|  | Public Health Safety | Environmental Health

Signs & Symptoms of Being Exposed to Black Mold

Black mold is a common name given to a particularly toxic type of mold, known as Stachybotrys chartarum. The mold is found in certain areas of your house, such as the basement, which typically has high levels of moisture. While not all molds are dangerous, black mold poses serious health consequences for people who are exposed to it for longer periods of time. These health effects include memory loss or a stroke.

  1. Headaches or Migraines

    • Exposure to black mold will often cause an allergic reaction that may cause you to develop a headache or migraine, depending on the severity of the mold infestation. This is your body sending you a signal indicating that the concentration of mold spores is toxic, and you need to exit the area you are in and find fresh air.

    Irritated Eyes

    • A sensitive area of the body, the eyes can often be the first sign of irritation during an allergic reaction to a foreign pathogen. Concentrations of black mold will typically cause your eyes to begin watering and in some cases become itchy. When the spores from the mold come into contact with the sensitive lining in your eyelids, your eyes will become irritated and begin releasing tears to flush the eye.

    Coughing and Excessive Phlegm

    • One of the first symptoms that suggests black mold is present and causing respiratory complications is coughing and excessive phlegm in the individual. The spores of the black mold that have become airborne will start to irritate sensitive areas, such as the throat area. To compensate, your body will often produce excess amounts of phlegm or cause you to cough to try and dislodge the small irritant mold spores.

    Bleeding Lungs

    • Prolonged exposure to black mold can cause serious health complications. One of the most visible symptoms is bleeding lungs or blood when you cough. An individual who has bleeding lungs likely has been exposed to high concentrations of black mold, which is starting to cause permanent damage to the lungs. The reason the lungs begin to bleed is that the spores are being inhaled and making small micro cuts along the highly sensitive interior lining of the lung.

Environmental Health - Related Articles