Effects of Black Mold on the Body

Black mold, known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is a greenish-black slimy substance that mostly choose bathrooms, leather goods and clothes, that have not been in use for long, as their breeding grounds. Basically, areas that are warm, moist and dark provide an ideal environment for this, and other types of mold to grow and survive. The side effects of black mold on the body are mainly associated with the respiratory tract of people who are exposed to it. And these effects are no less serious than the symptoms that are caused by other medical conditions. This is because, black mold is toxic in nature, given to its byproducts known as mycotoxins. These toxic substances interfere with the working of the immune system, and manifest their invasion into the body with the help of a series of signs and symptoms. Know what these harmful effects of black mold on the body are, from the data provided below.

Black Mold Health Effects

The problem with black mold health effects is, they tend to mimic symptoms of many medical conditions. This makes it difficult for doctors to make a true diagnosis of the condition. The common effects of black mold on the body are as follows:

• The most common symptoms are known as the black mold allergy symptoms. These include hives, skin rashes, sneezing, watery eyes, itching, burning eyes, and burning in the mouth or throat.
• Choking, breathing difficulty, cough that won't heal with medicines, blood nose and abnormal fevers.
• Pain in the abdominal region, which may be accompanied by body aches and pain in the muscles.
• Acid reflux, problems in maintaining balance or coordination.
• Psychological problems like poor concentration, short memory, irritability, and mood swings.
• Uneasy respiration, dizzy spells, nausea, and vomiting.
• Worsened symptoms of urinary tract infection.
• Fertility problems, low sex drive.
• Frequent infection, and easy bruising.
• Problems with the central nervous system, depression, anxiety and dementia.
• Dirt-like taste in mouth, metallic taste in mouth.
• Eye irritation, and vision problems.
• Hair loss
• Hot flashes, and night sweats (more seen in women)
• Lack of appetite
• Choking feeling is also one of the most black mold health effects, especially while sleeping at night.
• Muscle cramps

To keep yourself from developing all such symptoms, you can use black mold removal products on the market. But here are a couple of easy methods to get rid of black mold, which you can try out at home. They have seemed to work pretty well in most cases.

• Most people have benefited by making use of vinegar. Without mixing any water, just spray the stuff on whatever surface that has been taken over by the black mold colonies. It is necessary to wait for an hour, after which, you must scrub the area with the help of a brush. Remember to use a hard-bristled brush, as this mold is known to be the most stubborn of all its types. And very important is to wear protective gloves (preferably, disposable) and a mask. After having scrubbed properly, wash the area with a soapy solution, and wipe off with a washcloth soaked in the soapy water. Rinse again with clean water, and rub with a clean washcloth to absorb the moisture. Let open the doors of the bathroom. And if it is a basement mold removal process, then it is best if you can use a hair dryer to dry the surface. The idea is to get rid of the moisture completely, to prevent a recurrence.
• The next method that you can make use of to deal with the effects of black mold on the body, is using a mixture of tea tree oil. Take a cup of this oil, and a teaspoon full of water. Pour them in a spray bottle and shake vigorously. Spray it on the moldy wall and wait for sometime. Then, using a brush, scrub off the colonies as neatly as possible. And, as mentioned, take all measures to keep the area bone dry.

From what I have read in many research papers, black mold removal with bleach is not such a great idea. This is due to the harmful nature of bleaching powder, which may affect kids and pets severely, Moreover, this stuff does not seem to have any effect in killing black mold.

The most important method in countering the effects of black mold on the body is to cut the source of moisture in the house. If you are experiencing all such symptoms, then make a thorough inspection of all the areas you suspect have a moisture problem, or associated with water. If you take diligent care with repairing all the water leaks in the house, then you are doing half the job of a black mold clean up program. So, do not wait any longer, and get on with the work of driving this unwelcome moldy guest away from your home. Take care!