Monday, March 25, 2024

What Can Black Mold Cause

What Is Toxic Black Mold

Black Mold Was Growing In Their Walls | Here’s Why | THE HANDYMAN |

Black mold grows in damp areas of homes and other buildings. It appears as black splotches on floors, walls, or ceilings. A small patch of mold in or near a bathtub or a shower is not usually something a homeowner should be concerned about a large patch of black mold is a more serious problem.

Black mold can cause health problems in humans because it releases toxic spores into the air. When these spores are inhaled, they can cause health problems in humans.

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An Evolutionary Perspective On Mold Illness

Humans have interacted with environmental molds throughout our evolutionary history. As a result, our bodies have developed natural defense systems for addressing these toxins, including the mucociliary clearance mechanism in the lungs and the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system. However, in an unwitting example of evolutionary mismatch, our natural defense systems are no match for the potent mold strains found in the modern buildings in which we work and live. These buildings are designed in ways that promote mold growth, with poor airflow and myriad opportunities for water leakage. Most peoples defense systems cannot keep up with chronic mold and mycotoxin exposure, causing them to succumb to illness.

The cognitive symptoms of mold exposure also have an evolutionary component. Mold illness triggers an evolutionarily conserved phenomenon called sickness behavior, which includes sleepiness, depression, apathy, and social withdrawal.

Mold-induced sickness behavior is the result of an immune response that is intended to help you survive the current mold exposure and avoid future exposures. However, many people do not make the connection between their symptoms and their environment, instead living in a vicious cycle of constant mold exposure and illness.

Mold Could Thrive In Your Home

It is estimated that half of the buildings in the United States may be WDB, meaning water-damaged buildings. Construction techniques in the U.S. turn out to be a feast and buffet for mold and fungal organisms. Our homes here are often built of wood and drywall rather than stone or brick as in Europe. Mold and fungi thrive on drywall, wood, and other soft materials.

Mold thrives in dark and moist environments and doesnt take much water to get the process going. A small drip from a leaky toilet, shower, or sink is all it takes. Small roof leaks are also common causes. If you see a stain on the ceiling or the wall there is very likely an associated hidden mold growth. This is not the type of mold that you see on the shower wall, but rather it is lurking behind the walls and in air ducts, crawl spaces, attics, and other areas.

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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.

Is All Mold Toxic

Black Mold in Ansonia Attic Caused By Roof Leak

Mold is not the only pathogen that grows from water damage. Fungal fragments, spores, mycotoxins, bacteria, mycobacteria, actinomycetes, VOCs, and other biotoxins can also form in damp buildings. These pathogens combine to produce a toxic soup that can lead to a multi-systemic and multi-symptomatic illness.

Not all mold is toxic, but many mold species from water-damaged buildings produce mycotoxins. It is the indoor concentration of mycotoxins and the rest of the toxic soup that can contribute to chronic debilitating symptoms.

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How Do I Deal With A Mold Issue In My Home

If its a large-scale mold growth problem , its advised to hire professionals to effectively remove the mold. They can thoroughly eliminate the mold with the use of specialized equipment and techniques. For a small mold infestation, you can consider removing it yourself by following these tips.

To learn more about how to deal with small-scale mold problems in your home, check out our tips to remove mold from your bathroom, basement, and kitchen, as well as from unexpected areas in your home.

Symptoms Of Toxic Black Mold

Toxic Black Mold is no carnival. Even the scientific classification Stachybotrys chartarum strikes fear in the heart of your toughest ironman, and in a few instances, Superman himself.

Finding traces of black mold in your home is probably one of the most difficult problems to address. Dealing with black mold is an obstacle in its own right, requiring thorough remediation.

But the bigger question is, what are the symptoms of black mold?

Black mold is toxic and affects just about every area of your life. Serious symptoms and health problems as a result of black mold include mental impairment, breathing problems, damage to internal organs, and sometimes even death.

The main groups of symptoms toxic black mold causes are:

Mental and Neurological Symptoms

The trichothecene mycotoxins produced by toxic black mold are neurotoxic. This means they can kill neurons in the brain and impair a persons mental ability. They also cause nervous disorders such as tremors and can cause personality changes such as mood swings and irritability.

Symptoms include:

  • Blurry vision and vision worsening

Skin Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Immune System Symptoms

Toxic black mold puts out chemicals which suppress the immune system. In fact, many immunosuppressive drugs are actually created from toxic molds.

Symptoms include:

  • Immunosuppression
  • Reoccurring infections and sicknesses

Reproductive System Symptoms

Symptoms include:

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Contact An Experienced New York And New Jersey Toxic Mold Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the presence of toxic mold, call our experienced toxic tort lawyers today. We want to hear about your potential case so that we may help you attain the compensation you deserve. Call us at 400-8182 or fill out our confidential contact form.

Free Case Evaluation

Complete this form to learn about your legal rights. All information is held in the strictest of confidence.

Where Can Black Mold Be Found In Homes

Black Toxic Mold Hidden In Your Walls? You Need To Do This

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.

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Watery Or Irritated Eyes

When allergens are present, the body releases histamines as part of its immune response. This histamine release is what causes the eyes to water excessively when exposed to toxins from mold.

This reaction from histamine may be the bodys way of flushing out allergens and toxins. It can serve as a warning to you that your environment may contain dangerous black mold.

Summary Of Health Problems

Many types of indoor mold, not just black mold, may cause health problems in some individuals.

Long-term exposure to high levels of mold in the home, however,

People who are most at risk of the symptoms of mold exposure are:

  • infants and children
  • people with allergies or asthma
  • people with weakened immune systems

The main health risks related to mold exposure are allergies and irritation, which typically cause respiratory symptoms.

People with weakened immune systems may also have a risk of fungal infection.

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Cdc Report Says Mold Can Cause Various Illnesses And Diseases Such As Cancer

This is an interesting report on molds that was posted on the Centers for Disease Control website titled, Mold Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects in the Aftermath of Hurricanes and Major Floods. The report was originated by the National Center for Environmental Health, Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry, Howard Franklin, MD, Director, and the Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, Michael A. McGeehin, PhD, Director.

The report is interesting because it details the serious health effects that wet buildings and mold can cause to humans. Various diseases, infections, and illnesses such as asthma, an immune-mediated disease known as hypersensitivity pneumoniti, and long-term ingestion of aflatoxins which has been associated with hepatocellular cancer.

Below you will find the main points of the CDC report that detail the MANY health effects.

How Persons Are Exposed to Mold

Mold exposure can produce disease in several ways. Inhalation is usually presumed to be the most important mechanism of exposure to viable or nonviable fungi, fungal fragments or components, and other dampness-related microbial agents in indoor environments. The majority of fungal spores have aerodynamic diameters of 210 µm, which are in the size range that allow particles to be deposited in the upper and lower respiratory tract .

Factors That Cause Disease from Mold

For the Public Unable to Use PPE or at High Health Risk from Exposure to Mold

Inhalation Fevers

Can Air Purifiers Reduce Mold Spores

Mold Under Carpet Image

To really protect yourself from the effects of breathing black mold spores, you have to address it in the air. The best way to reduce and eliminate black mold spores from your indoor air is by running a high-quality air purifier for mold. Not sure where to look? Weve got you covered.

At Air Oasis, we create superior air purifiers by utilizing the top purification technologies: activated carbon filtration, HEPA filtration, UV light and two types of ionization. In a 2018 study, our iAdaptAir® was able to reduce the airborne fungus Aspergillus niger by 99.9% after 10 minutes.

When youre ready to get serious about mold elimination, let our top-of-the-line air purifiers do the heavy lifting. By reducing and eliminating mold spores in the air, our air purifiers can prevent mold from recolonizing and help you to breathe safer. If you have questions about our air purifiers, reach out to us online or give us a call at .

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How To Prevent Black Mold To Grow

There are several ways that you can control these growths in your home. You must control the amount of moisture in the home in the first place. Add fans and ventilators where possible. Think about a dehumidifier for the house if humidity levels tend to be high.

Check the home for any leaks, and deal with them as swiftly as possible. From the pipe under the sink to the toilet bowls wax ring, leaks can originate from nearly any location. By removing the optimal habitats from the space, the microbes cannot replicate and expand into a huge growth.

How To Test For Mold

The workup for CIRS includes tests that are widely available via LabCorp and Quest, although they are somewhat esoteric tests, including MMP9, TGF beta 1, MSH, VEGF, and others. Urine testing for actual mold toxins circulating in the body can also be utilized, however, these results are questioned by some in the field of CIRS treatment.

Brain toxicity due to mold or other toxins and the psychiatric and cognitive health issues associated with it cant wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to normal is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.

At Amen Clinics, were here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here.

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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.

Increased Risk For Mold Growth

Black mold from home builder defect causing homeowners headaches

Buildings with flat roofs or basements, or that are built on hillsides or in shaded areas are at increased risk for mold growth. HVAC systems are also a significant source of mold growth, especially when ducting is in a basement. In addition, water damage can come from a leaking roof, pipe, or appliance such as a dishwasher, refrigerator, or wash machine. Buildings that are poorly maintained are much more susceptible to mold growth. Government buildings and schools, as well as rental apartments and homes, tend to be poorly maintained.

There are also circumstances when water damage to a home or building is apparent. A patient shared a story of a wall caving in under the pressure of a paint roller because the sheetrock was so damp from water damage. Others have reported discovering mold growing on a wall after removing a bed or a picture . I have seen patients who were exposed to mold in their car and at their place of work.

Current and past mold exposure can cause illness. People can continue to have elevated mycotoxins from a past mold exposure long after leaving a moldy environment.

However, most of the time, my patients are unaware they have been exposed to mold until they get tested. Once diagnosed with mold illness, people may recall a house they lived in years prior to their health decline had a musty odor. How about the dorm the college student lived in where the air conditioning unit was on all the time? When did their health decline?

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Are There Different Types Of Mold Allergies

You can be allergic to molds in the air, and you can be allergic to molds in foods. Some food allergies related to mold include mushrooms, certain types of cheese, fermented foods, some wines and food products that contain vinegar.

There are also many different types of mold that can cause allergies. Some common ones include _Alternaria, Aspergillus, _Cladosporium and Penicillium. There are also toxic molds that can cause very serious illnesses. An example of a toxic mold is Stachybotrys, which is known as black mold. In addition to allergies, aspergillus can cause infections known as aspergillosis.

Test After Test With No Answers

That was the first episode, lasting for three months starting in November of 2010. In that time she lost twenty-five pounds, was forced to abandon her practice, and withdrew from activities outside the home. Her doctor, family, and friends told her that they thought she had depression or even bipolar disorder. She resisted, even in her confused and debilitated state, and insisted on further testing, believing that something was terribly wrong.

After a series of blood tests, her general practitioner diagnosed Kimberlyn with heavy metal poisoning and recommended she undergo chelation therapy. After undergoing this treatment, she did feel better. However, within five months the illness returned.

During her second cycle of illness, Kimberlyn sought out another doctor who performed a series of tests and suggested that maybe Kimberlyn was suffering from mold illness, also known as toxic mold syndrome. This was the first time mold had been suggested as a possible cause for Kimberlyns symptoms and was unexpected due to the arid climate of Arizona. Yet after having her home tested, three different types of toxic mold were found, including Stachybotrys, also known as black mold.

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How Is The Condition Treated

This is not like osteoarthritis, which may require treatment but is not a medical emergency. Fungal arthritis is an infection, a serious infection. Antifungal medications such as amphotericin B or Diflucan are typically prescribed, but often that is not enough. In many cases, a surgical procedure is required to drain the infected joint. You may need to see both an infectious disease specialist and an orthopedic surgeon for treatment.

In addition to getting the medical treatment you need, youll also need to make sure you are not exposed to further mold. If you contracted the infection via contaminated medication, your physician will need to attempt to track down the source of the contamination and notify the manufacturer of the medication. If, on the other hand, the fungal infection spread through your bloodstream to the affected joint, youll need to determine where you were exposed to mold in the first place and make sure no further exposure occurs.

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