Where Can Black Mold Be Found In Homes
Black mold thrives in warm and damp environments, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. To prevent black mold growth problems in your home, make sure there are no leaks that can lead to water damage. Use fans and dehumidifiers to keep the humidity in your home between 40% and 50%. Learn more about mold prevention tips here.
The Truth About Toxic Mold
Concern about toxic mold is increasing with heightened public awareness that exposure can cause serious health problems- and even death. However, all molds, toxic or not, should be of concern when they persist at elevated levels indoors.
Mold affects both the home and workplace environment, compromising the structural integrity of buildings and the health of those inside.
Recent claim settlements have reached high into the millions-the most notorious case being a $32 million settlement in Austin, Texas, which was later reduced to a $4 million verdict.
The heath effects associated with mold vary depending on the type of mold and the person exposed. Immuno-altered and immuno-compromised individuals are at a much higher risk of suffering health effects. Exposure to mold, via skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation, can result in allergic reactions, infections, or toxic effects. The associated symptoms range from a rash and cold and flu-like effects to neurological damage and even death.
In some cases, indoor mold growth may not be obvious. Mold can grow on hidden surfaces, such as the backside of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Some building materials, such as vinyl wallpaper may act as a vapor barrier, trapping moisture beneath the surface and thereby providing a moist environment where mold can grow on the wallboard or wood paneling underneath.
Donât Miss: How To Get Mold Off Ceiling In Bathroom
From Concise To Confused
Out of nowhere, Kimberlyn went from a highly-effective, busy, working mother, to a disorganized, uninvolved, confused individual who couldnt focus long enough to put together cohesive, coherent thoughts. She was no longer able to make decisions for herself and struggled to even get dressed in the morning. Insomnia, anxiety, and a loss of appetite accompanied the confusion. It was like I lost my personality, says Kimberlyn.
Read Also: Can You Die From Mold In Your House
What Are The Symptoms Of Mold Sickness
If your Total Body Burden is high, or you are genetically predisposed to recycling toxins, regular exposure to mold can cause allergy symptoms, such as:
- Wheezing/shortness of breath
- Long standing or frequent sinusitis
And, serious pain and neurological symptoms, such as:
- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle cramping, aches and pains
- Persistent nerve pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Poor memory, brain fog, difficulty with focus
In some cases, the spores from mold take root and grow in specific parts of the body, such as the lungs and sinuses. This can cause serious respiratory illnesses and infections.
Remove Black Mold In Bathroom Sink Drain
Black mold can also be found in bathroom sink drain. If you notice small patches in black, dark green or gray colors in the sink drain or drain pipe, mold removal steps should be done immediately.
To remove black mold in the drain, you can scrub it using a brush or a piece of cloth. Rub all parts in the structure thoroughly, including the grate that is possible to be infected by black mold as well.
If you have difficulty in reaching small parts of the drain, you can take it apart for a while and fix it back after the cleaning is done.
To optimize your cleaning, you can use some additional mold-killing agents such as vinegar, bleach, and fungicide that can help you get rid of black mold in the bathroom drain.
You May Like: How To Get Mold Out Of Cloth
Checklist: Preventing Mold Growth & Toxicity
Keep the humidity in buildings less than 50 percent. Dont set your AC up over 78 degrees when you are on vacation.
If you have a water spill or leak it needs to be dried in less than 24-48 hours. If drywall gets wet, remove it.
Inspect all barriers to water and/or re-caulk bathrooms, kitchens, windows, roof annually.
Minimize your exposure to other environmental toxins .
Take supplements that support your detox pathways to keep ahead of exposures.
Bigger picture: We need to update our building guidelines to reduce the risk for mold growth. The issue is that buildings are being built so tight for energy conservation that now they dont breathe. This decreases the likelihood that moisture will dry out and increases the risk for condensation. If you have an opportunity to build a house or remodel find experts to work with who are familiar with these tradeoffs.
How do we test for mold in our environment/home/office, and get rid of it?
We still need to develop more comprehensive testing technology for the presence of mold toxins in buildings . There are limitations with all environmental mold testing options. The mold plates available at hardware stores dont usually catch the most toxic mold spores. These molds dont send out very many spores, or they are heavy and dont make it very far, so they dont land on the plates.
Should we all be testing for mold regularly, or only if it seems to be an issue?
How is mold toxicity diagnosed?
How To Clean Your Bottle Of Water
Make sure you scrub it inside. Fill the sink with hot water and some dish soap. Leave it for some time and then use a bottle brush to reach all parts of the bottle. Make sure you rinse the bottle with hot water before drying it.
You can also use vinegar. Studies have shown that white vinegar can kill 82% of mold spores. If you add a mixture of white vinegar and water to a bottle and leave it overnight, that will do the job. Rinse a bottle thoroughly to ensure you get rid of the white vinegar taste.
If you have metal water bottles that will require special attention. To clean it properly use boiled water. This will help you get rid of the odor or mold growing in the bottle. Let it sit for several hours or even overnight, wash it inside thoroughly.
Consistency is what matters here. We recommend cleaning your water bottle after each use. Yes, its more frequent than you would think, but that will keep you safe.
Read Also: Black Mold Uv Light
You May Like: How To Make My Own Plastic Mold
Can Mold On Window Sills Make You Sick Easy Steps To Get Rid Of It
Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp, dark environments. It can grow on a variety of surfaces, including window sills. If you are having mold problems in your home, it is important to find and remove the source of the moisture. In some cases, mold can cause health problems. If you are concerned about mold exposure, it is important to take steps to improve the air quality in your home. An air purifier can help reduce the level of mold spores in the air.
How Are Mold Allergies And Exposure Diagnosed
There are no proven tests that show when or where you may have been exposed to mold.
But your doctor may check for mold allergies by reviewing your symptoms and performing one of the following tests:
- Blood test. Your doctor takes a blood sample and then sends it to a laboratory to measure the number of certain antibodies, which can indicate your immune systems sensitivity to different mold species.
- Skin prick test. Your doctor takes a small amount of mold and applies it to your skin using a tiny needle. Your skin will break out in bumps, a rash, or hives if youre allergic to that type of mold.
You May Like: How To Remove Mold From Leather Boots
Black Mold In Water Bottle Symptoms
People can be affected by black mold in different ways that often cause no symptoms at all. Some symptoms are common if someone is sensitive to mold. Symptoms like nose stuffiness, sore throat, wheezing, skin rash, red or itchy eyes and coughing. Sometimes causes some specific out comings like an asthma attack in people with asthma & finding breathing difficulty in those with a chronic respiratory disease.
Mold Allergy And Sickness
Can drinking mold make you sick? Yes, drinking mold can make you sick but not the kind of sick that will make you rush to the emergency room. After you realize that you drank a moldy beverage, most likely, you will feel your stomach churn, and you feel like throwing up.
This is an intuitive reaction to your mind rejecting the thought of drinking something that you believe can kill you or cause you severe harm. In reality, you wont die from taking a bite from moldy bread or taking a few sips from a moldy tumbler or moldy beverage.
In some cases, you get symptoms from mold allergy because you brought the moldy food or beverage near your nose and you inhaled some spores. This can cause you to experience allergic reactions such as:
- Itchy or red eyes
If you are asthmatic, exposure to mold can trigger an attack. You can also expect to have some difficulty breathing after bring the food or beverage near your nose to eat or drink.
Some molds are toxic and can have severe side effects when inhaled. Inhalation can be more severe than ingestion in some cases.
Common black mold is sometimes called toxic mold but there are several kinds and not all are toxic.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Mold In Window Sills
Your Attic Insulation Is Lumpy
Wave off the spider webs and take a closer look at the insulation in your attic. Attic insulation that is very lumpy and uneven-looking may mean a bigger problem, says John Bodrozic, Co-Founder of HomeZada. The insulation could be in bad shape due to unforeseen roof leaks, which could also mean potential mold issues. If your attic has poor circulation or improper ventilation, it could create ideal conditions for mold growth.
Mold Reactions: Whos At Risk
For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath. In people with asthma who are allergic to mold, breathing in spores can also cause asthma attacks.
In addition to people with allergies and asthma, others who may be more sensitive to the effects of mold include:
- Infants and children
- People whose immune systems are compromised due to HIV infection, cancer, liver disease, or chemotherapy
- People with chronic lung disease
Recommended Reading: How To Eliminate Mold Smell In House
How Can You Be Exposed To Black Mold
You can be exposed to black mold, or any species of mold, by breathing in microscopic mold particles in the air, or through consumption of food that contains it.
Stachybotrys is unique because its spores are sticky and easily adhere to a surface when the mold colony dries. They are not regularly found in the air unless the mold colony has been disturbed. Though its spores are not readily airborne, black mold can produce other harmful contaminants more easily found in the air .
A disruption to a black mold colony can be as simple as slamming a door, opening a window or knocking into contaminated furniture. More force is required for Stachybotrys spores to become airborne, as compared to other commonly found indoor molds .
Can Mold On Window Sills Make You Sick
Yes, mold on window sills can sometimes make you sick. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, warm environments and can release harmful spores into the air. Mold exposure is known to cause various respiratory and allergic reactions, including sneezing, coughing, wheezing, rashes, or watery or red eyes. Young children, the elderly, and people with preexisting conditions are particularly vulnerable to health problems stemming from mold exposure.
Don’t Miss: Will Baking Soda Remove Mold
Causes Of Damp And Mould
Mould and damp are caused by excess moisture. Moisture in buildings can be caused by leaking pipes, rising damp in basements or ground floors, or rain seeping in because of damage to the roof or around window frames.
A newly built home may be damp if the water used when building it is still drying out for example, in the plaster on the walls. Excess moisture indoors can also be caused by condensation.
If you have mould or damp it’s important to find out why you have excess moisture in your home. When you know what’s causing the damp, you can make sure your home is repaired or take steps to limit the moisture in the air. You may need to get a professional to remove mould for you, but if it’s only a small amount you may be able to remove it yourself.
How Can You Tell If Your Air Condition Has Mold In It
Its not uncommon for people to go a long time before finding out that their air conditioner has been spreading harmful mold spores. Your air conditioning can be making you sick, and you may not even realize it.
Mold in an air conditioning unit is usually discovered during the course of maintenance, such as when someone is replacing filters or cleaning dust and debris from the air conditioner. In these scenarios, the mold could be discovered by the owner of the home or air conditioner or by a professional HVAC technician.
One way to watch out for mold is through scent. If theres a musty or stale smell whenever you turn on your air conditioning unit, it may point toward mold being present somewhere.
You may also want to look for mold if you experience any sicknesses or other symptoms that could be connected to mold. Look through the list of symptoms and problems discussed above for some examples of what to look out for.
If you suspect that your air conditioning unit may contain mold, you should begin by checking whatever parts of the unit are visible or otherwise easy to access, including the evaporator coils and filter. However, take note that these parts being clean doesnt necessarily mean that youre free of mold. Ducts, ventilation shafts, and other less easily visible areas may hide mold.
Don’t Miss: How To Deal With Black Mold On Drywall
Can Mold In Bathroom Make You Sick
In some cases, mold in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Whether or not youre allergic to molds, mold exposure can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Heres what you can do to combat mold problems, and take care of yourself and your home.Feb 5, 2021
Read Also: What Can You Spray On Mold
Is There A Blood Test For Mold
Blood test.
Your doctor takes a blood sample and sends it to a testing laboratory to test for the reaction of certain antibodies in your immune system to different mold species, including black mold. A blood test can also check for biotoxins in your blood from mold exposure, which can also reveal mold poisoning.
Donât Miss: Wet Forming Leather Holster
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Mold In Your Closet
How Best To Remove Mold From Your Home
Here are some tips for how to remove mold from your home and prevent exposure:
- Check your home for places where mold might lurk, such as under sinks and in basement walls. Things to look for include visible mold growth, water leaks, and water seepage.
- Promptly fix any leaks you find, including leaky roofs and pipes.
- Dry damp surfaces, such as shower stalls, immediately after use.
- Control your homes humidity level with a dehumidifier.
- Keep kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms well ventilated.
- If flooding occurs, clean and dry the flooded area as quickly as possible.
Since mold can grow under carpets and behind walls, moldy homes dont always have obvious mold patches.
Mold smell is unmistakable but doesnt always accompany mold. If you suspect that your home is harboring mold but cant find the source, a home inspection will help.
The Effect Of Mycotoxins On The Microbiome
A healthy microbiome can protect the body by binding and metabolizing mycotoxins. But too many mycotoxins alter the proliferation and balance of the gut microbiota.
Intestinal dysbiosis contributes to the leaky gut cycle and allows gut pathogens to take over as beneficial bacteria are eliminated. As a result, the digestive system is less equipped to handle the continued exposure to incoming mycotoxins, producing a buildup in the gut.
This accumulation produces symptoms such as yeast overgrowth/candida infection, food sensitivities, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth .
Recommended Reading: Can Home Insurance Cover Mold
Also Check: How To Find Out If Your Home Has Mold
What Happens If You Eat Food With Mold
The thought of eating something moldy likely makes you want to gag. Most of the time, this is the only symptom youd get after eating moldy food. If somethings not right with your immune system and you eat something moldy, you might experience symptoms like:
- If you are allergic to mold, those allergy symptoms may be triggered also
If you notice mold on your food that you dont want to throw away, consult the USDAs guide on handling moldy food.
How Do Molds Get In The Indoor Environment And How Do They Grow
Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, and pets can and be carried indoors. When mold spores drop on places where there is excessive moisture, such as where leakage may have occurred in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots, or where there has been flooding, they will grow. Many building materials provide suitable nutrients that encourage mold to grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, are particularly conducive for the growth of some molds. Other materials such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, commonly support mold growth.
Also Check: How To Tell If Your Carpet Has Mold
Don’t Miss: Does Mold Stop Growing When Dry
