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Black mold: what is it, and how dangerous is it?

Black mold gets its colour from a naturally occurring black pigment. Although it is commonly thought to be the poisonous kind, this is not necessarily the case. While black mould is probably not dangerous, it can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Nigrospora is an example of a black-coloured mould.

There is no proof that it is poisonous to humans or any other species.

Cladosporium, by far the most common species of black mould, produces no toxins at all. This mould thrives in both indoor and outdoor environments. Extreme black mould exposure has the potential to exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms.

Additional black moulds include Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Dresclera, Pithomyces, Stemphylium, and Ulocladium.

Yet, Altermaria can induce severe allergic reactions while not being a mycotoxin-producing hazardous mould.

You may be dealing with Alternaria mould if what you see is primarily grey with tiny dark black cores. Dust samples have revealed the presence of this mould in an overwhelming majority of homes. In huge numbers, Alternaria looks more grey than black due to the hundreds of tiny dots they produce.

Although Alternaria is not as dangerous as other varieties of old, its spores can nevertheless trigger allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to a tree or bush pollen. Inhaling even a little amount of spores from this mould can set off allergic reactions, aggravate asthma, and make it hard to take in enough oxygen.

Causes and Consequences

Dangerous health issues can be caused by black toxigenic mould. Damage is proportional to the amount of time spent exposed and the number of spores breathed in.

Even when mould is not harmful, it can nevertheless cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Identifying the source of the moisture is essential for effective mould prevention. Since mould spores are ubiquitous in the air and can easily land on moist wood or hay, they can quickly begin to proliferate.

Get in touch with Caspi Service Group and they will help you take the necessary measures to eliminate the mould. We provide inspections at no cost to you. The following areas are covered by our service: St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, and the cities of Hamilton and Burlington