Thursday, April 25, 2024

Is It Bad To Breathe In Black Mold

> > > Swish This Sour Liquid In Your Mouth To Regrow Teeth And Gums Overnight

Housecleaning Tips : How to Clean Black Mold

There are several ways to diagnose periodontitis. The symptoms of periodontal disease can include changes in gum colour and texture, bleeding, and receding gums that expose the root of the teeth. Advanced cases of this disease can lead to the loss of specific dental pieces. If left untreated, it can lead to heart disease and osteoporosis. Fortunately, there is treatment available. However, a periodontal specialist is the best person to identify and treat your symptoms.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should consider getting a periodontist. The dentist will examine your gums to determine if you have any gum disease. The dentist may also take new X-rays to see if any changes have occurred in your teeth or bones. If the symptoms persist, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. In many cases, the disease will worsen if left untreated. Eventually, it will cause a crooked smile, which can lead to tooth loss and even a heart attack.

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
  • 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.

Read Also: Mold On Ceiling Of Bathroom

How To Get Rid Of Mold Spores In Your Lungs

The first step of ridding yourself of mold spores in your lungs is to clean your environment of any and all molds.

If you cannot accomplish this, limiting your exposure is also effective.

If you suspect mold spores in your lungs, the next step is to visit your doctor to assess the seriousness of infection and exposure.

From there, your physician can prescribe you treatment to help your symptoms.

For example, there are several types of medications that may help clean out your lungs. The most popular include:

  • Corticosteroids: these help to open up your airways and make coughing easier and more productive.
  • Itraconazole: this antifungal medications effectiveness is still debated, but often prescribed to rid the lungs of mold.

If you develop Aspergillosis, your treatment may be more aggressive.

Anti-fungal drugs may be prescribed for a short or long period of time, depending on the degree of your symptoms and severity of the infection.

You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Black Mold From House

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.

What Happens If You Breathe In Mold & What To Do

Black Mold Symptoms

Do you suspect mold is growing in your home or on your belongings?

Worried you might be breathing in mold & it might be dangerous to your health?

In this guide, you will learn:

  • The health effects of mold exposure & How much Mold Exposure is Harmful,
  • The Signs and Symptoms of what breathing in mold can do,
  • How to treat mold spores growing in your lungs.

Also Check: Where Can I Get Tested For Black Mold Exposure

Is It Bad To Live In A House With Black Mold

In short, yes. Exposure to black mold can be harmful in the long term, particularly in people with respiratory conditions and other risk factors. Black mold can be one of several different species of fungus, including Stachybotrys chartarum. Short term exposure to black mold is unlikely to cause harm in healthy people.

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.

Recommended Reading: How To Keep Mold Out Of House

How To Remove Black Mold

Protect yourself. You don’t need to worry about having mold tested if you find mold in your house. But you should get rid of it no matter what type of mold it is. Take precautions to protect yourself before you attempt to remove mold.

Use an N-95 face mask to avoid breathing in mold spores. Wear gloves to protect your hands and goggles without ventilation holes to protect your eyes.â

Find and destroy the mold. The most important part of removing mold is finding and removing its water source. Mold can’t grow without moisture. Keep the following tips in mind when you’re cleaning up mold:

  • Items that can’t be dried quickly should be discarded if they show signs of mold or water damage. Porous items such as carpet, padding, drywall, and paper soak up moisture.
  • Do not paint or caulk over moldy surfaces. Remove the mold and dry the surfaces before you paint. Paint applied over mold will peel.
  • Use plastic sheeting to block an area with mold from the rest of your house and keep the spores from spreading.
  • Scrub hard surfaces with mold with detergent and water and dry them thoroughly.
  • Put any moldy items in a plastic bag before you take them out of the room to prevent mold spores from spreading.
  • Use a HEPA filter in your air conditioner and furnace to capture mold spores that may be airborne in your house.
  • Consult a specialist if you’re not sure of the best way to clean a valuable or sentimental item.â

How Can You Be Exposed To Black Mold

Breathing Mold Can Cause Health Issues

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 .

Also Check: How To Clean And Kill Black Mold

Who Is Most At Risk

  • People with respiratory problems

The dangers of mold heavily depend on underlying health conditions and mold sensitivity or allergies.

There are some individuals in whom mold is dangerous to inhale, while others may experience no symptoms.

While there is no general guideline to gauge how much mold exposure is harmful, a key factor to consider is the level of exposure.

How Do Doctors Test For Mold Exposure

If you are aware of mold growth in your home and you feel sick let the doctor know that right away. But sometimes you cant see mold, and it is not clear whether its mold exposure thats made you sick or not.

Because mold allergy or mold exposure symptoms can resemble that of other allergies, the doctor will typically start by asking about your medical and family medical history. Additionally, doctors usually run tests for mold exposure which may include one or more of the following:

  • Skin test for reactions to allergens, including mold
  • IgG mold antibodies test to see the immune systems reaction to molds. A positive test means that an individual was or is currently exposed to mold
  • Urine mycotoxins test
  • A fungal culture of the nose sinuses

The type of testing youll receive depends on the doctor you visit, so be sure to ask questions ahead of time so you can feel confident in your diagnosis.

Read Also: Cleaning Mold Off Shower Grout

Recommended Reading: Will An Ozone Generator Kill Mold

Who Is Most At Risk For Health Problems Associated With Exposure To Mold

People with allergies may be more sensitive to molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections. Individuals with chronic respiratory disease may experience difficulty breathing. Individuals with immune suppression are at increased risk for infection from molds. If you or your family members have these conditions, a qualified medical clinician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.

How Can You Tell If Mold Is Making You Sick

How To Tell If You Have Black Mold Growing In Your Home

It can be hard to distinguish common mold exposure symptoms from those of an infection or a more serious condition. Many of these illnesses share a lot of the same side effects, and you may not be able to tell that youre sick until several days after exposure.

While most healthy people may only experience the temporary symptoms listed above, those with more compromised or weakened immune systems are at a greater risk of becoming sick after mold exposure. People in this group include the elderly, pregnant women, babies, young children and those with chronic health conditions.

There are a few serious illnesses that can be caused by mold exposure, but each usually has its own telltale symptoms that separates it from the others. Remember: the most common sign of an infection is a fever, so check your temperature regularly if you fear you may be sick.

These are just a few examples of illnesses that can be caused by molds:

  • Aspergillosis an infection that typically comes after exposure to molds in the aspergillus family. These molds are often found in decaying vegetation, such as dead leaves, compost piles and stored grain. People who have gone through chemotherapy, had an organ transplant or have compromised lungs are the most likely demographic to contract aspergillosis. Common side effects include coughing , fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, chills, shock or kidney/liver problems.

You May Like: Can Black Mold Make Me Sick

What Happens If You Breathe In Mold

Mold is commonly found both indoors and outdoors, and chances are that you breathe it in more often than you realize.

When mold spores make their way into your body, your immune system immediately tries to rid the body of the mold.

Physically, these symptoms could look like coughing or sneezing.

These symptoms could worsen, however, depending on the level of exposure and your sensitivity to mold.

Thankfully, these symptoms typically only last as long as you are exposed to the mold, or if the mold spores stick around in your body.

Everyone reacts differently to mold exposure, and there are several factors that come into play when gauging the severity.

Common Types Of Household Mold

Household mold varieties typically can be divided into rooms of the house. Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories identified the most common molds in kitchens and bathrooms, on wallpaper, on carpets and mattresses, and in basements. These mold range from needing a large spore count in order to be harmful to ones that are extremely dangerous and any spore count present is very dangerous.Most common household molds:

  • Aspergillus: This species of mold has hundreds of different strains and is most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It can also be present in damp potted plants, building materials, and carpet.

  • Cladosporium: This mold species is a common trigger for asthma attacks and allergic reactions. It is commonly found on decaying plants and indoor strains tend to grow on wet building materials and HVAC fans.

  • Stachybotrys: Commonly referred to as black mold, this is one of the most well-knownand most dangerousmold varieties that can grow in homes. It is most often found in dark, humid areas. The most common signs of black mold are a musty smell, dark rings and water spots, and visible mold colonies.

Also Check: How To Clean Mold Out Of Hydro Flask

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 Clean Mold And Mildew Off Bathroom Ceiling

Housecleaning Tips : How to Identify Black Mold

To clean mold from the ceiling, wash the affected area with a store-bought mold cleaner, or a mixture of dish soap and water. Let the area dry. Now its time to get out the big guns to kill the moldbleach. Mix one-quarter cup of bleach with one quart of water and apply the solution with a spray bottle or sponge.

You May Like: How To Prevent Mold On Shoes In Closet

How Much Mold Exposure Is Harmful

Molds are a type of fungi, which can flourish both indoors and outside. There are millions of mold species.

Mold is important for the planets ecosystem, because it helps break down waste products and organic matter, such as leaves, dead trees, and garbage.

Some people get sick from exposure to mold. Others have no symptoms and dont experience ill effects of any kind.

In this article, well talk about the potential dangers of mold exposure, identify whos most vulnerable, and provide solutions for keeping your environment mold-proof.

The Dangers Of Mold Exposure In Dogs

Do you have mold in your home?

Its an important question you need to answer because, left unchecked, mold exposure in dogs can cause serious health problems .

Your dog is continuously exposed to mold spores in the air. Like humans, some dogs are more susceptible to mold spores than others. By understanding how to spot and address mold exposure, you can protect your dog from the harmful effects of mold.

You May Like: How Much Is Mold Testing

What Are Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds

Another source of irritation from mold exposure comes from substances knownas microbial volatile organic compounds . These compounds are producedthrough fungal metabolism and are released directly into the air, often givingoff strong or unpleasant odors. Exposure to mVOCs from molds can irritate theeyes and respiratory system and has been linked to symptoms such as headaches,dizziness, fatigue, nasal irritation and nausea. The effects of mVOCs are notcompletely understood and research is still in the early stages.

How Can I Be Exposed To Mold

Black Mold Removal

People are exposed to molds every day, usually by touching or breathingthem. Because molds naturally exist outdoors and indoors, living in a totallymold-free environment is practically impossible. As molds grow, spores can bereleased into the air where they can be easily inhaled. People who inhale largenumbers of spores may get sick. Possible health concerns are an importantreason to prevent mold growth and to clean up molds in indoor environments.

Don’t Miss: Who To Call For Mold Problems

Symptoms Of Black Mold

What Does Black Mold Look Like?

Stachybotrys is commonly known as black mold because its black in color. We see black mold most often when there is flooding or water damage, such as attics, basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.What does black mold look like? Check out these photos of black mold in basements that experienced flooding:

Is black mold dangerous?

The answer to the above question is It can be, but the vast majority of black mold situations we see are nothing to panic about.If you search black mold youll be sure to find plenty of websites and articles that tout the dangers of it. Weve seen quite the long, sensational list everything from seizures to cancer to death. But the truth is that it most situations are nothing to panic about because:It has never been scientifically proven that black mold is any more harmful than other types and colors of mold.Only a small percentage of people are especially sensitive to mold .Most horror stories come from people with severe, prolonged exposure to mold while most situations are small areas of mold growth that get cleaned up rather quickly.So why does black mold get so much hype? Well, a lot of it has to do with a general lack of information about a strange substance that looks especially ugly and threatening.

What are mycotoxins?Can black mold make you sick, cause cancer, or kill you?

For Help With Removal Of Black Mold In Home Environments

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends hiring a mold removal professional if you have black mold covering an area greater than three feet by three feet, if you think you may have mold growing in your furnace or your heating and air conditioning ducts, if the issue was caused by sewage or contaminated water, or if you have health problems related to mold exposure and these health problems might be made worse if exposed to mold . We recommend contacting and scheduling a free consultation with a local mold removal professional. Do this even if you plan to attempt the mold removal project yourself. Everyone can benefit from some free, no-obligation, expert advice.

Read Also: How To Prevent Mold In House

Dog Mold Exposure Symptoms

  • Bleeding from the mouth and/or nose

Some dogs will have an allergic reaction with excessive scratching, chewing or licking that can lead to fur loss and the development of painful sores.

If your dog eats mold, it can cause reduced appetite, vomiting and changes in stool.

Signs and symptoms of mold exposure can mimic other health conditions. If your dog is showing any combination of the above symptoms, its a good idea to take her to your vet.

Long-Term Mold Exposure In Dogs

Over time, mold can cause other problems. One of the long-term consequences of mold exposure in dogs can be aspergillosis, an opportunistic fungal infection. Aspergillosis usually occurs in the nasal passages .

Symptoms of nasal aspergillosis include

  • Nasal pain, swelling, discharge
  • Reduced appetite

Note: Theres a systemic type of aspergillosis called disseminated aspergillosis . Animals with disseminated aspergillosis may experience spinal pain, bone inflammation, fever, vomiting, and weight loss. These symptoms generally develop more gradually after mold exposure. However, disseminated aspergillosis isnt common according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, its seen most often in middle-age, female German Shepherds. Dogs with compromised immune systems are also at higher risk.

Popular Articles
Related news