Black Mold - Is It Always Toxic Mold?

STAMFORD, Conn. - May 23, 2013 - PRLog -- (Stamford, CT) – Spring rains are a welcome refresher for our parched plants and lawns, but they also bring heat and humidity, the perfect environment for mold. If you were flooded by Hurricane Sandy and your remediation company did not fully remove the mold, chances are the mold is still present and probably growing with a vengeance. More than 90% of homeowners flooded by Sandy who remediated have reported that the mold has returned, according to a newly released study entitled "Sandy's Mold Legacy: The Unmet Need Six Months After the Storm." http://www.maketheroad.org/report.php?ID=2777

“You may see signs of black mold on your walls, near sinks and toilets, along floorboards and on ceilings. Black mold may look frightening – and it is pretty unsightly – but it’s not necessarily toxic,” said Robert Weitz, a certified microbial investigator and principal of RTK Environmental Group. “Unfortunately, you can’t be sure just by looking at it,” Weitz explained.

How do you know if the mold is toxic?

Through testing. There are over 100,000 different types of mold.  Most cause upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people. Those with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections caused by mold. However, if you have been exposed to toxic mold, you could begin to suffer from chronic bronchitis and develop heart problems. In children, learning disabilities, mental deficiencies, heart problems, and multiple sclerosis can result.  

“While toxic mold can bring on the most serious health problems, all mold can cause health issues in healthy people – especially those who suffer allergies,” Weitz said.  “But the only way to be sure is to have a mold test conducted by an environmental inspector. The test will determine what type of mold is growing in your home,” he continued. “This can be very useful because the information will determine the proper course of action to remove it.”  

If you suspect that mold has made its way in, schedule a test with an independent testing company, such as RTK Environmental Group. They can conduct air monitoring and surface sampling tests; identify the type of mold, affected areas and measure the amount of mold; and determine if the health of your family is at risk. For more information, or to contact RTK, visit http://www.RTKEnvironmental.com, or call 1-800-392-6468. They can provide you with an unbiased assessment of the situation, and give you a plan to move forward and send the mold on its way.

About RTK Environmental Group
Based in Stamford, and serving all of Connecticut, southern New York State, and northern New Jersey, RTK Environmental Group leads the field of environmental testing and consulting in mold, lead, asbestos, water, soil, radon and indoor air quality testing. RTK offers XRF paint inspections, water testing, air testing, risk assessments, project monitoring, clearance testing, abatement planning, and training. It has provided testing services to more than 20,000 commercial and residential customers, ranging from homeowners and real estate investors to medical centers and housing authorities and many others. Company professionals are certified, licensed, and fully insured. The public is invited to visit RTK’s Web site, http://www.rtkenvironmental.com, or call 1-800-392-6468.