Thursday, March 21, 2024

What Effect Does Black Mold Have On Your Health

Black Mold Removal And Cleaning

What are the Health Hazards of Black Mold

Mold remediation in stores, offices, or schools is best left to professionals. This also applies to household mold exceeding 10 square feet.

The contractors you choose should have insurance and licenses from organizations like the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification .

Homeowners can handle cleaning about 10 square feet of black mold on their own.3 If the patch is small enough, a combination of bleach, water, scrubbing, and ventilation should do the trick.

Before treating mold on your own, prioritize ventilation and protective gear.

Removing black mold is a tough and dirty job. If you or anyone in your family is sensitive to mold allergies, has respiratory or immune issues, trust the professionals.

Find a contractor in your area to get started.

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 .

How To Remove Mold From Your Home

If you find the presence of mold in your home, there are several steps you can take to help remove it:

  • Fix Water Leaks: Whether its from a leaky faucet or a broken pipe, mold can start growing in 24 48 hours. Reach out to an HVAC professional or plumber to help you eliminate any water leaks.
  • Exhaust Fans: Use exhaust fans when youre cooking or washing dishes. When taking a shower, be sure to always use your bathroom fan.
  • Clean Visible Mold: Do you see mold growing on a wall or other surface? Use a sponge and soap to remove mold wherever you find it.
  • Get Professional Help: When mold damage is widespread or if its just too much for you to handle, its time to call in the pros. Look for a mold remediation professional in your area that has the tools needed for large-scale cleaning.

Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Mold Spores In Basement

Could Your Symptoms Be From A General Mold Allergy

Regardless of the species of mold in question, symptoms of a mold allergy can appear very similar, especially when looking at many individuals. So if you see black-colored mold and experience allergic symptoms, it could be Stachybotrys, or it could be another species of mold. That said, the same person can react differently to different molds. For example, one person may have severe dry eyes in response to a Cladosporium exposure, while Aspergillus exposure may cause wheezing and asthma-like symptoms.

What Are The Symptoms Of Black Mold Exposure In Children

health issues black mold

The first symptom to watch out for is allergic reactions. Children who are allergic to black mold may begin to sneeze, have runny noses, itchy eyes, and develop a cough or wheeze.

Respiratory issues can worsen when in contact with mold toxins. Asthma sufferers can display symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath that are further aggravated by black mold.

Black mold exposure can also cause irritant reactions in children prone to health sensitivities, such as skin and eye irritations, itching, rashes, or headaches.

In addition, there are neurological symptoms caused by mold toxins, such as memory problems, anxiety, depression, trembling or shaking, numbness, disorientation, shortened attention span, slow reflexes, and dizziness.

Read Also: How To Remove Mold From Jet Ski Seat

Side Effects Of Breathing Mold And Mildew

The quality of the air you breathe is vital for your well-being. There are thousands of microbial contaminants in the air that may pose health hazards. Fungi, which are ubiquitous in distribution are one such grave threat to your health in indoor environments. Molds are the most common forms of fungi found on earth. And mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. They reproduce through the formation of spores, which are tiny microscopic cells that float through the air. These mild spores are not always dangerous. We are exposed to them daily, both indoors and outdoors.

Outdoors, molds take part in the decomposition of organic matter such as dead trees, compost, and leaves. But, when they land on a moist surface indoors, they may grow, posing dangers. Molds survive and grow in warm, humid, and damp conditions.1 So, usually they are found in places such as basements or showers where there is high humidity. They also grow on cardboard, wood products, wallpaper, ceiling tiles, paint, and paper products.

Mold Health Impact : Short

Do you ever walk into a room and think, What did I come in here for? Mold toxicity may be the reason. When mold mycotoxins are present in the body, they destroy the myelin sheath through lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. The most sensitive organ to this toxin-induced reduction of electrical activity is, of course, the brain.

Additionally, the most sensitive brain region to toxin-induced down-regulation is our executive center, known as the prefrontal cortex, or PFC. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex houses our shortest of short-term memories. This is where our four second-learning and processing memory is most sensitive. So, when individuals initially become mold toxic, they start to experience brain fog, difficulty focusing, and forgetfulness.

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Who Is Most At Risk Of Mold Exposure

We come into contact with mold in three primary ways: inhalation, physical contact or ingestion. But every reaction to mold is different, as no two immune systems are the same.

Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. Both your genetic makeup and your current state of health are factors that will influence your reaction.

The following groups of people are especially susceptible to the adverse health effects of mold exposure, because their bodies may be weak to begin with:

  • Infants and small children

If youve been experiencing some of these symptoms and are concerned, .

Black Mold Symptoms And Health Effects

Health Effects of Mold Exposure

Learn about black mold symptoms and health effects so that you can identify indicators of black mold exposure and black mold poisoning.

A mold infested room of an old building.

Dariusz Majgier

Mold in homes can be a costly and dangerous problem, particularly when infestations of toxic black mold occur. The symptoms and health effects of black mold exposure and black mold poisoning cover a wide range of health problems, but understanding the indicators can help keep you and your family safe.

Toxic black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, as it’s known to scientists, can release spores as it feeds on organic materials in common household materials like drywall, carpet, insulation or sub-flooring that have been exposed to moisture. These spores, if ingested or inhaled, can cause a range of unpleasant and even dangerous symptoms in humans.

Recommended Reading: Is Black Mold Covered By Insurance

How Do Molds Affect People

Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens and irritants. 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.

Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.

The above does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional, your state or local health department, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mold website.

What Are Toxigenic Reactions To Mold

A toxigenic mold produces toxins. There are approximately 20 common toxins that mold is known to produce.

When you ingest or inhale these toxins, your chance of becoming ill increases. Upon exposure to toxigenic mold, you may experience the following effects:

  • Mucous membrane irritation
  • Acute/chronic central nervous system disorders
  • Hormone disorders

Another serious condition associated with mold exposure is hypersensitive pneumonitis. This is an acute, or chronic, lung disease brought on by inhaling fungal antigens.

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What Should I Do If I Have Mold Poisoning

If you or someone you know may be suffering from mold poisoning, seek medical assistance immediately. While certain medicines can roll back some effects of exposure, black mold can cause long-term illness, as well.

Next, schedule a mold inspection and removal for your home.

Finally, if you believe that you may have been exposed to black mold due to negligence or a poor home inspection, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer.

Actions You Can Take To Reduce Mould

Toxic Black Mold: Symptoms in Your Body and Home You Should Never, Ever ...

The most important actions you can take to prevent mould in your home are those that minimise moisture.

  • Fix leaky plumbing and roofs and other building faults
  • Ensure gutters are cleared and maintained
  • Reduce condensation by using exhaust fans, or open windows in the bathroom and kitchen when showering, cooking or using the dishwasher
  • Wipe up excess water caused by condensation such as on single glazed windows and on shower glazing
  • Air the home regularly by opening windows and doors on warmer days
  • Vent clothes dryers to the outside and clean lint filters according to the manufacturers instructions.
  • Use reverse cycle air conditioning and or mechanical dehumidification if available
  • Ensure sufficient exhaust openings to the outside of the building if using evaporative cooling. Evaporative coolers increase the moisture content in indoor air, so the manufacturers instructions should be followed to ensure airflow in the home.
  • Maintain heating, ventilation and cooling systems according to the manufacturers instructions.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
  • Avoid placing mattresses on the floor or surfaces without adequate ventilation.
  • Vacuum, and or turn mattresses if it can be done safely.
  • Increase air circulation around furniture by moving the furniture away from the walls.
  • Read Also: How Can You Tell Mold In The House

    How Can I Prevent Mold Allergy

    While you cant prevent mold allergy from happening, you can take steps to prevent and remove mold.

    To keep mold out of your house, you need to control moisture. Take steps to keep the humidity in your house low. Make sure your house is properly ventilated. Repair any water leaks immediately.

    If you have mold, you need to clean it up. You can use the appropriate household cleaners or a bleach and water solution of 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water. If you do your own mold cleaning, its best to wear protective clothing, including gloves and a respirator.

    Some mold problems require professional help. These include situations that involve water dirtied by sewage or other contaminants. If you have severe reactions to mold, you shouldnt do your own cleaning. Its best to have someone else do the cleaning in this case.

    You should throw away any carpets, rugs or other textiles that got wet and werent dried right away. Other absorbent items, such as ceiling tiles, also cant be completely cleaned of mold.

    Mold isnt just an indoor problem. Outdoor mold can also present problems. If mold counts are high, it might be best to stay indoors. Try to keep your yard free of piles of damp and decaying leaves or wood. Check your local mold counts to determine if air quality is safe.

    How Do You Get The Molds Out Of Buildings Including Homes Schools And Places Of Employment

    Mold growing in homes and buildings indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture. This is the first problem to address.

    Remove moldy items from living areas. Once mold starts to grow in carpet, insulation, ceiling tiles, drywall, or wallboard, the only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement.

    It is important to properly clean and dry the area as you can still have an allergic reaction to parts of the dead mold and mold contamination may recur if there is still a source of moisture.

    Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.

    Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly after any flooding. Dig out mud and dirt. Use a wet vacuum to remove remaining dirt. Scrub cleanable surfaces with soapy water and a bristle brush. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with water and dish detergent. Dry surfaces quickly and thoroughly after cleaning. If you have a fan, air conditioner or dehumidifier that wasnt affected by flooding use it to help the surfaces dry after you finish cleaning

    Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.

    If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

    Also Check: How To Tell If Carpet Has Mold

    Does Your Child Show Signs Of A Respiratory Issue

    Its fairly common for children to develop some kind of respiratory problem if black mold is in the home. Mainly due to water damage, mold can start growing within 48 hours of the water damage being there. The longer the water damage is there, the more mold is able to take advantage of the breeding ground that is there for them.

    What Are The Signs Of Mold In Your House

    Health Effects of Mold Exposure

    Musty smells are a tell-tale sign of mold. Another common indicator is visible signs of water damage.

    As mentioned earlier, mold grows fast. Within 24 hours of a water leak, or a flood, mold will begin to take hold. This mold can grow on anything thats humid walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and even wet laundry.

    When there is a chance of mold, its important to have a professional in to test. Professionals qualified to do environmental investigations can:

    • Check the surfaces of your house for mold
    • Test the air for spores
    • Help you to identify sources of moisture
    • Identify where the mold is growing and help you decontaminate your house
    • Use natural enzymes to kill mold spores

    If you dont get rid of all sources of mold, you risk getting sick from it.

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    Rare Health Effects Of Black Mold

    In numerous human studies of stachybotrys mycotoxins, researchers have observed rare and bizarre health effects. Many of these health effects cannot be conclusively linked to black mold exposure, as multiple mold strains and unique environmental conditions precipitated sickness. Regardless of causation, researchers observed associations between black mold exposure and the following conditions:

    • Severe vomiting and diarrhea
    • Pseudotumor cerebri
    • Low levels of T-lymphocyte cells

    The vast majority of black mold exposure does not cause serious health effects. In fact, its possible to live with black mold without ever being aware of its presence. However, as indoor mold is increasingly common, its important to be aware of its potential hazards to health.

    Is Black Mold Dangerous

    The short answer isnot really. But that doesnt mean you should keep black mold as a pet.

    Everyone has different levels of tolerance to allergens like mold spores, but thats all black mold isan allergen.1 Those with asthma, respiratory allergies, or immune suppression will feel the effects of black molds mycotoxins more than most folks.

    As one source put it, Previous reports of toxic mold syndrome or toxic black mold have been shown to be no more than media hype and mass hysteria. 2

    But whether you feel black mold symptoms or not, its best to get rid of black mold as soon as you find it.

    Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Mold In Bathroom Sink

    How To Treat Mold Symptoms

    When you are experiencing the health effects of black mold, two steps need to be taken in order to correct the problem: First, it is necessary to visit the doctor and treat the health effects with medical techniques and second, it is very important to clean up the home in order to minimize the dangers of black mold.

    This cleanup process is a critical part of stopping the symptoms because if you simply treat the health problems while you continue to be exposed, then the health problems will only continue to get worse. Medical treatments will not effectively heal your body until you have removed the source of mold exposure.

    Cleaning up the mold involves identifying all of the areas of the home that are growing mold. These areas are usually exposed to high levels of humidity or wetness, and the building materials usually need to be replaced. For example, if there is mold growth in the bathroom, then it is likely that the walls need to be opened in order to clean up mold growth within as well. The area should be repaired with brand new materials.

    If you are doing the cleanup yourself, then the dangers of black mold increase during the cleanup process because you will be increasing your exposure to the mold. In order to avoid the health effects of black mold, it is necessary to take precautionary steps in order to prevent cross contamination and also minimize the exposure. Wearing goggles, a mask, and other protective clothing can help you to avoid exposure to the spores.

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