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Toxic Mold or Black Toxic Mold is an umbrella term for various types of mold. Stachybotrys chartarum is one of the most common types. Molds release toxins primarily to poison other molds from growing in the area. The human body can tolerate the toxins some molds produce in small quantities, in larger quantities toxic mold can be a danger to human health.
History
Since Biblical times it has been known that molds growing indoors are a hazard to human health (see Leviticus 14:39-47). In the 1930s, mold was identified as the cause behind the mysterious deaths of farm animals in Russia and other countries. Stachybotrys was found growing on the wet grains of the animals' feed. Today, the agriculture industry keeps a close eye on mold and mycotoxin levels in grains in order to prevent the contamination of livestock and of our own food supply.
In the 1970s, building construction techniques changed in reaction to the energy crises. As a result, homes and buildings became more air-tight than they used to be. Also, cheaper materials such as drywall came into common use. Moisture and paper-based building materials can provide a natural growth medium for molds.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Different molds thrive at different temperature and humidity conditions, but all molds thrive best in humid climates or areas. Mold also needs a surface conducive for it a mold spore to land and then grow on. Toxins created by mold are called mycotoxins (myco being the Latin word for mold). Not every mold has the ability to produce toxins and not every type that can does so all the time. In order to grow, mold requires moisture and an appropriate food source. Growing mold will shed spores into the air, allowing the mold to spread.
Effects on the Human Body
Toxic poisoning from molds can produce a host of mysterious symptoms in people that often go misdiagnosed. Exacerbating the problem is many doctors are not trained to recognize the symptoms of toxic mold exposure and other indoor environmental poisoning. Only recently have home owners become aware of the potentially serious issue of toxic mold in the household.
Symptoms of Mold Exposure
The following are commonly reported symptoms of exposure to toxic mold.
- headaches
- respiratory problems
- cognitive problems
- skin irritation
- bleeding
Causes
Indoor mold commonly grows as a result of building maintenance problems relating to water exposure. Leaky roofs or indoor plumbing problems can lead to mold growth inside homes, schools, or office buildings. Another common source of mold growth is flooding.
Remedies
Any significant mold infestation may require a professional cleanup service. Here are the most common remedies for small occurrences.
- Sunlight
- Ventilation
- Non-porous building materials
- Household cleansers
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