The fallout continues to unfold from last month’s flooding in Etobicoke, west of downtown Toronto. During heavy rains, creeks flooded and sewage flowed through the streets while some residents had to evacuate their homes. Now they’re returning to find basements with possible e.coli and toxic mold contamination.
When sewers overflow, it brings a whole host of new issues other than the usual effects of water damage and lingering moisture (including garden variety mold). There are many different types of mold – the antibiotic penicillin being one of them – but “black toxic mold” usually refers to the variety called stachybotrys chartarum.
What is Toxic Black Mold?
Black mold is produced only in very wet conditions, which is why you will likely only see it under extreme conditions like flooding rather than under ordinary circumstances. While it’s called “black” mold it is actually most often seen as a greenish black colour. It thrives on cellulose-rich materials like the ones we commonly use in construction – fibreboard, gypsum, drywall, paper, dust and lint. It needs constant moisture – just what happens when flooding occurs and the moisture lingers.
Any type of household mold can produce the allergy or flu-like symptoms such as
- persistent coughing
- eye, nose and throat irritation
- worsening allergies
- trouble breathing
Black toxic mold introduces a whole new – and frightening – set of possiblities. It’s rare but toxic or toxigenic molds can cause severe symptoms such as pulmonary (lung) hemorrhaging or memory loss. Other possible results of toxic mold exposure include:
- Mental and neurological symptoms
- Respiratory symptom
- Circulatory symptoms
- Vision and eye problem
- Skin problems
- Immune system problems
- Reproductive system problems
- Tiredness and discomfort
- Other illnesses and health effects
This summer’s wild weather and flooding all over the GTA and the province of Ontario is by all accounts a sign of things to come. Mold spores will begin to grow and infest any area that moisture lingers. And – it’s necessary to act quickly. Mold can grow within 24-48 hours after dampness occurs.
We Can Help!
Our team of experienced professionals provides a range of services that can help you in the case of flooding or other water damage:
- Toxic Mold Testing
- Carpet Sampling
- Household Moisture Assessment
- Moisture intrusion detection (Leak Detection)
- Mold Abatement
- Mold Remediation
Get help from the experts at MoldInspections.ca. Please call us for a hassle-free quote today.
MoldInspections.ca is the trusted leader for mold-free homes and breathable indoor air spaces in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and beyond. Providing certified mold inspection, detection and testing since 2005, we service home owners, real-estate agents, landlords, property managers, insurance companies and businesses.
Featured on CTV and Global news, official supplier to HGTV’s Income Properties with Scott McGillivray and Leave It To Bryan and recommended by local contractors, we regularly serve as expert witnesses in court proceeding relating to Mold and Indoor Air Quality issues. Do you have mold? Call us today for a free quote at (416) 575-6111.