What is non-toxic black mold?

Author: Prof. Chandler Mills  |  Last update: Friday, May 2, 2025

Non-toxic black molds include Ulocladium, Pithomyces, Stemphylium, Dresclera, Alternaria and Aureobasidium, but the most common kind of non-toxic black mold is Cladosporium.

How to tell the difference between toxic black mold and non-toxic black mold?

Toxic black mold growth has a more potent and identifiable smell, like the smell of decay, wet soil, or rot. Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew.

What does harmless black mold look like?

Although the name implies a uniform coloring, black mold may appear black, dark green, or dark brown. It typically grows as a cluster of round spots with a distinctly wet, slimy appearance. As stated, black mold typically appears fuzzy or furry.

What is the safest type of mold?

Non-Toxic Mold Types
  • Alternaria. Usually found in damp window bottoms and bathrooms, Alternaria is the most common type of mold globally. ...
  • Aureobasidium. This quick-growing mold grows beneath old paint and wallpaper. ...
  • Chaetomium. Chaetomium loves water damage. ...
  • Mucor. ...
  • Penicillium. ...
  • Serpula. ...
  • Ulocladium. ...
  • Avoid Damage.

Is it safe to sleep in a house with black mold?

Because of the risks that come with mold exposure, it can be unsafe to sleep in a house with mold, particularly in the affected areas because you put yourself at risk of mold allergies. This becomes especially concerning if you are sensitive to the mold. When mold grows indoors, it can often be found in the bathroom.

The difference between toxic and non-toxic mold and how it can affect you

How long can you live in a home with black mold?

Generally, a person can stay in a moldy home for years, though some people could feel extremely uncomfortable.

What are the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

Is it safe to clean black mold yourself?

Thus, exposure to the toxicity of black mold can cause harm to our physical health. Cleaning it yourself risks a greatly increased chance of acquiring damaging health conditions by unsettling the toxins into the air. Depending on the frequency of mold exposure, an individual's health can be severely compromised.

Are there non-toxic molds?

Cladosporium is a type of mold that can be both indoors and outdoors. Similar to other common molds, you may find it growing anywhere where there is the presence of moisture, including near leaky pipes, and on the carpet or walls. Just like Nigrospora, Cladosporium has no known toxic side effects.

How do I tell if there is black mold in my walls?

Dark Colored Spots On Your Walls

A key indication of mold growth is discovering discoloration on your walls. In many cases, this change of color first comes when the walls are wet. However, as mold grows, the size of the colony may lead to it being seen as a color change on walls.

Is a little black mold okay?

On the basis of current research, black mold exposure is no more dangerous than any other type of mold exposure. It is impossible to avoid exposure to mold — the spores are almost everywhere in the atmosphere. In high amounts or in people with allergies, exposure to any mold may cause allergy symptoms.

How much does it cost to remove black mold?

Exposure to molds, especially black molds (Stachybotrys chartarum) poses health risks. Prolonged exposure to this type of fungus can induce allergic reactions, particularly in people with respiratory problems. Mold remediation cost for black molds ranges from $1,100 to $4,700.

What color is toxic black mold?

Stachybotrys chartarum is the infamous toxic black mold. It often appears as black or greenish-black in color and can be found growing in leaky areas, old decaying wood, paper, and foods.

How do you get rid of non toxic black mold?

Bicarbonate of soda is moderately effective, natural solution for all types of surfaces, both porous and nonporous.
  1. Add a ¼ teaspoon baking soda to 2 cups of water.
  2. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
  3. Spray the mouldy area and scrub it with a brush.
  4. Rinse the area.

What can be mistaken for black mold?

Aureobasidium

This yeast-type fungus can be mistaken for another more sinister and dangerous mold but is far less likely to make you sick. Aureobasidium can start as a slimy pink color, but it will turn brown or black and can look like black mold.

Does home insurance cover mold?

Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.

Is black mold airborne?

Black mold produces spores, which can enter the air. Molds also produce microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs), which create an unpleasant “moldy” or musty smell. If you have allergies, you can have allergy symptoms from the spores or mVOCs.

What is the least toxic mold?

Non-toxic black molds include Ulocladium, Pithomyces, Stemphylium, Dresclera, Alternaria and Aureobasidium, but the most common kind of non-toxic black mold is Cladosporium.

How to test for black mold in a home?

If you go the DIY route while testing for black mold, you will need to purchase a mold testing kit from a hardware or home repair store, take samples of the air and affected areas yourself, and then send these in to a testing facility, which will report back as to which type of mold is present.

What kills black mold instantly with home remedies?

For a natural solution to getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.

Can I stay in a house with black mold?

Black mold can cause health problems, so living in a house with black mold is not advisable. If you must stay in your house while black mold is being removed, make sure to seal off any areas where black mold is present and avoid coming into contact with it.

What are signs of mold sickness?

If you have a mold allergy, your immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores. A mold allergy can cause coughing, itchy eyes and other symptoms that make you miserable. In some people, a mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms.

What kills mold in your gut?

What foods help detox from mold?
  • Organic and Grass Fed Meats. Meat is still essential to a healthy diet for many individuals. ...
  • Wild Caught Fish. Fish is also a great staple to a healthy diet. ...
  • Leafy Greens. ...
  • Vegetables. ...
  • Healthy Fats. ...
  • Raw Nuts and Seeds. ...
  • Herbs and Herbal Teas. ...
  • Alternatives for those with a sweet tooth.

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.

How to tell if your house is toxic?

If you suspect your asthma worsens or is more severe than usual, contact your doctor or medical professional.
  1. Bad Smells In The Home. When there's a bad smell in the home, you can tell. ...
  2. Peeling Wallpaper. ...
  3. Spots On The Wall. ...
  4. Bad Allergies Won't Go Away. ...
  5. Visible Mold Growth. ...
  6. Past Water Damage.

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