General, 3 min read
Black Mold Symptoms
Learn everything you need to know about black mold.
What is Black Mold
Black mold (officially known as “Stachybotrys“) is one of the most common but at the same time, the most dangerous types of mold found in people’s homes.
It appears as black and darker green spots on the wall, usually followed by some kind of visible wall damage. These are some of the most common signs of mold presence in homes.
What Does Black Mold Smell Like
Generally, black mold smell is described as a strong musty smell. People also report cold-like symptoms when around a place that smells moldy.
This smell is usually stronger than other dirty smells like garbage and stinky clothes.
Black Mold vs Regular Mold
The way you can tell if the type of mold you’re dealing with is black mold is not just by looking at the color but also at how you personally feel recently.
Health professionals recommend that you stay away from black mold because its effects on health could be seriously damaging.
So if you know that you have mold in your home and you’ve noticed signs of worsened health like coughing, sneezing, dizziness, nausea, sore throat, chronic fatigue to more severe allergic reactions, worsened asthma, and similar, there is a very high chance that you’re dealing with black mold.
Is it Safe to Live in a House with Black Mold
While it’s highly recommended that you deal with black mold as soon as you spot it (or at least spot signs of it), short-term exposure to black mold is unlikely to cause harm in healthy people.
However, long-term exposure to black mold can harm people, particularly those with respiratory problems and children.
In order for you and your family to avoid any kind of risk, as soon as you see signs of black mold, deal with it immediately.
Other Common Mold Types in Homes
- Aspergillus
Danger level: High
Mostly grows on: Stored food, houseplants, air conditioners/ventilation systems
Color: Varies, can be of pretty much any color
Health effects:
Less severe – Headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea
More severe – Lung bleeding, brain abscess
- Chaetomium
Danger level: High
Mostly grows on: Water-damaged parts of properties. Mostly basements and attics.
Color: Mostly brown
Health effects:
Less severe – General signs of allergy
More severe – Neurological damage, seizures, asthma
Note: Chaetomium can often be found hand-in-hand with the black mold. Removing the moisture source is critical for preventing this mold from growing in your property again.
Aspergillus, Stachybotrys, and Chaetomium are considered the three most dangerous mold types. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to spot them in homes. If you suspect you have one (or more) of them in your home, immediately call a professional.
- Penicillium
Danger level: Medium
Mostly grows on: Furniture/Wood
Color: Blue/Green
Health effects:
Less severe – Coughing, sneezing, itchy skin, headaches
More severe – Asthma, respiratory problems
- Alternaria
Danger level: Medium/Low
Mostly grows on: Damp surfaces
Color: Dark Brown/Grey
Health effects:
Less severe – Minor allergic reactions
More severe – Asthma
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, black mold can be a very uncomfortable problem for a lot of homeowners. If you suspect you have black mold in your home, you should test for it immediately.
Here, at Sarasota Mold Pros, the best mold removal company in Sarasota, our team is available to you 24/7/365.
Our number: 941-271-0599
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