Black Mold Health
Risks
During their reproductive cycle, molds produce microscopic spores that are released into the air until they land on a surface and multiply. When you breathe in these airborne spores, you may experience an allergic reaction or illness. Black mold spores are especially toxic.
Where Molds Grow
Mold is common; it grows on just about every surface, especially if the surface is in a moist environment. Black mold, or scientifically known as stachybotrys, poses a health risk because of the toxic spores it produces. The actual color of black mold is a greenish-black color. It grows on fiberboard, paper, dust, drywall, wallpaper, wood, gypsum board, carpet, fabric or basically the building material of a modern home. Mold will grow if the mold spore lands on one of these surfaces and it has moisture to keep it alive. You can usually tell you have a mold infestation by smelling it or seeing the growth if it is visible.
Health Risks
Even though black mold is one of the most toxic molds, all molds can pose some of the same health risks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the "Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints." Mild reactions to molds are, stuffy nose, eye irritation, wheezing and rash. A more severe reaction would be a fever and difficulty breathing. Long-term health risks are asthma, sinus infections, memory loss, bronchial lung infection and pneumonia. "Recent news coverage has focused on the possibility that certain molds (such as so-called 'black mold') may cause a host of symptoms such as fatigue, headache, nausea, fever, rashes and coughing --- and even a condition that causes bleeding lungs in infants," according to the Mayo Clinic.
Tests
See a doctor if you have any of the above symptoms. Even the mild symptoms, if they last an usually long time, might be due to mold exposure. To discover if you have a mold allergy, your doctor can do a skin prick test to determine the suspected allergen. Your doctor can also do a blood test to find out if the antibodies in your blood are sensitive to specific molds.
Prevention/Solution
Control mold growth by controlling moisture in your home. Keep the humidity level to between 30 and 60 percent by using a de-humidifier or air conditioner. Do not let water build up or let a leak soak into wood, cement, carpet, drywall or basically anywhere in the home. Bring in a professional to clean up any floods or water damage to your home.
Professional Cleanup
If you suspect you have mold growing in your home but can't see it, have a professional mold inspector come out and test your home. In addition, if the mold problem is quite large and you are experiencing health risks, have a professional clean the mold for you.
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