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Black Mold: What Is It?
Have you noticed a patch of black stain growing on your ceiling? How about in the corners of your shower? That might be black mold. But what is black mold and where does it come from?
Black mold, also called Stachybotrys chartarum, is a type of mold that grows in damp, stuffy places. It needs water and darkness, and it lives on things like drywall, paper, and wood.
You might not notice black mold at first because it grows quietly and spreads fast. By the time you see it, it might have already caused some damage.
What Does Black Mold Look Like?
How to tell if mold is black mold? Black mold appears as dark green or black patches. It can look wet and shiny, but sometimes it looks really dry and dusty. According to experts from Neptune Mold Solutions, this mold usually grows in round patches. You might find it in corners or along the bottom of walls. As the area gets wetter or drier, the mold can spread in different shapes.
But not all black-colored mold is Stachybotrys chartarum. We will discuss this further later in the article.
Nevertheless, this highlights the importance of mold testing or expert analysis. A professional mold inspection provides accurate mold identification.
What Does Black Mold Smell Like?
Black mold usually smells musty and earthy-kind of like wet socks or old, rotting wood. The smell gets stronger when the place is damp or closed up.
Sometimes, the smell is the first thing you notice before you actually see any mold. But just smelling it isn’t enough to be sure there’s mold. Professional mold inspection and detection services use tools that go beyond the senses.
Where Does Black Mold Usually Grow?
Black mold thrives in damp areas. Homeowners commonly find black mold in the following areas:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Laundry rooms
- Attic
- Basements
- Inside walls
- Under carpets
- HVAC ducts.
In Houston, mold often grows after hurricanes. In fact, Houston Public Media reported an increase in a number of patients suffering from mold infection post-Hurricane Harvey in 2017. It is because humidity and warmth speed up mold growth.
Is Black Mold Dangerous?
Black Mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is considered highly toxic due to its ability to produce potent mycotoxins. Black mold uses mycotoxins, an airborne toxic chemical, to protect itself from its natural predators, such as insects and small animals. It also kills other mold colonies competing for its resources.
Here are the symptoms of black mold mycotoxin exposure to humans:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Breathing problems
Prolonged exposure to black mold mycotoxins impacts human health. The most vulnerable are the elderly, children and babies, pregnant women, and people with existing health conditions and weakened immune systems.
If symptoms appear after water damage or mold exposure, seek medical care immediately.
Is All Black-Colored Mold Considered Black Mold (Stachybotrys chartarum)?
Now that we know the answers to the questions what is black mold and where does it come from, it is time to answer a common misconception: Is all black mold black mold? Is all black mold toxic mold?
Just because mold looks black doesn’t mean it’s the dangerous kind: Stachybotrys chartarum. A lot of molds get darker as they get older. So, color alone doesn’t tell you what type it is.
Black-colored mold types may look black, but they behave differently. Some are less dangerous. Some still produce certain levels of mycotoxins and pose serious health risks.
Here are the types of black-colored mold that can be toxic:
Here are non toxic black colored mold species:
- Dresclera
- Aureobasidium
- Ulocladium
Assuming all dark mold is black mold can lead to mistakes. You may panic over harmless mold or ignore a serious threat.
So, how do you know if it’s black mold? The most reliable way is to contact a mold specialist like Neptune Mold Solutions for proper identification. We conduct mold inspections and collect mold samples for proper identification through lab analysis.
What To Do When You Suspect Black Mold?
If you smell or see signs of mold, don’t wait. Start by checking for leaks or damp spots. Dry out the area if possible. Avoid touching or disturbing mold. That could release spores into the air. Instead, contact Neptune Mold Solutions, Houston’s trusted local expert in mold detection and remediation.
Professionals can assess the damage and remove mold safely. They also prevent it from coming back. Delaying can risk your health and lead to costly repairs.
Early Signs of Black Mold for Homeowners
A few early signs can help you catch black mold before it spreads and becomes a bigger problem. Paying attention to changes in smell, appearance, and how you feel can help you spot issues early and protect your home and health.
Musty Smell
A few early signs can help you catch black mold before it spreads and becomes a bigger problem. Paying attention to changes in smell, appearance, and how you feel can help you spot issues early and protect your home and health.
Dark Spots on Surfaces
A few early signs can help you catch black mold before it spreads and becomes a bigger problem. Paying attention to changes in smell, appearance, and how you feel can help you spot issues early and protect your home and health.
New Allergy Symptoms
If you or someone in your home starts having new allergy-like symptoms, black mold could be the reason. These symptoms may include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, or trouble breathing, especially when you are inside the house. If the symptoms improve when you leave the home, it may be a sign that mold is affecting your indoor air. Noticing these changes early can help you take action before health problems get worse.
What To Do When You Suspect Black Mold?
If you think black mold is in your home, don’t handle it alone. Houston’s trusted local expert in mold detection and remediation is the safest solution.
At Neptune Mold Solutions, we help Houston homeowners detect and remove mold fast. Our certified team uses advanced tools and proven methods.
Call us today to schedule a mold inspection. Don’t wait for symptoms or damage to get worse.
FAQs
Can black mold cause headaches?
Yes, black mold can cause headaches. Exposure to black mold, especially Stachybotrys chartarum, is linked to headaches as a common symptom. People who are sensitive to mold, including those with allergies or asthma, may experience headaches more frequently or severely when exposed to black mold.
How long does it take for black mold to grow?
In environments with high humidity and moisture, black mold can start to germinate and form colonies within 12 to 48 hours after exposure to moisture. While mold growth can begin almost immediately, visible colonies may take several days to weeks to become noticeable.
Neptune Mold Solutions
Houston’s trusted mold team. We trace leaks, map moisture, remove growth safely, and show you how to keep it from coming back.
