Old exposures can be of concern since they have been associated with numerous symptoms, mainly if the mold is of certain species. In addition to the health effects of molds themselves, there may be concerns about mold remediation and the removal of contaminated materials.
Inhalation exposure to mold spores or fungi can provoke immune responses in sensitive individuals, leading to various respiratory ailments. Allergic responses are common, but some people have exhibited proper allergic hypersensitivity reactions and irritant effects without any allergy. The most common symptoms occur within the first 24 hours after a person has been exposed to molds (Miklossy, 2008). These include sneezing; itchy nose, throat, and eyes; a hacking, dry cough; chest tightness or congestion. In some individuals, the symptoms are worse when they move from a moldy to a mold-free environment.
Mold can also cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, which lead to respiratory problems and other disorders such as fatigue and chronic headaches (Hickey & Platts-Mills, 2003). The darker the mold, the stronger its effect on people who react to it. Also, spores that have been allowed to accumulate over time may be more likely to provoke a reaction than those recently produced by a living mold colony (Hickey & Platts-Mills, 2003).
The black-colored molds tend to contain pigments that become active metabolites after being killed. These metabolites may be toxic and could provoke an immune response in the human body (Miklossy, 2008). The black mold that most often has this effect is “Stachybotrys chartarum,” which grows on cellulose-based materials such as paper and wood.
Can you get sick from breathing in mold?
Yes, people exposed to mold can get sick, and different types of molds cause other symptoms. People sensitive to mold may have difficulty breathing, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin rash when exposed to certain species of molds, even if allergy testing shows no allergic reaction (NIAID).
Eye irritation, including redness and burning sensations, tearing eyes (NIAID), skin rashes such as hives, or a raised bumpy rash. Individuals with a history of atopic dermatitis (an allergic-type disease marked by dry, scaly areas on the skin) or previous mold allergies are more likely to experience this symptom. Symptoms also can include fatigue.
How common is toxic black mold?
Toxic black mold is not very common. Stachybotrys chartarum is a greenish-black mold that grows on cellulose, particularly paper or fiberboard products that have become wet for at least 24 hours.
Can you see toxic black mold?
Toxic black mold is visible only when it has already started to grow with the naked eye. The visible parts are the fruiting structures that are typically several millimeters long. However, even if these are present, there may be no toxicity. The way to determine whether or not living molds are producing toxins is to sample them and assess their biological content in a laboratory.
Can you get rid of toxic black mold?
You can remove the toxins by using activated carbon and special HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters in your HVAC system and sometimes in your home’s ventilation ducts. This process takes months to complete due to the nature of the remediation work that must be done during this period. Removing just part of the toxic material may not solve the problem since spores that have been disturbed will readily retake root on any available medium such as drywall sheetrock etc. Removal is typically done by professionals with extensive experience and appropriate safety equipment, including breathing apparatus, which often requires compressed air cylinders for propelling debris out of enclosed spaces and must be done by professionals with rubber boots, etc., to avoid contaminating the workplace itself.
Not all mold is poisonous
Even toxic mold does not always produce symptoms in people who become exposed to it (CDC). Many individuals may breathe in such spores without any harmful effect, especially if they are not particularly sensitive to them (Hickey & Platts-Mills, 2003). Removal of some household materials that have been heavily infested with mold can reduce or eliminate respiratory symptoms; however, some molds may be hard to remove.
Not everyone who comes into contact with a toxin-sensitive individual will also suffer from toxicity symptoms. At the same time, those who suffer from repeated exposures over prolonged periods may become more sensitive to the toxin.
