Toxic Mold Facts

Toxic mold has begun infesting schools, houses, and other buildings across the country and has garnered quite a bit of media attention. Toxic mold refers to mycotoxin-producing molds; namely, Stachbotrys chartarum. Such molds pose grave health risks to humans and animals. In fact, prolonged exposure can cause severe neurological damage and eventually death. In this post, we’ll discuss toxic mold in more detail, explain its damaging effects on health, and provide prevention tips.

What Is Toxic Mold?

Stachbotrys chartarum, or toxic mold, has become such a public health concern that the CDC has even created a website devoted to disseminating toxic mold facts. Toxic mold is a greenish-black mold that grows on fiberboard, paper, dust, lint, and other materials that have a high cellulose and low nitrogen content. Essential to the growth of toxic mold is some kind of constant moisture, such as from water damage, water leaks, condensation, excessive humidity, or flooding. The CDC contends that it is not necessary to determine what type of mold you have, as all molds should be regarded the same way as far as removal and health risks are concerned.

Health Effects of Toxic Mold

Mold exposure does not always post a health risk indoors. However, long-term exposure to high levels of toxic mold can lead to serious health problems. In fact, the discovery of toxic mold has forced at least two homeowners in the U.S. to burn their homes to rid the building of the infestation. Another couple in Texas was forced to evacuate their home just thirty minutes after toxic mold was discovered. The more mild symptoms of toxic mold exposure include sinus infections, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose, exacerbated asthma, allergies, lung infections, and difficulty breathing. The more serious symptoms of toxic mold include memory loss, neurological damage, cancer, and death.

Where It Comes From

Mold spores can exist in both indoor and outdoor environments. Spores can enter a home through doors, windows, ventilation, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that take air from the outdoors. Additionally, mold spores can attach themselves to animals and people, which means shoes, bags, clothing, and pets are popular vehicles for transporting mold indoors. If these spores land on a place with excessive moisture, they will grow. Drywall, carpet, fabric, and wet cellulose products (e.g., wood, cardboard, etc.) are favorite breeding grounds for mold.

Home Insurance Issues

With the number of mold-related claims exploding, home insurers are looking for ways to mitigate their liability. For example, Farmers Insurance, which had to dole out $85 million in mold claims in Texas during a single year, has stopped offering coverage in over 30 states. Insurance industry advocates claim that they are not guarantors of the public’s health and thus should not be held responsible for such issues.