# Black mold in Florida

Black mold is a description, not a species. What matters is the growth, the moisture feeding it and how quickly it is removed.

## Black mold in plain terms

Black mold is not a species or a specific kind of mold. It is media shorthand for molds that may produce mycotoxins, or specifically for Stachybotrys chartarum.

Molds come in many colors, including white. Color alone does not identify mold or its risk.

## What to do instead of naming it

Because color does not identify a mold, CDC says it is not necessary to determine the type. All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal.

Remove the growth and fix the moisture that feeds it.

- Color alone does not identify a mold or its risk.
- Mold in a building does not prove mycotoxins are present.
- Turn off a heating or cooling system you know or suspect is contaminated.

## Common situations

### Dark growth in a bathroom or on a wall

Mold often appears as cottony, velvety, rough or leathery growth, or as a stain or fuzzy patch.

### A patch that looks black

Color alone does not identify mold or its risk.

### Growth after a leak or a flood

All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal.

> In its guidance for the aftermath of major hurricanes and floods, CDC says undisturbed mold is not a substantial health hazard for the majority of people. Visible growth should still be removed and the moisture source fixed. If you have health concerns, talk to your doctor.

## Common questions

### Black mold after a hurricane: what now?

Do not try to identify it; treat it as mold. Agencies say all molds should be handled the same for health risk and removal, and after a flood the practical question is how much was wet and for how long. If mold has already started growing, do not use fans, because they can spread spores. Wear protective gear, remove wet porous materials, and if the water was contaminated, call a professional experienced in contaminated-water remediation.

## Sources

- U.S. EPA Mold course chapter 1: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-1
- CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
- U.S. EPA Mold remediation schools and commercial buildings guide appendix b: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-remediation-schools-and-commercial-buildings-guide-appendix-b
- U.S. EPA Mold cleanup your home: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home
- Florida Department of Health Mold: https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/air-quality/mold/
- CDC Rr5508a1: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5508a1.htm
- CDC Guide to mold cleanup: https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/communication-resources/guide-to-mold-cleanup.html

https://southfloridamoldhelp.com/basics/black-mold/