Illness triggered by exposure to mould is not a new concept by any means. But, as of late, it seems to be working its way into discussions in the medical realm more and more, and personally, I’m glad to see this surge in awareness and education pertaining to mould, because certain kinds really can be toxic.
Not all mould is bad and/or harmful; for example, the types used to create cheese are not normally a cause for concern. Other forms of mould, though, like black mould, are not so innocent, and it’s crucial to know what to look for if you’re suspicious you may have some in your home. Here is some information about black mould from wawanesa.com.
“Despite its name, black mold can appear black, very dark green, or brown. It tends to form clustered, fuzzy, or slimy circular patches and may leave green stains when wiped. One of the easiest ways to detect it is by smell—black mold emits a strong, musty odor often compared to rotting plants, damp paper, or cedar wood.
“If you’re unsure whether you’re detecting mold, ask someone with a ‘fresh nose’ to confirm, as you may have become desensitized to the smell in your home.
“Early detection is essential. Watch for:
- Musty or earthy odors in moisture-prone areas like under sinks, around toilets, or in basements.
- Dark, fuzzy spots on walls, ceilings, or behind furniture.
- Water stains or past water damage, such as dark rings on drywall or bubbling paint.
“These indicators often mean mold is already growing and needs to be addressed immediately,” the web page states.
Tomorrow’s post will address physical symptoms associated with exposure to black mould, if you happen to be interested, and allow me to say black mould can make some folks incredibly ill. Knowing how to identify indicators of it in your home is no bad thing.
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