Can Black Mold Kill You
Mold can affect everyone differently. Those who are more at risk for serious health problems due to mold are:
While symptoms can vary, the most common include:
- a runny or blocked nose
- watery, red eyes
Research is constantly being conducted on different mold species, and more so, black mold species called Stachybotrys Chartarum.
So, it may look like black mold wont kill you, but it can surely cause some serious side effects.
Long term exposure can also be harmful to your health and put you at further risk for infections, serious illness, and other symptoms.
Aside from having flu-like symptoms, or worsened allergies, other serious effects can occur from prolonged exposure to black mold. These include
What Does Black Mold Exposure Treatment Look Like
Just like the diagnosis, the treatment of mold exposure differs from doctor to doctor. One thing most doctors will advise you to do is to test for and, if needed, remove any unhealthy mold conditions from your home. Even if the treatment will help in the short-term, it wont be effective over the long-term if your indoor environment isnt improved.
To treat the symptoms, doctors may suggest:
- Over-the-counter medication. Medicine that would decrease the airway inflammation and suppress the allergic reactions.
- Nasal sprays to deal with a runny or stuffy nose or rinses to clear your nasal passages from inhaled mold spores.
- Regular allergy medicine
A persons immune system must be working properly to fight mold symptoms, so changes in a lifestyle or diet might be necessary. In more severe allergy cases, doctors prescribe immunotherapy to relieve symptoms
What To Do If You Got Exposed To Black Molds
If youve been exposed to black molds, you should go to an open area with fresh air. You should also observe yourself for any symptoms indicating poisoning or allergic reactions.
If you start developing irritations, a doctor is always the best person to consult. The physician can provide medications and treatments to ease your condition.
Once youre feeling well, you should call professional mold remediators to clean your home. This will stop your exposure to high levels of black mold spores. You should also observe proper hygiene and always be proactive when it comes to water damage since it allows molds to grow.
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When And How Should You Use Bleach To Kill Mold
While bleach can seem like an effective way to kill mold, it should not be used in every situation.
The EPA does not recommend using bleach as a routine practice to clean up mold. We also discussed this in our article Does Bleach Kill Mold & When Is It Recommended?
The truth is that bleach is a relatively accessible and convenient way to get rid of household mold if used properly under the right circumstances. In this article, well define what the right circumstances means and how you can use bleach to kill mold.
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Can Living In A House With Mold Make You Sick
Damp and mold are sadly common occurrences in homes that have poor ventilation, single-glazed windows, and other forms of poor insulation. Black mold is one of the more severe types of fungus that can grow in these conditions.
Being constantly exposed to and breathing in black mold is very damaging to your health, a conclusion that goes undisputed in the research behind it. Here are just some of the discovered complications that fungus exposure can cause:
- Inability to breathe
just to name a few. It can damage your health permanently depending upon the amount of fungus, the length of your exposure, and whether you already have any respiratory conditions.
Another feature of black mold is that it can grow in those hard-to-reach or seldom-visited places, like behind cupboards and underneath floorboards. This means it could be completely unnoticeable to you, despite the fact that youre breathing it in. It can silently affect your health without your knowledge.
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How Do You Keep Mold Out Of Carnivorous Plants
Carnivorous plants are typically found in humid, swampy areas where mold and mildew can be a problem. To keep mold out of these plants, it is important to maintain a high level of humidity in their environment. This can be done by misting the plants regularly or by placing them on a humidity tray. It is also important to keep the leaves of carnivorous plants clean and free of debris where mold can grow.
If you have a large number of insects, you may encounter mold problems. While mold prevention is the best way to avoid collecting in insect collections, common household disinfectant spray can be an effective way to treat collections that have been infected with mold. The simplest way to remove mold is to leave the top soil to dry. To speed things up, a strong light source is required.
Black Mold Loves Growing On Drywall Because It Is Basically A Giant Food Source
Made up of gypsum encased in two layers of soft paper, black mold feeds on the paper as a food source.
Drywall also soaks up water like a sponge, stays wet for long periods of time, and is difficult to properly dry. When drywall gets wet, mold usually grows on both sides of the drywall the side you can see, and the backside thats behind the wall that you cant see.
Simply cleaning the mold off of the side you can see is not enough. Youve got to get to both sides of the drywall.
Outside of a surface mold from humidity scenario, the best strategy for removing black mold from drywall is simply to cut out the impacted drywall and replace it with new. Dont waste your time trying to clean it. Its best to cut it out, bag it up, and throw it away.
If youre thinking of removing mold from drywalls yourself, here are a few steps. A more in-depth guide can be found in our eBook!
If youve got paneling instead of drywall, its best to take down the entire section of paneling rather than cutting it. Usually taking it down involves prying it off the wall.
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How To Clean Mold From Front Load Washer Gasket
Your washing machine can be a haven for mold, and the front load gasket is usually the first place it appears. Prevention is better than cure, so try to reduce the risk of mold by wiping the gasket between loads to keep it clean and dry. Use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to clean the gasket on a regular basis to remove mold and prevent it from returning.
How Does Black Mold Get Inside A House
Mold spores find their way inside by hitchhiking on clothes, pet fur, and air currents into your home. But spores cant get comfortable without plenty of water. This is why youll usually find black mold around water-damaged areas impacted by plumbing issues like floods or leaky pipes.
Materials like drywall, carpet, or gypsum board can soak up water, creating a perfect home for a black mold colony. If you find water damage at home, its crucial to remove all the affected materials to prevent mold from growing.
A water leak sensor can alert you to leaks in hard-to-reach places where the water damage would otherwise go unnoticed.
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Clean Your Air Conditioners Regularly
Home air conditioners often trap moisture within them, creating favorable conditions for mold breeding. Regular cleaning and maintenance of these conditioners keeps the moisture away. Keeping ducts clean and dust-free eliminates the food that mold feeds off of. Homeowners are highly encouraged to replace filters after no more than 3 months. Lastly, running your air conditioner at a low level will help with air circulation and prevent a rise in humidity levels.
Spray With Distilled White Vinegar
All types of vinegar are acidic, and acids can slowly break down the structure of mold and kill it. Distilled white vinegar is non-toxic but acts much more slowly than chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide. While it will kill the mold, the discoloration and stains may remain and require additional scrubbing with a household cleaner.
Distilled white vinegar can be used safely on most porous and non-porous surfaces. Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray onto the moldy surface. Let it work for an hour. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and allow the surface to dry. Use hydrogen peroxide or a diluted chlorine bleach solution to remove any remaining traces of discoloration.
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What Does Black Mold Look Like
The appearance of black mold can vary depending on the species, but it is usually a black to dark brown or greenish-black slimy film that grows on organic matter. It is often found in damp and dark places such as basements, bathrooms, and crawlspaces. Its easy to confuse black mold with other types of mold that you might encounter in your home.
Here are some signs that indicate youve got black mold:
- Unpleasant odors coming from your walls or other surfaces
- Moldy patches on walls or ceilings
- Mold growth on woodwork or other building materials
- Musty smells in different rooms of your house
Treat With Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is less harsh and produces fewer fumes than chlorine bleach, but it works more slowly. Be sure the bottle of hydrogen peroxide is fresh , or it will not be effective. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down quickly in sunlight.
Hydrogen peroxide does not need to be diluted for cleaning areas of mold. Pour fresh hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spray it directly onto the moldy surfaces. It should begin to bubble or fizz. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes or until the fizzing stops. Use a scrub brush, sponge, or cloth to wipe away the mold. Repeat if needed.
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Can A Humidifier Cause Black Mold
Yes! Humidifiers have the tendency of causing mold. But there is more to why, and how this can happen. There are countless ways you can prevent the growth of molds, but using a humidifier is one stand-out method because of the machines effectiveness in curbing the growth of fungi in the environment.
Is mold in my humidifier dangerous?
While you may not be able to see harmful mold spores on the surfaces inside of your humidifier, they can still contaminate the air. Another danger of using a humidifier inside of your home is a direct result of the increase of moisture you are introducing.
How do I prevent black mold in my humidifier?
The easiest way to prevent mold is by daily cleaning, especially if you use a small-sized humidifier. Changing the water, scrubbing the tank with a light brush, and using distilled water can help prevent the growth of mold in your humidifier.
What Happens If You Accidentally Eat Black Mold
If you eat black mold accidentally, then you will most likely get sick. Keep in mind that some people are more susceptible to getting sick from eating mold than others.
For instance, if you have a weak immune system or other health problems, then youll be more likely to get sick from eating black mold. Thats because your immune system has lost some of its ability to fight off the toxins produced by the mold.
Its important to seek medical attention immediately after accidentally eating black mold . If youre not sure you have eaten black mold, you should see a doctor as soon as possible as well.
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Can Black Mold Spread From House To House
Yes. If you have had mold in your old house and youre moving into another space, it is possible to cross contaminate this new environment.
Because mold spores are not visible to the naked eye, it is hard to tell which surfaces are contaminated. Therefore, the mold has to be completely cleaned before you renovate or move to a new home.
How To Remove Black Mold Yourself
Did you know that its often possible to remove black mold yourself? Its true! Professional mold remediation can cost thousands of dollars and is often excluded from many homeowners insurance policies. But in many instances hiring a mold removal professional isnt necessary and black mold can be removed by a handy homeowner in less than one weekend of work.
If you feel like you may be a homeowner who is up to the challenge, weve written an eBook that gives step-by-step instructions on how to tackle your mold problem. For less than $20, we guarantee that youll save hundreds, if not thousands, of your hard-earned dollars.
You can purchase our eBook here:
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Treatment For Mold Exposure
The most important treatment for indoor mold exposure is to fix and remove the source of the mold. Limiting your exposure to mold is the most effective way to eliminate symptoms. If you remove the mold yourself, you need to take appropriate precautions to prevent exposure. You can also contact a mold remediation company to remove it for you.
Nasal sprays
These sprays, which contain corticosteroids or decongestants, are generally well tolerated and effective. They work by reducing the inflammation caused by allergies. Some can be bought over-the-counter, and some are only available by prescription.
Allergy medications
Over-the-counter allergy medications such as cetirizine or loratadine are often used to treat allergies. These are antihistamines that work by blocking histamine, a chemical released by your immune system in response to allergens.
Montelukast is a prescription allergy medication that works by blocking another chemical released by your immune system, leukotrienes.
Sinus rinses
Rinsing your sinuses with saline water can help flush away allergens and mucus from your sinus cavities. This will help keep your nose free of irritating substances that can cause bothersome symptoms. These kits are widely available over the counter.
Allergy shots
Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, expose you to a small amount of an allergen to build up your immunity over time. These can be effective for certain types of mold allergy.
When To See A Doctor
Someone should go and see their doctor, as soon as any symptoms worsen or become severe. In particular, any flu-like symptoms or signs of water in the lungs should be referred to a doctor immediately.
If the factors that are causing the pneumonitis symptoms cannot be removed, adjusted or avoided, a doctor should also be seen for different treatment options.
Pneumonitis can cause permanent damage to the lungs if it is not treated early. As a result, it is best to see a doctor before symptoms become severe or impossible to treat with self-care.
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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.
Vinegar: The Cheapest Safest Way To Remove Black Mold
Vinegar is a non-toxic and safe alternative. According to one study, a solution of vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, 82% mold, and 80% germs such as viruses.
Keep a spray bottle full of white distilled vinegar in your bathroom and kitchen for quick cleaning. Personally, I dont mind the smell of vinegar but if you find it too strong and unpleasant, just add a few drops of essential oil , and you will be able to tell the difference.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a type of lung disease that affects breathing. Smoking tobacco is the main cause of COPD.
People with COPD can develop other conditions that worsen their symptoms, such as obstructive bronchiolitis or emphysema.
Breathing difficulties, including shortness of breath and difficulty exhaling, are the main symptoms of COPD.
Other symptoms may include:
It is vital to see a doctor about COPD. Treatment will primarily involve giving up smoking and avoiding exposure to smoke or other irritants.
In more serious cases, an oxygen tank may be necessary to help support the lungs.
How Do You Fix A Black Venus Flytrap
Feeding flytraps If you close too many at once, the plant will use all of its reserves, blackening the traps. Feed the fish only once or twice a week until the traps are fully open. If the Venus flytrap is still turning black despite being fed the correct amount of food, it could be because you are feeding it incorrectly.
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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 .
