What is the Danger of Black Mold?

However, when exposed to toxic mold, people may experience more severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, nervous system disorders, and even organ malfunction. Memory loss, immune system abnormalities, and even damage to the brain have also been recorded.

The most common type of toxic mold comes from the genus Stachybotrys. Other mold genera notorious for effecting debilitating symptoms in individuals are Penicillium, Chaetomium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Acremonium, and Alternaria. Some of the more usual symptoms of a mold infection are sneezing, coughing, dryness in the throat, irritation of the eyes and the skin, nasal congestion, and headache.

Where is black mold found?

This fungus thrives in moist, dark places and are frequently discovered in rooms which aren't properly ventilated. The attic, for instance, may be subject to moisture because of possible leaks in the roof. When moisture enters the attic and settles on old furniture, books, or old clothes, black mold may soon grow and multiply.

The danger of black mold in this case lies in the possibility of it being agitated at some time. If the homeowner visits the attic looking for an old costume, for instance, the black mold that has been silently thriving may be disturbed and in the process, its spores are spread all throughout the area.

In spaces such as this, the windows are usually closed to protect the belongings from the elements, but actually, the situation becomes worse when there is no proper ventilation in the room.

If there are any belongings exposed to moisture, they are hardly given enough chance to dry because natural air is not made to circulate in storage areas such as attics or basements.

Black mold growth is not limited to the interior areas of the home; shrubs and other greenery may also be infested by black mold, and this is apparent in the grey color it leaves on the plant's leaves. However, unlike contamination in the home, affected shrubbery can easily be cleaned by hosing it down with water and perhaps wiping the leaves with an ordinary washcloth to rid it of the ghastly grey coloration that black mold causes.

You can also apply a fungicide that is effective in eliminating black mold yet does not carry the danger of black mold fungicides. Even exterior sidings can hold mold growth, but these can easily be cleaned with detergent and water.

The danger of black mold exposure becomes even more pronounced in people with histories of asthma. For them, even small amounts of spores that are inhaled can trigger a severe asthma attack. And we all know that serious cases cannot be remedied by a simple inhaler.

Individuals who are allergic to pollen are also vulnerable to the danger of black mold exposure. Mold spores that get into their respiratory system can give rise to serious reactions that may require hospital treatment. In addition, when black mold spores come in contact with the skin and the eyes, the irritation could last for a long period.