How Can Black Mold Affect Your Health?

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.

Can black mold cause permanent health problems?

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 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.

Can mold in a house make you sick?


In some cases, mold in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma

. Whether or not you’re allergic to molds, mold exposure can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Here’s what you can do to combat mold problems, and take care of yourself and your home.

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 can you tell if black mold is toxic?

Pay attention to the color and consistency: We already talked about black mold above, though it’s more accurate to say that Stachybotrys chartarum has a greenish-black hue.

Toxic mold can also have a grayish, soot-like texture, or a slimy, wet surface

. In some cases, you may even notice furry orange or brown spots.

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 mold affect you years later?


Mold can still irritate your eyes, nose, throat, lungs and skin and affect your health in the long-term

.

What kills black mold permanently?

  1. For a natural solution for getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle.
  2. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.

Do you have to throw everything away 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

.

What should you do if you have been exposed to black mold?


A solution of warm, distilled water and saline can also help rinse your nasal passages of mold spores and remove congestion

. OTC medications. Antihistamines, like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin), reduce your immune system response, minimizing airway inflammation.

Can mold affect your 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 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.

How long does it take to detox from mold?

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. Find a great integrative doctor who understands the impact of mold. Remember it rarely acts alone and the body is never wrong.

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.

What does a mold headache feel like?

Sensitivity to light. Sensitivity to noise.

Pulsing or throbbing pain (instead of, or alongside, a sensation of pressure or a dull ache) Head pain that worsens with physical activity

.

Can mold cause brain tumors?

Without effective management,

mold infections of the CNS carry poor prognoses, particularly in immunocompromised patients; such patients may present with isolated brain abscesses that simulate tumors of the CNS

.

Can you get pneumonia from black mold?


A disease like pneumonia may also develop after exposure to mold, but this is uncommon

. Infectious diseases from molds can occur in people with weakened immune systems, such as those who are immune-compromised or immune-suppressed from drug treatment.

Can mold grow in your sinuses?

Several types of fungi can cause a sinus infection.

Most fungal sinus infections result from mold or yeast

. Tiny fungi can enter the sinuses when someone breaths them in. Many types of fungus live on or inside the body all the time.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.