What is “Black Mold”?
A common term used today is black mold. There are many types of black mold, but the one black mold identified to cause health problems is Stachybotrys chartarum (also know as Stachybotrys atra). This mold requires a lot of water or moisture to grow, when found, it indicates a significant moisture accumulation problem. Normally, it grows on materials with high-fiber and high nitrogen content, such as paper (including wallpaper, and the paper covering gypsum wallboard), and wood or jute (frequently used for the backing of older carpet types). In the outdoor environment, it is typically found in soil, rotting hay, and leave debris. Stachybotrys chartarum, along with other molds, produce mycotoxins (chemicals) that discourage growth of other molds are known to cause health problems in people.
The news media often refer to black mold or toxic black mold. It is usually associated with Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of greenish-black mold commonly associated with heavy water damage. Not all molds that appear to be black are Stachybotrys. The known health effects from exposure to Stachybotrys are similar to other common molds, but have been inconclusively associated with more severe health effects in some people.
“Black Mold” is simply a media term that is used to commonly refer to Stachybotrys chartarum or atra. This type of mold is know to produce some of the most potent toxins of any mold species. Health problems related to this mold have been documented in humans and animals since the 1930s (and it is even considered a likely candidate for the Biblical condition mistranslated as “leprosy”, tzaraath). More recently, S. chartarum has been linked with so-called sick building syndrome. However, the link has not been firmly established in the scientific literature. “Black Mold” was originally described from the wall of a house in Prague in 1837 by Czech mycologist August Carl Joseph Corda. It requires constant moisture in order to grow.
The news media often refer to “black mold” or “toxic black mold”. It has usually been associated with the mod Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of greenish-black mold commonly associated with heavy water damage. Known health effects are similar to other common molds. It has been inconclusively associated with more severe helth effects in some people. While there are only a few molds that are truly black, many can appear black. Not all mold that appears to be black is Stachybotrus. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), this mold is responsible for over “100 cases of lung disorders”.
