The internet and some contractors frighten building owners with horror stories about illnesses and deaths caused by black mould. They attempt to sell their mould or asbestos detection and removal services with particular reference to Stachybotrys Chartarum, also known as black mould or toxic black mould, named in some lawsuits in the United States.
Health and safety should, without a doubt, be a primary focus. However, spreading misinformation does not just cause panic and unnecessary strife. It also breeds rumors that can be detrimental to the health of an entire community. To help you stay informed and assist in keeping your family and yourself safe, here are a few misconceptions to watch out for and the real truth about black mould.
1. If the mould is colored black, then you need to worry
This is a misconception as there are thousands of types of mould, and many are black. The color of the mould is dependent upon the food source, not the kind of mould. Any genus of mould can grow black. Therefore, color is generally irrelevant. That said, homes and office spaces should be checked routinely, regardless of mould color and type, as there a multitude of toxic moulds that can cause health problems.
2. Stachybotrys or black mould is particularly dangerous to human health
It goes without saying, mould is bad for your health. Unusually, high levels can cause allergic reactions. But, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that exposure to Stachybotrys Chartarum or black mould is more dangerous than exposure to any other type of mould. Stachybotrys Chartarum has recently been linked with the so-called “sick building syndrome,” again without the link being firmly established. So saying that Stachybotrys is the most dangerous kind of isn’t 100% true.
3. If you can’t see black mould, you don’t have it
A mistake people often make is presuming just because they can’t see or smell mould, their homes are mould-free and safe. In reality, mould is everywhere. The minute you open a door or window, mould spores are allowed inside, settling on your walls and floating in the air. It can lurk behind walls or in other non-visible areas, making detection impossible without the right equipment. When testing for mould indoors, a sample should be taken outdoors as well, then compared to determine if the indoor results are excessive in comparison to the outdoors. Additionally, regular and routine inspections help keep you notified of mould levels, allowing you to take measures to combat the issue.
Bottom Line
Don’t let fear-mongering affect your decision-making. Yes, if you have moisture problems in your home, black mould should be a concern. But, do not let misinformation and rumors get you overly riled up.
If you see mould or moisture patches, the first step is to have your home professionally tested for mould. This entire process typically takes an hour or less to perform. It should involve a thorough inspection for any water damage or mould growth found on materials in your home, as well as an air quality test to check for airborne spores.
The next step is sending the samples to an environmental testing laboratory to determine if there are harmful species of mould in your home. If needed, our mould remediation team will remove all of the mould-affected materials from your property and dispose of them according to Canadian Construction Association guidelines (CCA 82). This service then allows you to get to the bottom of any remaining sources of water damage.
To get on top of the mould or asbestos in your home, reach out to Advanced Remediation Solutions. We are experts in removing mould safely and have over fifteen years of experience in improving our clients’ air quality. Our services include remediation, mould testing, mould removal, asbestos abatement, asbestos removal, asbestos testing, and hazardous material removal. We serve clients in Edmonton, Alberta, but have also worked in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and the Yukon.
To learn more about the services we provide at Advanced Remediation Solutions, please click here. If you have questions or concerns about hazardous materials removal, feel free to get in touch with us by clicking here.
