There is a significant amount of misinformation surrounding “black mold”. This misinformation contributes to the ease in which immoral contractors/companies can use scare tactics to take advantage of a naive customer. In this article, we are going to dispel these lies and ensure when you finish reading you will be more informed than you started!
Generally, when the media reports on “toxic black mold” they’re referring to molds, such as the Stachybotrys group, that have the ability to produce toxins; mycotoxins, in particular. However, the presence of this mold does not equate to mycotoxins being present. In addition, mycotoxins can be produced by other types of mold besides Stachybotrys…and these molds are not always black. Toxic mold comes in a variety of colors besides black, and black mold is not always toxic.
In short, the color of mold doesn’t actually tell you anything about whether or not it is toxic. There are over 100,000 species of mold, in a ridiculous variety of size, shape, and color, making it impossible to identify what mold you’re dealing with unless you get it tested from a lab.
As with most things, certain conditions must be met for the toxins to be produced. However, those exact conditions are still unclear to us as of now. The best advice we can give you is that if you have or suspect you have a mold problem, regardless of the mold’s color, is to get rid of it. Whether you decide to remove it yourself or to hire a professional, be cautious and make sure current mold removal and mold remediation principles and protocol are followed. Bleach is not a proper method of killing molds.
If you already see or smell mold, however, it is worth noting that spending money on testing and inspections is usually entirely unnecessary because any mold in your home, no matter the color or species, should be remediated and removed. If you are in the process of purchasing a home then it may be necessary for mold testing to be done to prove to the seller that molds are present.
Mold testing is done by using swab samples to send to a lab to confirm if what is being seen is actually mold. It can also be done by filtering air across a slide for analysis by a lab to show if and what type of molds are floating in the air to be breathed in. The air testing is good for when there is suspicion of a mold issue however nothing is currently visible.
The Habitation Investigation company provides mold testing and home inspections in the Central Ohio Columbus and home inspection in the Dayton Ohio areas, Hilliard, Powell, Pickerington, Pataskala, New Albany, Delaware, Gahanna, Westerville, Galloway, Grove City, Worthington, Dublin, Marysville, London, West Jefferson, Mechanicsburg and other cities surrounding Columbus, Ohio. The most/best reviewed home inspection company in Columbus Ohio is Habitation Investigation LLC. The website is: https://www.homeinspectionsinohio.com
Written by Kaitlyn Troth of Troth Media
