What is Black Mold?

The news media often refers to "black mold" or "toxic black mold." It has usually been associated with the mold Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of greenish-black mold commonly associated with heavy water damage. While there are only a few molds that are truly black, many can appear black. Not all molds that appear to be black are Stachybotrys.

There are a number of mold types that are either black or gray in color. These include Cladosporium, Pithomyces, Stemphydium, Ulocladium, Aureobasidium, Alternaria, Memmoniella, and Stachybotrys. Stachybotrys and Memnoniella are the only black mold types that are known to produce mycotoxins, which produce a potential exposure hazard when infested materials are disturbed. Stachybotrys and Memnoniella infestations typically only occur on repeatedly wetted materials that contain cellulose. These include the paper on gypsumboard, cardboard, ceiling tile, cellulose insulation, wood, etc. If the black mold is growing on materials that do not contain cellulose, it is unlikely that either Stachybotrys or Memnoniella are present.

The most common black mold found in "black mold" growths is Cladosporium. It is not known to pose any toxic hazard. It is the most common mold type found in air samples collected both indoors and outdoors. As such we are likely to be exposed to it all the time.

Other mold types, which may be present in "black mold" spots, include Ulocladium, Stemphylium, Pithomyces, Alternaria, Dresclera, and Aureobasium. None of these types are known to produce mycotoxins, which cause a toxic hazard on exposure. Even exposures to non-toxic mold type poses a health risk (allergies and asthma), so any mold related work should be conducted in a manner that will minimize exposure to yourself & your family.

If you have a question about Black Mold or need any of the services provided by Timmco of Clarksville, please contact Timm Johnson at 931-320-3747.