An Overview of Black Mold

Black mold is the more common name of the Strachybotrys atra fungi. Most people have probably seen it before but never really gave it a second thought. If you’ve ever been inside a building that has had a roof leak in the past you may have noticed some slimy green, or greenish black stains on their ceiling tiles or wall. Those stains are probably black mold.

Don’t think you have black mold in your home? Think again! While it might not be obvious, mold spores ARE in your home and most everyone else’s. Like other molds, black mold is a fungi. Molds propagate by producing microscopic spores that are released into the air. These spores fly through doors and windows, heating and air conditioning vents, and they even enter your home by attaching themselves to your clothing. While mold spores are always in the air and on others surfaces in small quantities it’s when they find a nice, moist landing spot that the real trouble begins. A black mold colony can produce millions of spores that are eventually released into the home causing toxic effects on humans and spreading to others areas of the home when conditions permit.

In the past few years black mold has been linked to a number of health issues. Young children, persons with an existing respiratory disorder, and those who may have compromised immune systems are most at risk. Asthma and allergies are made worse by the presence of black mold spores in the air. Typically it’s not unusual for those exposed to experience flu-like symptoms as well. Sleep disorders, personality changes, and memory problems have also been known to occur given continued mold exposure. Even sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS has been linked to black mold.