Black mold is associated with the fungus species Stachybotrys atra, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum. This fungus species produces a mycotoxin that possibly causes adverse health affects according to Dr. Curtis Eckhert of UCLA; however, it is important to realize that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, has not linked black mold exposure to disease development.
Possible Health Conditions
Long-term exposure to black mold will primarily affect elderly, young children and immune-comprised populations, says the University of Minnesota. Exposure to black mold triggers allergic reactions by releasing antigens and histamine, causing inflammation within or on the body, according to Dr. Eckhert. It also has the potential to kill immune cells in the bloodstream. Without immune cells, foreign substances can enter the body at will, causing inflection and disease. Hyperallergic reaction can occur as well, particularly to persons with asthma. Mycotoxins can build up in the lungs, triggering a severe asthma attack, according to Dr. Eckhert.
Another possible health condition linked to black mold is acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage in infants. Although the occurrence of this condition is reported, the CDC urges further study to confirm the relationship between black mold and infant pulmonary hemorrhage.
Signs and Symptoms
Allergic reactions to black mold include tight chest, asthma, coughing, sore throat, headache, upper-respiratory infections, nosebleeds and sinus congestion, according to the CDC. Some may experience sick building syndrome, characterized by skin irritation, tight chest, brain fog, fatigue, headache and mood swings. Symptoms appear when you are inside a building with black mold, but disappear once you leave it. Sufferers believe black mold causes sick building syndrome, particularly if the building displays water damage; however, research is not able to establish a clear link, according to Elena Page M.D. and Douglas Trout M.D.
If the black mold enters the body via a cut in the skin, a large wart structure can form. Black mold infection can also cause skin redness, swelling and pain or discoloration of the finger or toenails. Immune-compromised patients can contract severe pneumonia or sinusitis that does not response to antibiotic medications, according the Emerging Pathogens Institute.
Treatment
Although the CDC cannot confirm the association between black mold and illness, it is still recommend to prevent the growth and remove existing black mold from your home. For general allergic reactions, you can use over-the-counter antihistamines. Consult a physician if you experience asthmatic reactions such as wheezing or shortness of breath. Severe infections caused by black mold require surgery to remove the infected tissue, and antifungal medications are used to control the infection, according the Emerging Pathogens Institute.
Mold Removal
For minor mold infestation, soap and water or a solution of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water can be used to remove the mold from hard surfaces. Porous surfaces such as ceiling tiles and carpets must be thrown away. Large mold infestations require professional assistance, according to the CDC.
Mold Testing
The CDC does not recommend regular testing of molds found in the home. Since the primary health condition associated with mold is allergies, the CDC recommends the removal of mold to prevent allergic reactions. Testing methods are expensive; therefore, concentrate on mold prevention and clean-up.
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