Moldy Thoughts

Molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture and cellulose, the preferred food source for mold.

One of the most toxic of molds, Stachybotrys is a dark colored fungus (thus the nickname “Black Mold”) that thrives on water damaged wallboard, wallpaper, and insulation. This fungus has the ability to produce very toxic chemicals, called mycotoxins. Surfaces exposed to air with a relative humidity above 55% and subjected to temperature fluctuations are ideal for toxin production.

It is a greenish-black mold that will grow on materials that are continually damp and moist as a result of chronic leaks or flooding.

Like many other molds, Stachybotrys produces spores that, when inhaled, can cause allergy-like symptoms. Toxic mold can be found in any indoor place. It can growing and expanidng behind those beautifully painted walls in the office, nice-colored carpets, cabinets, walls, ceilings and even in a cleanly-maintained kitchen at home.

Health effects from exposure to toxic molds may cause symptoms including headache, sore throat, cough, congestion, sinusitis, eye irritation, skin rash, flu-like symptoms, aggravation of asthma, cognitive effects, nosebleeds, fatigue and fever. It can also be responsible for suppression of the immune system and possible neurological effects.

Additional symptoms of dizziness and double vision were found to be toxic reactions to stachybotrys as well.

Extensive amounts of mold might require the services of a professional who specializes in eliminating mold from homes and buildings. Extensive infestations (as with flooding) may demand hiring a professional cleaning and/or mold remediation service that has extensive knowledge of ridding mold from homes and office buildings.

About the author:

Bob Richards (”Mr. Mold”) has been working with mold and its effects since 1981.

He owns his own mold remediation company, AAIRLLC and offers

free evaluations and complete mold remediation services.

Mold Allergy is the leading cause of health problems associated with mold. Many who believe they are being poisoned by toxic molds are not really being poisoned. They are actually experiencing a mold allergy, which can worsen over time.

Mold allergy symptoms include: runny nose, watery eyes, wheezing, coughing, sneezing, itchy nose, nasal congestion, itchy throat, and skin rashes.

A small number of molds produce toxins called mycotoxins. When people are exposed to high levels of mold mycotoxins they may suffer toxic effects such as headache, fatigue and difficulty breathing.

The same amount of mold may cause health problems in one person, but not in another, because some people are more sensitive to molds than others.

Potential health concerns are important reasons to prevent mold growth and to remediate existing problem areas.

Post by Mr. Mold
Bob Richards (”Mr. Mold”) has been working with mold and its effects since 1981.
He owns his own mold remediation company, AAIRLLC, and offers free

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The most recognized mold is commonly called “Black Mold”.

The areas of the home where black mold will most likely be found include every room from the basement to the attic including under kitchen sinks, in the bathrooms, and in laundry rooms. All provide good growing environments for Black Mold.

The first and probably easiest check to make is by smell. Black mold has a dank, musty urine smell, and it is quite noticeable. If you detect this odor in areas of the home, then chances are good that the area is infested by black mold.

Because black mold feeds on cellulose, any area that is wooden or has a cellulose makeup is the place to start. Black mold feels especially at home in drywall.  If you see  white patches on your walls, it can be assumed that black mold is at work.

Because it grows behind the drywall, a closer inspection of the home is in order if those white patches are seen. Also inspect ceiling tile, wooden paneling, and carpeting - especially in the bathroom - for any other signs of activity.

Look in the basement next. In many parts of the country, a basement is naturally damper than the rest of the home, and it is a good place for toxic molds to develop. All damp areas are suspect.

Water pipes tend to “sweat” in a humid home environment, and are one of the leading causes of black mold in the home. If your washer and dryer are in your basement, check for any leaks where the faucets and hoses go into the machine.

While it is a well documented fact that mold exposure can and does cause serious health problems, as of 2007, science has not been able to prove or disprove that breathing in toxins from mold can result in toxic mold related health problems in residential settings. It is a fact, however, that ingesting stachybotrys can result in toxic poisoning.

Mold spores are very easily transported to different areas by attaching themselves to various hosts. These hosts include people, animals and shoes.  Mold spores can even ride the wind and enter through open windows and doors.

The spores then grow and advance  where it is damp and moist. Very toxic molds can develop from water seepage, and while black mold is less common than other mold species it is not rare.

Most people recognize mold as slimy, green discoloration found on carpeting, drywall, baseboards or even wallpaper that gradually increases in size, but found only in dirty, unkempt homes or apartments.

But the truth is, mold and spores can flourish in sparkling clean environments as well.

Mold can be present in any room, nook or cranny, and destroys indiscriminately.

Any time mold is discovered, it should be treated immediately. Whether toxic or mildly allergenic, whether dead or alive, mold can have harmful effects on people and their property.

Post by Mr. Mold
Bob Richards (”Mr. Mold”) has been working with mold and its effects since 1981.
He owns his own mold remediation company, AAIRLLC, and offers free evaluations/inspections  and complete mold remediation services.