The Effects of Black Mold on People

Seasonal black mold growth affects people in the spring and summer when outdoor mold counts peak due to warm, breezy conditions that promote the spread of spores. Indoor mold problems result in year-round symptoms and health complications that are aggravated by rapid mold growth on surfaces, beneath flooring and within dry walls, pipes and air ducts. Individuals can experience a plethora of adverse effects due to continual exposure to black mold.

Effects

• Black mold is an environmental inhalant that disperses through the air and is breathed in through the eyes, nose or mouth. People without allergies can develop allergic rhinitis as a result of constant mold inhalation. Individuals with allergies and asthma typically become more symptomatic when in the presence of high mold concentrations. Mold inhalation causes allergic reactions such as: nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin irritation, sneezing, runny nose, throat soreness and breathing difficulty. Allergy symptoms typically become more pronounced when in contact with the toxic form of the black mold fungus.

Potential

• Black mold affects people by causing allergic asthma symptoms and attacks. While allergies and asthma are separate conditions, they are typically diagnosed together. Inhalant allergens, such as black mold, cause histamines to be released throughout the body, leading to inflammation of the lungs and airways. The body's natural defense to mold results in constricted breathing, wheezing and dry coughing. Black mold allergy symptoms of nasal congestion such as runny nose and sneezing further complicate the breathing process, and combine with allergic asthma to cause severe asthma attacks that may become chronic and debilitating with extended exposure to black mold.

Significance

• Allergic sinusitis is a result of black mold exposure, causing upper-respiratory distress that can lead to bacterial and viral infections, chronic ear infections, fatigue and headaches. The effects of black mold on the lungs are damaging, resulting in deteriorated lung tissue, bleeding of the lungs, respiratory tract infections and broncho pulmonary aspergillus, which occurs when mold enters the body and manifests as a fungus in the bronchial passages. Black mold decreases normal lung function and can spread throughout the body's systems, multiplying and decreasing overall health once inhaled.

Warning

• Toxic black mold is a biohazardous risk to people and animals, causing an array of neurological effects. As mold is inhaled and dispersed throughout the body on a regular basis, nerves and systems become contaminated by toxins, resulting in symptoms of malaise, hearing loss, memory loss and dementia. Conditions worsen in individuals with weaker immune systems such as infants, elderly people, smokers and those with immune deficiency diseases prior to exposure.

Prevention/Solution

• Black mold can be identified using a store-bought mold kit, or by hiring professional mold detectors. Black mold is a greenish-black color and is accompanied by a musty odor. The scent of mold or mildew is particularly helpful in discovering hidden mold that may exist within dry walls, insulation and appliances, or beneath carpeting and flooring. Mold can colonize on surfaces of varying composition, decaying pipes, ducts, wood and textiles within a home. Mold elimination can be expensive if refurnishing, carpet or floor replacement, or structural rebuilding is necessary. Regardless, ridding a home of mold will result in improved health and living conditions.