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.
Coughing And Shortness Of Breath
The irritation and inflammation caused by mold often lead to frequent coughing that is otherwise unexplained.
The throat and lungs are irritated continuously when repeatedly exposed to mycotoxins. If the issue isnt addressed, this coughing can develop into more severe conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
The same inflammation that causes irritated, constricted airways that lead to wheezing and coughing can eventually lead to shortness of breath.
This gives a feeling of tightness in the chest. It may feel like you are unable to take in a full breath.
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Do I Need Professional Testing
In short, usually not! Because, remember the saying: no mold, no matter what color, belongs in a healthy home. And that is good news because a professional mold inspection with testing can run anywhere from $300-$750. In most cases where mold is clearly visible, knowing exactly what type of mold you have is unnecessary. We advise most of our clients to forgo the inspection process and just apply that money saved to the cost of fixing the problem. The EPA agrees that mold testing isnt necessary in most cases.
There are exceptions, however, such as when a mold inspection with testing is required as part of a real estate sale or if you require proof that a mold problem is present, such as for a legal dispute. If you think you may have a mold problem, but arent sure, then we recommend formal testing from a professional. And if you require clearance testing to verify an all clear after a mold problem is fixed, then professional mold testing is necessary.
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Symptoms Ofblack Mold Exposure
If you suspect that you have symptoms of black mold exposure, then it is important to talk with a doctor as soon as possible in order to prevent serious health problems. The dangers of black mold should not be taken lightly, because they can cause both short-term and long-term health conditions. Many people dont realize how severe these health conditions can be, so this article is designed to help you understand the serious nature of mold exposure.
If you arebeing exposed to black mold, it is best to talk to a doctor and a mold removalspecialist as soon as possible. The doctor will be able to help you treatsymptoms that are already present, and the mold removal specialist can clean upthe mold in order to prevent additional symptoms from occurring.
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What Is Black Mold
Stachybotrys chartarum is a common black mold. It can also be a greenish color. It grows on cotton, wood, and paper products. It sometimes produces toxic chemicals that are found in its airborne spores and fungus fragments.
These are called mycotoxins and are dangerous if they’re eaten. There’s no link to inhaled Stachybotrys chartarum mycotoxins and deadly diseases. But there are risks for people with allergies, asthma, and other hypersensitivities.
There is no evidence that black mold causes symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, an inability to focus, or a headache. These symptoms have been referred to as “toxic mold syndrome” but are largely due to media hype. Yet some people are allergic to mold. It should always be removed from your home.
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Repair The Source Of The Moisture
It is imperative that the moisture source for the mold-infestation be corrected. If you do not correct the moisture source but, for example, pull out old drywall and put up new drywall, you can expect that the mold situation will recur. This is because the atmosphere that the mold thrived in will continue, thus aiding mold to regrow in the area. If there is a plumbing issue, it needs to be rectified. If it is a leak in the roof, the roof needs to be fixed.
Video on Removing Mold and Getting Rid of Moisture from Steve Maxwell
Problems With Clinical Studies
Such findings may explain the confusing results of earlier studies. For example, some authors have claimed links between childhood asthma and damp, moldy housing . While retrospective questionnaires reported more wheezing, cough, and chest cold symptoms in children from affected houses, the degree of bronchospasm was not different between groups. Thus, despite the claim that there was a causal association between moldy houses and wheezing, there was no supporting objective evidence. Some studies which claim that moisture and mold were associated with respiratory infections, cough, and wheezing also fail to show differences in asthma prevalence between case and control schools . Other authors report that despite claims of symptoms being more prevalent in case groups , actual asthma prevalence was no different .
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How Does A Person Get Infected With Capa And Cam
Fungi, especially the spores of aspergillosis, can be found everywhere in the environment: it can be found in soil, decomposing plant matter, plants, air, food, and water.2 According to Aram, aspergillosis is approximately10 times more prevalent than the mucor fungi associated with mucormycosis We live with them every day, and as immune-competent people, we usually do not have a problem with that, he says.3
These spores can enter the body in several ways: by inhaling them, swallowing them in food or medicines, or by spores entering wounds and contaminating them. Inhalation is the most common way of coming into contact with these fungi that cause systemic infection.3
Healthy people can usually clear these spores from the body. It becomes a problem when either our immune systems are weakened, or there is damage to the natural human defenses in tissues or the lungsfor instance, with a COVID-19 infectionwhich can cause an infection to spread.2
Diseases Caused By Toxic Mold
There are many serious diseases caused by toxic mold, and if you have mold growth in your home it is essential to clean up the mess in order to avoid the symptoms of toxic mold exposure. Even though the mold may seem harmless, microscopic spores can enter your body and cause a number of serious illnesses. Dont delay in cleaning up the mold growth, because continued exposure will increase your risk of developing health problems.
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Habitat Of Black Mold
Stachybotrys molecules are hydrophilic, meaning attracted to moisture. Black mold thrives in a habitat that is wet and rich in materials containing cellulous. Examples of these materials are paper, grain, soil, seaweed, fabric, wood pulp, drywall, wallpaper, and sometimes hay.
Thank you to #1 MOLD REMOVAL NATIONWIDE for the use of their photo.
How To Treat Black Mold Poisoning
Black mold, scientifically referred to as Stachybotrys atra or Stachybotrys chartarum, is typically black or dark green and often linked to serious health problems.
In fact, black mold exposure can lead to poisoning, or stachybotryotoxicosis a condition thats dangerous, particularly for young children and the elderly.
Even though black mold poisoning typically affects horses, cows, and pigs, humans can become infected if they inhale or ingest the spores.
Symptoms of stachybotryotoxicosis include skin rashes , throat and sinus irritation, burning eyes, and a decrease in the production of white blood cells.
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How Can Aspergillosis Be Prevented
Due to the prevalence of aspergillus mold in the environment, it is very difficult to avoid exposure. It is best to avoid locations with excessive amounts of dust or mold, such as construction sites or compost piles. People with weakened immune systems or mold allergies should avoid activities such as gardening or lawn mowing. If exposure to airborne dust or mold is likely, considering wearing a face mask or N95 mask. In some cases, your doctor might recommend the use of an antifungal medicine to prevent infection.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/09/2019.
References
What Should I Do If I Think There Is Mold In My Home
If you find mold in your home, it is generally not necessary to identify the species. Indoor mold growth indicates that there is a problem with too much moisture in your home, and this problem should be addressed. Mold can be removed from the home with commercial products, including water, soap, and bleach. Read about mold growth removal from the CDC website: .
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Facts About Stachybotrys Chartarum
What is Stachybotrys chartarum?
Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold. It can grow on material with a high cellulose content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, and paper. Growth occurs when there is moisture from water damage, water leaks, condensation, water infiltration, or flooding. Constant moisture is required for its growth.
Does Stachybotrys chartarum cause acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants?
To date, a possible association between acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants and Stachybotrys chartarum has not been proven. Further studies are needed to determine what causes acute idiopathic hemorrhage.
What if my child has acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage?
Parents should ensure that their children get proper medical treatment.
Is there a test for Stachybotrys chartarum?
At present, no test exists that proves an association between Stachybotrys chartarum and particular health symptoms. Individuals with persistent symptoms should see their physician. However, if Stachybotrys chartarum or other molds are found in a building they should be removed.
Stachybotrys chartarum and other molds may cause health symptoms that are nonspecific. It is not necessary to determine what type of mold you may have growing in your home or other building. All molds should be treated the same with respect to potential health risks and removal.
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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Isolated Areas That Are Small
A small isolated area is defined as visible mold growth that is isolated to 10 square feet.
Respirators
Normally half-face or full-face P, R, or N 95 respirator will work. If the area is contaminated with heavy mold growth or a significant amount of dust is produced when cleaning, full-face respirators with P, N, or R 100 filters are needed.
Goggles
Special thanks to Federal Safety Solutions for the use of their image.
Protective Clothing
A protective suit or coverall is recommended to cover your body. This suit can be disposable. In small isolated areas of contamination full body suits, that cover your head and feet, are not required.
Gloves
Long gloves, made of a material that will protect the person from the chemicals being utilized, are needed during mold remediation.
How Is Aspergillosis Diagnosed
Your doctor will probably ask you about your medical history, including the type and duration of your symptoms and whether you have a cough or a fever. It may be difficult to diagnose the condition, because symptoms may resemble those of other diseases.
Some of the diagnostic tests that may be required include:
- Skin and blood tests: These tests are useful to diagnose ABPA, especially in cases where the patient has asthma, bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis. The doctor or technician injects a small quantity of aspergillus antigen into the skin, usually the lower arm. A small red bump at or near the site will show that you have an allergic reaction. In addition, a sample of your blood might be analyzed to see if certain antibodies are present that indicate an allergic reaction.
- Imaging tests: A chest X-ray or computerized tomography scan may be performed to examine the lungs.
- Sputum culture: A sample of sputum might be stained and tested to see if aspergillus fungus is present.
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is removed from the lungs or sinuses to diagnose invasive aspergillosis.
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Stachybotrys Species As Pathogens
In the Ukraine in the early 1930s, a unique disease of horses was recognized that was characterized by lip edema, stomatitis, oral necrosis, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. The symptoms often progressed through well-defined stages to pancytopenia, coagulopathy and hemorrhage, neurologic compromise , superinfections, and finally death . There was also a rare atypical or shocking form, which was primarily neurological and highly fatal, with areflexia , hyperesthesia , hyperirritability, blindness, and stupor. In these latter cases, there were no blood dyscrasias. Pathologic examination of tissue from affected animals revealed diffuse hemorrhage and necrosis, with involvement of the entire alimentary tract. Pulmonary changes consisted of lung congestion and edema . Pathologic changes in tissue appeared unique, since there was no zone of demarcation around necrotic foci and since the tissue appeared to be in a nonreactive state. In retrospect, these findings were perhaps the first indication that the entity had a toxigenic origin rather than being due to direct tissue infection. In the wake of the equine outbreak, it was soon realized the disease was not limited to horses. However, there were marked species and age effects on susceptibility: cattle were less affected than horses, and younger animals fared better than older ones .
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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The Epas Tips And Steps For Black Mold Remediation
The EPA, or the United States Environmental Protection Agency, suggests that if a mold infested area is larger than 3 feet by 3 feet you might be able to handle it yourself following strict guidelines but you may want to consult with and potentially hire a contractor.
How Can You Be Exposed To Black Mold
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 .
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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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The Cdcs 6 Tips For Black Mold Growth Prevention
1. Control HumidityHumidity levels should remain as low as possible. They offer that a dehumidifier or air conditioner can help keep the humidity level lowered. The CDC suggests that the humidity, at any given point, should not rise above 50%.
2. VentilateKeep your home well ventilated. The CDC suggests that kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are utilized when possible. Exhaust fans carry air from inside the home or establishment to outside the home or establishment.
3. RepairBe sure to repair plumbing, walls, and roofs so there are not any leaks that allow moisture to seep in. Mold can thrive in these damp regions.
4. Rapidly CleanIf there is a flood, rapidly clean and dry the building, home, or establishment. This would ideally be done within the first 24 to 48 hours after a flood has occurred.
5. Mold InhibitorsThe CDC suggests that people add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
6. Replace ItemsAfter a floods or water damages, tear out and replace any items that were unable to be quickly dried. Carpet can hold moisture.
7. Carpet Use TipsThe CDC suggests that carpet is not utilized in areas, like basements and bathrooms, where moisture it prevalent.
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