Toxic Black Mold Health Risks

Black mold is a common form of fungus infestation which is capable of inducing several health hazards among human beings. This form of fungus mostly thrives in places having humidity more than 55%. Dry walls, carpet, wall paper, fiber-board, ceiling tiles, thermal insulation etc. serve as a favorable habitat for black mold. The toxic variety of black mold is called as Stachybotrys Chartarum (atra).

The hazardous health effects of black mold are due to a toxic substance called mycotoxin, which is a byproduct of black mold. Mycotoxin is a light weight spore and is often termed as a secondary growth of black mold. These toxic substances enter human body through skin contact or via breathing. Open cuts or sores also provide an entry point to the mycotoxin. This mycotoxin is also circulated throughout the house, by the means of air conditioning systems, fans etc. Black mold health risks are dependent upon the severity of infestation and the type of individual. However, the group of individuals most prone to serious black mold health effects includes:

• Infants and children.
• Elderly people
• People with weak immune system.
• Pregnant women.
• Individuals with medical history of allergic reactions or respiratory disorders.

The severity of symptoms also vary from person to person. Moreover, black mold health risks also differ according to the species of the black mold. However, the common health hazards of all the toxic black mold species include:

Irritation of Mucus Membrane
Primary or secondary metabolisms of fungus produce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), which are released in the air for humans to inhale. The inhalation of VOCs results in the accumulation of mycotoxins in the lungs, which circulate throughout the body. The typical moldy smell of black mold infestation is often the resultant of these byproducts. These compounds cause irritation of mucus membrane and induce effects such as headaches, decreased attention span, difficulty in concentration and dizziness. VOCs also affect the central nervous system of the human beings.

Allergies
Mold often causes severe allergic response, amongst individuals who have a weak immune system. Though, the allergic symptoms may not be threatening, they are sufficient to ruin the quality of life of an individual. The allergic symptoms of black mold range from runny nose, itchy-watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, throat irritation to more severe chronic conditions such as sinusitis and asthma. The severity of allergic symptoms depend upon the amount of mold infestation as well as the immune system of an individual.

Invasive Disease
The diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer often render a weak immune system amongst the individuals. These individuals then become a soft target for various diseases. Black mold causes opportunistic infection, among the individuals with weak immune systems. Opportunistic infection, is the infection caused due to micro-organisms which are capable of infecting people, with suppressed immune system only, but are unable to do so in healthy individuals. Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Mucor and Rhizopus are some common fungi that cause invasive disease.

Number of tests are conducted to affirm the exposure to toxic black mold. These tests include:

• The measurement of white blood cell counts: If the number of T-lymphocytes in the body exceeds the normal count, there is a chance of possible toxic mold exposure. More number of T- lymphocytes indicate the hyper activity of immune system to combat the exposure.
• The Spirometric test: This test is conducted to detect the exposure of mold by examining the lung function. Decreased capacity to function in a normal manner, indicates possible exposure to mold.
• The skin prick tests: Involves a series of tests conducted by skin pricking the patient with a sample of various molds to detect which of the molds induces allergic reaction. This test is not always conclusive.

You can also check for toxic black mold health risks by keeping a watch on the allergic symptoms and also by looking out for the infestation in obvious areas in your house. Always try to keep your home and surroundings clean, so as to avoid any toxic black mold infestation. This infestation is very difficult to completely get rid of and it also tends to grow quickly even it has been destroyed. Hence, consistent attempts should be made to keep your house free of mold infestation.