The body reacts to a mold that may not otherwise be toxic by exhibiting allergy-related symptoms, such as an irritated throat, coughing, or a runny nose. For some people, the reaction may be more severe, causing nausea, fatigue, sinus infections or trouble breathing.
In more extreme cases, fungus can produce volatile organic compounds, which can affect the central nervous system and cause headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating and decreased attention span, according to www.
The Environmental Protection Agency also has information on mold and how to combat it and protect yourself and your home. Documentation of the dangers of mold, the result of studies being undertaken by countries around the world, is pointing toward an increase in the prevalence of the health problems mold can cause, particularly in children.
Researchers used mice for the study, and found that a toxin from the black mold spores caused damage to the nose and the front part of the brain, where the sense of smell registers. The toxin found in black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, also irritated the nasal passages of the mice, which are similar in cell structure to humans. Several infants died in Ohioin the mids from lung damage after they were found to be living in homes with high levels of mold.
Their bleeding lungs were believed to have been damaged by something toxic in the air of their homes. Windows, especially those in older homes, are notorious for mold build-up; the first sign of a problem may be condensation on the glass. Clean kitchen areas and bathrooms occasionally with a bleach solution. Use a humidifier in rooms where the air is moist, especially in the basement. Other places where mold is likely to grow: in areas that have flooded, water pipe leaks, leaky roofs, condensation on walls and ceilings look for discoloration , windows, rust, peeling paint, tile grout, gutters, and warped wood.
Homes with many houseplants could be susceptible to mold growth; be careful not to overwater. Check the ventilation of home appliances, such as dryers, which should be vented outside. Air purification and filtration systems, which can range from reasonably priced to expensive depending on how elaborate the system is, are another option for homeowners and business owners. Central air conditioning with air filtration attachments are also available. Mold tests are available at most home improvement stores, and allow for the testing of both air and tangible mold samples.
But they may not give the whole story. For those people who are sensitive to mold, the CDC lists the following symptoms that mold in general not specific to black mold may cause:. For people with mold allergies or asthma, exposure to any kind of mold may cause more severe reactions like:. The CDC also describes who is more likely to get mold infections. People who are more likely to get serious mold infections in their lungs when exposed to any kind of mold may include:.
Moreover, there are many modifying factors that can increase or decrease your reactivity to mold, which may include:. Black mold exposure may often present with your typical allergic complaints that are listed above. However, one must be mindful that other non-allergic, mold-related illnesses exist and may present similarly to a mold allergy, but often with more seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Research Kilburn has found that people who have been exposed to mixed mold, mold spores and mycotoxins have experienced neurological and behavioral symptoms. These symptoms have been corroborated by other studies like Gordon et al. As mentioned, Stachybotr ys can look black or green so color is an unreliable identifier.
If you suspect mold exposure and cannot see visible growth, consider hiring a reputable company to complete a mold inspection. In general, a good IEP will bring plenty of equipment along with them to their site visit, including a particle counter, a hygrometer and a thermal imaging camera. Typically, you should expect them to identify areas of increased humidity along with thermal variations. Please know that a visual inspection is not enough, as water damage and thus mold, can exist in walls and in hidden areas.
The key to preventing Stachybotrys growth is to control humidity. Be advised that different humidity levels are applicable to different times of the year and different climates.
In general, a dehumidifier can be used to maintain appropriate humidity levels within the home. Be mindful of energy usage, as older models of dehumidifiers can cause large spikes in your electric bill. If you choose to use a dehumidifier, make sure to empty it regularly. One cannot forget that mold requires a medium for growth. Therefore, keeping your living space clean and free of cellulose-rich dust and dirt can go a long way towards preventing mold growth.
Consider using non-toxic cleaning products on non-porous surfaces, allowing the surface to dry thoroughly after cleaning. Dry static dusters or cloths can also go a long way towards picking up leftover particulate matter. The other cornerstone of mold prevention is maintaining good ventilation.
Good ventilation ensures circulation of air, which may help reduce humidity if the air is vented to the exterior of the home. Moreover, mold prefers an undisturbed environment and adequate ventilation makes it all the more difficult to grow. Although air purification cannot reverse structural mold damage to homes, it can help to reduce mold exposure. Recall that mold fragments are small and can become airborne, and may cause allergies while also carrying dangerous mycotoxins.
A HEPA filter is the traditional method of air purification and can address some mold spores, though given the right conditions, there is a potential for mold to grow on the filter surface.
HEPA filters are rated to remove Mycotoxins that are not bound to larger mold particles are much smaller than this—typically 0. You can learn more about the best air purifier for mold here. The Molekule technology is unique because it can destroy mold spores, without producing dangerous ozone. Unbeknownst to the mycologist who discovered the infamous black mold Stachybotrys chartarum in , his discovery would lay the foundation for the timeless struggle between the homeowner and the indoor humid environment.
These people tend to be very young, very old, or have:. How you react to mold depends on how sensitive you are to mold exposure. You may have no reaction at all to black mold exposure, or you may have a slight reaction.
People who are very sensitive to black mold may develop severe respiratory infections when exposed. Your doctor will first perform a physical exam. This is done by scratching or pricking the skin with extracts of different types of mold.
This is called a radioallergosorbent RAST test. If black mold has made you sick, see a doctor for continued care until your body heals from exposure to black mold spores. Some doctors may also recommend a nasal lavage or sinus flush. A special device, like a neti pot , can help clear your nose of irritants like mold spores.
You can find neti pots at your local drugstore or online. Be sure to rinse your irrigation device with sterile water and dry it completely after each use. If you have a reaction to black mold in your home, you can take steps to remove the mold from your home. Mold also tends to have a musty odor. It often grows:. If you notice small amounts of mold, you can usually get rid of it with a mold-removing spray.
You can also use a bleach solution of 1 cup household bleach to 1 gallon of water. If you rent, tell your landlord about the mold so they can hire a professional. Mold professionals can identify all areas where mold is growing and how to best remove it. You may need to leave your home during mold removal if mold growth is very extensive. Black mold may not be super deadly, but it can make some people sick.
If you have a reaction to black mold, see your doctor to determine if you have a mold allergy or other medical condition causing your symptoms.
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