Black Mold Health Risks to Children

Black mold is a type of a fungus that develops and thrives in places with high humidity. Any damp area, or areas where there is a high moisture content in the air, are likely to produce this fungus in places such as walls, carpets, ceilings, thermal insulation, etc. Furthermore, this black mold can transform into toxic black mold, where it becomes further dangerous causing severe health hazards to people living in its presence. This type of black mold is known as Stachybotrys Chartarum (atra). The various health effects of black mold in any environment are caused due to the spores they contain, which carry a toxic substance known as mycotoxin. When inhaled, these enter the body and tend to cause different reactions in different people. They may also enter the body through a cut in the skin or sores. Furthermore, it spreads in the house by means of air conditioning. If you have noticed the development of black mold in your house, it is time to take some serious measures for mold removal, to prevent the dangerous health risks it may pose. Here, we will discuss the various black mold health risks to children, as with their sensitive bodies, they are more likely to develop these health hazards.

Effects of Black Mold on Children

Children are more prone to developing allergies and other such reactions to the presence of black mold, because their immune systems are not completely developed and ready to face the effects of such invasive compounds. Such allergies also make children further prone to other allergies later in life, according to studies. Also, pregnant women, the elderly whose immune systems have weakened, infants, and those who have a history of susceptibility to allergies, are at a risk of suffering from the effects of exposure to black mold. Given below is a list of the most common effects.

• One of the most common effect of black mold on children is the development of allergies in the form of skin irritation, that will appear as skin rash, open sores, etc.
• Respiratory conditions are another outcome of the presence of black mold around children, as they inhale the spores that are present in their environment. These symptoms may present themselves in the form of shortness of breath, dry cough, congestion of the nasal passages, wheezing, and a sore throat.
• Children who have an extremely sensitive immune system, are likely to experience stronger symptoms of exposure to black mold. For instance, instead of a simple cough or bout of wheezing, they may develop severe asthma requiring immediate hospitalization.
• Fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches including frequent headaches, are noticed at an advanced stage.
• Children may experience eye irritation in the form of light sensitivity, blurred vision, watering of eyes and red eyes, as a symptom of sensitivity to black mold.
• If the symptoms go undetected they may get worse, and start showing in the form of loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss, short term memory loss and other neurological disorders, and even coughing up blood.
• Finally, severe health risks may include the development of cancer, long term memory loss, blindness, brain damage, and even death.

It is important to keep in mind, that while these are some of the most common health risks to children, every child's body make up and immune system is different, and therefore, how (s)he reacts to the presence of black mold spores in the environment may vary. Moreover, these symptoms overlap with the symptoms of several other conditions. However, if you notice these, do not ignore them. Have your child treated, and also ensure that you undertake methods of detecting and removing black mold to prevent it from causing any further damage to your little one's health, and even yours.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical expert.