The effects of black mold growing in indoor environments vary from person to person. Some individuals have no problem with household mold exposure. Others have reactions ranging from moderate sensitivity to allergies and complications of respiratory diseases. A 2004 report by the Institute of Medicine labeled household molds such as Aspergillus, Alternaria and the less-common Stachybotrys chartarum as capable of producing mild to severe respiratory problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, however, points out that suspected toxic health risks were not proven.
Effects on Sensitive Individuals
People who are highly sensitive to molds can experience symptoms whether or not molds are visible. Health problems such as stuffy and runny noses, sneezing, wheezing, and itchy eyes or hands can reoccur when patients inhale the microscopic mold allergens in the air. Individuals with mild sensitivities may suffer more severe breathing difficulty or itching after indoor water leaks or flooding. The Institute of Medicine report also revealed a higher health risk for respiratory conditions among children exposed to mold.
Effects on Allergy Patients
People whose immune systems mistakenly react to black mold allergens will develop symptoms when any amount of mold is present. In addition to nasal congestion and itchy skin, they may feel chest tightness and decreased breathing capacity. According to the CDC, allergy patients may be able to detect invisible mold growths by smell and take steps to eradicate them. Individuals with known allergies to mold should frequently clean and regulate humidity to discourage perpetual household mold growth.
Effects From Occupational Exposure
Consistently elevated levels of black mold exposure may result in a long-term lung inflammation called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Patients with this condition typically get symptoms such as a dry cough, appetite and weight loss, and fever or chills that are often greater after physical exertion. Occupations such as harvesting or handling hay and grains and baking with yeast can put workers at health risk for this chronic disease. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration notes that workers who develop hypersensitivity pneumonitis must end their exposure to mold in order to prevent permanent damage to lung tissue.
Effects on Pulmonary Disease Patients
Household molds can trigger respiratory attacks in asthma patients, marked by extreme coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. If uncontrolled with medication, these symptoms can quickly escalate to respiratory failure. As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports, patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have a higher health risk for dangerous lung infections brought on by breathing mold allergens.
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