Black mold is one of the most searched and most misunderstood topics in residential mold assessment. At DMV Mold, we provide professional black mold testing throughout Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania—collecting and analyzing samples to determine whether dark-colored mold growth is actually Stachybotrys chartarum (the species commonly called “black mold”) or one of many other mold species that simply appear dark green or black. Laboratory testing is the only reliable way to make this distinction.
Not all dark-colored mold is Stachybotrys, and not all Stachybotrys is visible as black surface growth. Many species—Cladosporium, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria—appear dark and are frequently mislabeled as “black mold” by concerned homeowners. Conversely, Stachybotrys growth may appear olive-green rather than jet black depending on growth age and substrate. Our Mold Testing for Renters service covers Stachybotrys in the context of mold type identification, and our Mold Testing for Landlords testing provides the air quality component. Clients throughout our Washington DC service area call us when dark-colored growth is discovered. The EPA mold guidance provides the public health context for Stachybotrys exposure. Call (301) 379-1715 to schedule your black mold assessment.
