Black Mold Symptoms
Black mold symptoms are triggered through exposure to volatile organic components, aka VOC, which are released by fungi species. Inhaling these chemicals during a certain period of time will cause significant irritation of mucous membranes in the respiratory system and tissue damage to the nervous system in humans and pets.
Signs of this kind of poisoning are usually unspecific and broad. The poisoning results from mycotoxins or fungal toxins that are synthesized within black mold colonies and are responsible for decay and degradation of organic surfaces and material.
One of the first symptoms you may recognize is a problem with the respiratory system: runny nose, coughing, flu-like symptoms, fever, breathing difficulties or even worse: asthmatic attacks.
Lung haemorrhages may occur in cases where tiny bloodvessels within the lung tissue are eventually damaged through exposure to black mold mycotoxins.
Besides the irritating and damaging effects within the respiratory system, affected persons are likely to also suffer from permanent itchiness of the eyes or other body areas.
People inhabiting black mold infested homes often suffer from headaches, which seem to become worse when they stay in a moldy area for a while. Many sufferers report about being unable to concentrate well or even having experienced more or less a loss of memories. Very often these patients feel tired and lethargic all the time or unable to get motivated.
Persistent nausea is often a sign of mycotoxic poisoning. Damage of mucous membranes within the digestive system will lead eventually to maldigestion and irregularities of the digestive processes themselves.
If intestinal membranes and villi are going to be damaged and irritated permanently, their function to shield properly against bacterial and viral infections is seriously endangered.
The same happens within the urinary tract and painful conditions of urethra and bladder are likely.
Skin problems, such as itchiness and visible rashes are often associated with prolonged exposure to mold toxins.
Black mold symptoms can occasionally show in abnormal blood pressure and cause dizziness.
Fertility problems are reported in men and women who are exposed to mycotoxins in their homes or work places for a longer period of time.
Especially dangerous is the inhalation of high amounts of fungal VOC’s, as these individuals show black mold symptoms much earlier or in a more serious form.
Exposure to black mold can cause serious health problems and there is the potential risk of becoming fatal for sensitive persons.
It is important to aim for prevention of mold growth altogether, rather than having to clean up fungi. However, the toxic effects of molds demand more than just a superficial cleaning of infested areas: you need to remove it in total, which is especially in case of hidden fungal colonies better done by a mold removal contractor.
Symptoms will usually improve after a thorough remediation.
If you think you suffer from symptoms related to fungal exposure in indoor environments you live or work, you should consult your doctor to get a definite diagnosis and appropriate treatment.