Black mold: what to know

"Black mold" usually refers to Stachybotrys chartarum, a greenish-black mold that grows on materials with a lot of cellulose — drywall paper, ceiling tile, wood — that have stayed wet. But many molds are black or dark green, and you can't tell the species by looking.

What the health agencies say

• The CDC says that for some people mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash, and that people with asthma or mold allergies may have more severe reactions. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of infection.
• The CDC's long-standing advice is that it isn't necessary to find out what kind of mold you have: all mold should be treated the same way when it comes to health risk and removal.
• The EPA notes that mold can cause allergic reactions and irritation even in people who aren't allergic, and that dead mold can still cause reactions — so it needs to be removed, not just sprayed.

This site can't give medical advice. If you or someone in your household has symptoms you think are related to mold, talk to a doctor.

What to do if you find it

1. Don't disturb it more than you have to. Scrubbing or tearing out dry, moldy material can release spores.
2. Find the water. Black mold in particular is a sign that something has stayed wet for a while — a slow leak, a past flood, condensation.
3. Size it up. EPA's rule of thumb: under about 10 square feet, most homeowners can handle cleanup following EPA guidelines. Larger areas, mold inside walls, or mold in the HVAC system call for a professional.
4. Remove porous materials. Moldy drywall, insulation, and carpet usually have to come out.

Renting?

The Arkansas Department of Health notes there are currently no State of Arkansas or federal laws requiring property owners to remediate mold in buildings. Tell your landlord in writing about leaks and mold, and keep copies and photos.