Toxic mold on the High Desert: Is it affecting you?
Did you know that mold is everywhere, even when you cannot see it?
Most times, mold is not harmful, other than the occasional allergy sufferer. However, large amounts and certain types can be very dangerous to your health, especially when they get into your home. Toxic black mold, also knows as stachybotrys chartum, feeds off of organic material in your home when there is enough moisture present to feed its growth.
Can toxic black mold grow in the High Desert, even though it’s typically dry here?
Yes. Toxic black mold can and does grow in the High Desert.
“When mold spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture, such as where leakage may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they will grow. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth.”
– Center for Disease Control and Prevention
What does toxic black mold look like?
Stachybotrys chartum is a green/black color. NewsChannel 21 was given these photos by Jake Ferguson of La Pine. He says he was living in a rental that he didn’t know had a mold problem — that is until he says a pipe broke and exposed this.
What are the signs and symptoms of mold exposure?
Symptoms include:
Wheezing
Coughing
Swelling of the lungs
Nose bleeds
Difficulty breathing
Nausea
Dermatitis
Chronic fatigue
Joint pain
Check here for more signs and symptoms.
How can I learn more?
Tune in to NewsChannel 21’s special report on Oct. 29 for more information including photos, interviews with specialists — and one man who says he lived through a black mold nightmare.
