One of the problems with black mold is that many homeowners miss the signs until their home has a serious problem. In moist conditions, black mold can spread quickly, and the sight of it on the walls may not be the first thing you notice. It’s important to know the other signs so you can catch black mold in your home while the problem is still manageable. Here are a few common signs of black mold in a home:.
Black mold needs warm temperatures and moisture to grow and spread. It commonly appears in damp or water-damaged areas of your home, such as basements, showers and windows. For most people, black mold won’t make you very sick or kill you.
We have helped thousands of people restore their health and quality of life by diagnosing and treating their mold illness. Black mold in homes (as well as many other molds) causes a variety of symptoms in part due to its ability to impact the nervous system cells. It can cause the nerve cells to die. While this is scary, remember that nerve cells can regenerate. We want to make sure we are addressing mold toxins as early as possible to prevent damage and encourage repair. In addition, mold toxins will effect the ability of the white blood cells to function properly.
Mould - sometimes referred to by the american spelling mold - is a microscopic fungus that grows in damp places. Mould spores are found everywhere, and are released in their thousands into the atmosphere. Signs of mould at home include fuzzy black, white or green patches on the walls, and a damp and musty smell.
Can black mold make you sick?
The other common name for stachybotrys chartarum, “toxic mold,” comes from the belief that this species of mold is particularly dangerous to human health. That’s because black mold produces chemicals called mycotoxins, which can cause nonspecific health symptoms associated with sick building syndrome. It has also been suspected of causing idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants although this has not been scientifically proven.
Aside from possible toxicity, black mold (or any indoor mold for that matter) produces spores that can cause upper respiratory reactions resembling allergies or asthma. For this reason, the cdc considers all types of indoor mold to be hazardous and recommends prompt and safe removal.
Black mold or toxic black mold is the common name for stachybotrys chartarum. This is a microfungus that triggers a response from our immune system. Black mold worsens asthma symptoms and can trigger sneezing, coughing, watering eyes, and congestion in those without asthma. People with mold allergies or a compromised immune system can become sick from black mold. Like other types of mold, black mold is commonly found in warm, dark, humid areas of homes. It releases spores into the air that you can absorb through your skin or breathe in. These spores can also catch a ride from you to other areas, spreading it throughout your home.
Black mold can ‘hurt’ you by causing allergic reactions, but unless you have existing respiratory issues or a compromised immune system, you are highly unlikely to get sick from it.
Most people have strong enough immune systems to combat mold, however, not everyone has a strong enough immune system to do so. For example, those with cancer, immune system deficiencies, and others with compromised immune systems could be at risk of fungal infections. When the immune system isn’t healthy enough to fight off a body’s exposure to black mold, the fungal infection can grow. If there is someone in your home who has a weak immune system and has a fungal infection or seems to be sicker when at home, then you need to act quickly. Although mold might not pose too serious of risks for healthy adults, it could be detrimental for those who aren’t strong enough to fight it.
Typically, when a client calls and wants mold testing, we start with a few questions. Do you physically see what you think is mold? is the area wet? is there a moldy smell in the area? has there been leaking? are occupants exhibiting allergy symptoms, headaches, etc. When in the home that go away when they are out of the home? sometimes people call and want mold testing because someone who will be living in the home has severe allergies to molds or a compromised immune system. They just want the mold testing to make sure that there are no issues that will affect their known conditions.
Black mold can cause a variety of different health issues in some people, from allergies to more serious medical conditions. It’s important that you know how much exposure could potentially affect your individual situation before deciding on any course treatments for mold infection.
Mold is a fungus-like substance that affects the ecosystem and thrives in moist and warm conditions. It reproduces by emitting minuscule spores into the air and settling on surfaces. When there is moisture, mold grows and then spreads. It can be generally seen in bathroom, basement, attic, or kitchen areas that experience moisture buildup. The species of mold may also be different in color, such as green, white, or even black. White and black mold are the most talked about because of their unique properties and health effects.
Damp and mouldy environments in general can cause a host of medical problems, particularly in people who are sensitive to the allergens that moulds produce. Common ailments are sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes, but moulds can also affect the immune system and trigger more serious problems such as asthma attacks. Cladosporium and alternaria can provoke severe, and even fatal, asthma attacks, and long-term exposure exacerbates the risk. Stachybotrys chartarum causes sick building syndrome , where toxins released by the fungus cause people to feel unwell. The fungus has also been associated with a potentially lethal condition called acute idiopathic pulmonary haemorrhage in infants , but a firm link has not been established.