Black Mold Cause Cancer: Totally A Fact
How does mold affect the human body has been studied for years, and it was discovered that exposure to black mold causes two types of cancer, Astrocytoma, and Glioblastoma, by destroying brain tissues through lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.
The stress triggers an abnormal proliferation of tissues, which, together with the immunosuppressive effect of mycotoxins, causes tumor formation.
- Astrocytoma originates in a specific kind of glial cells in the cerebrum called astrocytes. Typically, this type of tumor is contained in the central nervous system and does not affect other organs.
- Glioblastoma is the most belligerent type of cancer that starts in the brain. The signs and symptoms are initially non-specific and may include nausea, headaches, and personality changes.
How Do You Keep Mold Out Of Buildings And Homes
Inspect buildings for evidence of water damage and visible mold as part of routine building maintenance, Correct conditions causing mold growth to prevent mold growth.
Inside your home you can control mold growth by:
- Controlling humidity levels
- Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding
- Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.
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.
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They Will Deceive You With Their Innocent Look
They have septate hyphae with conidiophores at the tip. Conidiophores produce the asexual, non-motile spores of black toxic molds, called conidia, which are rounded and may be translucent or pigmented, 1-celled, and in clusters.
The conidiophores may be simple or branched but are always attached with phialides. Phialides are flask-shaped stalks that project from the dilated peak of the conidiophore. These may be translucent or pigmented, cylindrically-shaped, and form clusters made of 3 to 10.
During the earlier stage of the S. species, the hyphae and the conidiophores are translucent. As time goes by, greenish-black pigmentation accumulates in these areas.
It takes only four days for Stachybotrys to grow a mature colony.
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.
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Can Mold Exposure Cause Permanent Damage
Mold is also known to cause asthma and life-threatening primary and secondary infections in immune-compromised patients that have been exposed. Toxic mold exposure has also been linked to more serious, long-term effects like memory loss, insomnia, anxiety, depression, trouble concentrating, and confusion.
Helpful Tips For Reducing A Stuffy Nose
Nasal decongestants in the form of sprays and tablets can help relieve a stuffy nose. However, these are only temporary fixes and should not be used too often as they can become addictive. In fact, nasal sprays can actually damage your nasal passages if used in excess.
A humidifier can also help reduce stuffiness by adding moisture to the air and promoting mucous production.
If you are still having persistent stuffy nose, you should contact your doctor or another medical professional.
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How To Get Rid Of Toxic Black Mold
Mold poisoning treatment will be in vain if black mold exposure continues to exist in your home. Even if you are unsure if it is toxic black mold or just another black-pigmented mold, get rid of it right away.
- Wear a respirator or a facemask and rubber gloves to prevent the inhalation of spores. Cover your arms and legs to avoid any contact.
- Determine the extent of mold growth.
- Spray vinegar or baking soda in water if the affected area is porous.
- Rinse the area using clean water.
How To Counter The Effects Of Black Mold Exposure
The best way to do this, is to uproot the cause of the problem. First, look for places which might have a water leakage problem, and a possible infestation. Fix the water leakage, locate the black mold colonies, and use the following steps to get rid of these colonies.
- Fill an empty spray bottle with vinegar. Do not add water to it. Generously spray the vinegar on mold colonies. Wait for an hour, and then scrub the mold using a hard-bristled brush. Wear a mask and a pair of disposable gloves. After you are done with the scrubbing, wash the area with a soapy solution, followed by a wash with clean water. Wipe the surface using a clean washcloth. Ensure that the surface is dry. You can use a hair dryer to dry the surface, or leave the doors and windows open to increase air circulation.
- Mix a teaspoon of tea tree oil with a cup of water. Fill it in a spray bottle, and spray the solution onto the surface. Wait for an hour, and wash off the solution. Tea tree oil would not only kill the colonies, but also help to reduce the unpleasant smell.
Sometimes, a black mold infestation can be way too gruesome for you to handle it. So in such cases, seek professional help to get rid of the mold colonies.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
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Please Remember That This Blog Is Not Intended To Replace Medical Advice Diagnosis Or Treatment
Always talk to your doctor about symptoms of any medical condition you are experiencing. It is unlikely to experience all the symptoms listed, but many of these symptoms could be cause for concern. An open dialog with your doctor is important for any medical condition. Ask questions to be sure you understand your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process.
To learn more about our sources of information, please check out the For More Information section at the end of this article.
Different Types Of Mold
Allergenic Molds. Allergenic molds are on the low end of the danger scale. They only cause problems for those with asthma and a predisposed allergy to the specific mold. Children are more likely to have mold allergies than adults.
Pathogenic Molds. Pathogenic molds will cause some infection. This is a big problem for those with a suppressed immune system. An acute response resembling bacterial pneumonia is commonly found with those exposed to these types of mold.
Toxigenic Molds. As the name implies, these molds produce mycotoxins that can cause serious health effects. They have been tied to immunosuppression and cancer. The toxic chemicals found in these types of molds can be absorbed into the body when one inhales them, eats them, or even touches them.
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How Do You Choose A Mold Removal Company
Have you ever had mold removed from your home? Do you know what to ask mold removal companies? What do mold removal companies really do?
As a mold removal company, we know what you should expect and what the industry standards should be. Some of our competitors offer free mold inspections. Which basically means that the inspector shows up and hands over a price to fix a symptom, without truly knowing the nature of the problem. The primary reason that we charge for our mold inspections is the time and resources that go into each one.
If you think you might have a mold problem, youre far better off with a thorough inspection like ours. We analyze the symptoms to determine the root cause of your problem, and will only recommend solutions that will solve the actual problem.
Especially if you live outside our service area, check out our post: How to Choose the Best Mold Removal Company. We let you know what you should expect and what the industry standards should be. If the company you interview doesnt know the answer to the questions in our article, you dont want to hire them!
Prevent Molds From Coming Back By Doing These:
- Regularly check your home for water leaks. Perform extra inspection before and winter, storms, earthquakes, and flooding. Repair the leaks right away.
- Replace the filters and vacuum the ducts of your HVAC system to eliminate fungal spores.
- Keep your home well-ventilated by opening doors and windows to stabilize the humidity level. If this is not possible at all times, invest in a high-quality dehumidifier.
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Addressing Mold Toxicity In The Body
If you find elevated mold toxins in the body, you will want to take measures to improve detoxification systems. In addition to this, you will want to ensure the source of mold is remediated properly. Using an air purification system like The EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Air System is the last step in a comprehensive mold mitigation protocol.
When it comes to getting mold toxins out of the body, the following is my go-to stack:
ThyroLiver Protect: A combination of selenium, milk thistle extract, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine. This combination assists liver detoxification while supporting the production of glutathione. Taking 12 caps, 2 times daily helps your liver neutralize and process the mold spores.
Super Glutathione: For tough cases, extra glutathione can be necessary. This is an acetylated form that is able to be absorbed by the digestive tract. I recommend 12 caps 2 times daily. This is especially important if you are suffering with a lot of symptoms from mold exposure.
Coconut Charcoal: When detoxification systems are upregulated, many toxins are released into the digestive tract. If they are not bound by something like charcoal, they are given the opportunity to reabsorb and cause more problems. Using 12 caps of charcoal between meals and immediately before bed is a great strategy.
Do You Have Mold In Your Home We Can Help
We know mold is a serious health concern for many homeowners, so if you have any questions, or think you may have it in your home, please give us a call. Well come out and inspect the area in question free of charge!
As an industry leader with more than 35 years of award-winning experience, EnviroVantage specializes in indoor air quality improvements, mold remediation, asbestos abatement, duct cleaning, and more. We have helped thousands of homeowners eliminate problems in their home, including all types of mold.
Contact us today with any questions or for more information!
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Getting A Diagnosis For Mold Sickness
While symptoms to mold exposure are not uncommon , many health care professionals struggle to pinpoint the cause behind these symptoms.
Often only a few people or one person and not everyone, in a home or workplace experience symptoms. This is frustrating and confusing for the sick person. When their doctors cant find any reason for the illness, they can start to feel like the sickness is all in their mind.
People suffering from mold exposure can often be misdiagnosed with disorders such as:
- Depression
You May Get A Stuffy Nose Wheezing And Red Or Itchy Eyes Or Skin
“Molds produce allergens and irritants,” says the EPA. “Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.”
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How To Treat Skin Rashes Caused By Toxic Mold Exposure
If a person has experienced an infection as a result of a rash caused by toxic mold exposure, oral antibiotics can be used to clear up the infection. However, in some cases, if the infection is too severe or doesn’t seem to respond to the oral antibiotics, a more intensive treatment like hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics is required.
If the rash has not yet caused an infection, antihistamines can be used to halt or decrease allergic responses. Antihistamines like Benadryl and Allegra can be bought over-the-counter. Antihistamine creams are also an option, and can be applied directly to the rash to relieve itching. Additionally, cool bath with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal is a simple home remedy believed to relieve itching and discomfort.
Mold Toxicity Is Also An Issue And It Is Considered A Chronic Inflammatory Response
An acute and chronic, systemic inflammatory response acquired following exposure to the interior environment of a water-damaged building with resident toxigenic organisms, including, but not limited to fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes, and Mycobacterium serve as inflammogens! Inflammogens keep your body in a state of inflammation.
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The Mold Removal Process
It depends on the contractors workload, but the entire process from the initial phone call to complete removal could take place within one week.
The contractor will remove the mold through one of numerous methods, such as:
- Eliminating impacted materials
- Using hydroxyl generators
- Applying mold-resistant coatings
The process for removal is generally the same no matter what type of mold you have in your home. Most importantly, the only way to prevent future mold growth is to correct the situation that created the mold in the first place, so your contractor will likely discuss this with you to prevent any further problems.
Mold Toxicity And Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Mold toxicity obstructs the proper transmission of electrical signals for proper hormone regulation. This could trigger the excessive production of androgen . High levels of androgen disrupt the normal menstrual cycle, which can cause delayed periods and difficulty getting pregnant.
The uterine lining starts to thicken during the reproductive stage. Regular menstruation sheds off the thickened layered, and then another cycle begins if the menstrual cycle is not normal, abnormal buildup inside the womb.
Abnormally high androgen levels hinder the development of the egg from the ovarian follicles, causing infertility.
PCOS is also associated with hirsutism , acne, and weight problems.
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Is Everyone Vulnerable To Mold Exposure
Sometimes inhaling or touching mold or mildew may have hazardous health effects. But, everyone may not be adversely affected by molds. People who have other allergies or existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, or other lung diseases are more susceptible to the effects of mold exposure. Also, those with an impaired or weakened immune system will have severe reactions to molds.2 Pregnancy, autoimmune disease, AIDS, or diabetes are medical conditions that can weaken your immune system. Infants, small children, and elderly people are also vulnerable to mold contamination.3
There Are Toxic Black Molds In Your House And You Dont Know About It
Growth of toxic black mold usually occurs in humid areas, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. Black mold can also be found in inconspicuous areas that have been infiltrated by water from flooding or plumbing issues, such as beneath your new carpeting and precious hardwood floorboards!
Given that it can survive in spaces that do not receive much attention, and where water can seep, a lot of people only become aware of the existence of toxic black mold in their living space once they experience the signs and symptoms of mold poisoning. The closeness of its appearance to other non-toxic molds is another factor for the delayed action against signs of mold sickness. This puts you at risk of long-term effects of black mold exposure.
Read Also: What Can Get Rid Of Black Mold
How Can I Be Exposed To Mold
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.
Sneezing And Nasal Congestion
While many things can trigger sneezing, its also a symptom of mold toxicity that should get your attention. If youve never had allergies or hay fever symptoms and youre positive you dont have a cold, those sneezes could be indicative of mold exposure.
Sneezing is the immune systems standard response to allergens. It could also be a warning sign that your home has a mold problem.
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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.
Page last reviewed: 8 August 2018 Next review due: 8 August 2021
