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Black Mold

by Josh Riverside

There are numerous strains of molds that are grayish or black in color. Only two of these strains, Stachybotrys and Memnoniella, are known to be toxic. Toxic black molds release secondary metabolites in the air called mycotoxins. Harmless black molds include Cladosporium, Pithomyces, Ulocladium, Aureobasidium, Alternarium, Stemphydium, etc. All these black molds are fungi and grow in damp conditions.

The nature of black molds - harmless or toxic - can be determined by investigating the area on which they grow. Toxic black molds grow on damp cellulose containing surfaces such as fiberboard, drywalls, paper, wood, hay or straw. They are unable to grow on ceramic tiles and calcium-containing surfaces such as concrete. If there is a black fungal growth on tiles or concrete, most probably it is of a non-toxic strain, possibly Cladosporium.

Toxic black molds can cause several ailments, usually respiratory problems such as asthma attacks, allergies and chronic bronchitis. Even serious problems such as heart seizures and cancers can be related to toxic black molds.

Black molds call for urgent identification and treatment. Black molds can be identified by their color and typical musty odor, like mildews. They are mostly found near damp places like pipes and basin tiles. If detected, they need to be scrubbed with bleach, in the proportion of one cup bleach to a gallon of water. After this treatment, it is necessary to thoroughly dry the area completely, to avoid a recurrent growth. Another alternative is to treat mold with ammonia. If a black mold strain is found in homes, then it is best to carry a sample of it on a piece of sticky tape to the nearest microbial research lab for its identification.

Black molds are found abundantly in homes that are a few years old. Their number spreads greatly in areas suffering from water disasters - hence, they have become a problem in the wake of the recent hurricane disasters. Municipal authorities have realized the problem and they are undertaking several remedial measures to prevent this onslaught. Air testing has become the norm in all water-clogged areas.

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