Most of us have heard the term "toxic black mold"? on the news or other television program, but what exactly does this mean? Well, the famous mold that is usually referred to as "toxic black mold" the most often is Stachybotrys chart arum and some people who are familiar with it, particularly microbiologists, tend to refer to it as simply "starchy".

The media has had a fair field day with this kind of mold the past few years and it has been one of the reasons for the renewed concern for mold dangers in the civilized world. Some people may not realize that mold growing in your home or your business can be quite devastating to your health, especially if you are exposed to this for a long period of time.

This kind of mold is a very dark green color and it is also fairly slimy. Whatever you do, do not touch this mold with your bare hands or get it on your skin anywhere. If you are planning on removing it from your home, it is highly suggested that you hire a professional with the correct equipment because this mold is called "toxic" for a reason.

It has been linked to sicknesses that have a similar effect on a person's mind that Alzheimer's disease has and it has also been proven to kill a person's brain cells. Dizziness and disorientation are also not uncommon in those who have been exposed for long periods of time.

Stachybotrys mold typically likes to grow on things made of cellulose, that is, dead plant materials. This can include the wood that you built your home with, papers, cardboard, and etcetera that has been piled together in an area, allowed to become significantly wet, and allowed to stay that way. This essentially opens up a mold nursery in your home and even though Stachybotrys does not require constant moisture in order to remain alive, it does like plenty of it. So, if you have any leaks in your basement or anywhere else in your home that stays wet almost constantly, you need to do anything necessary in order to stop this leakage.

Because of the wetness of the Stachybotrys spores, they do not stir up and into the air that we breathe very easily; however, if this mold is let to dry out, these spores will enter the air and possibly our ventilation systems. Mold does not have to be alive in order to cause an allergic reaction to it.