as within walls or under floor boards. Not all molds that are black are a strain of Stachybotrys however the strain that is can cause very negative health effects in humans and animals.
Where does it grow?
There is no typical place that black or any type of mold can grow such as always in floors or always in basements. Mold can form and thrive in any area that is relatively dark, damp and cool. Any place where these conditions exist is an ideal place for mold to grow. Water damaged building materials such as drywall, wood, and subflooring are excellent places for mold to grow which is why black mold can be so deadly. It can grow for months and months and even years before it is discovered. Homes that have an extreme amount of Stachybotrys growth have to be torn down in most cases although this would be an extreme measure involving a very large amount of unchecked mold growth.
What are black mold health effects?
Health effects of black mold can vary from person to person and typically severity of any reaction is related to how much of the substance a person is exposed to and for how long. Symptoms can include chronic tiredness, irritation of the eyes, sneezing, rashes, headaches, irritation of the throat or mouth, chronic coughing nausea, and bleeding in the lungs. The last couple of symptoms in the list happen in cases of large volumes of exposure for prolonged periods of time.
If you suspect Stachybotrys in your home as the result of finding mold that is black in color it is best to have it tested. If you experience symptoms like those described above and have also discovered black colored mold in your home it would be wise to vacate your home until testing can be done on the substance. Toxic black mold health risks are very serious and have been known to hospitalize people and even cause death to young children and elderly individuals.