Naked Science Forum
General Science => General Science => Topic started by: moses lawn on 13/11/2004 08:27:31
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What is the black mould (or mold if you're American) that grows on the inside of window frames, especially in the winter?
Is is harmful to health?
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There is no way of telling without looking at a spore under a scope. There are to many types of black/blackish molds out there.
If it's on the glass or grout then it is dangerous to allergies and asthma but more then likely nothing unusual.
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It is good to be alive! It's impossible I'm here but here I am.. and I rock!
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In the south, it's generally mildew, and easily killed with household bleach.
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It's an environmental (i.e. lives in your garden) mould (a form of fungus) called Stachybotrys chartarum. The spores drift through the air until the land somewhere warm, damp and capable of feeding the fungus. Essentially it normally lives outside where it breaks down wood, but if you give it a home in your home by creating the right conditions, it will grow.
The mould looks black because it produces clusters of black spores resembling pinheads. Breathing in these spores has been linked to allergy and chest symptoms, which is why damp houses are bad for people with respiratory problems.