Black Mold

Black mold exposure can be split into two camps, normal black mold exposure and toxic black mold exposure. As its name suggests the toxic type is far more damaging.

Even normal black mold exposure can lead to many symptoms that are usually associated with other common illnesses. As such it is not unusual for illnesses caused by black mold to be attributed to other causes. This can lead to mis-diagnosis if not careful.

To take a couple of examples, one of the main symptoms of black mold exposure is sinus trouble (blocked sinuses, headaches, runny noses), or the same conditions as the common cold. However, this particular cold is very stubborn and just will not go away. If you or any member of your family has had a cold for a lengthy period of time then do a quick survey of the house, or any environment they are in contact with regularly, to check for black mold.

Many many people suffer from Asthma. At this time although not proven, it is becoming more accepted that exposure to black mold while an infant can have a major bearing on the development of Asthma as an adult.

In toxic black mold poisoning there may be issues with the nervous system, digestive system and neurological effects which can include memory loss, hearing loss and chronic fatigue syndrome. Mood swings and depression have also been linked to this mold. If you suspect black mold may have anything to do with symptoms such as these, for anyone you know, then seek specialist help immediately.

When toxic mold leads to digestive tract problems, diarrhoea may be seen as a symptom in these cases.

How do we get exposed to black mold
Black mold spores are airborne and enter the body when we breathe through the respiratory system. Once inside micro toxins are released into the bloodstream and carried around the body, so they may potentially cause problems in many areas.

Young children and older persons, asthmatics, allergy sufferers and those with weak immune systems are those most at risk from black mold exposure. If in any doubt get your house inspected by either a professional or there are kits you can buy that you can use to do the job yourself.

Once a black mold inspection discovers a problem, it will be time to clean it. If you find just a few spots, you can clean black mold yourself. The black mold contaminated area may be too large to do yourself if you didn’t find it early enough.

Before you even begin to clean black mold or call a professional to do it for you, the source of moisture must be eliminated. Repair the leak or provide a more efficient way for an area to dry. If needed, buy a dehumidifier for areas with high humidity. Without controlling the environment that black mold grew in, you will go through the trouble and expense of cleanup to only have the black mold return.

For small spots of mold, it can be cleaned yourself. To clean black mold these steps should be followed:

• Completely dry area
• Use black mold cleaner to destroy mold
• Remove any damaged surface
• Repair if needed

For larger areas, once completely dry:

• Block off room with plastic or closed door
• Provide ventilation
• Lightly mist area (reduce spores in air) before beginning
• Remove damaged area
• Put in large plastic bag
• If possible, put bag outside through window in contaminated room (don’t walk through house)
• Repair area

If there is a return of the mold after doing it yourself or to clean black mold is too big of a project, there are professionals that can clean black mold for you. If you have health issues related to black mold it is best to get someone else to clean the black mold for you.

Once the mold in the house is cleaned and removed, inspect the house regularly so that when it is present, you can clean black mold immediately.

There are variables that will determine the type of black mold symptoms and the severity. Age, amount of exposure, other health issues, and especially occurrences of asthma are some of the variables.

Black mold symptoms are usually respiratory related symptoms because it is an irritant to mucus membranes and the spores are inhaled. These are some of the respiratory related symptoms that can occur:

• Runny noses
• Itchy-watery eyes
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Throat irritation

Sinusitis and asthma symptoms can worsen when there is brief or prolonged exposure to black mold.

Other types of black mold symptoms can include the following:

• Central nervous system irritation
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Attention span decrease
• Concentration difficulties
• Dizziness

Fungi has been associated with the following invasive diseases:

• Aspergilosis
• Cladosporium
• Rhizopus

It is rare for the general population to suffer from the above fungi diseases when exposed to black mold. Those with immune compromising illnesses (cancer with chemo treatments and HIV/AIDS) are at greater risk for the above illnesses.

It doesn’t matter if a person is healthy or not, they should not be exposed to black mold; it should be cleaned as soon as it is discovered. It should be done professionally if needed.

Many black mold symptoms will lessen as the exposure to black mold is eliminated. If there is black mold in the home it will need to be cleaned properly. It may be harder to avoid black mold symptoms if the exposure occurs at work and there is fear of retaliation if it brought to the attention of the employer.

If you know you can’t avoid a brief amount of time where the black mold is located, have allergy medicine at hand, a paper facemask, and/or asthma inhaler handy to minimize black mold symptoms

You can do a basic black mold inspection in and around your home, but it will take a professional to test and positively identify black mold. Once black mold is cleaned, it will take a black mold inspection to verify a home or business is clear of the mold before it is passed as safe again.

Black mold needs moisture, warmth, and something to grow on. Mold flourishes in the dark. Flooded areas and areas that have a consistent moisture source (water leaks) are most at risk. Areas with high humidity like bathrooms and kitchens can also be at risk of black mold contamination. All these areas should have a black mold inspection.

Don’t wait for black mold symptoms to occur. Locate and clean black mold immediately upon discovery. When the source of the moisture is identified in a black mold inspection, it should be eliminated so that black mold doesn’t continue to grow. Early detection will minimize cost and time involved in cleaning and removing black mold. It will also prevent serious health risks like severe asthma attacks, from the black mold spores.

When there is a serious black mold problem, some homes cannot be lived in until the mold has been completely cleaned. Businesses and schools may need to be shut down temporarily while black mold is being removed. Once again it will take a black mold inspection to determine if the clean up was successful and a home, business, or school is safe to open again and no longer is a health risk.

When getting your home or business a black mold inspection use only a certified mold inspector and certified mold contractors to clean a black mold problem. Small spots of mold can usually be cleaned without a professional. Large contaminations of black mold will need a professional. Some potential homebuyers will want a black mold inspection before buying a home.

When you hear of a school being shut down until a black mold situation is being taken care of, you may have a couple questions:

1. What is black mold?
2. Why black mold is not my friend.

Black mold is one of over one million species in the fungi kingdom. Other fungi include mushrooms and yeast. Fungi is highly tolerant to change and will grow almost everywhere. Mold is the most common among fungi.

What is black mold:

• Appearance-slimy, greenish-black fungus
• AKA (also known as)-Strachybotrys chartarum or Strachybotrys atra
• Locations at risk-bathrooms, kitchens, shingled roofs, flooded areas, and any moist warm environment with high humidity
• Surfaces where it will grow-wood, ceiling tiles, drywall, paneling, cardboard, insulation, and flooring
• Identification-resembles other molds and can only be identified positively by testing
• Where nutrients are obtained-Carbon containing materials
• Needs-moisture, nutrient, and warm temperatures

Black mold symptoms can be caused by any mold due to the spores that are released. If you have a compromised immune system, asthma, or other health issue, you should avoid exposure to molds and protect yourself when the humidity is high or you cannot avoid exposure to mold.

Why black mold is not my (or your) friend:

• Invasive and destructive to surface it grows on
• Can intensify existing health problems
• Health risks (especially respiratory)
• Must be completely destroyed when cleaning
• Black mold symptoms include fatigue, rashes, concentration difficulties, and dizziness
• Irritant

Black mold is nothing new; it was described in the Bible with directions on how to identify and remove and also described in 1837 by Czech mycologist when found in the house of Prague. It could be in your home and causing health problems.