| Stachybotrys Chartarum, more commonly known | | | | Some of the known health risks faced by those |
| as Black Mold, is one of the most dangerous | | | | who have been exposed to Black Mold include: |
| molds human beings can encounter. Black Mold is a | | | | - Respiratory problems like wheezing as well as |
| greenish-black fungus that can be found worldwide | | | | difficulty breathing |
| colonizes extremely well in high cellulose materials | | | | - Nasal and sinus congestion |
| such as hay, straw, dry wall, thermal insulation, | | | | - Eyes-burning, watery, reddened, blurry vision, |
| ceiling tiles, and carpet. The toxic mold exists in | | | | light sensitivity |
| about 15 different strains across the world and | | | | - Chronic fatigue |
| flourishes in regions where the relative humidity is | | | | - Skin irritation |
| above 55%. The existence of this toxic mold is | | | | - Constant headaches |
| particularly concerning to the real estate industry | | | | - Fever |
| and is becoming an increasing problem in homes | | | | - Immune suppression |
| located in flood devastated regions around the | | | | Detecting Black Mold |
| world. | | | | Homeowners, or home buyers, should be aware |
| Where Black Mold Commonly Occurs | | | | of the signs of Black Toxic Mold and have any |
| Warmer climates however are not the only places | | | | property that has sustained flood damage or |
| where humans need to worry about Black Mold | | | | other water related damage (such as plumbing |
| growing in homes. Flood prone regions are also | | | | failure) inspected by a professional. The toxic |
| susceptible to outbreaks of the toxic mold as | | | | fungus cannot be discovered easily by visual |
| flood waters cause damage to the dry wall, | | | | inspection as water damaged homes in particular |
| carpets, and wall papers in homes and give the | | | | can have molds growing in dry wall and under |
| fungus a good breeding ground. The fungus can | | | | carpets. |
| strike anywhere however as plumbing failures, | | | | A sample of the possible mold should be analyzed |
| conductive condensation, and fires in a home can | | | | by an accredited professional to determine if it is |
| later lead to damp conditions that are ideal for | | | | toxic mold as not all Black Mold is toxic. |
| mold. | | | | Removal Of Black Mold |
| Dangers Black Mold Presents | | | | If mold is discovered in a home it should be |
| The full extent of health risks for those exposed | | | | removed only by a professional with the proper |
| to Black Mold are unknown as ongoing research is | | | | equipment and protection from the fungus. Only a |
| still seeking to determine the lasting health | | | | professional can ensure that the mold is not only |
| problems among those exposed to the fungus. | | | | removed properly from the home but also |
| What is known is that toxic molds are particularly | | | | responsibly disposed of in the aftermath. |
| dangerous to children, the elderly, and those with | | | | However, even with the assistance of a |
| compromised immune systems. Exposure to toxic | | | | professional, mold can be difficult to defeat. |
| mold can occur simply by breathing tainted air in a | | | | It is possible that the fungus might never be |
| home, or worse from direct contact with the | | | | permanently eliminated from a structure with |
| mold. | | | | reoccurrence a strong possibility. Some structures |
| Wet mold does not pose a health risk by tainting | | | | may need to be torn down completely to avoid |
| indoor air, but when the fungus dries there is the | | | | reoccurrence of the toxic mold. Only a |
| potential for mold spores to be released into the | | | | professional can make these determinations. |
| air. This poses a significant risk to indoor air quality. | | | | |