Should I Be Concerned About A Serious Health Risk Tome And My Family
Evidence continues to grow about the health risks that not only stachybotrys butany kind of elevated mold levels pose to those living alongside it for an extended period of time.The jury is still out on just how much damage it can cause, but we have seen first hand how peoplesuffer from living in these conditions even at a slightly elevated level. Reactions to elevatedmold conditions are very individualized as well. Some people are hyper sensitive to these types ofproblems. It is not uncommon for us to see 2 people at the same place with 1 experiencing symptomsand the other person thinking everything is fine. Young children, elderly, and those withpre-existing conditions are usually the highest risk for developing complications from mold.
What Are Symptoms Of Black Mold Poisoning
The symptoms of black mold poisoning vary from person to person and are also affected by how much you were exposed to.
Exposure typically causes effects characteristic of an allergic reaction or respiratory issues like asthma. Long-term contact is also linked to health risks like chronic respiratory and neurological issues. A recent study found that 93% of patients suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome tested positive for the presence of mycotoxins in their bloodstreams. People who have an immunodeficiency or who suffer from certain illnesses like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or where affected by the coronavirus are especially at risk to toxicity.
You may experience any of the symptoms below, either on their own or in combination with one another. Since many of these effects can be indicative of conditions or illnesses unrelated to toxic exposure, you should consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Red, itchy eyes
- Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or sinus congestion
- Headaches, difficulty concentrating, confusion, forgetfulness, or brain fog
- Weakness, extreme tiredness
- Joint pain, aches, muscle cramping, or nerve pain
- Insomnia, depression, or anxiety
Do I Need Professional Testing
In short, usually not! Because, remember the saying: no mold, no matter what color, belongs in a healthy home. And that is good news because a professional mold inspection with testing can run anywhere from $300-$750. In most cases where mold is clearly visible, knowing exactly what type of mold you have is unnecessary. We advise most of our clients to forgo the inspection process and just apply that money saved to the cost of fixing the problem. The EPA agrees that mold testing isnt necessary in most cases.
There are exceptions, however, such as when a mold inspection with testing is required as part of a real estate sale or if you require proof that a mold problem is present, such as for a legal dispute. If you think you may have a mold problem, but arent sure, then we recommend formal testing from a professional. And if you require clearance testing to verify an all clear after a mold problem is fixed, then professional mold testing is necessary.
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How Long Before Mold Sets In
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, mold can begin to form in as little as 24 to 48 hours following moisture accumulation. That’s because mold spores are ubiquitous, and it doesn’t take long for them to find the water and settle.
Black Mold Symptoms And Health Effects
Learn about black mold symptoms and health effects so that you can identify indicators of black mold exposure and black mold poisoning.
A mold infested room of an old building.
Dariusz Majgier
Mold in homes can be a costly and dangerous problem, particularly when infestations of toxic black mold occur. The symptoms and health effects of black mold exposure and black mold poisoning cover a wide range of health problems, but understanding the indicators can help keep you and your family safe.
Toxic black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, as it’s known to scientists, can release spores as it feeds on organic materials in common household materials like drywall, carpet, insulation or sub-flooring that have been exposed to moisture. These spores, if ingested or inhaled, can cause a range of unpleasant and even dangerous symptoms in humans.
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Knowing More About Mold That Grows On Bread
If you have experienced mold on bread many times before, you might have noticed that it has a different color each time. In fact, the color difference is determined by the taxonomical structure of the mold.
At least, there are three mold types that are often found on bread. Based on its colors, below are the most common ones:
You may have experienced black mold on bread. It comes from the species Rhizopus stolonifer, and it is one of the most common molds on bread. This species of mold can also grow on fruits which cause the fruits to rot.
Among other mold species, black mold has the fastest growth. Black mold lives by dissolving the bread and absorb the nutrition. Furthermore, it can cause infections on a human.
Neurospora crassa is red mold that typically grows on bread. It has a pinkish red color, and it grows easily on the right media such as bread. However, it has been used in numerous experiments relating to circadian rhythms, epigenetics, gene silencing, and cell fusion.
It is sometimes called as model fungi because it has a full life cycle and consists of both fungi and yeast.
Penicillium might be the most common mold on bread. It has a blue-green or gray appearance with white borders. It grows in patches and dissolves the bread to grow. This species of mold grows easily at a low temperature with low light.
Is Black Mold Dangerous Heres The Truth
The truth is, many people arent negatively affected by mold. However, mold can cause allergies in some people who are sensitive to mold. In these cases, it can make their lives miserable. Mold can also cause severe medical issues with a small percentage of people who have other health complications.
If youve seen a concerning growth in your home or been told that you have a black mold issue, you probably have a lot of questions.
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Can Black Mold Spores Travel In The Air
Yes. Mold spores are airborne and can attach themselves to peoples skin, clothing, shoes, shopping bags, furniture, carpets, and even pets. Once spores enter your home, they can settle onto any surface and start to multiply. They can also enter your house through open doorways, open windows, and HVAC systems.
Mold spores are microscopic and are virtually found everywhere. They are naturally found in the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors. Since spores are tiny and lightweight, they become airborne easily, every time we vacuum or walk on the carpets or even sit on our couch.
Conditions Permitting An Assessment Of Probable Age Of Mold Growth In Buildings
All of these mold-producing conditions are likely to pertain and should always considered in both field and laboratory examinations of moldy conditions in any building where mold contamination is present.
Of course for any specific case of mold contamination in a building, only some of these conditions will actually be present and determinant of mold growth in a particular building and case.
Water leak history sets a probable age of mold
Evidence of a history of recurrent water entry in a building will establish that mold-producing conditions have been present since the beginning of those water or wet conditions in and at the property. These include both:
- Evidence of water-entry producing conditions and
- Evidence of the effects of water entry . Mold spores are available in the environment nearly all of the time under all conditions.
Evidence of rot sets a probable age of mold
Evidence of rotted wood components such as flooring, framing, floor joists, sill plates, or posts.
While water entry can occur suddenly and can be extreme , the conditions produced by a first-time and one-time event, if inspected days, weeks, or even several months after the event, will not include rotted components.
The floor trim in the photo above is not only moldy, a closer examination shows that it has rotted.
The rotted condition of the trim indicates long-term exposure to water and makes it less likely that the mold on the trim is due only to a single recent leak event.
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How To Remove Mold From Your Home
If you find the presence of mold in your home, there are several steps you can take to help remove it:
- Fix Water Leaks: Whether its from a leaky faucet or a broken pipe, mold can start growing in 24 48 hours. Reach out to an HVAC professional or plumber to help you eliminate any water leaks.
- Exhaust Fans: Use exhaust fans when youre cooking or washing dishes. When taking a shower, be sure to always use your bathroom fan.
- Clean Visible Mold: Do you see mold growing on a wall or other surface? Use a sponge and soap to remove mold wherever you find it.
- Get Professional Help: When mold damage is widespread or if its just too much for you to handle, its time to call in the pros. Look for a mold remediation professional in your area that has the tools needed for large-scale cleaning.
How Long Does It Take For Black Mold To Kill You
Black mold, or Stachybotrys atra, has a reputation for being fatal. This is due to reports that black mold was related to infant deaths in the 1990s. Its also been linked to the idea of sick building syndrome and is often called toxic black mold.
But theres no solid evidence proving that black mold is toxic. Black mold, and mold in general, is not deadly.
Still, black mold can cause unwanted side effects, especially those in people who are sensitive to mold. This includes people who are young, old, or have compromised immune systems.
Visit a doctor if you have:
- persistent sinus and nasal congestion
- frequent headaches
- unexplained skin irritation
- more frequent asthma attacks
Sometimes, it can be difficult to know if mold is causing your symptoms. Many side effects of mold exposure are similar to other conditions, like seasonal allergies. Some symptoms also take time to appear.
Your best bet is to see a doctor, even if youre unsure your symptoms are related to mold. They can help you find relief.
The best way to treat mold exposure symptoms is to reduce exposure. Follow these tips:
- Avoid contact with moldy items or surfaces.
- Avoid damp rooms, like basements.
- Remove mold from the home by cleaning surfaces and drying damp areas.
- Increase ventilation by using a fan or opening windows.
- Reduce indoor humidity with a dehumidifier.
The length of time it takes for mold to leave your body will depend on your level of previous exposure.
- a musty, earthy odor
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How To Remove White Mold
While some types of mold and mildew are easy to remove with household products like vinegar, white mold is much more difficult to remove on your own. It may have penetrated deep below the surface of the contaminated material or it may be growing in places you arent even aware of.
Furthermore, do-it-yourself mold removal always puts you at risk of spreading the contamination and exposing yourself to toxic mold, which can lead to serious health effects. Furthermore, most people do not possess the equipment or know-how to remove toxic mold safely and effectively.
Whatever you do, dont let mold grow in your house for a long time. Contact a certified mold removal expert to explore all remediation strategies and help you pick the one thats best for you.
Due to its changing appearance and tendency to grow in areas of high moisture , white mold is not the easiest to recognize unless you are a trained and experienced mold professional. Furthermore, properly identifying white mold is only part of the problem. The other part includes finding the moisture problem thats causing the mold growth and cleaning up the contamination effectively. For this, it is always better to rely on a reputable mold remediation company.
How Much Mold Exposure Is Harmful
While there is no magic number for how much black mold you need to be exposed to before it poses health risks, no level of contact is truly healthy, and you should take steps to avoid or limit your exposure. Every persons body reacts differently, and some individuals may have a higher tolerance before exhibiting symptoms of harmful exposure.
If you suspect you were exposed to black mold, look at the symptoms below and contact your physician if youre experiencing any of them.
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Natural Ways To Deal With Black Mold Symptoms
If you already see or smell black mold, remove it immediately and thoroughly.
If youre experiencing black mold poisoning, there are thankfully some natural ways to help with your black mold symptoms, including:
1. Raw Garlic
Raw garlic has amazing antifungal abilities, which is just what your body needs when it has been exposed to black mold. Garlic helps to kill off fungi, molds and yeasts. Two to four grams of fresh garlic per day, or 600 milligrams to 900 milligrams of garlic tablets daily, is recommended for toxic mold exposure.
2. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal can be taken as a supplement for mold cleansing. Most people dont think about mold living in their bodies, but it can, and activated charcoal is a potent natural treatment. It traps toxins in the body, allowing them to be flushed out so the body doesnt reabsorb them. Activated charcoal is made from a variety of sources, but when used for natural healing, its important to select activated charcoal made from coconut shells or other natural sources.
3. Chlorophyll
Its so much more than a green pigment found in plants. Im talking about chlorophyll, which has shown an ability to protect DNA from damage caused by toxic molds like aflatoxin. Chlorophyll also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a highly recommended part of any healthy diet, but especially one that is looking to fight black mold symptoms.
4. Cut Down or Cut Out Sugar
5. Identify the Moisture Source
6. Fix the Source
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 .
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How Does Mold Grow On Bread
Mold grows, yet it is not a plant. It comes from the fungi family called the Hyphomycetes and produces spores through the air. It grows as multicellular filaments. It has diverse taxonomic types, which makes it has different colors like blue, green, black, red, and white.
Unlike other plants, mold has no chlorophyll. Plants with chlorophyll have the ability to absorb energy from the sun and convert it as nutrition.
Otherwise, mold needs to absorb the nutrition from other plants, animals, or medium. Bread is one of the perfect media for mold to grow.
Mold does not grow well in direct sun light. If bread is stored in a cupboard, plastic container, or a bread box, it is more likely to grow mold. Notice that all the storage that you use often located far away from direct sun light.
Storing it inside a breadbox near the window would also do nothing. The sun light will only give warmth, and it could help molds to grow even faster.
However, mold also likes moisture and humidity. It means, storing the bread inside the refrigerator would less likely to help because it gives the perfect air for the mold to grow.
It all started with unseen spores in the air. Millions of mold spores are in the air, and we couldnt even notice because of its micro size.
The spores will then drop, land to the bread, and multiple. We cannot see the molds growth until it multiplies to a set of an organism.
Black Mold Removal And Cleaning
Mold remediation in stores, offices, or schools is best left to the pros. This also applies to household mold exceeding 10 square feet.
The contractors you choose should have insurance and licenses from organizations like the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification .
Homeowners can handle cleaning about 10 square feet of black mold on their own.3 If the patch is small enough, a combination of bleach, water, scrubbing, and ventilation should do the trick.
Before treating mold on your own, prioritize ventilation and protective gear.
Removing black mold is a tough and dirty job. If you or anyone in your family is sensitive to mold allergies, has respiratory or immune issues, trust the professionals.
Find a contractor in your area to get started.
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How Long Is It Before Mold Develops From A Leaking Roof
A leaky roof can pave the way for mold in a big hurry. When water enters the home and has the chance to stagnate, mold spores begin to germinate within the moist surface. That’s because mold requires only two ingredients: water, and a bit of organic matter to feed upon . If you notice water damage from a leaking roof, you need to respond quickly.
