Olympian Mold Inspection and Mold Testing 718-833-1252

What is Stachybotrys Chartarum?

            To ensure safety from health hazards associated with mold, specifically Stachybotrys chartarum or black mold, a mold inspection and/or testing are important to someone buying a new or old home. Spores released by any mold may contribute to illnesses or problems experienced by those people with chronic respiratory illness, asthma, immune suppression, and any other respiratory disease.

            Mold, like mildew, mushrooms and yeast, are all types of a fungus. Fungus can be found in and out doors. Although there are hundreds of types of mold found throughout the United States, we will talk about the five major types of mold found in homes throughout New York. The five major types of mold found in homes are cladosporium, penicillium, which is the source for our penicillin vaccine, aspergillus, alternaria and stachybotrys chartarum commonly referred to as Black Mold.

            Stachybotrys chatarum is called Black Mold because it is usually dark in color. Mold can have many different properties such as light or dark in color, furry, slimy, or powdery in texture, and a musty, stale or earthy odor. Stachybotrys chartarum does not have to be dark in color, depending on its food source, it may appear light also.

            Mold needs food and water in order to grow. Anywhere there is water, high humidity or damp conditions, mold can thrive. Stachybotrys chartarum are usually found in foods which are high in cellulose and low in nitrogen, also things like wallpaper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, cellulose insulation and wood.

            Stachybotrys chartarum spores produce poisonous mycotoxins that if inhaled or ingested by a human, can cause unpleasant or even severe reactions or conditions. Symptoms usually associated with stachybotrys chartarum exposure are runny nose, congestion, trouble breathing and a bad cough. Be advised that employees, such as farm workers that are around moldy hay and handle it, may experience more severe symptoms. It is always wise to wear a mask while completing such task at work. Other people may experience an allergic reaction to mold, for example people allergic to penicillin will also be allergic to the mold it derives from. After the mold contamination is taken care of the symptoms usually disappear.

            There are many ways mold exposure may happen. You can become exposed to mold by breathing in mold particles if you disturb or damage the mold. You can also become exposed by breathing in the spores that the mold releases into the air. Another way to expose yourself is by unknowingly touching mold and transferring it to you skin, thereby contaminating your skin and hands. Lastly mold can be ingested by eating moldy or spoiled food. This usually occurs in children, so please check all dates of food purchased and properly store the food.

            Sampling, which is done during a mold inspection by a certified inspector, is when a sample of a material suspected to be contaminated with mold is packaged and sent to a lab for further testing. Also mold testing for the air may be necessary if there is evidence of mold contamination or suspected mold contamination throughout the home or apartment.

            In conclusion, it is important to receive a mold inspection. You may be saving the health of a loved one and yourself as well. Stachybotrys chartarum is poisonous; do you want your loved ones exposed?

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Olympian Mold Inspection and Mold Testing 718-833-1252