Black mold, also known as toxic mold, can cause a wide range of health complications. Black mold releases mycotoxins which are toxic and can lead to mycotoxicosis (mold poisoning) which can cause a wide array of symptoms including pain, changes in mood, headaches, memory loss, and even nosebleeds.
However, mycotoxicosis is limited to those who are exposed to a heavily contaminated environment. This does not mean that mild contamination cannot cause any health issues.
To better educate you, we have prepared this small guide on the various health issues that can come up if your home is infected with black mold. Hopefully, the awareness will help you better protect your family and provide a healthy environment for your loved ones.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Black mold can cause several allergic reactions, especially people who are already sensitive when it comes to allergies. Such a person could experience a range of symptoms if exposed to black mold including a runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, skin reactions, infected throats, sinusitis, wheezing, and even development of severe asthma.
Studies have found that children exposed to black mold have a risk of developing breathing problems such as asthma by the age of 7. You could argue that the study was too focused, but more than 30 different types of fungus were examined and the findings were held to be the same across all of them.
Therefore, it is imperative that you address any growth of mold in the home. Not doing so could result in family members ending up with asthma or even other serious respiratory conditions.
FUNGAL INFECTION
Being exposed to fungus for long periods of time can lead to varied fungal infections. Some would argue that a strong immune system would be able to fight the risk, but the fact remains that constant exposure to a contagious and infection-inducing substance can cause a range of health issues. The risk runs higher in older people and young children who already have a developing or compromised immune system. People who are undergoing cancer treatment or transplant patients are also at great risk as their immune systems are severely compromised as it is.
MOLD PREVENTION TIPS
Considering the different health issues black mold can cause, we thought it best to give some tips on how you can prevent contamination in your home. First and foremost, you must keep humidity levels inside your house very low. The optimum mark is below 50% and a high-quality dehumidifier for mold or air conditioner can help you with this. Make sure there’s enough ventilation and keep clothes drying limited to outside areas only.
If there is any leakage in your home, fix it right away and dry out your home fast and thoroughly should any flooding occur. It helps if you don’t have a huge amount of carpeting in your house, especially in the bathrooms or the basement, as these are places where moisture tends to be high. Clean such areas of the house with mold-killing products whenever possible as an added measure.
In the event you’ve recently experienced massive flooding and feel there is a risk of contamination in your home, then get in touch with Ace Mold Remediation at http://www.acemoldremediation.net/