Boulder asks What is 'Black Mold?'

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What is 'Black Mold?'

October 13, 2004

Many molds are black in appearance but aren't Stachybotrys atra - the toxigenic

mold that can grow in people's homes and make them ill.

Black mold commonly found between bathroom tiles, for example, is not

stachybotrys.

Stachybotrys atra can be positively identified only by specially trained

professionals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are very few cases of

toxigenic molds found in homes that cause extreme health conditions such as

pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss.

But the New York City Health Department warns people that at higher levels,

stachybotrys can cause health problems. These include cold-like symptoms,

rashes, sinusitis, conjunctivitis and asthma.

There also has been some evidence linking Stachybotrys atra with pulmonary

hemosiderosis in infants who are generally younger than 6 months old.

The Environmental Protection Agency, however, cautions that all molds produce

allergens, irritants and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances. Inhaling

or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive

individuals.

- Camera staff

Copyright 2004, The Daily Camera. .