Black mold is a name given to five of the fungal mold species which are known to cause harm to humans. These molds, as with any other fungus, grow naturally both indoors and outdoors. However, it is the indoor growth that becomes the problem.

Black mold grows well in any environment which provides food, a surface to grow on, oxygen, and warm, humid climate. The molds feed on materials that contain cellulose, such as wallpaper, sheet rock, carpet, and even on ductwork lined with fiberglass. Moisture is the biggest mold grower, especially water that has sat for a considerable amount of time. A warm, humid climate accommodates the mold further. All of these factors come together to create and nurture a very deadly fungus.

Spores are microscopic and airborne mold “offspring.” They are a product of the fungi’s reproduction, and also the way in which mold inhibits the body. They enter through the mouth, nose, and skin—through ingestion, inhalation, or touch.

The illnesses caused by black mold range from hay fever-like symptoms to brain damage or death. The most susceptible to these illnesses are the elderly, infants, and those with weakened immune systems. Those sensitive to mold (allergic) also suffer from even the mildest of the black molds.

Prevention and what professionals call “remediation” is the key to avoiding illnesses that result from black mold exposure. Remediation is the removal or cleaning of materials contaminated by mold. This is often a very tedious and very expensive process, which most property owners can avoid with prevention. Those measures include removing all standing water, and material the mold has come in contact with; bleach treatment; and proper ventilation.

For property owners, black mold can be a worse disaster than a flood or fire. Black mold is a potentially dangerous fungus. It can inhabit just about any indoor space that contains the right environmental settings. The spores are spread when agitated and can enter the body easily. Black mold is particularly hazardous, especially to those who are high risks of infection. The illness that results can be severe, even deadly. Therefore, every effort must be made to prevent exposure to black mold, or any mold for that matter.