Black Mold - Toxic Myth

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores are nearly everywhere in the natural world, both indoors and outdoors. This makes it impossible to completely remove all mold spores from a home or business. Some mold spores are harmless while others can be toxic. Mold remediation doesn't mean that all mold spores will be removed, but rather that they will be reduced to a more natural baseline. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is false. So how do you know if the mold in your house is harmful? Certified mold hygienists can take a sample of the air and determine the different types and levels of mold spores. A commonly heard term is "toxic black mold". But is it really toxic? The scientific name for what is referred to as black mold is Stachybotrys chartarum. The term "toxic mold" is inaccurate. According to the CDC, "While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven. We do not believe that one needs to take any different precautions with Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra), than with other molds." 

If you discover mold growth in your home, it means there is a problem with water or moisture. The source should be resolved and the mold can then be remediated and reduced to normal levels.