How To Identify Black Mold

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

Mold contamination in a home in Crestwood, MO.

Assessing the Presence of Mold

Black mold or stachybotrys is one of over 100,000 different species of mold. This species can be difficult to identify visually, as it is not always black in color. An environmental hygienist should perform a mold inspection and analyze samples to determine which type of mold is growing at a residence in Crestwood, MO. Here are several guidelines for assessing the presence of mold.

Locate the Colonies

A homeowner may look for indications of house mold. Keep a few basic guidelines in mind:

• Do not attempt to cut holes in walls or disturb contents to find hidden mold
  
• Avoid touching or otherwise disturbing colonies, as this may release spores
  
• Note moldy odors, which may indicate the presence of mold
  
  

Mold releases microbial volatile organic compounds during its growth cycle. The musty odor is not necessarily caused by the presence of spores, but by off-gases.

Consider Colors and Growth Patterns

Mold may vary in color at different points in its growth cycle. This is one of the reasons why attempts to visually identify fungi may not be accurate, and a mold inspection is necessary. Stachybotrys may be dark green in color during the early stages of growth. This species is also not fuzzy and does not grow in geometrical patterns like some other species.

Hire an Environmental Hygienist

The best way to determine whether mold is present and identify the type of fungus is to have a specialist come to a residence and take samples. Depending on whether mold growth is immediately evident, a hygienist may take air samples to test for signs of mVOCs or spores to cultivate in a petri dish.

A mold inspection is the only way to obtain a definitive answer regarding whether black mold is growing in your home. Look for an environmental hygienist located in Crestwood, MO, or schedule a consultation with a full-service mold remediation company.