Health Issues With Black Mold and Mildew

Black mold, also referred to as mildew, can lead to a number of health problems even though the mold, and its microscopic spores, are natural parts of the environment, floating through the air we breathe every day.

Identification

• Molds are fungi that help in nature's process of breaking down organic matter, such as the automatic recycling of dried, brown leaves every fall, resulting in their decomposition and return to the earth.

Moisture

• Molds become potentially hazardous when they take on a black color in the presence of moisture. This becomes problematic inside of homes or buildings where high humidity or water damage is present.

Effects

• Inhaling or touching black mold can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, rash or asthma attacks.

Weak Immunity

• If you have a weak immune system, or are on medications that decrease immune system response, your chances of severe, or fatal, reactions to black mold are increased. Inhaling spores can affect the lungs and cause pneumonia, or if lodged in your nasal passage, can lead to sinusitis. Infection can also spread to the brain or enter the bloodstream and cause damage throughout your body.

Skin and Nails

• If black mold spores lodge in your skin, you might experience warts or pain, redness and inflammation. Infection can also cause discoloration of your fingernails and toenails.