How Sick Can You Get From Black Mold

Air Purifiers For Black Mold

Without moisture and food, black mold will be unable to colonize in your home. However, that doesnt mean it goes away completely mold spores will still waft through the air and lay on surfaces, waiting for the opportunity to grow again. One of the best ways to prevent black mold growth is by running an Air Oasis air purifier.

Air Oasis air purifiers can greatly reduce, if not eliminate, indoor mold. Multiple scientific studies illustrate the effectiveness of Air Oasis purifiers against both airborne fungus and visible mold colonies. Air Oasis purifiers achieved this through a combination of powerful purification technologies, including overlapping filtration techniques and ionization.

If youre concerned about the health effects of black mold, you need the best air purifier on the market. Air Oasis has got you covered. Questions? Contact us online or give us a call at .

Can You Survive Black Mold

Black mold isnt likely to make you sick and it wont kill you. Very young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are some of the groups that can be made sick by black mold. Black mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp, warm, humid conditions.

Black mold thrives in areas with a lot of moisture, such as basements, attics, crawlspaces, garages, kitchens and bathrooms. The mold grows on wood, paper, cardboard, plastic and other materials that have been in contact with the air for a long period of time.

States, it is most commonly found in wood-burning stoves, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners and many other types of heating and air-conditioning equipment. Because of its ability to survive in these environments, this fungus is often referred to as a black mold because of the black color it gives to its growths.

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.

You May Like: How To Make My Own Plastic Mold

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Dead Mold Spores

Checklist: Preventing Mold Growth & Toxicity

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 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

Also Check: How Do You Clean Mold Off Fabric

Can Mold Trigger Sleep Problems

When you sleep, it is important for your body to breathe as easily as possible. Otherwise, your brain has to focus harder on keeping you breathing, decreasing the quality of your sleep. As a result, people who sleep in bedrooms with mold may experience the following sleep problems:snoring refers to any sort of loud breathing during the night. Snoring may not wake you up, however, it can cause insomnia for your sleeping partner, and it is an indication that something is interfering with the quality of your sleep.

Snoring can also trigger dry mouth.

Being exposed to mold every night while you sleep can cause numerous health problems, including:trouble breathingdepressionitchy rash or hiveschildren are especially prone to mold-related illnesses. According to U.S. Centers for disease control and prevention , exposure to household mold has been linked to the development of asthma in children and to bleeding in the lungs, which can be deadly, in babies. Children normally invest even more time oversleeping their bedrooms than grownups do, so mold in the bedrooms of children is an even greater issue.

Does Mold Make You Tired

Have you been feeling lethargic in your home, but full of energy when you leave town for a few days? This could be a sign you have a black mold infestation. Studies show a correlation between mold exposure and chronic fatigue syndrome. As you inhale in its presence, minuscule spores can enter your lungs, causing an immune response.

It takes a lot out of your immune system to defeat these tiny invaders, which can cause exhaustion. As your immune system keeps fighting the particles, your body can begin to develop an allergy, even if you didnt have one before. If your family has a history of allergies or asthma you could be more at risk for symptoms.

Tiredness is one of the most common symptoms of toxic mold. Breathing in spores can interrupt your breathing and irregular breathing is a root cause of sleep apnea. If you cant sleep through the night and are always catching your breath, this could be due to mold-induced sleep apnea. So, if you constantly feel under the weather and ready for a nap, it might not be a bug going around the office. There could be black mold lurking in your walls.

Donât Miss: Black Mold In Shower Ceiling

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Walls With Mold

How Do You Test For Black Mold In Your Body

A blood test is done. A blood test, sometimes called the radioallergosorbent test, can measure your immune systems response to mold by measuring the amount of certain antibodies in your bloodstream known as immunoglobulin E . The test is done by taking a sample of your blood and sending it to a lab for analysis.

The results of the test will tell you if you have been exposed to the mold, and if so, how much mold youve had to deal with. If you dont have any symptoms, you may not need to see a doctor. However, its important to keep in mind that mold exposure can cause a variety of health problems, including allergic reactions, asthma, skin rashes, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

How Black Mold Spores Spread

Stachybotrys chartarum spores dont easily disseminate in the air because their clusters are generally covered with a layer of slime. However, when the clusters dry and are disturbed, spores can become aerosolized, as well as latch on to dust particles. Although black mold grows and spreads more slowly than other molds, research indicates that its aerosolized spores are present in as many as 13% of dwellings.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Mold On Clothes In Closet

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.

Keep Your Bathroom Dry & Well

Mold thrives on moisture in the air, so do your best to eliminate it from your bathroom. Leave the bathroom door open after a shower and whenever else possible. Wash and dry your bathmats, towels, and washcloths frequently to discourage fungi growth.

Consider purchasing an exhaust fan. You can run this for several minutes after your bath or shower to expel excess moisture.

You May Like: What To Spray On Carpet To Kill Mold

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

Recommended Reading: How To Eliminate Mold Smell In House

Mold Exposure Sets Stage For Severe Flu

Mouse Study Suggests Common Fungus Could Worsen Respiratory Infections

By Brandon Levy

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

New IRP research suggests that exposure to a common variety of mold could exacerbate the symptoms of respiratory viruses like the flu.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, both scientists and the media have focused on the factors that influence who experiences mild symptoms or none at all and who faces potentially life-threatening consequences from the disease. Other respiratory viruses like the flu also have widely varying effects on different patients. New IRP research has found that exposure to a common variety of mold primes the immune system to overreact to the flu virus, dramatically increasing the illnesss severity.1

In order to reproduce, the fungi that make up patches of mold release spores into the air, which are often inhaled by humans and other organisms. In locations with temperate climates, such as the mid-Atlantic United States, one of the most common varieties of mold is Alternaria alternata, and people who repeatedly inhale its spores can develop breathing problems over time, such as lung inflammation and asthma.

The black mold in the basement you see on TV shows where they do home rehabs thats Alternaria alternata for the most part, says IRP senior investigator Helene Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., the new studys senior author. Its everywhere, and certain people are extremely sensitive to it.

Dr. Helene Rosenberg

References:

Don’t Miss: How To Remove Mold From Fabric Cushions

Can You Get Sick From Shower Mold

The possibility of mycotoxin production is very low when compared to other dangers that mold can present.

According to the CDC, these fungi can have a wide range of effects on different types of people. For example, it acts as a very severe irritant for people with a sensitivity to it. They will experience symptoms like a stuffy nose, red eyes, itchy skin, and wheezing.

Individuals who have an allergy to mold will also experience some negative side effects. Their reactions will often be heightened, and they will likely experience fever and shortness of breath.

Other pre-existing conditions can also amplify a persons reaction to fungi growth in the shower. For example, a person with immune suppression might be at a higher risk of developing an infection. Or, a person with a chronic respiratory disease like COPD or asthma may experience more severe symptoms.

Cleaning Up Black Mold

The processof cleaning up black mold is much more complex than most people think. If youtry to clean it up yourself, your symptoms of black mold exposure may worsen. Additionally, if you are not careful thecleanup process may cause black mold spores to become airborne and crosscontaminate other parts of your home.

Instead ofputting your health at risk, we recommend that you meet with a mold removalspecialist. Most mold removal specialists will give a free home inspection andevaluation, so even if you are thinking of doing the cleanup yourself you canstill get some free advice. They will inspect your home, help you find hiddenmold, discuss the best techniques for removing the mold in your particularcase, recommend prevention strategies to make sure the mold does not return,and give you a price quote. For a list of mold removal specialists offeringfree home inspections in your area, just follow the link

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Mold In Trailer

What Are Black Mold Health Symptoms

We all know mold isnt welcomed in the home, but did you know too that breathing in the presence of mold can harm your health? There are over 2,000 different species of mold and the most dangerous of all is called Stachybotrys Chartarum, also known as black mold or the invisible killer.

Why is black mold so dangerous? Black mold releases toxic spores that linger in the air and attack your respiratory health. The potency of these toxic spores has proved to be the most detrimental to human health.

Black mold often appears as slimy and greenish-black. If its water source runs out, it can also appear as dry and powdery. Black mold is also dangerous because its sometimes difficult to distinguish from other species of mold.

The following are health symptoms associated with black mold exposure:

In severe cases, symptoms caused by inhaling black mold can lead to the following health troubles:

• Respiratory complications

Sometimes mold invades spaces that are hard to see and reach. It spreads fast, burrowing into walls and ceilings and hiding in cupboards and under carpets. Quite often, people are exposed to black mold without even knowing it. If you or anyone in your home is experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms without knowing why, you may be exposed to mold.

Black mold should be approached with extreme caution. Tackling it without proper knowledge and equipment is unsafe. The suspected contamination should always be examined and removed by professionals.

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.

Don’t Miss: Can Mold Die On Its Own

Myths About Black Mold

Its important to address myths some people may have about black mold. One common rumor is that black mold releases toxic compounds called mycotoxins that cause health issues, like memory loss, headaches, and infant pulmonary hemorrhage.

But according to a review from 2017, theres no evidence that exposure to black mold causes particular health conditions.

Furthermore, while a variety of molds produce mycotoxins, these compounds are primarily dangerous for humans only when eaten in significant quantities.

A 2019 review of research into this topic states theres currently no evidence that mycotoxins in the air cause disease.

How To Get Rid Of Mold

There are plenty of DIY mold removal options for you on the web some more effective than others. These may suffice if the problem is minor. After DIY treatment, it may be good to have an air quality test taken to measure the effectiveness of your work.

If the problem is more than minor, DIY methods will likely only remove the appearance of mold for a short time. For more serious problems, the best approach is to hire a certified and reputable local mold remediation company.

Most mold remediation companies will recommend demolition of the infected part of your home to literally remove the mold, so keep in mind that you might have additional expenses to restore a portion of your house. On top of that, the process might take several days.

If you are looking into demolition-free mold removal, then consider companies that use a dry fog technique. When properly done, this method not only kills mold without demolition, but it also takes less than a day to complete.

Don’t Miss: How To Remove Mold From Crawl Space Floor Joists