Long Term Effects of Black Mold

Black mold - one of the most dreaded causes of indoor pollution. Also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, this stuff is a greenish-black slimy substance that grows on areas or substances that are warm and moist; common examples being leather goods, food items, bathroom tiles, shower heads, clothes that have not been in use for a long time, etc. The effects of black mold exposure are mostly associated with the respiratory system of the body. Black mold, as I said, is one of the dreaded causes of indoor pollution because of its toxicity. Its byproducts are known as mycotoxins. When these are inhaled, they start interfering with the immune system of the body thus, giving rise to several unpleasant symptoms.

Health Effects of Black Mold

The signs and symptoms that are caused by exposure to this toxic mold can easily mimic the symptoms of other medical conditions. That is the reason, most people do not suspect that a black mold invasion has taken place in their home. Instead, they would take medication supposing that a bacterial or viral infection is making them ill. But no matter how much medication you take, the symptoms won't resolve unless the source of the problem is uprooted. The severe risks of long-term exposure to black mold have been listed as follows.

• The most common effect of black mold in children and adults, is associated with allergy. The common ones include hives, skin rashes, constant sneezing and watery eyes, itching, burning eyes, and some people may have a sensation of burning in the mouth and throat. Now, people who are already suffering from allergy problems would be bothered by all these symptoms chronically.
• Further exposure can also worsen symptoms such as abdominal pain and pain in the muscles.
• Then come the effects which affect the mental health of people living in a black mold infested home. These may include poor concentration, short term memory loss, mood swings, and increased irritability.
• Some more long term effects may include breathing trouble, chronic cough, frequent bloody nose, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
• Again, if the person who is being exposed to black mold infestation, is suffering from urinary tract infection, then his/her symptoms might grow worse.
• Other side effects may include low sex drive, vision problems, strange taste in the mouth, hair loss, eye irritation, excessive perspiration at night, choking feeling all the time, muscle cramps, easy bruising, and acid reflux.

In most cases, once the black mold infestation is cleared, all such side effects tend to diminish with time. But this may be true for people who are otherwise healthy. The story is different for people who are already ailing from some other medical conditions. If such people are continuously exposed to black mold, their symptoms would aggravate more and lessening their severity could become difficult.

How to Counter the Effects of Black Mold Exposure

The best way to do this, as I have mentioned, is to uproot the cause of the problem. First, look for places which might have a water leakage problem, and a possible infestation. Fix the water leakage problem, and once you have detected the black mold colonies, you can make use of the following steps to get rid of the problem.

• Fill an empty spray bottle with vinegar. Do not add water to it. Spray the vinegar onto the moldy surfaces in generous amounts. Wait for an hour, and then scrub the mold using a hard-bristled brush. Wear a mask and a pair of disposable gloves. After you are done with the scrubbing, wash the area with a soapy solution, and then again with clean water. Wipe the surface using a clean washcloth. Ensure that the surface is dry. You can use hair dryer to dry the surface, or leave the doors and windows open to increase air circulation.
• Another method is associated with tea tree oil. Make a mixture of a cup of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of water. Fill it in a spray bottle, and spray the solution onto the surface. Again, as mentioned above, wait for an hour or so and wash off the surface. Tea tree oil would not only kill the colonies but would also help to reduce the mold smell in the area.

Sometimes, a black mold infestation can be way too gruesome for you to handle it. So in such cases, better go for professional help and get your house mold-free.