What Is There to Know About Black Mold
Mold or mildew is a kind of fungi that grows and thrives on humid or damp surfaces appearing like powdery substances. Mold is sometimes referred to as toxic mold or black mold. At home, mold can grow on walls, ceilings, clothes, food, sink, carpets and many other household materials where moisture is accumulated. It can even grow in household appliances such as washing machine and air conditioners.
How to Identify Black Mold
Mold can come in different forms and appearances on the surface of where it is growing. Black mold is determined by its slippery, greenish-black appearance on the surface of the material. Black mold is scientifically known as Strachybotrys chartarum. It can sometimes be difficult to recognize the type of mold present in your home but microbial testing can determine its toxicity.
How Black Mold Grows
Mold spores are transported from one area to another by sticking to different hosts. These mold spores are airborne and so it would transfer to hosts such as humans, animals, shoes, and even through doors and windows. The spores find a moist place where it can thrive. Black mold is not a rare type of mold as it can usually be seen on the ceiling tiles, wood paneling, cardboard, drywall, and wooden floors.
The Hazard of Black Mold
Black mold is a poisonous type of fungal spore. After its formation, it grows by degrading the material or surface it rests on. In the process, mold produces Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are known to be dangerous to human health particularly in the respiratory tract and central nervous system. Once a person is exposed to this toxic substance from the mold, there is a risk of getting an irritation to the mucous membrane or a complication in the respiratory system.
Signs and Symptoms of Black Mold Poisoning
The following are symptoms to watch out when black mold poisoning happens:
• Headache
• Hard cough
• Red, swelling eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rashes and irritation
• Nausea
• Memory loss
• Dizziness
• Poor concentration
• Allergic reactions
• Asthma attacks
• Change in blood pressure
• Liver pain and other internal organs
• Poor digestion
Because it is a toxic type of mold, black mold can lead to illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, and even death of infants due to respiratory bleeding.
When black molds start to appear on the surfaces of your house and household materials, it is important to prevent its growth immediately before it can bring harm to the health of the household members especially when there are infants or kids in your home. The best kind of prevention is to constantly keep the house clean and free from moisture.
