Is Black Mold Dangerous? What to Do

What is black mold?

"Black mold" is the common name for Stachybotrys chartarum, a dark greenish-black mold that grows on very wet cellulose materials such as drywall paper, wood and ceiling tiles. Other molds can also look black.

How do you know if mold is the bad kind?

You cannot tell by color. Species can only be identified in a lab, and it is not needed to decide on cleanup. The EPA says that in most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary.

Can black mold make you sick?

Reactions vary. Some people have nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing or skin irritation, and people with asthma, allergies or weakened immune systems can be more sensitive. If you have health concerns, talk to your doctor and consult a health professional before cleanup.

Where does black mold grow?

Drywall and ceiling tiles that stayed wet for days
Wood and cellulose materials after leaks or flooding
Behind wallpaper, under carpet and inside wall cavities
Near roof leaks, burst pipes and chronic condensation

What should you do if you find it?

Do not disturb it or run fans across it
Keep the HVAC system from circulating air through the area
Find and stop the moisture source
Small areas on hard surfaces: scrub with detergent and water, with an N95 respirator, gloves and goggles
Larger areas or growth in drywall: call a professional

When is black mold a professional job?

When it covers more than about 10 square feet, is on porous materials, is in an HVAC system or follows a flood. Professionals use containment, HEPA filtration and removal so spores do not spread.

Next steps and related help

If you would rather have a professional handle it, these are the services that apply:

Emergency Black Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Safe removal of dark, greenish-black mold from walls, ceilings and framing.
Emergency Wall Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Mold on or inside walls: drywall, plaster, paneling and the cavity behind them.
Emergency Ceiling Mold Removal in Littleton, CO: Mold on ceilings from roof leaks, bathroom steam, upstairs plumbing and condensation.

Keep reading:

We help homeowners in Littleton, Southeast Littleton and Centennial, Columbine, Columbine Valley and Bow Mar, Ken Caryl, Highlands Ranch, Roxborough. Call (303) 555-0142 or request a free estimate, or go back to the ZoneGuard home page to see everything we do. We do mold remediation only, so any testing or clearance sampling is done by an independent assessor.

Frequently asked questions

Is black mold more dangerous than other mold?

Reactions vary by person, and the CDC says color alone cannot identify a species. Any indoor mold growth should be removed.

How do I know if mold is the bad kind?

You cannot tell from color. The EPA says sampling is usually unnecessary when mold is visible. Treat visible growth the same way.

Can mold make you sick?

Some people react with stuffiness, irritation or wheezing, and sensitive people may react more. See a doctor for health concerns.

How do I get rid of black mold?

Fix the moisture, then remove it. Small hard-surface spots can be scrubbed with detergent and water, while mold in drywall or larger areas needs professional removal.