What Are the Dangers of Black Mold in Houses?
Mold thrives in damp, dark places, like under sinks, on shower walls, in basements and between window panes. Having mold in your house is not just disgusting to look at, however; it’s also a potential health hazard. “Many molds can cause allergens that can affect some of the population, but some molds can also cause toxins, which can affect everyone, depending on the length of exposure,” according to the non-profit Mold Help organization. Knowing the dangers of mold can help you determine if it’s a threat in your home.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Initial Symptoms
Being exposed to airborne toxins from mold can cause symptoms that might seem completely unrelated at first. It’s “very difficult to know whether or not you are experiencing black mold symptoms,” explains Mary Short-Ray, D.O., author of “Surviving Toxic Black Mold Syndrome,” because the symptoms are varied 1. This is because there are different types of black mold that are toxic, and each produces and gives off different mycotoxins. On top of that, your genetic makeup will determine how you respond to those mycotoxins, and your symptoms can change.
The most common symptoms include breathing problems, loss of hearing and memory, flu-like symptoms, dizziness and acid reflux.
- Being exposed to airborne toxins from mold can cause symptoms that might seem completely unrelated at first.
Lingering Ailments
Diseases Caused by Black Toxic Mold
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Toxic mold can also bring about ailments that can only be treated after someone leaves the mold-contaminated environment. These include excessive bruising and allergies to mold, which come about due to hypersensitivity after the initial exposure to toxins. Allergic reactions can include sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, asthma or an anaphylactic reaction. Treatment for reducing these ailments may include medication or dietary changes.
- Toxic mold can also bring about ailments that can only be treated after someone leaves the mold-contaminated environment.
Permanent Damage
Some health problems may not go away, even after the mold is gone. Other possible long-term illnesses and problems include:
- kidney disease
- irritable bowel syndrome
- chronic fatigue
- fibromyalgia
- cancer
- hair loss
- infertility
In extreme cases, expose to black mold can even result in death.
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References
- Toxic Black Mold Syndrome: Toxic Black Mold Can Make You Sick
- Allergy Escape: Toxic Mold
- Borchers AT, Chang C, Eric gershwin M. Mold and Human Health: a Reality Check. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2017;52(3):305-322. doi:10.1007/s12016-017-8601-z
- Balmes JR. Chapter 107. Molds. In: Olson KR. eds. Poisoning & Drug Overdose, 6e, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2012.
- Bozek A, Pyrkosz K. Immunotherapy of mold allergy: A review. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2017;13(10):2397-2401. . doi:10.1080/21645515.2017.1314404
- Cipriani F, Calamelli E, Ricci G. Allergen Avoidance in Allergic Asthma. Front Pediatr. 2017;5:103. doi:10.3389/fped.2017.00103
- Chinoy B, Yee E, Bahna SL. Skin testing versus radioallergosorbent testing for indoor allergens. Clin Mol Allergy. 2005; 3:4. Clinic Rev Allerg Immunol (2017) 52:305–322. doi:10.1186/1476-7961-3-4
- Edmondson, DA. Allergy and “toxic mold syndrome.” Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2005 Feb;94(2):234-9. doi:10.1016/S1081-1206(10)61301-4Get
- Coop, CA. Immunotherapy for Mold Allergy. Clinic Rev Allerg Immunol (2014) 47:289–298. doi:10.1007/s12016-013-8389-4
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Mold Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects in the Aftermath of Hurricanes and Major Floods. Published June 9, 2006.
Writer Bio
Heather Vale is a writer, interviewer and seasoned journalist. She has authored news, entertainment and informational programming in TV, radio, print and online media. She is also a certified childhood fitness and nutrition specialist with a background in mind-body-spirit health, self-help, business, technology and pet breeding. Vale holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual arts from York University.