You may have spotted it creeping along damp walls or hidden behind bathroom tiles- dark, musty, and unsettling.
That’s black mold, and while it might seem harmless at first glance, it could be doing more than just staining your walls.
Scientifically known as Stachybotrys chartarum, black mold thrives in closed-off spaces, where there’s a lack of proper ventilation and has high humidity.
Breathing the air contaminated with black mold can have serious health consequences, such as eye irritation, congestion, asthma, etc.
Learn more about what is black mold, what its symptoms are, and what to do if you spot it in your house.
What is Black Mold?
Black mold is scientifically known as Stachybotrys chartarum. It has a dark green or blackish appearance with a slimy texture.
It tends to grow on damp walls, often in poorly ventilated areas. However, it can also exist in open areas if the base material is left wet for a long time.
Usually, you’ll find black mold in:
- Poorly ventilated spaces like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens
- Moisture-soaked cardboard, wood, wallpaper, insulation, or ceiling tiles
How Bad is It?
Black mold is not always harmful in small amounts, but long-term exposure has adverse effects on health. That’s because it releases toxic compounds called mycotoxins.
For many years, experts believed that it was not much of a nuisance, but recently, growing scientific and medical evidence by NCBI suggests black mold can be quite serious for some.
Inhaling, touching, or ingesting these mycotoxins can lead to black mold stachybotrys symptoms, as elaborated in the next section.
Symptoms of Mold Exposure
The symptoms can range from mild irritation to more severe problems, particularly with prolonged exposure, such as:
- Chronic coughing or sneezing
- Irritated eyes, nose, or throat
- Skin rashes or itchiness
- Sinus congestion or a runny nose
- Headaches and fatigue
If the toxicity is high or for a long duration, it can affect health more adversely, exhibiting the following toxic mold symptoms:
- Memory issues and trouble concentrating (brain fog)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Anxiety or mood changes
Elderly, infants, and those with existing respiratory issues are more likely to suffer the effect of mold on health.
Is Your House Contaminated with Black Mold?
Black mold can be difficult to trace until it has spread significantly. Look for the following signs to spot black mold exposure in your environment:
- Musty or earthy smell, especially in damp areas
- Visible black or dark green patches on walls, ceilings, or furniture
- Sometimes it grows under moisture-locked carpets
- Recurring health symptoms that improve when you leave the area
If you notice any of these signs along with unexplained symptoms, mold could be the hidden culprit.
Now that you know what black mold and mould toxicity symptoms are, learn how to prevent it in the next section.
How to Prevent and Handle Black Mold?
Getting rid of black mold can be tricky, as its spores can spread through the air and contaminate more areas. Reducing moisture and humidity can substantially reduce existing black mold and prevent it from recurring.
Here’s how to ensure that it finds a spot in your home:
Control Humidity: Reduce humidity levels in your home below 50%. You can use a dehumidifier for that purpose.
Fix Leaks Quickly: Repair leaky taps and fix dampness in the walls, floors, bathrooms, and under the kitchen sink.
Ensure air circulation: Keep windows and doors open for natural ventilation. Use exhaust fans wherever possible, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas.
Clean Properly: Small patches of mold can be scrubbed with soap and water. Avoid bleach on porous surfaces.
Call a Professional: If mold covers a large area (more than 10 square feet) or if it returns after cleaning, call a mold remediation expert. Until then, shut the affected room to prevent its spread.
Read More: Foot Fungal Infection: What to Do When You Face It?
To Sum Up
Black mold is not lethal, but it can cause serious respiratory health issues if ignored. If you live or work in a damp or humid environment, staying alert to the signs of mold and understanding the symptoms of mold exposure can protect your health and your family’s well-being.
If the humidity-ridden areas in your house are giving off a musty smell or you’re having breathing problems lately, it’s time for a black mold inspection. For the best, prevent the risks early by reducing moisture, cleaning affected areas, and improving airflow across your house.
