The term “black mold” is used (sometimes called “toxic black mold”) by the media to sensationalize the mold scare. Sadly this is misapplied to other fungi which are black in appearance. There are several fungi which appear black in color and range from no known human health effects to hazardous. Additionally, fungi can appear different in color depending on the life cycle, substrate and color of the materials it is present on. In reality this must be tested to determine species before any comment is made.