Stachybotrys Chartarum, also known as black mold, poses a multitude of risks to human health and livelihood. Black mold can fester in areas that have been ravaged by large-scale disasters such as fire or flood, but can also be triggered by more minor incidents such as failed plumbing or a seemingly inconsequential leak.

One of the alarming findings regarding the health effects of black mold is how staggering the difference in toxic black mold health risks between children versus healthy adults. The young and those with genetic predispositions such as allergies or asthma can turn a minor health risk into a life-threateningly serious health hazard.

Some of the most common black mold health effects as acknowledged by the Center For Disease Control go as follows: sinus irritation and congestion, dry cough, respiratory distress and difficulty breathing, fever, aches and pains, rash, sensitivity to light accompanied by eye irritation and blurred vision, diarrhea and an overall weakening of the immune system.

Another distressing fact is that toxic black mold cannot be identified simply by search with the naked eye, due to the ease of confusion with non-toxic black mold, like that commonly found in bathtubs and showers. A mold sample must be taken and sent to an accredited lab for official testing to confirm or deny its toxicity.

The best thing a concerned person can do is look into the historical records of flood in their area and be aware of any leaks that could serve as a breeding ground for mold and infectious bacteria, and have them thoroughly inspected. One should take immediate action in the event that any of the aforementioned symptoms are noticed or discovered following an instance of water or fire damage.

Although the toxic black mold health risks are exceedingly serious in nature, it should be noted that they are completely preventable. Be sure to completely dispose of any products that are believed to have been contaminated in the event of a toxic mold outbreak. A justifiable concern is that one might not be able to eliminate the whole of the toxic mold infestation from the affected area; however, the probability of a future outbreak is significantly reduced if thorough and considerable caution is exercised in the mold removal process.