Black Mold Symptoms Affecting Your Health
In this post, we’re addressing the nefarious contender – black mold. We are featuring some important black mold poisoning symptoms in order to help you recognize the warning signs. Our next post will discuss black mold symptoms in your home - how to identify a black mold problem and get help.
Not everyone who comes in contact with mold reacts adversely to it, which is what makes it difficult for the government to issue regulations on specific mold levels. Whether you know you are sensitive to mold or not, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Black mold can cause a condition called Black Mold Poisoning. Molds and other chemicals or synthetic materials can release particles into the air called VOCs – volatile organic compounds. These contaminants, while not always dangerous in small amounts, can be very toxic to breathe in larger quantities and can often be found in items like new carpeting, paints, cleaners, and other chemicals. Mold releases VOCs as it breaks down materials to feed. Mold can also release particles called mycotoxins into the air. Like VOCs, these particles are also dangerous if breathed in large quantities, or if consumed by eating a moldy piece of food.
As we mentioned before, there are many molds that can appear to be very dark green or black at first glance, and it’s important to recognize that not all molds that look black are actually the "black mold" that we’re talking about – Stachybotrys chartarum. You don’t need to remember the scientific name for this mold, but there are some important black mold symptoms to watch for. If you suspect your home has black mold, click here to contact a professional.
Continue below to find out the symptoms that you need to be aware of.
Black mold symptoms may include:
Anxiety
Headaches
Cough
Skin and eye irritation
Nausea
Memory loss
Fatigue
Dizziness
Trouble Concentrating
Asthma
Irregularity in blood pressure
Memory loss
Shortness of breath
Abdominal pain
Numbness or pain in extremities
Mood swings
Fibromyalgia
For these and more symptoms, see Allergyscape and this Toxic Mold article from Buzzle.
If you have mold in your home and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get in touch with your doctor and to isolate the mold problem and eradicate it from your home. Many mold problems can be self-treated, but you may need to hire a professional, depending on the severity. The best way to avoid mold problems is to stop mold growth before it begins by making sure your home is properly ventilated to prevent the moisture molds love. Here are links to black mold solutions like room ventilation fans, active dampness control, and whole house indoor air quality solutions.
