Black Mold Symptoms You Should Know
- Written by Luke Arthur on Apr 08, 2010To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by
Black mold is a serious problem that many people are faced with everyday, as it can spread easily and swiftly if not attended to.
Breathing these mold spores is hazardous to your health and can lead to many health problems.
In order to prevent more serious conditions, you should familiarize yourself with a few of the common symptoms that come with black mold infestation.
There Is A Link Between Mold And Depression
The aim of medicine is to prevent disease and prolong life, the ideal of medicine is to eliminate the need of a physician.
With respect to the evidence linking the relationship between mold and depression, it is quite clear that mold does affect the brain. This is confirmed by:
One of the key lessons learned from the MOLDY Documentary released in 2015 was that most doctors are not educated on mold illness:
Possibly every doctor in the United States is treating mold illness, and they just dont realize it.
The evidence is growing and our hope is that medical practitioners treating patients with symptoms of depression will begin asking these two questions:
Awareness is the key. If you or someone you love is suffering from depression, investigate the air quality of your home and find out if there is mold.
Then take the necessary steps to get better by seeking treatment from a physician experienced in bio-toxin illness and contact Valor Mold so that we can professionally remove the mold from your home and restore the fungal ecology to healthy levels.
Toxic Mold Symptoms Immune System
Toxic mold puts out chemicals which suppress the immune system. In fact, many immunosuppressive drugs are actually created from toxic molds. A person who is immunocompromised from being around toxic mold will more easily get infections and sicknesses.
Symptoms:
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Exposure Sources And Prevention
The primary sources of mold exposure are from the indoor air in buildings with substantial mold growth and the ingestion of food with mold growths.
While mold and related microbial agents can be found both inside and outside, specific factors can lead to significantly higher levels of these microbes, creating a potential health hazard. Several notable factors are water damage in buildings, the use of building materials which provide a suitable substrate and source of food to amplify mold growth, relative humidity, and energy-efficient building designs, which can prevent proper circulation of outside air and create a unique ecology in the built environment. A common issue with mold hazards in the household can be the placement of furniture, resulting in a lack of ventilation of the nearby wall. The simplest method of avoiding mold in a home so affected is to move the furniture in question.
Prevention of mold exposure and its ensuing health issues begins with the prevention of mold growth in the first place by avoiding a mold-supporting environment. Extensive flooding and water damage can support extensive mold growth. Following hurricanes, homes with greater flood damage, especially those with more than 3 feet of indoor flooding, demonstrated far higher levels of mold growth compared with homes with little or no flooding.
What Should You Do If Youre Experiencing Memory Loss
Everyone has moments of forgetfulness, but if you feel your memory is slipping or you are forgetting more than normal, see your doctor. Dont ignore the development of memory problems because it can be a symptom of a serious medical condition. Let your doctor know if youve been exposed to mold and if youre experiencing any other symptoms.
Your doctor will do a thorough examination and may also order some tests in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Lots of things other than mold can cause memory loss, including stroke, head injury, Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia, depression, stress, sleep deprivation, nutritional deficiencies, use or abuse of alcohol or drugs, and certain medications. Therefore it may take a little time for your doctor to determine the cause of your memory problems.
Treatment will be prescribed based on the results of your exam and any tests you have undergone. In addition to prescribing the appropriate medical treatment, your doctor will most likely advise you to avoid further exposure to mold as much as you can.
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So What Is A Mycotoxin
Mycotoxins, literally fungus poison in Latin, are secondary metabolites that can be produced by molds, and are not living organisms. Mycotoxins are a byproduct of mold. Not all mold spores produce mycotoxins, but some do. So the molds that produce mycotoxins are the ones that could be categorized as toxic or poisonous.
So, where is the line between an allergic mold and a toxic mold? That line is defined by the presence of mycotoxins, and is NOT defined by color. Mycotoxins are invisible and cannot be detected just by looking at the mold growth.
Many types of indoor mold, not just black mold, may cause health problems in some individuals.
Long-term exposure to high levels of mold in the home, however,
People who are most at risk of the symptoms of mold exposure are:
- infants and children
- people with allergies or asthma
- people with weakened immune systems
The main health risks related to mold exposure are allergies and irritation, which typically cause respiratory symptoms.
People with weakened immune systems may also have a risk of fungal infection.
Immunohistochemistry For The Inflammatory Cytokine Il
Sections were brought to room temperature and rinsed with PBS 3 times. Slides were immersed in 0.25% pepsin in 0.1 N HCl at 37 °C for 3 min, then rinsed 3 times with PBS. Sections were exposed to 0.06 or 0.09% hydrogen peroxide + 1% methanol in PBS for 30 min, followed by three 5-min PBS washes. Sections were then blocked with 2% normal donkey serum and 0.3% Triton X-100 in PBS for 1 h, followed by exposure to polyclonal antibody to mouse IL-1β made in goat form of IL-1β, R& D Systems) in 0.3% Triton X in PBS overnight at 4 °C. After three PBS rinses, sections were incubated in biotinylated donkey anti-goat secondary antibody in 0.3% Triton X in PBS for 2 h. Tissue was rinsed three times for 5 min in PBS, then labeled with avidin and biotin complex following manufacturerâs instructions for 1 h followed by three PBS rinses. The secondary antibody was visualized by reaction with DAB chromogen , washed in PBS, dipped in distilled water, dehydrated in increasing concentrations of ethanol and cover slipped with Krystalon .
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Where Is The Mold
We all think of mold as a bit of bathtub grime or perhaps a bloom on something that should be tossed from the refrigerator and not eaten. Perhaps it was a science project in elementary school: how many colors of mold are there?
Of greatest interest to us at Northwest Memory Center is the potential for mold to affect the brain. Heres the route: mold survives by sending out spores, which produce fat-soluble toxins called mycotoxins. Work by Dr. Dale Bredesen and others have shown that mycotoxins can cross the blood-brain barrier and disrupt normal brain function, resulting in cognitive impairment, numbness and tingling, thirst, light-headedness, excessive urination, temperature dysregulation, sensitivity to electric shocks, and more.
The molds we can grow on food left too long in the refrigerator are not particularly hazardous, though its most prudent to avoid inhaling their dust or consuming them.
However, there are other molds that pose far more serious threats to our health. The black mold that grows in unventilated showers or on the walls in water-damaged buildings can sprout Stachybotrys or Aspergillus, which can cause acute respiratory inflammation. Foods stored in bulk food bins that are seldom cleaned can grow molds such as Penicillium or Fusarium. The molds themselves are easily inhaled, and within the body they produce chemicals that are hazardous to humans, known as mycotoxins and are in a larger category of biotoxins
Diagnosing the Problem
What Causes Black Mold
Molds are an important part of our environment. They decompose dead plants and animals. All types of mold will grow if the conditions are right. Mold grows and spreads quickly in the right conditions, which include:
- Moisture level at or over 70%
- Adequate food source
- Temperatures that range from 40 to 100 degrees F
Mold can grow anywhere in your house that provides these conditions. The most likely places mold will grow are:
- Anywhere that there has been a water leak.
- Damp rooms without adequate ventilation, such as bathrooms.
- Basements where humidity tends to be higher.
- Any areas with a lot of water condensation.
- Any areas where flooding has occurred.
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How To Kill Mold And Mildew
Mold and mildew are types of fungi that can quickly grow anywhere you find moisture. There is very little difference between the two in fact, mildew is just mold in its early stage. Both serve an important purpose in our environment by helping to destroy organic materials such as leaves, which enriches the soil. But some mold and mildew isnt as helpful for humans. Living in a moldy home can cause serious health issues like headaches, respiratory problems, sinus congestion, and eye, nose, or throat irritation. Its especially dangerous for infants, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with existing respiratory conditions, who are at a higher risk for these problems.
Jason Donnelly
To check your home for mold and mildew, start with areas where there could be high humidity or water damage, such as a damp basement or crawl space. Mildew and mold can grow on a wide range of household surfaces, including wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, and insulation. These growths can develop on a damp surface within 24 and 48 hours and produce spores that travel through the air. They could break down and destroy whatever they grow on and can cause mild to severe health problems for you and your family.
The problem wont go away on its own. Use these simple cleaning tips to remove and prevent mold and mildew in your home.
Jay Wilde
What Is Mold Where Does It Live
From the arctic to equator and all the places in between, mold lives literally everywhere. Molds are fungi, and grow from microscopic spores that are everywhere in the air. Molds are important for recycling organic matter . The recycling process they perform returns nutrients to the soil, and is important for plants to grow. In order to grow, molds need four things to grow: oxygen, moisture, a food source, and the right temperature range .
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Can Mold Cause Panic Attacks
People who suffer from toxic-mold based illnesses may endure depression, anxiety, lack of focus, and brain fog, with some reporting insomnia. These cognitive and psychiatric symptoms may be present with or without the physical symptoms of mold exposure which can include difficulty breathing, fatigue, and headache.
So What Are The Symptoms Of Neurotoxicity
Neurocognitive function impairment affects the brain and usually causes multiple symptoms such as short-term memory loss, pain, numbness or tingling in the body, change in heart beat or pulse, anxiety, depression, mood swings, confusion, brain fog, dizziness, chronic fatigue and many other symptoms.
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How And Why Do Molds Grow
Molds need four things to grow: oxygen, moisture, a food source, and warmth. Molds are fungi which are unique organisms. Fungi grow from microscopic spores that are everywhere in the air. Molds are found everywhere in nature, and are important for recycling organic matter . The recycling process they perform returns nutrients to the soil, and is important for plants to grow.
Fungi are unique in that they digest their food outside their bodies before ingesting the nutrients. Partially because of the exterior digestion, molds produce mycotoxins which can make you exceedingly ill.
Holistic Mold Toxicity Treatment Program
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The clinic is located at 300 State St E #222, Oldsmar, FL 34677, near the Tampa International Airport . Environmental-friendly lodging and safe housing are available on-site at the clinic for out-of-state and international patients, as well as select on-site wellness amenities for weekly program patients and their loved ones.
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Negative Impact On Pre
Its not always about toxic mold syndrome creating new problems. It can also worsen pre-existing conditions. Obviously, if you have asthma before youre exposed to toxic mold, the toxic mold exposure will grant you no favors when it comes to breathing. The same can be said for ADHD or traumatic brain injuries. Toxic black mold decreases blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, which makes it difficult to heal from a TBI or to focus when struggling with ADHD. Because memory loss, lack of focus, and fatigue are symptoms of depression, toxic mold syndrome can double bad depression days. In addition to exacerbating pre-existing conditions, some symptoms of toxic mold syndrome such as anxiety and insomnia are similar to that of bipolar disorder, so it can be easily misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder.
The good news is that as serious as toxic mold syndrome can be, most symptoms will disappear when toxic mold is removed from the bloodstream. Thats why its crucial to call in a professional as soon as you know that you have a toxic mold problem. Valor Mold can help with expert mold testing and mold remediation. Need help removing toxic mold from your home? Contact Valor Mold today to learn more or schedule a mold test.
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Is There A Test To Determine If I Have Been Exposed To Mold
Some physicians have recommended testing for mold-specific antibodies. Thepresence of antibodies only indicates that you have been exposed to a substanceat some time. It does not tell you when you were exposed, where the exposuretook place, or how much of the mold you were exposed to. Having a positive testfor mold-specific antibodies alone is generally considered insufficient toprove that health effects reported by individuals in moisture-damaged buildingsare caused by exposure to mold.
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Can Mold Cause Neurological Problems
Mold-related illnesses are very prevalent in patients with compromised or weakened immune systems. Mold-related health conditions can manifest themselves with neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, brain fog, and attentional problems. Long-term exposure to mold toxins can be detrimental when they accumulate in the body as they may require a prolonged course of treatment. The signs and symptoms of mold-related illnesses can partly mimic classic neurologic disorders such as balance and coordination problems, difficulties in movement, and pain syndromes.
Sensitive individuals can be affected by mold toxins, which aggravate underlying pathologic or neurologic processes in the body. This article will be discussing the relationship between mold toxicity and its effect on neurological processes to promote a better understanding of how it can affect the human nervous system.
Memory Issues From Mold Exposure
Did you know that exposure to mold in the home can cause memory issues, including short-term memory loss? Most people know that mold can cause respiratory problems, like sinus infections and asthma attacks, but many are surprised to learn it can sometimes lead to neurological problems as well, including memory loss, forgetfulness, poor concentration and a shortened attention span. Well tell you how mold can affect memory and how to get help if you are experiencing memory loss. You can follow this link to read about other health problems caused by exposure to mold in the home.
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How Does Mold Affect Your Health Long Term
As for toxicity increases, people exposed to mould for the long term may start to experience symptoms such as persistent headaches and migraines, increased exhaustion and random muscle cramps. The person exposed in more severe cases may also suffer from sensitivity to light, unexplained weight gain and hair loss.
Immunohistochemistry For Neurogenesis: Proliferation Immature New Neurons And Mature New Neurons
BrdU, Hu and NeuN were labeled as described in and in the Protocol Exchange. To label DCX, tissue was brought to room temperature, rinsed 3 times in tris-buffered saline and exposed to 0.06 or 0.09% hydrogen peroxide + 1% methanol in TBS for 30 min. Tissue was washed in TBS, blocked in 3% normal horse serum and 2.5% Triton X-100 in TBS for 30 min, and incubated overnight with primary goat polyclonal anti-DCX . Tissue was then washed in TBS 3 times for 5 min, then incubated in biotinylated horse anti-goat secondary antibody in TBS for 3 h. Tissue was washed in TBS 3 times for 5 min, and exposed to avidin and biotin for 1 h. Tissue was washed 3 times for 5 min in TBS, reacted with DAB chromogen , rinsed in TBS, dipped in distilled water, dehydrated in increasing concentrations of ethanol and cover slipped with Krystalon .
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