Illnesses In Infants Caused By Black Mold

Toxins produced by indoor molds like Stachysbotrys chararum, or black mold, may be responsible for several illnesses in infants and adults alike. Molds spread by releasing spores, and these spores thrive in damp conditions such as those present after a home water leak or a flood. While black mold is uncommon in homes, when it does grow indoors, it is likely to grow on materials with high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust and lint.

Pulmonary Hemmorrhage

There is a yet unproven but possible association between black mold and infant pulmonary hemorrhaging, according to both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatricians. In 1994, Cleveland, Ohio public health officials reviewed the deaths of nine infants from pulmonary hemorrhage. In a case-control study comparing other Cleveland infants to those who died, researchers discovered the quantity of black mold was higher in the homes where babies died. Exposure to tobacco smoke together with the mold appeared to increase the risk of pulmonary hemorrhage.

Asthma

A study appearing in the February 2009 "Annals of Allergy Asthma Immunolology" found that 3-year-olds were seven times more likely to have asthma if there was visible mold in the house. According to University of Cincinnati and Department of Environmental Health researchers, the presence of visible mold as well as exposure to cigarette smoke increased a child's risk for developing asthma.

SIDS

CleanWaterPartners.org website attributes several life-threatening illnesses to long-term exposure to toxic molds like black mold. The group lists sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, as one of these illnesses. Although no link has been definitively proven, parents should exert extreme caution and follow mold removal and prevention methods.

Mold Removal and Prevention

The process for black mold prevention and removal is the same as other indoor household molds, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human and Centers for Disease Control. Testing to determine the mold type is not necessary. Homeowners should purchase a hygrometer at any local hardware store to ensure home humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent. An air conditioner used during humid months, along with an exhaust fan in kitchens and bathrooms, can also help. To remove mold, homeowners should clean bathrooms with products that kill mold or mix a solution of one gallon water and one cup of bleach and remove carpets from rooms that trap humidity like bathrooms and basements. When cleaning, be sure to wear rubber gloves and open windows to provide fresh air. Be sure to remove any items wet for more than two days, which can include carpeting, upholstered furniture, wallpaper, drywall, tiles, insulation and even clothing, paper, wood and food.