Most Web sites (and newspaper articles) speak of "toxic mold", sometimes "toxic black mold". This is largely a marketing strategy, a scare tactic to make you more willing to part with your hard-earned cash. In fact, most molds are toxic to some extent and most are black because of spore production. But there is one of special concern, Stachybotrys chartarum.

First of all, "toxic mold" is a bit of a misnomer. Mold itself is not toxic; however, some toxigenic molds ("toxic molds") produce poisons called mycotoxins, which can cause fatigue, nausea, headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. Stachybotrys mold, also known as black mold, has been known to cause fatal lung bleeding in infants when combined with environmental cigarette smoke. See similar questions...

The actual fungi and the mycotoxins the mold spores release can be toxic. Please see EPA & CDC links for more details. See similar questions...

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. See similar questions...

You have probably heard a great deal about black mold or toxic mold. It is usually associated with Stachybotrys chartarum , a greenish-black mold that is often found after there has been persistent water damage. See similar questions...

Yes, if the bathroom is vented to the outside with a fan. DeGeorge ceilings with HumiGuard Plus are extra sag resistant for use in areas of high humidity. BioBlock paint treatment inhibits the spread of mold and mildew. See similar questions...

The act of cleaning mold can increase the airborne spore level by ten-thousand times, which can result in severe illness and actually spread mold growth if done improperly. Such high levels of airborne mold spores warrant protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator. If you suspect you have toxic mold in your home, then you should consider hiring a professional mold remediation expert to clean up the mold and safely dispose of it. See similar questions...

Answer: The technical name is Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys alra) Sometimes referred to as stachy for short. It is a greenish-black mold. It can grow anywhere moisture occurs. Answer: These decisions have to be made individually. If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold, you should contact your physician to determine the appropriate action to take See similar questions...

Mold growth in foods can raise the pH of the food. In home canned products, this could mean that the high acid products could become low acid and therefore run the risk of botulism or other bacterial spoilage. Thus, any home canned product that shows signs of mold growth should be discarded. The exception to this is jellied products. In these the high sugar content would prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum. See similar questions...

Generally, it is not necessary to identify the species of mold growing in a residence. Current evidence indicates that allergies are the type of diseases most often associated with molds. Since the susceptibility of individuals can vary greatly either because of the amount of mold or type of mold, sampling and culturing are not reliable in determining the health risk. See similar questions...

First you should talk to experts, including a mold public adjuster. They can help you determine if the inspection cost will be covered by your insurance policy. They can also help you identify an expert who will be willing to testify against your insurance company, and who has the proper credentials to convince the mold insurance company that they are responsible for the type of damage you have in your property. See similar questions...