The Truth About Black Mold

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

You often hear about toxic black mold in headlines and on tv shows, but what is the truth about black mold, and how scared do you really need to be? Read below to find out the truth about black mold.

Mold can be found nearly everywhere in the world – both indoors and outdoors. It can grow in any warm humid environment, and chances are you have probably already had a run-in with some type of mold and left the encounter unscathed. While it is true that pretty much any mold can release allergens and irritants, do some molds really have the ability to kill us?

The term “Toxic Black Mold” was actually created by the media and gained traction as insurance companies and public officials looking to capitalize on people’s fears. The truth is that not all black mold is toxic, and not all non-black mold is safe. Enough mold of any kind can kind can cause serious side effects, so it is best to get the problem remediated right away regardless of the type or color.

Toxigenic molds produce mycotoxins which have the ability to harm other living things. Despite this fact, some mycotoxins are tremendously useful; you may have even heard of one of the most famous mycotoxins: Penicillin which is produced by the mold Penicillium. Though this mold is technically “toxic,” we encounter it constantly in our everyday lives, and most people (without allergies to penicillin) are completely fine.

So, there you have it. Don’t let big headlines scare you. If you think you have any type of mold growing inside – even if you think it is harmless – it is best to get a professional on-site as soon as possible to determine the best way to treat the problem. Give SERVPRO of Lake Worth/Benbrook for all of your mold remediation needs. 817.560.3086.