Black Mold Symptoms

Black mold is an extremely toxic type of mold.  Black mold appears as a powdery or downy-like substance on everything from walls, food, carpeting, showers, wood, fabrics (including clothing), and baseboards, to name a few.  Black mold wreaks the worst havoc when it gets into the heating and air conditioning systems.  There are a variety of household mold symptoms that could appear from black mold if you have been exposed to this toxic type of fungi.

At first, symptoms indicating black mold poisoning can mimic flu or cold symptoms, such as a cough, red and watery eyes, and runny nose.  However, if left untreated, our bodies can absorb high levels of what are called mycotoxins, which are toxic to human beings and animals.  Molecular compounds called mycotoxins are sometimes produced by black mold.  If you are experiencing the following symptoms, black mold may be present in your home or workplace.

Black Mold Symptoms
·    Respiratory difficulties – hard to breathe, itchy nose, frequent drainage from the nose, asthma-like symptoms
·    Skin irritation – hives or rashes on the skin
·    Red eyes
·    Intense headaches for seemingly no reason
·    Consistent cough
·    Feelings of nausea and dizziness
·    Difficulty recalling details or general fogginess resulting in lack of concentration
·    Lethargic behavior
·    Blood pressure levels are irregular

Prolonged exposure to black mold has even been known to cause bleeding in the lungs, internal pain of the organs, urinary tract infections, and in some severe cases, infertility.  Research has shown that both elderly people and infants are especially sensitive to the presence of mold in a home.  It is vital that a physician checks you if you are experiencing any of these symptoms for no apparent reason.

A home that has mold and is primarily closed up can be an especially dangerous environment, causing black mold poisoning more quickly due to no fresh air entering the space.  Black mold can hide behind walls and not actually be seen for several months before it is discovered.  If you happen to notice stains on walls that appear in colors of yellow, black, green, or even brown, and the walls are damp, you may already have mold in the process of growing on or behind the walls.  Black mold could be a result of a water leak or consistently high levels of moisture in an area such as a basement, enclosed shower, or even an office.

Trust your nose!  If you seem to notice a musty or mildew smell in your home or office, mold may be in the early stages.  Keep your eyes open for more noticeable signs of the mold.  Look in corners of rooms, around the baseboards, and around ceiling areas for stains or what appears to be dirt (and may actually be mold).

Some people are very sensitive to mold and may experience respiratory problems before they ever see visible signs of mold.  If symptoms are experienced inside a house or office, but not outside of those areas, there may be mold present.  For some people, an allergic reaction to black mold can mimic asthma.

Black mold symptoms are an indication that you have black mold poisoning.  It is vital a physician examines you as soon as possible.  He will be able to determine if your household mold symptoms are a result of mold or something else in the environment.