Black Mold
Some molds, such as Aspergillus versicolor and Stachybotrys atra (chartarum), are known to produce potent toxins under certain circumstances. Although some mycotoxins are well known to affect humans and have been shown to be responsible for human health effects, for many mycotoxins, little information is available, and in some cases research is ongoing.
Black Mold, Toxic Mold, Toxic Black Mold are terms created by the media, and businesses related to mold testing and cleaning. The terms are not from the scientific or health care communities.
Black mold is a misused term describing a greenish-black fungi that produces Mycotoxins. Mildew or mold which is commonly known as black mold or toxic mold, is a type of fungi that develops and grows on surfaces in the form of powdery or downy substance. High humidity, damp surfaces, moderate temperatures, and light provide the best conditions for mold growth. It grows on walls, wood, cloths, food, carpets and basically any part of a home. However it is not only combined to growing confined to walls and cloths, etc, but it can grow inside equipment such as air conditioners and HVAC systems etc. Air purifiers and HEPA filters are recommended to to be the most effective way of capturing allergens and mold.
Health Effects of Mycotoxins: Allergic Reactions (e.g., rhinitis and dermatitis or skin rash); Asthma; Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis; Other Immunologic Effects. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing. The health effects listed above are well documented in humans. Evidence for other health effects in humans is less substantial and is primarily based on case reports or occupational studies.
Cladosporium is a genus of fungi including some of the most common indoor and outdoor molds. It produces olive-green to brown or black colonies. The many species of Cladosporium are commonly found on living and dead plant material. Cladosporium spores are wind-dispersed and they are often extremely abundant in outdoor air. Indoors Cladosporium species may grow on surfaces when moisture is present.
Cladosporium species are rarely pathogenic to humans, but have been reported to cause infections of the skin and toenails, as well as sinusitis and pulmonary infections. The airborne spores of Cladosporium species are significant allergens and in large amounts they can severely affect asthmatics and people with respiratory diseases. Cladosporium species produce no major mycotoxins of concern, but do produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with odours.
