Is All Black Mold Toxic?
You may see signs of black mold on your walls, near sinks and toilets, along floorboards and on ceilings. Black mold may look frightening – it is pretty unsightly – but it’s not always toxic. However, that does not mean mold or even mildew are not dangerous to your health. And what are the health symptoms of black mold?
While toxic mold can bring on the most serious health problems, all mold and mildew can cause health issues—especially those who suffer from allergies.
How do you know if the black mold you see is toxic?
Simple. Get a mold test by a professional. Sure, any hardware store sells mold-testing kits, but they are not accurate. They cannot tell you if the levels of mold inside your premises are acceptable. More important, they cannot tell you what kind of mold it actually is.
Some professional environmental inspectors, like RTK, can test for mold and indoor air quality using the latest technologies. RTK’s equipment will not destroy your walls or disturb possible mold colonies, and the test will not interrupt your daily life for more than an hour or two.
Why is a professional mold test important?
There are over 100,000 different types of mold, and most cause upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people. Only a Certified Microbial Investigator has the skill and scientific knowledge to safely and accurately test for, and then analyze the lab results from the mold samples taken from your home. Those with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections caused by mold. If you have been exposed persistently to toxic mold, you could begin to suffer from:
• Chronic Cough or Bronchitis, Shortness of Breath, or Sinus Congestion
• Chronic Fatigue and Weakness
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Tingling and Numbness Sensations in Skin
• Headaches and Light Sensitivity
• Joint Pain and Stiffness
• Poor Memory or Difficulty Finding Words
• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
If you suspect that mold has made its way in, schedule a test today. RTK will provide you with an unbiased assessment of the situation, determine what type of mold is growing in your home, and determine the proper course of action to remove it.
Want to know more about black mold? Watch this short video here. It’s your life – live well!
