Black mould is a fungus that commonly grows in damp or water-damaged areas. The most recognized variety is "Stachybotrys chartarum", which appears as dark green or black patches. Black mould thrives in humid environments and can develop on wood, drywall, or carpet. It is associated with potential health risks, including respiratory issues, allergies, and irritation, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. To prevent its growth, safe proper removal and control of moisture are essential.
Health Risks
Black mould can produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins that may cause symptoms in some people, especially those who are sensitive or have respiratory conditions like asthma. Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and difficulty breathing.
Black mould can produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins that may cause symptoms in some people, especially those who are sensitive or have respiratory conditions like asthma. Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and difficulty breathing.
Prolonged Exposure
For most people, occasional, brief exposure to mould is not highly dangerous. However, long-term exposure, especially in damp, poorly ventilated environments, can increase health risks, particularly for people with compromised immune systems or preexisting respiratory conditions.
For most people, occasional, brief exposure to mould is not highly dangerous. However, long-term exposure, especially in damp, poorly ventilated environments, can increase health risks, particularly for people with compromised immune systems or preexisting respiratory conditions.
Types of Mould
Some types of mould, particularly black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum), are more concerning due to the potential for mycotoxin production. However, most indoor moulds, like Aspergillus and Penicillium, are generally less hazardous, though they can still cause health issues if exposure is prolonged.
Some types of mould, particularly black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum), are more concerning due to the potential for mycotoxin production. However, most indoor moulds, like Aspergillus and Penicillium, are generally less hazardous, though they can still cause health issues if exposure is prolonged.
Should I worry or not?
While mould in the home should be addressed to avoid potential health concerns, the level of danger depends on how much mould is present, how long it has been there, and the individuals' health conditions. If significant mold growth is present, professional remediation may be needed. Ozone treatment is the most effective procedure that will remove unpleasant odors from the room. Ozone is effective at neutralizing odors caused by mold and mildew by breaking down the odor-causing particles at a molecular level without the use of chlorides.
While mould in the home should be addressed to avoid potential health concerns, the level of danger depends on how much mould is present, how long it has been there, and the individuals' health conditions. If significant mold growth is present, professional remediation may be needed. Ozone treatment is the most effective procedure that will remove unpleasant odors from the room. Ozone is effective at neutralizing odors caused by mold and mildew by breaking down the odor-causing particles at a molecular level without the use of chlorides.
Live Mould spores w/zoom
Moulds spores after Ozone treatment
Be informed, here are some lesser-known facts about black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum):
- It’s Not the Most Common mould: Despite all the fuss about it, black mould isn’t the most common indoor mould. Other types, like Aspergillus or Penicillium, are way more common in homes. Most mould around you isn’t dangerous black mould.
- It Loves Moisture: Black mould needs a lot of moisture to thrive. You’ll mostly find it in damp spots like water-damaged walls, ceilings, or carpets. It’s big on eating materials like wood and drywall.
- Not All Black mould is Dangerous: Even though it's called "toxic black mould," not every type of black mould produces dangerous mycotoxins. Only some of them make enough to cause serious health issues.
- Symptoms Can Take Time: If you’re exposed to black mould, symptoms like coughing and feeling tired might not show up right away. They can sneak up on you over a few weeks or months.
- It Can Hide: Black mould doesn’t always look "black." It can actually appear greenish or dark brown depending on the surface and moisture levels, so it’s harder to spot sometimes.
- Smell Can Tell You First: If you smell that musty, earthy scent in a room, that could be a sign of black mould, even before you see it. The smell is a good early warning that there might be a water issue.
- Certain People Are More Sensitive: If you already have asthma, a weak immune system, or allergies, you’ll be more likely to feel the effects of black mould. Kids, the elderly, and pregnant women should also take extra precautions.
- It Doesn’t Need "Food": Black mould doesn’t eat food in the same way as other mould or fungi. It feeds off organic stuff like wood, paper, or even dust that’s around your home.
- Cleaning It’s Tricky: It’s hard to get rid of black mould on your own. Regular cleaning products often don’t work. You’ll need something stronger, like hydrogen peroxide or special mould-killing solutions, Chloride or best way – OZONE treatment.
- It Can Affect More Than Your Lungs: Besides making you cough or giving you allergies, black mould can mess with your head, too. Some people have reported memory issues or feeling foggy and moody, though it’s still being researched.
We guarantee to eliminate all odours resulting from organic materials, only if the source has been fully removed before treatment. We do not guarantee long-term results if the actions or processes that initially caused the odour are continued.
O Z O N E I S G O O D