The Difference Between Black Mold and Toxic Black Mold

When we do a mold removal in Mississauga, one of the most common questions worried parents ask us is “Is it toxic black mold?” The conversation about mold tends to lean towards two common factors: the colour of the mold, and whether or not it’s toxic. In mold removal, a definitive diagnosis is hard to give without mold testing, but either way, black mold removal should be done promptly to prevent illness and damage to your home. 

Answering your questions about mold removal in Mississauga is part of the service at MoldTech, so we’ll be looking at some of your most common queries about black mold and toxic black mold in this blog post. 

How Does Mold Grow?

To start, it’s important to know why mold is growing in your home. Mold growth results from an increase in indoor moisture, which can come from problems like leaks, drips, humidity, condensation, or floods. Mold is a type of fungi, and, like plants, spores that land on organic materials (like wood, textiles, or cellulose) are activated and grow when exposed to water. Mold grows within and on top of surfaces, causing damage and polluting the indoor air environment. 

Why is Mold Dangerous?

Mold isn’t a contained problem — like a weed, it wants to grow and expand. As it does it damages and weakens its host, which can cause serious structural problems in a home. Mold reproduces by creating airborne spores that affect human health. When breathed in, spores can cause respiratory irritation, ear, nose, and throat problems, and even cognitive issues. The real danger comes when these spores contain mycotoxins. 

What is Black Coloured Mold?

Mold can grow in a rainbow of colours, but that isn’t always a good indication that it’s toxic. Mold may grow black coloured because of the source of food, the location, or the material it’s growing on. 

One of the most common black indoor molds is Cladosporium, which is not known to be a human pathogen. Found in almost every home in some concentration, Cladosporium mold does have an allergenic effect (especially on those suffering from asthma), but it isn’t toxic. 

Because all molds have some level of allergenic effect regardless of their colour or texture, black mold removal is a key to good home hygiene and safety. 

What is Black Toxic Mold? 

When we talk about toxic black mold, we’re usually referring to one specific type: Stachybotrys Chartarum. Appearing black or very dark green, this type of aggressive black mold produces harmful mycotoxins and causes serious, sometimes life-threatening, effects. It especially loves to grow in wet gypsum and wallpaper materials, which makes it particularly suited for growing indoors. 

The mycotoxins that Stachybotrys produces have been documented since the 1930s, and symptoms can be much more severe than regular molds. Side effects of mycotoxin exposure can include organ damage, cognitive impairment, immune system disruptions, depression, anxiety, circulation issues, and fatigue. 

Black Mold Removal

Knowing whether or not your black mold is the toxic type doesn’t affect the treatment plan - mold should always be professionally removed as soon as possible. The priority of mold removal in Mississauga is always safety, and because disturbing mold results in its transmission and spread, a careful approach to black mold removal pays off in more ways than one. At MoldTech, we always safely contain our worksite and use industrial quality HEPA air filtration systems that ensure no mycotoxins or spores spread while we are removing and cleaning affected materials. 

These sorts of best practices are laid out by organizations such as the National Association of Mold Professionals and the Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. These professional associations rigorously test methods, chemicals, and materials used in mold removal to ensure that you remain safe and that all mold is effectively killed during remediation. The ongoing courses and qualifications these programs bring our team keep us at the forefront of modern mold removal, and provide you with the best in safety and protection. 

If you have concerns about mold removal in Mississauga or black mold in your home, give our team a call at 1-866-684-7684 and we’d be happy to answer your questions and arrange mold testing or inspection for your home.