If you suspect you have black mold in your home or business, call The CleanUP Guys at 773.885.8528, or email us sherm@thecleanupguys.com

How Black Mold Feeds and Grows

There are many types of black mold, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium, but the most common black mold is Stachybotrys. When conditions are favorable, this dominant mold grows faster than any other species.

The most common species of Stachybotrys mold is Stachybotrys atra, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum. This species often grows indoors. Moisture and a relative humidity of 90% or higher are ideal conditions for black mold to germinate and grow. When mold grows on wet material, its spores don’t disperse as easily; this is because they are held together by a sticky coating produced by the moisture. If the material dries out or is moved, the spores are then released into the air.

Stachybotrys mold can feed on decaying organic matter with a high cellulose content such as hay, straw, and wood chips. Building materials such as ceiling tile, drywall, paper vapor barriers, wall paper, insulation backing, cardboard boxes, and paper files may also host Stachybotrys chartarum. Mold does not just grow on the surface of materials; it possesses root-like tendrils called mycelia which can penetrate deep into the surface. Usually the mold grows in clusters at the end of stem-like structures known as hyphae.

As professionals, The CleanUP Guys’ goal is to prevent the spread of black mold. We accomplish this through containment, a process of creating a poly barrier around the area where the Stachybotrys mold is growing.

Black Mold and Your Health

Stachybotrys produces a mycotoxin (i.e., poison from a fungus) called trichothecenes. This is a major health concern, as studies have shown that one of the major effects of trichothecene exposure is immunosuppression. Even low-level exposure to trichothecenes may lead to immunosuppression, which is the suppression of the immune system and its ability to fight off infections. This can leave you susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, coughing, skin irritation and even allergic reactions. In some quarters, there is even speculation it may cause cancer.

15 Health Problems Caused When Toxic Black mold is Inhaled or Ingested

1. Sore/hoarse throat

2. Cold and flu symptoms (headaches, slight fever, and muscle aches)

3. Nosebleeds

4. Tingling or burning of nose, mouth, and   perspiration areas (under the arms or between the legs)

5. Chronic fatigue

6. Dizziness

7. Nausea/vomiting

8. Memory loss

9. Attention deficit/concentration problems

10. Personality changes such as irritability or depression

11. Neurological disorders such as tremors

12. Hair loss

13. Coughing with blood

14. Bleeding in the lungs (hemosiderosis)

15. Damage to internal organs including blood, liver, kidneys, and lungs

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If you suspect you have black mold in your home or business, call The CleanUP Guys! We are professionals who have served hundreds of property owners by restoring their homes and businesses to a safe and stable condition. Feel free to fill out the form below, or if you prefer more personal service, contact us directly at (773)885-8528. You may also email us at sherm@thecleanupguys.com.