Mold That Is Black vs. “Black Mold”

Not all molds are created equal, and not all mold that appears black is “black mold.” In fact, the vast majority of black-colored mold is not the species people commonly worry about.

“Black mold” refers specifically to Stachybotrys chartarum, which is actually far less common in homes and buildings than other molds that happen to be black in appearance, such as Cladosporium, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria, Aureobasidium, and certain Penicillium species.

So, if you find black organic material in your home or business, it isn’t necessarily “black mold” or Stachybotrys. This distinction matters because, while any organic growth can become problematic if left unaddressed, Stachybotrys tends to produce stronger toxins and often indicates a deeper moisture or plumbing issue—something like chronic water intrusion—providing it with the sustained dampness it needs to grow.

Most black-looking molds grow much more easily and do not require constant moisture the way Stachybotrys does. They still need to be cleaned up properly, but they don’t automatically signal major structural concerns. That’s why testing is so valuable: it removes the guesswork and lets you respond appropriately instead of assuming the worst.

If you’re seeing discoloration, smelling persistent musty odors, or noticing moisture that keeps returning, that’s the time to bring in a professional. A thorough inspection can identify both the type of mold and the source of the moisture. Addressing these issues early protects indoor air quality, preserves your building materials, and often saves you money in the long run.

At Above Environmental, we can perform targeted sampling (one room or area) or can provide an inspection for the entire home or building. We take 1 air sampling in each room and living space and draw a diagram so that we can provide our clients with a "birds-eye" view of our findings. This allows any future remediation contractor to be able to focus and limit the scope of their work from the outset.

While onsite we also use a moisture meter to look for hidden moisture in wall cavities, take humidity readings in each area, test for particulate matter (PM2.5), Formaldehyde, Carbon Monoxide, and Carbon Dioxide. All of this data is put into a narrative report that explains our findings in easy-to-understand language.