Effects of Black Mold

Black mold spreads quickly and can flourish in varying conditions, particularly escalating with increased humidity levels of 55 percent or higher. Black mold can be identified as toxic or nontoxic, accumulating on surfaces in moist, damp areas that receive little ventilation. The effects of black mold include indoor and outdoor deterioration, reduced air quality and a plethora of health conditions.

Identification

• Black mold is slimy in texture, and has a greenish, black color. Black mold thrives in moisture, spreading in dark, drafty places where water collects and condenses in the air. Black mold grows within dry walls, beneath carpets and flooring, within upholstery and appliances, and decays air ducts, pipes, wood, and gutters. Damp areas that gather water such as basements, attics, garages, bathrooms and kitchens allow caulking, walls, tiles, insulation and flooring to absorb black mold.

Potential

• Black mold can be difficult to detect when it does not appear in plain view. A musty, mildewed scent accompanies mold growth, and is significant in detecting black mold within a home. As mold spreads throughout a home or building, walls, surfaces, and structural materials become increasingly contaminated with spores. As mold collects, wood begins to decay, rugs and furnishings become stained and mildewed, and walls begin to rot. The effects of widespread and untreated black mold can lead to expensive interior and exterior repairs, refurnishing and rebuilding. Demolition and reconstruction may be necessary in severe cases of biohazardous toxic black mold growth.

Effects

• Black mold grows on organic matter such as grass, mulch, wet leaves, and wood. Mold spores are lightweight and are carried through the air on warm, breezy days. High outdoor mold counts trigger seasonal allergies during the spring and summer, making allergy and asthma sufferers more symptomatic. High concentrations of mold can cause frequent congestion, itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, skin irritation, headaches and breathing difficulty as nasal and airway passages become inflamed.

Significance

• Indoor mold results in year-round health symptoms due to the rapid growth and containment of mold within the structures of a house. Black mold is transported through air, and is assisted by indoor heating and cooling systems. Mold attaches to vents, ducts and filters, reducing the quality of air being circulated throughout a home. As people inhale mold regularly, symptoms become more pronounced. Individuals without prediagnosed conditions may develop respiratory conditions, allergies, and infections due to frequent black mold exposure.

Warning

• Toxic black mold inhalation can cause neurological complications such as fatigue, memory loss, headaches, mood changes and hearing loss. Extended exposure to black mold can result in serious health conditions including damaged lung tissue, bleeding in the lungs, chronic respiratory tract infections, fungal diseases, asthma, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, eczema, decreased immunology and bronchopulmonary mycosis. Detecting and treating black mold at the onset is effective in the prevention of prolonged and harmful health effects.