What is Black Mold?

According to Moldman USA, a mold removal company, black mold has been used by the media to describe mold that produces toxins. Mold that produces toxins is known as Stachybotrys. Mycotoxins found in some mold are found in Stachybotrys but can be found in other mold. Also, the mold is not always black. If you find mold in your bathroom, learn how to clean with bleach in your bathroom safely here. Learn proper mold removal if you find it in your home.

The CDC says that while molds can produce toxins, the molds themselves are not toxin or poisonous. The hazards associated with mycotoxins should be considered the same as common molds, according to the CDC. Check out these tips on how to remove mold and mildew.

There are more than 100,000 types of mold and without a test, it’s nearly impossible to recognize a specific type of mold. Control the spread of mold with a humidifier.

According to Moldman USA, toxic mold can come in several colors and black mold isn't always toxic mold. Plus, the specific type of mold doesn't matter much in the long run—you still have to remove all kinds of mold. Learn how to clean black spots in the bathroom here. Find out how to prevent mold in the bathroom.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no test to prove an association between black mold, which is known as stachybotrys chartarum, and health symptoms. Find out how to build a waterproof basement.

According to a paper written by Berlin D. Nelson, a professor of plant pathology at North Dakota State University, increased awareness of stachybotrys chartarum started in 1993-94 with an unusual outbreak of pulmonary hemorrhage in infants in Cleveland. Researchers found the mold in the homes of the infants, which raised alarm. The babies experienced lung bleeding. A link between stachybotrys chartarum and the infants health was made, though, papers since have not been as conclusive as to the effect of stachbotrys chartarum on health. In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published two reports that criticized the study in Cleveland and concluded that an association and acute pulmonary hemorrhage was not proven. Learn how to remove mold from walls.

Some people will not have any health symptoms if exposed to mold indoors, however, some will, according to the CDC. People who are sensitive to mold may experience nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing or skin irritation when exposed to mold, the CDC says. Those people exposed to large amounts of mold in work settings may see more severe reactions, like farmers working with moldy hay. Learn tips on preventing mold.

The Institute of Medicine found in 2004 that there is evidence to link respiratory problems to indoor mold exposure. Problems like upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, wheezing and asthma symptoms.

For those sensitive to mold, they are advised to avoid areas where mold is likely to be found, like compost piles, cut grass and wooded areas. Mold growth can be slowed indoors through controlling humidity. Shower areas and cooking areas need to be well-ventilated as well.

Mold can be removed with soap and water or with a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water. Soap and water is the better of the two options because it has surfactants, which help to remove mold. Bleach doesn't have that property. Find out more about cleaning products that can cause more harm than good.