Health Effects of Black Mold

The effects of black mold can be varied, and specific mold exposure symptoms will depend on the type of molds that are involved. Not all black molds are harmful or toxic to humans, and not all dangerous molds are black. Black mold has become associated with toxic molds because of the media attention to one of the worst strains of toxic molds, called Stachybotrys mold, and this mold does have a black color. This mold is responsible for many serious and severe health problems, especially in children, infants, and any other population group that has a lowered immune response. This black toxic mold can also affect healthy individuals if their exposure is to large concentrations of the mold or it occurs over an extended time period. Any black mold, or mold of any color for that matter, can pose health risks to certain segments of the population, such as those who are predisposed to mold allergies and sensitive to these fungi, whether because of a genetic factor, work in a high risk occupation, or other reasons.

Black mold can have many effects, from allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, nasal problems and sinusitis, all the way up to serious medical conditions that may require extensive treatment and even hospitalization. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), any mold growth should be taken care of immediately, and any moisture or water sources should be repaired and eliminated to prevent black mold from growing and causing health problems. Certain types of toxic black molds can cause headaches, fevers, memory loss, a problem with concentrating, nausea, dizziness, chronic fatigue, tremors, heart palpitations, shortness of breath during routine activities, irritation in the nose and throat, nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, burning, itching, or watery eyes, cold and flu like symptoms, exhaustion for no valid reason. Other symptoms include, swelling that can occur in the torso, legs, ankles, and feet and can become quite severe, joint pain and muscle cramps that are severe and may be prolonged, cancer, odor sensitivity, and many other problems for anyone who is immune compromised, pregnant, very young or very old. Some black molds can even cause eventual organ failure and cause entire systems in your body to shut down.

Toxic mold spores, including black molds, can have an effect on almost every system in your body. Your immune system can become compromised and experience difficulties fighting off the mold spores you come into contact with. Your nervous system may be affected and cause tremors, nervous disorders, nerve pain, and nerve malfunctions, including problems with the impulses sent and received within your nervous system. The urinary system can be affected, and your kidneys may experience difficulty trying to remove toxins from your body, causing them to work much harder and face greater risks of kidney problems and failure. The same is true of your liver, because this organ acts as a filter to remove toxins and impurities from your body, and if there is a buildup or high levels of toxins in your system, your liver may have to work much harder and still be unable to remove all toxins, causing it to fail and stop working. Toxic black mold can even cause brain damage in individuals who are sensitive, or who are exposed to a significant amount of toxic mold particles and spores.

We are all different, and because of this the effects of black mold will vary depending on the individual, the types of mold that they are exposed to, the amounts involved in the mold exposure, the health conditions and immune system of the person exposed, and other factors that will vary from one person to the next. Some people are very sensitive, and may experience health problems and symptoms after exposure to a small amount of mold, while others may require a much larger exposure before they develop any signs and symptoms of health problems that are related to mold exposure. If you notice that you seem to have symptoms only in certain areas of your home, or only when you are at home, and these clear up and go away after you move outside or to another area in your home, the symptoms may be effects of black mold growing hidden in your home.

Mold testing and a certified home mold inspection can help you determine if you have a hidden mold problem that can be affecting the health of you or your family. One of the best places to find quality mold testing and certified mold inspections is right here at Olympian.