Black Mold Exposure Treatments

Most of the time, exposure to black mold will cause only mild symptoms. Toxic black mold is more severe, though, and will require a different treatment. This is the type of mold people refer to when they speak about "sick buildings."

Black-Mold Symptoms

• Non-toxic black mold exposure symptoms may include sneezing, coughing and/or skin and eye irritation. You might think you have a cold or sinus infection rather than having been exposed to black mold. Toxic black mold exposure may cause your bodily systems to be affected, including damage to your cells and nerves. Toxic black mold will also increase your sensitivities the longer you are exposed to the mold.

Treatments for Non-toxic Exposure

• The first thing to do if you have been exposed to black mold is to find it and clean it up so the exposure can't continue. Good places to start looking are in the bathroom and kitchen. Once the mold has been removed, over-the-counter cold medications can treat the symptoms. If you find this doesn't work or the symptoms are more severe, a doctor can prescribe medication to help your body detoxify itself.

Treatments for Toxic Exposure

• Increase your calcium and potassium in your diet to help your body fight the effects of the mold. Talk to your doctor about the problem. He or she may prescribe an inhalant to help you fight the effects of the mold. Your doctor will also want you to detoxify your body so that it can get rid of the spores that have been inhaled.