Arm yourself with knowledge, the greatest tool against the blight of toxic mold, with our helpful guide on the basic facts surrounding the major strains of toxic mold, the damage they can cause to health, and why it is so important to be aware.
The following are the types of mold that should be treated as emergencies. Do not attempt to remove
them yourselves; only call a licensed professional.
STACHYBOTRYS: This is the most well-known strand of toxic mold. It appears black, green, slimy
and furry and produces up to 170 different mycotoxins, accounting for its prevalence, virulence
and widespread growth once spores are released. The mycotoxins produced by this mold can
cause severe skin inflammation, rashes, lung hemorrhages and in they suppress the immune
system.
ASPERGILLUS: This fungus is known to cause allergies in its most benign cases, all the way to
severe generalized infections called aspergillus in its most severe forms. Aspergillus is a mold
that, once it entered the human airways, grows in the lungs and sinus passages. This makes it
especially dangerous to the lungs and breathing of you and your family, particular if you have
old or immune-compromised residents. Most worryingly, some aspergillus species can produce
carcinogenic mycotoxins. Carcinogens cause cancer and they can affect the liver and kidneys.
This mold’s mycotoxins look for places to hide and grow in grains and are very heat resistant, so
you may even be unknowingly ingesting them through food prepared in spaces containing this
mold.
Penicillium: We all know about the antibiotic Penicillium chrysogenum, but a number of other
penicillium species produce dangerous mycotoxins that have been proven to be damaging to
the kidneys, liver and sometimes thought to be carcinogenic. This mold is especially harmful to
the immune-suppressed.
If you suspect any of the above molds in your home and especially if you notice any of the above
symptoms, see a physician immediately and call Mold Removal Oakland for mold treatment.
