How to Treat Exposure to Black Mold

Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, grows on material with a low nitrogen and high cellulose content, such as paper, fiberboard, and lint. It requires constant moisture in the form of condensation, excessive humidity, or flooding to grow, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While exposure to black mold often causes no symptoms, it may result in fatigue, respiratory complaints, headaches, and immune system dysfunction.

Things You'll Need

• Over-the-counter antihistamine medication

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Instructions

• 1

  Avoid additional exposure to black mold by immediately vacating any home or building where black mold is discovered.

• 2

  Wash any areas of the skin that have been in contact with black mold. Skin contact with black mold can cause rashes and burning in some people, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Washing with soap and water is sufficient to remove the mold from skin.

• 3

  Treat minor respiratory and allergic reactions to black mold, such as eye irritation, nasal stuffiness, and minor wheezing, with appropriate over-the-counter antihistamines and other medications. In most healthy adults, exposure to black mold does not cause serious symptoms.

• 4

  Call your doctor as soon as possible if you develop fever, shortness of breath, or experience an increase in asthma symptoms following exposure to black mold. You may require treatment with antibiotics or other medications to prevent complications, such as pneumonia.

• 5

  Make an urgent appointment if you have an infant who was exposed to black mold. While exposure-related health effects are generally mild in adults, infants are at increased risk of serious complications, including pulmonary hemorrhage, according to the American Phytopathological Society.

• 6

  Take anti-inflammatory medications, such as prednisone, for hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by black mold exposure. Acute cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis typically clear up within weeks, but chronic cases may require aggressive, ongoing treatment to keep inflammation under control and to improve lung function. Pulmonary rehabilitation, prompt treatment of associated lung conditions, and lung transplant may be necessary.