Can Black Mold Cause Health Problems?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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 long does it take for black mold to make you sick?

These symptoms usually first appear

2 to 9 hours after exposure

and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss. Work-relatedness may only become apparent over long holidays if symptoms resolve and then recur on return to work.

What kind of sicknesses can black mold cause?

  • a runny or blocked nose.
  • watery, red eyes.
  • a dry cough.
  • skin rashes.
  • a sore throat.
  • sinusitis.
  • wheezing.

How close to black mold affects your health?

Myths about black mold

One common rumor is that black mold releases toxic compounds called mycotoxins that cause health issues, like memory loss, headaches, and infant pulmonary hemorrhage. But according to a review from 2017,

there’s no evidence that exposure to black mold causes particular health conditions

.

Can black mold cause neurological symptoms?


Some of the neurologic symptoms of toxic mold include weakness, light sensitivity, sinus problems, blurred vision, concentration and memory issues, tremors and a general feeling of numbness

.

Can you stay in a house with black mold?

Because of the risks that come with mold exposure,

it can be unsafe to sleep in a house with mold

, particularly in the affected areas because you put yourself at risk of mold allergies. This becomes especially concerning if you are sensitive to the mold.

What does mold poisoning feel like?

Each person’s body is affected by mold toxicity in different ways. Some experience

constant migraines and headaches, shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue or even depression

. Since symptoms differ from person to person, they may not be quickly associated with mold exposure.

How do you detox your body from mold?

Sweating. Some people recommend

sweating, or using a sauna

, to support the process of mold detoxification. No research confirms that sweating can specifically help address the effects of mold. But a 2020 review suggests sweating does play an important role in your body’s natural detoxification process.

Can mold grow in your lungs?


It’s also possible for mold to form a ball in your lungs

. This condition is called aspergilloma when caused by an Aspergillus mold. The ball most often stays in your lungs but can lead to tissue damage. Symptoms commonly include shortness of breath, cough, or coughing up blood.

What happens if you breathe in black mold?

When people with allergies inhale mold spores, they can experience

sneezing, runny nose, red and itchy eyes, headaches, skin rashes, throat and lung irritation, difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma attacks and more

.

How long does it take to detox from mold?

Indolent, chronic infections or exposures may take months to properly treat holistically and naturally but it can be done! Healing detox reactions should only last

2 weeks to a month

at the longest, at which point, the patient breaks through and their body begins to positively react to treatment.

What are the long term effects of black mold exposure?

While exposure to toxic black mold may not directly cause death, long term exposure can lead to

irreversible damage to the organs, a weak immune system, and even brain damage

– all of which can ultimately lead to death.

Can mold behind drywall affect you?

Although mold spores are not corrosive,

they can cause extensive damage to your drywall

. They can cause stains and rot which may have to be replaced if you want to completely get rid of the mold. Mold spores can also become airborne and spread to other areas of your home such as carpets, and furniture.

What does mold do to the brain?

Inflammation: Mold spores act as irritants, which can trigger the body to mount an immune response. This can lead to inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation in the brain can

impair cognitive function

, and in the case of chronic inflammation, this can lead to long-lasting cognitive impairment.

Can black mold make you feel dizzy?

Q: Can mold cause dizziness? A:

Mold can cause dizziness because it contains chemicals called mycotoxins

. These toxins can affect the central nervous system and cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. If you suspect mold exposure, call your doctor immediately.

How does living in a house with mold affect you?

How do molds affect people? 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

.

Do you have to get rid of everything if you have black mold?

Paper Material:

If visible mold is present on paper materials, you will need to throw out

, including books, albums and photographs, or craft materials. Food and Food Appliances: Both food and food appliances in your home that has come in contact with mold should be removed and thrown away.

What happens if you sleep in a room with mold?

Mold inside your house can make you certainly sick,

breathing in mold fragments or spores can inflame the air passages, creating a nasal blockage, wheezing, breast tightness, coughing, and throat inflammation

.

How can I test myself for mold exposure?


Urine testing for mold

is one of the most popular ways to test for mold exposure, as elevated levels of uric acid and other organic acids may indicate exposure to mycotoxins. These tests should be performed in a sterile lab testing facility and the results analyzed by a trusted medical lab.

How can mold affect your health?


Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) and irritants

. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.

Can black mold cause irregular heartbeat?


The circulatory difficulties stemming from black mold exposure include irregular heartbeat

, heart inflammation, internal bleeding, and blood clots. If your doctor has diagnosed any such circulatory problems, schedule a mold inspection today.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.