Lifehacks 

What does black mold do to you?

Joe Ford

What does black mold do to you?

The most common black mold symptoms and health effects are associated with a respiratory response. Chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat, rashes, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning.

How much black mold exposure is harmful?

Takeaway. Based on current research, black mold exposure is no more dangerous than any other type of mold exposure. It is impossible to avoid exposure to mold — the spores are almost everywhere around us. In high amounts or in people with allergies, exposure to any mold may cause allergy symptoms.

Where can mold hide in your home?

Top 8 Hidden Places You Might Find Mold

  • Window Sills. We don’t often spend a lot of time examining our window sills, but they are a prime place for mold to start and spread.
  • Refrigerator Drip Pans.
  • Wallpaper.
  • Attic.
  • Air Conditioners.
  • Washing Machines.
  • Chimneys.
  • Carpets and Pads.

Do most homes have some mold?

“Every house, every environment has mold spores.” It becomes an issue when the concentration of mold spores in a home is greater than what is found outside. Mold needs three conditions to thrive: an ideal temperature, a source of food and moisture. The temperature in most houses is almost always ideal for mold growth.

Where does black mold hide?

Mold is extremely good at hiding. It can be in your shower, in the crawlspace, or even hiding inside walls. Black mold exposure and mold poisoning can cause many different health issues, and it impacts everyone differently.

How do you know if it is black mold?

4 Black Mold Signs and Symptoms

  1. Musty Smell. Mold has a pungent, earthy, musty, and rather unpleasant smell.
  2. Visible Dark Rings and Spots (Water Damage)
  3. Respiratory Irritation.
  4. Visible Growths and Odd Colors.

How can I tell if I have black mold?

A water source is the first requirement for mold growth, so any damp, humid areas of the home are often susceptible. Sight and smell may give you a good indication of whether or not you have a black mold problem — black mold tends to have a strong, musty smell, and of course it displays a trademark black color.

Miscellaneous 

What does black mold do to you?

Joe Ford

What does black mold do to you?

The most common black mold symptoms and health effects are associated with a respiratory response. Chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat, rashes, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches can all be symptomatic of black mold exposure or black mold poisoning.

What types of mold can kill you?

Stachybotrys chartarum is usually the one referred to as ” toxic mold.” All molds can cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to or allergic to mold. But there is no reason to believe that black mold is any more dangerous than other types or colors of mold.

How long does it take for black mold to affect you?

These spores proliferate quickly and can take hold in places with poor ventilation and high humidity in less than 24 hours. The problem starts when you inhale these spores. They produce toxic substances known as mycotoxins that can produce an immune response in some individuals and actually extremely toxic themselves.

Can living in a house with mold kill you?

In reality, all molds — including black mold — can produce toxins, but exposure to mold is rarely deadly. People are exposed to mold through spores that are released and travel through the air.

Can cleaning black mold make you sick?

Black Mold Exposure It is possible you will get sick or experience symptoms if exposed to black mold. If you inhale, ingest or have long-term exposure to black mold you are at risk for health issues.

Can I clean mold myself?

Scrub the surface mold stains from walls and wood trim with a mixture of one quart water and 1/2-cup bleach mold cleaner to kill the mold. Use a soft brush and work until signs of the mold disappear. After scrubbing the surfaces, allow the bleach solution to continue to penetrate the surfaces and dry.

How can I test myself for mold?

Most mold is unmistakable, but sometimes small or largely hidden growths just make a surface look dirty. A quick test for mold can be done when you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall. If the spot quickly lightens (or keeps coming back after cleaning), assume it’s mold.

What are the symptoms of living in a house with mold?

Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin.

How do I stop mold in my bedroom?

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew

  1. Keep Healthy Humidity Levels. Mold and mildew thrive in a humid environment, so it is important to keep your humidity levels down.
  2. Fresh Air.
  3. Use Green Cleaning Products.
  4. Dry Wet Areas.
  5. Keep Indoor Plants.

How do I know if it’s black mold?

Signs of Black Mold

  1. A Musty Smell. Mold has a distinct smell.
  2. Growth Spots of Varying Colors. Black mold, as the name implies, is often dark in color.
  3. Water Damage Spots. To catch black mold early on, look for water damage spots.