Black Toxic Mold

Stachybotrys chartarum, more commonly known as black toxic mold, has been associated with a number of serious—even deadly—health complications. Like many forms of fungus, black toxic mold generally grows indoors, preferring moist surroundings. Common indoor molds include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Black toxic mold is less common than these, but far more dangerous. Wet material high in cellulous provides black toxic mold with the perfect breeding ground. Modern construction is full of such material, which includes paper, fiberboard, lint, and gypsum board.

Black toxic mold produces chemicals called mycotoxins, which can become airborne when the mold dries. Because black toxic mold frequently grows in or near air ducts, the mycotoxins can spread some distance from the site of the black toxic mold infestation. Some individuals are especially susceptible to the symptoms and diseases that are related to black toxic mold exposure. Asthmatics, the elderly, infants, and persons with respiratory or immunity problems may be put at greater risk by black toxic mold.

For the most part, people who have been exposed to black toxic mold’s spores have symptoms similar to hay fever or the flu. Eye irritation, runny noses, skin rashes, and coughing are all signs of black toxic mold exposure. In some cases, however, the reactions are more severe, including diarrhea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. Some persons exposed to black toxic mold have suffered pulmonary hemorrhage, or bleeding lungs. In perhaps the most famous case of black toxic mold exposure, 45 cases of pulmonary hemorrhage were documented in one Cleveland neighborhood, and 16 infants died.

Black toxic mold can be difficult to detect, although mold in general often creates a distinctive odor. There is no definitive way to differentiate between black toxic mold and more benign molds that happen to be black in color. Testing a large patch of mold can help determine if it is black toxic mold or not. There are an increasing number of laws protecting persons who are exposed to black toxic mold—if you are in a rental unit, the landlord is often responsible for ensuring that the black toxic mold is removed and for paying for that removal. Homeowners must disclose the presence of problems such as black toxic mold in most states, and in many cases, persons who were knowingly exposed to black toxic mold and suffered health problems due to that exposure may be eligible for reimbursement or punitive damages.

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