Is Black Mold Toxic?

Perhaps it is a little misleading to say, ‘Yes’ when anyone asks, ‘Is black mold toxic’?  The symptoms, allergies and illnesses that can arise as a result of black mold are real and create a serious health hazard.  However, it is the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that are formed by molds that make them dangerous enough to create respiratory and immune problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mold itself is not toxic and the word ‘toxic mold’ is a misnomer.  Molds found in most homes are toxigenic, which means the molds produce the toxins that do the damage to human systems and homes.  The most common mold spores are Stachybotrys, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Alternaria.  These molds will grow anywhere inside of a building where there is moisture.

Once you begin to see the yellowish, brownish, greenish or grayish-black stains that form on walls and ceilings, you are at risk for mold allergies or may develop mold symptoms that are caused by the toxins that molds can generate.  You should take the necessary precautions to see how extensive the moisture damage is to your house by requesting a mold inspection from a reputable professional.

Mold can get into your house from open doorways, windows and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that take air in from outside.  Spores that begin mold growth can also attach themselves to people from outside their clothing, animals, shoes and carrying cases or handbags.  Some materials inside your home are designed to encourage mold growth too.  Wet cellulose material, including paper and paper products, cardboard, wood and wood products and ceiling tiles are primary culprits.  Other materials like dust, carpet, paints, wallpaper, fabric and upholstery, insulation and drywall are common mold conductors.

Mold abatement is necessary even if you find the slightest presence of mold in your home.  The toxins connected to mold can cause any of the following conditions:  headaches, cough, red eyes, breathing difficulty, nausea, rashes or hives on the skin, memory loss or loss of concentration, irregular blood pressure, damaged digestive system, and in some extreme cases, infertility.

Mold cleanup must begin with identifying the source of the moisture problem that assists the mold growing.  After you have identified the problem and fixed it – especially if there is a leak or a problem with water gathering somewhere in your house – you should make sure you have properly cleaned the exposed surfaces to prevent the problem from recurring.

The question about the toxicity of black mold should be answered with care when posed by someone who does not understand what mold is or how it spreads.  Organizations like the CDC work to prevent the outbreak of disease as much as they work to prevent the spread of misinformation.  While an organization committed to public health does not want to create widespread panic and chaos when the public has the wrong idea about something, it also has a vested interest in making sure that even the smallest likelihood of toxins created by mold is addressed.

Therefore, the answer to this question becomes one that is a paradox, of sorts.  Is black mold toxic?  You bet.  Is there such a thing as ‘toxic mold’?  No way.  It does not exist because the CDC says it does not exist, right?

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